Testing and Standards
Not all slip-resistant shoes are in the same league. In fact, there are lots of options out there with the “slip resistant” label that might be better suited to use as ice skates rather than work shoes. That’s because manufacturers have long relied on their own testing and rating systems to communicate slip-resistance performance to customers. The most common testing methods included the Mark II, James and SATRA, among others.
But there are some things to look out for that’ll tell you exactly how slip resistant your shoes are. Get ready to geek out with us.
Independent Slip-resistant Testing
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provides a testing method (ASTM F2913) and a performance spec (ASTM F3445) to improve slip-resistant labeling. The latest ASTM testing standards use whole shoe testing on both the front and heel sections to better replicate slip resistance in a real-world environment.
At SR Max, we’re committed to the highest levels of slip resistance. So, as safety footwear brands adopt this testing methodology and labeling standard going into 2026, all styles offered on www.srmax.com and through our SR Max custom shoe programs will meet the SRO certification requirements of ASTM F3445-24 / ASTM F2913-24.*
ASTM F2913-24 in a Nutshell
This ASTM testing method breaks the testing down into two categories: SR and SRO, both of which are performed on quarry tile.
MaxTRAX®: Our Patented Slip-resistant Outsole
Since there are so many sub-par “slip-resistant” options on the market these days, we decided to get our hands dirty and create our very own slip-resistant outsole: MaxTRAX®. Its uniquely crafted design maximizes the outsole surface area, giving you better traction, while the precision-cut 90-degree angles channel liquids out of the tread. MaxTRAX® performs phenomenally well on dry, wet and oily/wet surfaces, and it aces ASTM F2913-24 / ASTM F3445-24 slip-resistant standards. No wonder some of our favorite brands love it, brands like Timberland PRO®, SKECHERS Work, Wolverine®, Reebok Work, Florsheim, Rockport Works, Volcom, DC, Roxy and more.
Independent Comfort Testing
We put all of our SR Max brand products through the wringer by sending them off to Heeluxe for independent testing. Then we use the results to optimize our footwear before going to production. This is crucial because, as Heeluxe president Dr. Geoffrey Gray explains, “Fit is the #1 influence on shoe comfort, and when a worker is on their feet for 8-12 hours a day, they need maximum comfort.”
Additional ASTM Testing
OSHA Standards
Need a quick refresher? Here’s what OSHA says about PPE requirements to help you choose the right safety shoes.
1910.132 GENERAL OSHA REQUIREMENTS
-
Hazard assessment and equipment
- The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer shall:
- Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment;
- Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee; and,
- Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee. Note: Non-mandatory Appendix B contains an example of procedures that would comply with the requirement for a hazard assessment.
- The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.
- The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer shall:
- Defective and damaged equipment. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.
-
Training
- The employer shall provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use PPE. Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the following:
- When PPE is necessary;
- What PPE is necessary;
- How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE;
- The limitations of the PPE; and,
- The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.
- Each affected employee shall demonstrate an understanding of the training specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE.
- When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the employer shall retrain each such employee. Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not limited to, situations where:
- Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; or
- Changes in the types of PPE to be used render previous training obsolete; or
- Inadequacies in an affected employee’s knowledge or use of assigned PPE indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill.
- The employer shall verify that each affected employee has received and understood the required training through a written certification that contains the name of each employee trained, the date(s) of training, and that identifies the subject of the certification.
- The employer shall provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use PPE. Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the following:
1910.136 FOOT PROTECTION
-
General requirements.
- The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.
-
Criteria for protective footwear.
- Protective footwear purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSI & ASTM Z41-1991, “American National Standard for Personal Protection-Protective Footwear,” which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.
- Protective footwear purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the ANSI & ASTM standard “USA Standard for Men’s Safety-Toe Footwear,” Z41.1-1967, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.