Evaluating changes in slip-resistance performance of select IceFX® winter boots in real-world use over a winter season

Winter boots with specialized outsoles (composite footwear) may be able to reduce the risk of falls on ice by 78%. However, a pilot study has also found that the slip resistance of this composite footwear can diminish relatively quickly with simulated use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change in slip resistance of popular composite footwear (with IceFX outsoles) over a winter season of real-world use. Eighteen participants were given composite footwear to use over 4 winter months. Changes in slip resistance were measured monthly using the Maximum Achievable Angle (MAA) test while a pedometer was used to track step counts. Over 150,000 steps, MAA scores dropped from 13.86±1.35 (SD) to 8.81 ± 1.32 (SD), with a significant decrease after just 75,000 steps. This drop in slip resistance suggests that the risk of slip-related falls on ice may increase during even the first season of use.