Is there a way to make my athletic shoes have better traction?

relztrah · Dec 29, 2023

I have a pair of Saucony Triumph athletic shoes that cost over $150 and worth every penny. I wear them to my aerobics class on a hard wood floor like a basketball court. The problem is, they have become slippery and I no longer have the traction like when they were new.

I know, the solution is to fork over another $150 for a new pair. But I've love to get another year of wear from these shoes. Is there some kind of product that I can wipe or spray on the bottom that would improve the traction but not damage the shoes?

Digerati · Dec 29, 2023

Scuff your shoes on rough concrete - shuffle and twist your feet while walking. Or get some medium-grit sandpaper.

Hair spray may work too.

relztrah said:
improve the traction but not damage the shoes?

You don't want to damage the finish of the hardwood floor. Not sure hair spray is safe for that. And the hair spray would wear off quickly - immediately if you step in water.

There are also anti-slip pads you can stick to the bottom of the shoes for a semi-permanent solution. They would have to be pretty thin to avoid changing how they feel when walking. But then thin would wear out faster.

Any way you go, there is no permanent solution - except buy different shoes to use just for aerobics.

Alternatively, switch to riding a bike and get some good bike shows with cleats.

Corday · Dec 29, 2023

Next time around, try a good XTrainer rather than a running shoe. Talk to the class instructor. Also, the floor might not be conducive to aerobics.

x BlueRobot · Dec 29, 2023

relztrah said:
I have a pair of Saucony Triumph athletic shoes that cost over $150 and worth every penny.

I've worn those shoes - multiple iterations - for years and they're not designed for polished hard wood like basketball courts. They're long distance running shoes for roads.

I would suggest investing in a pair of shoes specifically designed for kind of surface you're training on e.g. squash shoes.

relztrah · Dec 29, 2023

Thanks for the suggestions. I bought the Saucony Triumph shoes just because they are so comfortable and support my feet. I was at an athletic apparel store, not a department store, and tried on several pairs. I'll look into the option of squash shoes next time I'm near that store and if they have a pair that are as comfortable and supportive as the Saucony Triumphs, I'll get them. I'll also ask the saleslady there who is very knowledgeable about the shoe inventory if she has a recommendation.

A Guy · Dec 30, 2023

shoe grip spray for basketball - Google Search

A Guy

relztrah · Dec 30, 2023

A Guy said:
shoe grip spray for basketball - Google Search

A Guy

Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I previously saw that spray and I might try it. From the reviews it looks like it works but apparently I would have to apply it before each aerobics class. The cheapest 2 oz. bottle is $10 so I'm doing the math in my head and I might be better off just investing in a new pair of shoes. I might buy a bottle just out of curiousity.

Corday · Dec 30, 2023

NBA players don't use a spray, but watch them wipe the soles when they get a chance. That's because they're removing debris with their hand which prevents slipping.

A Guy · Dec 31, 2023

NBA players use this

The Original Sports Traction Mat - Slipp-Nott

A Guy

Corday · Dec 31, 2023

At the price, relztrah would need the facility to supply the mat or at the least, keep other participants from using it. Try wiping as I stated. Some players add a little spit to the process. Also, reread the thread regarding the kind of shoes to purchase. I'm a certified tennis teaching pro and I've seen injuries caused by improper footwear.

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Is there a way to make my athletic shoes have better traction?

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Is there a way to make my athletic shoes have better traction?

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