Perception of Slipperiness, Thermal Comfort and Wearability of Footwear used on Icy Surfaces

The objectives of this study are to assess the perception of slipperiness, thermal comfort, and wearability of footwear used on icy surfaces, and the anti-slip effect of materials spread on ice using outdoor walking trials. Twenty-five subjects wore four types of footwear walking on five different icy surfaces. Five-point rating scale was used recording wearer's perception. The results showed that pure ice was perceived as very slippery. Spreading sand (180 g/m2) greatly decreased the slipperiness. Slip resistance, thermal insulation and wearability of footwear chosen were not properly integrated, and were ranked different in four types of footwear. In addition to thermal insulation, prevention of slip and fall hazard by improving anti-slip property and wearability must also be priorities for development of footwear for use in cold climate.