Falls remain one of the leading causes of death from unintentional injuries, significantly impacting the well-being of elderly populations worldwide. As a result, researchers have extensively investigated the causes of falls and proposed preventive measures on a global scale. Among the many factors identified, footwear has emerged as a crucial contributor to fall incidents [1–5]. Footwear is essential for ensuring postural stability, providing comfort, and minimizing foot pain. In addition to these basic functions, shoes are expected to offer adequate traction to prevent slips and falls. However, with ongoing walking and sports activities, shoe outsoles inevitably wear down, causing a decline in traction performance over time. Surprisingly, this aspect has received relatively little attention in slip-resistance research, despite its significant implications for pedestrian safety [6–11].