Shoe Covers Guide: Nonwoven vs CPE, Standard vs XL
Shoe covers keep dirt out of clean areas and keep floors clean in clients’ homes. They are simple products, but the wrong choice can mean torn covers, slippery floors or wet socks. Here is how to choose.
Nonwoven or CPE?
| Nonwoven with anti-skid sole | CPE (plastic) | |
|---|---|---|
| Breathable | Yes | No |
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Grip on polished floors | Better (anti-skid bottom) | Can be slippery |
| Best for | Hospitals, labs, homes, offices | Wet floors, spills, washdown areas |
| Our product | SoftCover® Nonwoven Shoe Cover, Anti-skip bottom, SoftCover® Nonwoven Shoe Cover, Anti-skip bottom, XL | Virgin CPE Shoes Covers Blue |
Nonwoven shoe covers
Our SoftCover nonwoven covers are breathable and comfortable for long wear, with an anti-skid bottom that helps on smooth or polished floors. They come 100 to a bag. They are the usual choice for:
- Hospitals, clinics and labs
- Contractors, HVAC and plumbing techs working in homes
- Real estate showings and inspections
- Manufacturing clean areas
Waterproof CPE shoe covers
Virgin CPE Shoes Covers Blue are made from virgin CPE and keep liquids and dirt off shoes completely. Use them where floors are wet. On dry, polished floors, the anti-skid nonwoven covers are the safer choice.
Standard or XL?
Standard covers fit most everyday shoes. Choose SoftCover® Nonwoven Shoe Cover, Anti-skip bottom, XL for work boots and large shoe sizes. Stretching a standard cover over a boot is the most common reason covers tear.
When a shoe cover is not enough
Shoe covers protect the floor, not the foot. If visitors or contractors enter an area that requires toe protection, use a steel-toe overshoe that fits over their own shoes, such as the WILURO PVC Safety Overshoes Lightweight Steel Toe Waterproof or the WILURO Lightweight Overshoes Steel Toe Natural Rubber Back Strap. For chemical or oily areas, the Acton Waterproof TPU Overshoe With Non-Slip PU Sole, Resistant To Oil, Snap Closure, 12" protects expensive work boots.
Tips for using shoe covers
- Put covers on at the door, sitting down if possible, so nobody steps on a dirty floor in socks.
- Keep a bin at the exit for used covers.
- For contractors, putting on covers at a client’s door shows respect for their home and avoids complaints.
Frequently asked questions
How many covers are in a bag?
Our SoftCover nonwoven and CPE shoe covers come 100 to a bag.
Are shoe covers reusable?
No. They are disposable and should be thrown away after use.
Do the nonwoven covers have grip?
Yes, they have an anti-skid bottom.