Abstract: A gritted outsole suitable for intervulcanization with a rubber boot has a layer of inorganic grit particles secured to its outer face. The grit particles are chemically bonded to the rubber of the outsole by an adhesive having both polar and non-polar components. The adhesive may comprise a pair of successive primer coatings on the grit particles. The first primer coating is made of a polar organic polymer which has a high affinity for the grit particle. The second primer overcoats the first primer and serves to intervulcanize the first primer with the rubber of the outsole. An intervulcanized gritted outsole according to the invention provides improved traction and has greater durability than conventional gritted outsoles.