The present invention provides a system and method for the prediction of macroslip on walkway surfaces. The slip prediction is based on a viscous shear model and incorporates anthropometric characteristics of an individual or substantially similar grouping of individuals as well as properties of the walkway surface. In the shear model, the prediction of slip is a function of walking speed, stride length and other anthropometric factors which affect gait, as well as the friction (shear) forces that develop at the shoe-floor interface. Mathematical relationships are developed relating the forward walking speeds to the stride lengths necessary for the onset of macroslip. Curves are then plotted which enable the prediction of macroslip for various footwear and walkway surface combinations under both wet and dry conditions.