Hämeenlinna rejects compensation claim for shoes damaged by gritting sand

A resident of Hämeenlinna has failed in his attempt to claim 180 euros in compensation from the city after his shoes were repeatedly damaged by gritting sand on pavements last winter, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The city’s public works committee rejected the claim twice—first in April and again in May after an appeal—ruling that gritting is a legally required winter maintenance measure. Mikko Keränen, director of urban development, told Yle he had never encountered such a claim in his decade-long tenure.

The applicant argued that the sharp-edged grit had torn holes in his shoe soles over time, calling the practice “highly damaging and expensive” for footwear repairs. He also claimed the grit posed a tripping hazard. However, the city maintained that no negligence had occurred, as Finnish law mandates slip prevention on walkways.

Keränen defended the use of grit as the most effective method, stating that its jagged particles grip ice better than salt or rounded sand. While acknowledging the wear on shoes, he advised residents to invest in high-quality footwear or use detachable traction devices next winter.

Hämeenlinna is exploring recycling options for used grit, with an environmental permit pending to begin reprocessing the material.