Best Roofing Shoes: Walk On Any Roof With Ease
Publushed by:
JamesLast updated:
February 16, 2022
BEST OVERALL
Timberland PRO Men's Barstow Wedge
Color: Brown
Size: 7-15
Weight: 2 lbs
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RUNNER UP
Irish Setter Men's 83605 Work Boot
Color: Dark brown
Size: 7-14
Weight: 1.56 lbs
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BEST FOR BUDGET
Thorogood American Heritage
Color: tobacco, black, trail crazyhorse
Size: 5-15
Weight: N/A
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If you need to do some DIY work on your roof, such as repairs or cleaning, you’ll have to ensure that you get the right pair of roofing shoes that professional roofers wear.
This is especially important if you need to go up there regularly, as you don’t want to get injured or damage your roof by wearing hard work boots.
What are roofing shoes?
These are roof boots that have been designed to be strong, durable, and give your foot extra comfort, such as in the form of a supportive lining and lace-up design.
With that in mind, let’s explore the best roofing shoes to buy, along with four alternatives so you can find the perfect fit. This guide will also show you what features you should look for when purchasing roofing shoes so that you get the safety and comfort you need.
Best Overall: Timberland PRO Men's Barstow Wedge Alloy Safety Toe Industrial Work Boot
Short summary
You’ve no doubt heard about Timberland or maybe you already own a pair or two of their quality shoes, but did you know that the company also makes roofing shoes? These best roofing shoes for shingles have an alloy safety toe to protect the front of your feet so you can feel comfortable all day, whether you’re a professional roofer or just working on your roof at home on the weekends.
For increased safety on job sites, these work boots have been electrical hazard rated and they’re also fatigue-resistant. You’ll really appreciate the anti-fatigue technology used to make these boots shock-resistant and keep you comfortable. They not only absorb shocks but also return energy to key zones of your foot.
The outsole of these shoes for roofing is resistant to a variety of dangers that can cause you to fall or become injured – it’s oil resistant and abrasion resistant. These features ensure that the shoes are durable and will last you for several years.
For increased comfort and user-friendliness, the tongue of these work boots has a mesh lining that’s antimicrobial so that it will keep unpleasant odors at bay. These work boots look so good, you’ll want to wear them casually after a long day of roofing.
Quick Facts
- Color: Brown
- Size: 7-15
- Weight: 2 lbs
Pros
- These work boots have been made with a slip-resistant outsole, so they’re ideal for use as metal roofing shoes.
- They have a wedge sole to give you greater cushioning.
- They have tight stitching for increased durability.
- The lace loops at the top of the boot are rounded instead of sharp so they won’t tear or damage the laces.
- The boot insole is removable for easier cleaning when required.
Cons
- The leather of these boots can become scuffed easily.
- Some people who have purchased these work boots have reported that they take some time to break in.
- The tongue sometimes doesn’t stay put in the center, causing you to have to adjust it.
Runner Up: Irish Setter Men's 83605 Work Boot
Short summary
These best roofing shoes have a rubber EVA outsole that’s resistant to heat, so you can wear these safely in a variety of high-heat environments without worrying about them not giving you the protection you need.
They have also been tested for electrical hazards. You can safely wear these to temperatures of around 475 degrees Fahrenheit without them melting or becoming damaged. As for the insole, this is made of polyurethane to keep your feet comfortable, but it’s removable for greater convenience.
The uppers offer greater support and protection, so you can wear these boots all day long without feeling like you’re going to have pain by the time you’re done fixing your roof. This makes them ideal for professional roofers to wear, while it also makes them convenient because you can wear them on and off the work site.
Quick Facts
- Color: Dark brown
- Size: 7-14
- Weight: 1.56 lbs
Pros
- If they become dirty, you can clean these work boots easily with some water and soap.
- These boots are strong but lightweight, so they’re easy to walk with on a variety of terrain.
- The soles have excellent traction which is sure to make you feel secure on various job sites.
- The sole is soft and cushioned to make your feet feel comfortable.
- They don’t require a break-in period, so you can start wearing them as soon as you get them.
Cons
- While resistant to heat, these work boots lose some traction in very cold temperatures, so they might not be best for use in the snow.
- While they are resistant to water, you can’t stand in a few inches of water without it getting through to your socks.
- These roofing shoes tend to pick up a lot of debris which can be uncomfortable and scratch metal roofs.
Best for Budget: Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots For Men
Short summary
These shoes are made out of full-grain leather that’s been oil-tanned. At first glance they look like stylish boots to wear when going out with your friends, but they’re actually built to be tough roofing shoes. They have a comfortable toe design so your feet won’t feel cramped.
The footbed of these roofing shoes is made of dual-density polyurethane that’s concentrated underneath the heel and ball of the feet, so that it will absorb impact effectively. They’re built with a slip-resistant outsole to keep you safe on a variety of job sites, and their outsole flexes better than some other work boots on the market to give you greater shock absorption and all-round foot protection.
It also wicks away moisture to keep your feet comfortable and dry all day long, even if you’re working in wet or muddy conditions. There’s also a moisture seal placed between the upper and midsole to make these shoes even more resistant to moisture.
These work boots have been made in the USA by union workers who know what it’s like to have to work in the way you work and understand the type of shoes you need to stay safe and comfortable all day long. These work boots meet the standards for slip resistance and electrical hazard standards so you can feel safe whenever you wear them.
Quick Facts
- Color: tobacco, black, trail crazyhorse (dark brown), black walnut (black sole), black
- Size: 7-15
- Weight: N/A
Pros
- These best roofing shoes have a fiberglass shank construction that makes them strong but flexible.
- These best roofing shoes have a fiberglass shank construction that makes them strong but flexible.
- A six-inch ankle support that’s also flexible for increased protection and comfort.
- Made of 100-percent leather, these durable and stylish work boots come in a variety of colors to appeal to different preferences.
- They have electric shock resistant soles so they’re ideal for use on a variety of work sites.
- People who have purchased these boots have said they work well on a variety of terrain, such as slippery, hard, wet, hot, and cold surfaces.
Cons
- Some people have said the shoes’ top stitching is uncomfortable.
- There’s not a lot of arch support in these boots.
- The tongue of these boots sometimes bunches up.
Alternative: EVER BOOTS Ultra Dry Men's Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots
Short summary
If you want a pair of work boots you can use right away without having to first break them in for a few days, you’ll love that these shoes are made with soft leather that feels comfortable on your feet.
They’re flexible enough to prevent them from being too hard or stiff.
You can wear these boots for many hours at a time without experiencing sore, achy feet because they contain durable polyurethane midsoles that combat fatigue and discomfort.
For increased comfort, these boots are light to wear, and you can easily put them on or take them off thanks to their hooks and back-loop design. This makes them the perfect grab-and-go shoes when you’re faced with a roofing emergency, such as a leak that needs immediate attention.
Quick Facts
- Color: Copper
- Size: 6-14
- Weight: 3.15 lbs
Pros
- You can remove the boot insole of these shoes, which helps you achieve the highest level of comfort.
- The rubber outsole of these boots is resistant to slipping, abrasion, and oil.
- Built with a strong tread pattern, these work boots can be worn on a variety of terrain, whether wet or dry.
- They contain a steel shank that reduces pressure when you’re working on a ladder or climbing downstairs.
- These best roofing shoes have shock-absorbent qualities on the arch and heel, creating flex points for increased movement.
Cons
- Some people who have purchased these boots have reported that they’re not as waterproof as they claim to be.
- There have been reports of quality issues with these work boots.
- The lace hooks of these shoes tend to break easily, so you might have to reinforce them.
Alternative: KEEN Utility Men's Philadelphia Insulated Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots
Short summary
These roofing boots are waterproof and have a breathable liner to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long. They’ve been made with full-grain, waterproof leather that makes them safe to wear when you’re working with abrasive materials and substances, such as ammonium hydroxide and urea, a feature that you won’t find on other popular roofing shoes.
Both oil- and slip-resistant, these work boots provide good traction thanks to their rubber outsoles. They have lug sole patterns that provide even more traction, therefore protecting you in a variety of work environments and on various terrains where you have to work. You don’t have to be a professional roofer to own these shoes as they’re quite versatile.
All KEEN products make use of probiotic-based technology called CleansportNXT that breaks down odor in sweat, so this reduces unpleasant odors from occuring. In addition, the company sources leather from tanneries that have been certified by the Leather Working Group to ensure that they’re sourced responsibly.
Quick Facts
- Color: Brown/black
- Size: 7-15
- Weight: 2.38 lbs
Pros
- These work boots have outsoles that are resistant to temperatures of up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Their insulation works well to keep your feet warm during the winter.
- Their ankle support helps to keep you stable on a variety of job sites and terrain.
- They have a 90-degree heel to provide extra grip when you move.
- They’ve been made with an air-infused midsole for light, weightless comfort.
Cons
- They don’t contain enough traction for snow conditions.
- The laces are a bit difficult to lace up and can feel tight.
- Some people have said that these shoes feel a bit too heavy.
Roofing Shoes FAQ
Now that we’ve looked at what makes the perfect roofing boot, let’s explore some information and tips on how to choose the best boots that roofers trust the most when they’re on the job.
These will ensure you stay safe, protect your roof during repairs, and avoid foot problems in future.
What are the best roofing shoes?
The best roofing shoes are those that are made out of durable, preferably waterproof, materials like leather so that they will hold up to the elements and will have a long lifespan so you don’t have to replace them within mere months of hard work.
There are some important features to look for when buying a pair of roofing shoes. Let’s explore them.
- Get the right fit. You have to ensure that the shoes fit you well so that you get a comfortable and secure experience when wearing them. This is essential to increase your safety when walking on the roof.
- Look for lace-ups. The best roofing shoes should have laces so that you can lace them up and enhance how well they fit around your ankles and heels.
- Check that the outsole is resistant to danger. It should be slip-, abrasion-, and oil-resistant as this will prevent injuries in a variety of work sites.
- Get ones with insulated linings if you’re going to be working in cold or wet conditions.
- Make sure they’re easy to clean. You want to conveniently be able to wipe your roofing shoes down with water and soap, which is why leather shoes are great.
- Consider versatility. If you won’t be using your roofing shoes regularly, you should consider looking for signs that they’re versatile for use in many other situations. For example, if they protect against electric hazards and are slip-resistant, they can be used in a range of environments. Similarly, if they look stylish they can be worn socially.
What is a roofing boot?
A boot you wear for climbing up onto the roof is one that’s strong and durable to keep your feet protected.
It should offer comfort, ease of use, and extra safety, such as in the form of being resistant to chemicals, oil, water, and/or electric shocks. Your regular sneakers just won’t cut it when you need to walk on shingles, metal, or other roof materials.
Note that a roofing boot or roof boot are terms that can also be used to refer to a pipe vent cover which can be seen poking through the top of the roof. While the pipe vent balances the plumbing system to prevent leaks, the roof boot protects the vent from a variety of environmental factors such as rainy weather and debris.
This roof boot gets installed with a rubber collar or flashing around it which seals the gap between the roof and “boot.”
What kind of boots do roofers wear?
Since they need to climb roofs regularly, professional roofers need to wear specialized shoes to keep them safe. These types of shoes usually have a tread pattern that offers superior grip and prevents them from slipping.
Some roofing shoes have features such as soles that contain integrated magnets to help roofers increase their stability when walking on steel roofs. These magnetic shoes for metal roofing materials are ideal if they have to walk on aluminum, steel, or other metal roofs with greater stability and confidence.
Roofing shoes need some cushioning in the footbed to increase one’s support. These shoes also need to be made of strong and durable materials, such as suede and leather, so that they can be worn all day.
Can you walk on wet shingles?
If you have to walk on wet roof shingles, you might worry that they’re too dangerous. But the truth is that when you walk on a wet asphalt shingle roof, you’re not taking an extra risk as compared to walking on a dry roof.
There is one catch, though – you have to ensure that the roof is clean. If your roof is littered with pine needles, moss, algae, or other debris, this can make it unsafe to walk on even when dry but especially when the roof has become wet because it’s slippery.
Another consideration when walking on wet shingles is the condition of their granules. Asphalt shingles don’t become slippery when wet because the rock granules in their surface provide enough grip, but these granules loosen over time so they can make it difficult and dangerous to walk on them.
This is something to bear in mind if your asphalt shingles are old. Pay attention to the quality of the shingles. If they are split, cracked, or otherwise damaged, avoid walking on them.
Conclusion
If you need to work on your roof, you must ensure you get the right shoes. You can’t just climb up there with your regular trainers or flip-flops as it’s dangerous!
The right roofing shoes will help you to stay safe. You can also use these shoes for a variety of other tasks, as they usually have many other safety and comfort features to help your feet stay protected.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the best roofing shoes to secure your feet and prevent aches and pains after a long day of working outside.
We’ve also featured some important information you need to know about shopping for the best roofing shoes, such as what features to look for so you can get high-quality, tough shoes that professional roofers would wear.
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