Roofing is one high-risk activity. Fortunately, this article is now around to at least shed some light on the basics of making the right choice. The best shoes for roofing are mentioned in this article, making it more manageable for you to do the selection process. If you need to do this task, then note that you have to include the safest work boots in your arsenal so you can keep yourself free from the dangers accompanied by the risky job.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Shoes for Roofing 2024
Cougar Paw Boots – OUR PICK
No products found.
If you are looking for the best shoes for walking on roof designed to be highly durable yet stylish and comfortable, then I will highly recommend the Cougar Paws Roofing Shoes Reviews. In my opinion, this best roofing shoes has most of the qualities you need from a footwear – good style, excellent comfort, and high durability.
The pair of shoes is comfortable enough as it is a convenient 6-inch boot sporting of an upper made of soft and flexible leather. Additional snug and comfy feel can also be expected from the cushioned interior lining built in into the shoe. I also particularly like the redesigned outsole integrated in the boot.It is mainly because the roofing shoes it guarantees a balanced and perfect fit while also minimizing the risk of foot fatigue. The built-in removable cougar paw pads are also among the strongest features of the shoe. It is because such offer additional protection while also absorbing roof heat.
Extra protection can also be expected from the cougar paw pads as such exceed the slip-resistance rating set by ASTM. It also makes use of an innovative traction, slip resistant technology, making it possible for you to double your production while keeping you fully protected and safe.
However, take note that there are sizing issues with the boot as it seems to be larger than the actual stated size.
Things We Liked
- Highly durable, stylish and comfortable
- Soft and flexible leather used for the upper
- Cushioned interior lining, which promotes extra snug and comfy feel
- Balanced and perfect fit with reduced foot fatigue – thanks to the redesigned outsole
- Sports removable cougar paw pads, offering more than enough protection
Things We Didn’t Like
- Sizing issues
Provided you pick the right size for you, you will be able to enjoy using and wearing the Cougar Paws Roofing Footwear for all your roofing projects.
EVER BOOTS Ultra Dry – RUNNER UP
No products found.
Ever Boots Ultra Dry Waterproof Work Boot should also be on top of your options if you are looking for a stable and fully functional shoe for roofing. The non-slip shoes has a great combination of style, comfort, and durability. It is hard-wearing, allowing it to work well on various work conditions, roofing materials and environments.
It is lightweight, which, I think, is one of its strongest advantages as it ensures that you will never have a difficult time wearing it. It is a well-insulated work boot, too. Another thing I like about the shoe is the rubber sole, which is non-marking and oil and slip-resistant that gives a good hold on roof tiles when doing roofing work.What I find even more remarkable about the sole is that it offers impressive traction. The upper of the boot is made of waterproof full-grain leather. Most of the components of the soft-soled shoes are also waterproof, including the laces and stitches. That said, it is really safe to wear when you are doing your roofing projects either on asphalt shingles or metal shingles.
With the waterproof leather construction and the insulated lining of this boot, you have an assurance that your feet will stay warm and dry on various conditions. It is also very versatile that it is fully functional when worn for other purposes aside from roofing, like heavy-duty construction, outdoor hiking, gardening, and landscaping making a versatile pair of shoes.
The insole hurts a bit for some wearers, though, but rest assured that you can easily replace it with a more comfortable and pain-free one.
Things We Liked
- Combines style, durability, and comfort in one shoe
- Lightweight and well-insulated
- Sports a non-marking rubber outsole, which can resist both slips and oil
- Impressive traction/ One of best shoes for metal roofing
- Waterproof components
Things We Didn’t Like
- Some problems with the shoe’s insole
Still, it is never undeniable that EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry” Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boot is one of the most reliable, durable, versatile, stylish and comfortable roofing boots that you can wear today.
Caddis Taupe – BUDGET PICK
No products found.
Another shoe that, I think, is suitable for professionals is the Caddis Taupe Felt Sole Roofing Shoe. I can describe it as a comfy felt sole shoe, which has more than enough quality and durability designed to make it last longer. It has speed laces, too, that are effective in providing a perfect and tight fit.
One thing I like about the shoe is that it is suitable for almost all types of wading conditions. That said, expect it to prevent you from getting injured or slipping on gravel bottoms, mossy rocks, and downed logs. It is also suitable for roofing professionals, making it highly a versatile shoes for roofing.
Another one of the major highlights of the product is the fact that it has a long-lasting, high-quality and durable outer part made of polyester. The felt soles integrated into the shoe also guarantees more than enough stability. In addition, it is very comfortable to wear. It can be attributed to the presence of its cushioned insole.
It has reinforced heels and toes, adding another layer of fall protection. Such feature is designed to prevent you from worrying too much about possible accidents and injuries.
One possible problem with the shoe, though, is that it is sized small. It is also quite narrow, causing some discomfort to wearers with wide feet.
Things We Liked
- Offers a perfect and tight fit – thanks to the built-in speed laces
- Versatile that it works on almost all types of wading conditions as well as for roofing professionals
- Made of high-quality and long-lasting polyester
- Highly stable with the help of its felt soles
- Sports a cushioned insole, as well as reinforced heels and toes
Things We Didn’t Like
- Sized small
- A bit narrow
Once you purchase one with the perfect fit, though, Caddis Taupe Felt Sole Wading Shoe can provide more than enough magic to help you stay comfortable regardless of the condition and job you expose it to.
Adidas NEO SE – ALSO GREAT
No products found.
The best footwear for roofing professionals today will always include the Adidas NEO SE Daily Vulc Lifestyle Skateboarding Shoe and that is because of good reasons. I like the fact that it sports a low-profile vibe while still showcasing its sturdiness and toughness when used on any roof area, or roof material (metal roofs, asphalt shingles, metal shingles or clay roofing tiles). With that in mind, it is possible for it to withstand even the harshest elements.
One thing I instantly noticed in this roofing shoe option is the signature side stripes that feature the Adidas logo at the rear collar and tongue. It boasts of a lace-up closure, too, making it convenient to use. It has a durable rubber sole, as well as a rubber mud guard. The vulcanized rubber outsole is guaranteed to last and grip well on various surfaces.
In addition, there is a cloud foam sock liner built in into the shoe, further increasing its ability to offer comfort. Aside from the three stripes, you will also notice the heel patch for the shoe’s finish. Another thing that I really like about this shoe for roofers is that it has laces made of flat and soft fabric.
That said, expect the laces to stay tight and comfortable. There is also no need to retie the lace multiple times unlike what usually happens with round laces.
I think that the sole is too thin, though. Another possible drawback is the fact that it tends to accumulate dirt pretty fast but rest assured that it is also easy to clean.
Things We Liked
- Sports a low-profile vibe without sacrificing sturdiness and durability
- Features a lace-up closure
- Rubber outsole is long-lasting and grips well
- Extra comfort provided by the shoe’s cloud foam sock liner
- Flat and soft fabric used for the laces, making it comfortable
Things We Didn’t Like
- Thin sole
- Tends to get dirty fast
While there are issues, I can still safely say that the Adidas NEO SE Daily Vulc Lifestyle Skateboarding Shoe fits most of the requirements of roofing professionals in terms of features and functionality. It’s comfortable, stylish, lightweight, grippy and gets the job done
Vans Unisex
No products found.
This shoe is a classic. Vans is very popular in the skateboarding world and other alternative and underground youth culture. Wear it casually or at work, it will deliver the style and function than some generic tennis shoes.
What I specifically like about the Vans Unisex Old Skool Roofer Shoe is its sturdiness. It is mainly constructed to be tough enough to handle even the harshest of conditions. It is a classic skate shoe with the classic and grippy waffle gum sole, which also fits the requirements of roofing contractors and professionals, making it one of the best shoes for roofing.
I think that one of the things you will immediately notice in this footwear is its low top lace-up design. It has tough canvas uppers as well as reinforced toe caps, too, making it possible for it to withstand constant and repeated wear. Another thing I like about the shoe is its padded collars designed to make it more supportive and flexible.
I also noticed the lightweight nature of the Vans Unisex Old Skool Skate Shoe. It breaks in fast while also boasting of a sole composed of multiple layers of rubber connected together. The signature rubber waffle outsole of Vans is also noticeable in the shoe.
In addition, there is a surf-inspired retro print featured in the shoe, which is taken from Hoffman fabrics. You can also expect the shoe to provide additional support with its die-cut EVA insert.
However, take note that the footbed in the shoe is flat. It does not have arch nor contouring, thus it may be considered a high volume shoe. This means it may benefit people with flat feet.. Still, you have an assurance that it won’t hamper the overall feel once you wear the shoe.
Things We Liked
- Sturdy and tough – designed to handle even the toughest conditions
- Can withstand constant and repeated wear, thanks to its tough canvas uppers and the reinforced toe caps
- Supportive and flexible with the help of its padded collars
- Lightweight and tends to break in fast
- Sports a die-cut EVA insert designed to offer additional support
Things We Didn’t Like
- Flat footbed – It does not come with any contouring nor arch
The benefits provided by Vans Unisex Old Skool Skate Shoe still outweigh its minor drawback, making it really one great option for roofers.
Merrell Moab Ventilator
No products found.
Merrell is known for making hiking and adventure shoes. They are comfortable, provide adequate cushion and breathability on long hikes. Because of its sturdy construction and mentioned qualities, it has been a good choice for many roofing contractors.
Mainly constructed from leather, I think Merrell Moab Ventilator Roofing Shoe is also one of those shoes that can withstand even the harshest and toughest conditions that roofers are exposed, too. The leather used in the hiking shoe is actually water-resistant, making it even more beneficial.
It also has a mesh upper, which is not only comfortable but also sports a heel counter and a rubber toe bumper. The good thing about the shoe is that it also works well when you use it in various biking or hiking trails. It is because of its light weight as well as excellent breathability.
It has a lattice-like Dura leather overlay strapping, which offers enough support and protection for your feet, especially when you use it in extreme conditions. I also like the full bumping protection provided around your heel and at your toe with the help of the Vibram multi-sport sole.
Such sole also features TC5+ rubber compound designed to make the shoe become more durable while also providing more than enough grip. It has lug patterns, too, designed to offer stability in almost all environments and conditions.
I would also like to emphasize the excellent traction provided by the shoe, that can handle both dry and wet surface making it a good non slip shoes for metal roofing specially when laying out the asphalt-saturated felt.
Some users complained about the sole, though, as it is not as long-lasting as they initially expected. The shoe is quite smaller than its actual size, though, so ensure that you really purchase the perfect fit.
Things We Liked
- Constructed from water-resistant leather
- Comfortable mesh upper and rubber toe bumper and heel counter
- Lightweight and breathable
- Offers support and protection to your feet, thanks to the Dura leather strapping
- Sports a TC5+ rubber compound, improving the durability of the shoe and its ability to offer excellent grip
- Provides excellent traction for both dry and wet surfaces
Things We Didn’t Like
- Smaller than actual size
- Sole is not as long-lasting as what some users initially expected
Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe will always be a great option for roofing footwear as it has more than enough stability and durability to handle all conditions while also making you feel comfortable.
Thorogood Heritage
No products found.
The last of the footwear for roofers that I will review is the Thorogood Heritage Lace-to-Toe Roofing Work Boot. The general design and look may be similar to Red Wings but it’s a different boot for a different application. I think it deserves a spot in this list as this leather work boot is indeed a reliable option for all roofing professionals out there. Constructed from leather, you know that it is sturdy and tough enough.
In addition, it sports a well-engineered composite shank. I also like the dual-density footbed built in into this boot as it is not only removable but also shock-absorbent. The shaft is also comfortable enough as it is only around five and one-half inches from the arch.
Another thing I find impressive in this boot is that it features the kind of wedge outsole that has been offering excellent support for hardworking individuals for several decades. It has a cotton drill vamp lining, too. Expect it to be comfortable with the help of its well-cushioned interior.
In fact, you will fall in love with the Poron 4000 comfort cushion integrated into it. I also like the seam reinforcement rivets in the shoe as such make it even more durable.
One possible problem that you may notice in the boot is the fact that the leather material is stiffer than usual, so you will still need to break it in for quite some time.
Things We Liked
- Made of sturdy and tough leather
- Sports a well-engineered composite shank, which makes the boot more stable
- Features a shock-absorbent and removable footbed
- Offers excellent support to wearers – thanks to the wedge outsole
- Well-cushioned interior and cotton drill vamp lining designed to make the shoe more comfortable
Things We Didn’t Like
- Stiff leather, causing a quite long break-in period
Despite that minor flaw, you have a hundred percent assurance that the features and benefits of Thorogood Heritage – best work boots for roofing more than make up for it. It also comes from a trusted brand, making it really reliable.
How to Choose the Best Boots for Roofing?
Now that we have compiled some of the best shoes that you can use for roofing, it is time to know exactly which among them is perfect for your needs. Use the following factors below as your guide in the selection process and you will definitely take a hold of a roofing footwear that will really serve its intended purpose for a long time.
Upper construction
Check the material of the upper of the shoe. Note that the material used in constructing the upper contributes a lot to the overall durability and comfort provided by the shoe. The best material would be leather as it is not only long-lasting but also has moisture-wicking properties.
Another option is a boot with uppers constructed from nylon and synthetic materials. These materials are ideal for you if you want your footwear to have increased airflow. Such materials are less durable than leather, though.
Arch support
Roofing is a risky job that requires you to work on your feet for long hours. That said, you need a shoe with excellent arch support to prevent fallen arches and pain and discomfort when walking and moving around. You need proper arch support so the shoe will be comfortable enough and safe.
Assess the interior before buying to prevent ending up having flat feet, too. You will know that the shoe has impressive arch support if it has a padded instep, built-in comfort technology, and supportive insole. With exceptional arch support, you can prevent possible foot pain and discomfort.
Sole
Another component of the shoe that you need to check is the sole. Determine the specific design as well as the material used in it. It is because it is a major contributor on the amount of grip that the shoe can offer. If the sole has excellent grip, then it also subsequently results in a sure footing.
Soles can be constructed from a number of materials, including plastics and rubber. The sole also features different patterns and materials, providing a high level of grip. Make it a point to check the sole as it really helps ensure that whatever surface you expose the sole into, it can handle it and grip well.
Safety
Make sure that the metal roofing shoes you choose are safe, too. Keep in mind that roofs are slippery. With just a single mistake, you will be at risk of getting injured by falling or slipping.
That said, check the protective features of the shoe. Aside from having excellent grip, it should also have features designed to minimize work-related risks.
Comfort
You need your shoe to be really comfortable, too. It is important, especially if you need to do your roofing task for several hours. One sign that your shoe is comfortable is its fully padded interiors and vital components. It should be breathable, too, ensuring that your feet stay dry regardless of the weather.
Insulation
Proper insulation is also important in a roofing shoe. With the right amount of insulation, you can protect yourself from both the extreme heat and coldness. Such is also a big help in staying comfortable during the entire duration of doing the job.
Weight
Look for a lightweight shoe, too. Aside from providing extra comfort, a lightweight shoe can also keep you safe by ensuring that you will not get dragged down nor slip. Also, too much weight might cause damages to the roofing materials, so it would be best to go for a lightweight one.
Durability
Another important factor that should have a major contribution in your decision is the durability of the shoe. Keep in mind that roofing causes you to expose your footwear to tough outdoor environments and abrasions on a regular basis.
With that in mind, ensure that the material used in the boot is durable and long-lasting. Your best bet is a high-end, premium leather.
Final Thoughts Best Shoes for Roofing
Roofing professionals and contractors no longer have to worry about being unable to find the perfect shoes for them. With the help of this buying guide and review article, spotting the best shoes for roofing out of your hundreds of options out there will surely become an easy task to handle.