Top 6 Best Shoes for Safe Roofing Work Reviewed

In this article, you will find the top 6 shoes for roofing, along with their key features, pros, cons, social proof, and the best price to buy your roofing boots.
best shoes for roofing

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Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the entire construction industry. You have to work at such heights that a slip and fall can have severe or fatal consequences. Roofs are usually intensely slippery, which is a critical safety hazard. So, as a roofer, it is crucial to have the right gear during work. And there is no other gear that is more important than the shoes you wear when roofing.

Many people pick their roofing shoes based on personal preferences, but that won’t cut it. When choosing roofing shoes, there are many factors to bear in mind, such as grip, traction, protection, breathability, weight, comfort, and ankle flexibility.

Finding the best roofing shoes can be challenging to say the least. And that is why we have compiled the six best roofing shoes and boots on the market today. We did our research and tried to find the crème de la crème of roofing shoes.

So, if you are looking for suitable roofing boots for you or someone else, take a look at our list of six best shoes for roofing to determine your choice.

6 Best Shoes for Roofing

Roofing shoes are essential for your safety, comfort, and job performance. But of course, not all shoes or boots are suitable for working on the roof, and you need the appropriate footwear with a tight grip and a snug, comfortable fit.

Here are some of the best shoes that you can buy for working on roofs.

Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boot

Source: Thorogood USA

If you want durable and comfortable roofing shoes, the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boot is a perfect choice. Their outsoles are specially designed to keep you safe while climbing ladders or working on uneven, slippery surfaces. These shoes are great for roof builders, boilermakers, carpenters, and other workers who need protection and superior comfort when working.

The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boots are made in The United States using advanced technology and high-quality materials to ensure your comfort and protection all day long.

Key Features

The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boots are designed with your safety in mind. Their tobacco oil-tanned leather exterior is rigid and durable, but at the same time feels soft and comfortable and makes these roofing boots look chic and stylish too. So you will stay safe when working and also look great wearing them.

Thorogood’s outsoles are made of the highest quality Vibram layering and provide a firm grip on muddy, greasy, and other slippery surfaces. And the cotton vamp lining, comfort cushion, and lightweight fiberglass shank provide comfort and support while keeping your feet cool and dry.

Additionally, the seam-reinforced rivets play a significant role in their durability. But, what sets these boots apart from the rest is their removable shock-absorbent footbed which has been tested and proven to offer superior support against shock or impact. Here’s a little bit more about their features:

  • 100% leather
  • Made in The United States
  • Polyurethane sole

Pros

  • Oil-tanned leather for flexibility and durability
  • Oil and slip-resistant outsoles to improve traction and grip
  • Waterproof leather
  • Breathable
  • Premium quality
  • Lightweight fiberglass shank to enhance arch support
  • Shock-absorbing insoles
  • Non-conducting
  • Stylish
  • Made in The United States

Cons

  • An expensive brand
  • Inadequate insulation for cold weather
  • Low-quality laces

Social proof

The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boot has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 6,112 global reviews, with over 78% of them being 5 stars reviews.

You can buy the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boot on Amazon. These boots will serve you well since they are specifically designed for roofing. It is a top-quality pair of shoes that provide comfort, support, and stability all day long.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedge Work Boots

Source: Amazon

The Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedge Work Boots are among the best pairs of shoes you can buy for working on roofs. These boots can respond to the safety requirements of working on metal roofs.

The Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedge Work Boots provide superior traction, grip, and support to prevent slipping or falling accidents. Furthermore, they are comfortable to wear because of the ankle and feet support.

Key Features

If you are looking for ultra-comfortable shoes for roofing, the Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedge Work Boots might be the right choice for you. These roofing shoes are very comfortable to wear because they offer a lot of ankle and feet support and excellent mobility in the soles. Their beautifully colored full-grain leather material, anti-fatigue footbeds, and shock-absorbing EVA midsoles ensure excellent support and comfort and give this pair of boots a striking appearance.

The thick white soles provide sufficient slip, oil, abrasion, heat resistance, and electrical hazard protection. Meanwhile, the EVA midsole is shock-absorbing and anti-fatigue to provide comfort and support in each step that you make.

But, there is more to talk about their features:

  • Plenty of toe room so that you can stretch out your toes for comfort
  • Their perfect construction offers a superior fit
  • Excellent odor control

Pros

  • Perfect for job site and roofing
  • Slip and oil-resistant outsoles offer superior traction and grip
  • The steel toe provides protection and support
  • Shock-absorbing
  • Anti-fatigue
  • Excellent mobility and comfort
  • Good moisture control

Cons

  • They need a little break-in period
  • The toe section is not very durable

Social proof

The Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedge Work Boots have an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 864 global reviews.

You can buy the Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedge Work Boots on Amazon. If you are looking for a comfortable pair of work boots that provide excellent protection and support, these roof walking shoes are a perfect choice for you.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot

Source: Amazon

The brand Keen is popular for its top-quality, durable safety shoes. The KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot is a classic from Keen. It is one of the best pairs of shoes for roofing, and it exceeds all the safety standards.

These roofing boots are high-quality safety shoes that stand the test of time, and they provide excellent stability, support, and comfort in every movement.

Key Features

These boots are made of waterproof leather, which makes them perfect for working in bad weather conditions. The soles of these boots are made of rubber, and their outsole is oil and slip-resistant for protection, support, and comfort.

The KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot features asymmetrical steel toes for protection against impact, pressure, and puncture. This pair of boots also have a waterproof breathable membrane to keep your feet dry even in rainy weather. And their EVA footbed and CleanSport NXT (TM) offer excellent comfort and protection against natural odor.

Furthermore, KEEN Utility Men’s Boots feature reflective webbing for visibility in the dark, improving your safety.

Let’s now take a look at some other features of these roofing boots:

  • 100% waterproof nubuck leather
  • Made in the United States or Imported
  • Torsional Stability Shank (TSS) for midfoot support
  • Non-marking outsole

Pros

  • Oil and slip-resistant outsole
  • Steel toe for protection against compression or impact
  • Waterproof leather
  • Rubber soles offer shock and impact absorption
  • Offer superior stability and support
  • Optimal ventilation
  • Odor control
  • Reflective webbing for visibility
  • Removable EVA footbed for comfort and support
  • Moisture absorption

Cons

  • It takes a while to break-in
  • The sizes tend to be narrow

Social proof

The KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boots have an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 846 global reviews.

The KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boots are ideal for walking on roofs. When it comes to safety and comfort, you can trust The KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot to deliver.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Irish Setter Men’s Boots 6″ 83605 Work Boot

Source: Amazon

The Irish Setter has been making leather work boots with a dedicated design for decades now. The Irish Setter Men’s 6” Boots are pretty popular among roofers and contractors, and they are specifically designed to provide protection and comfort when you are working.

You might find these boots similar to the Red Wings boots, and that is because Red Wing owns the Irish Setter, and they are much more affordable than Red Wing. But fear not, these shoes come with all the features that a roofer would need.

Key Features

The Irish Setter Men’s Boots 6″ 83605 Work Boots are one of the best roofing boots. They feature a safety lacing system design with brass eyelets to ensure an excellent fit and protection.

The full-grain leather uppers and the EVA rubber soles are heat-resistant so that they keep the wearer’s feet safe from hot components. These boots also meet the ASTM electrical standards, so they keep you safe from electric hazards too.

The Irish Setter 6” Boots are also waterproof and sturdy, and their outsoles offer high traction, making them great for walking on oily and slippery surfaces. Additionally, the soft insoles of these boots are replaceable, so you can remove them and replace them with their orthotic footbeds.

Other features include:

  • 100% leather
  • Rubber sole
  • Lining (Vamp): non-woven nylon
  • Meets ASTM F2413-11 Safety Standards

Pros

  • Excellent for roof work
  • Provide protection against electric hazards
  • Keeps your feet cool and dry all day long
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Offer comfort and great arch support

Cons

  • Need break-in

Social proof

The Irish Setter Men’s Boots 6″ 83605 Work Boots have an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 5.885 global reviews.

The Irish Setter Men’s Boots 6″ 83605 Work Boots are comfortable, supportive, and safe to wear. Aside from the required break-in time, these are some of the best work shoes on the market today.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Round Toe Boot

Source: Amazon

The Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Round Toe Boot is a stylish and comfortable work boot that meets all the safety standards required for working on the roof. These boots are sturdy and durable, and they look very attractive.

The Red Wing Heritage 6’’ boots are also very comfortable to wear all day because they offer excellent support and top-quality materials. Additionally, they are pretty durable, as Amazon reviews read, ‘they last you a lifetime.’

Key Features

What’s special about these boots is their round toe which gives you extra space in the forefoot and instep area. These boots are made from top-quality leather that withstands water, sweat, and stain.

The shaft measures approximately 6.5 inches in height and offers excellent support for your ankle. These boots have outsoles with a traction tread that provides traction and grip, making the Red Wings Heritage 6-Inch Round Toe Boots great for working on slippery surfaces such as roofs.

There are other essential features of these roofing boots:

  • They are 100% natural leather
  • They are made in the United States
  • They feature a Nitrile Cork sole

Pros

  • Extra toe room
  • Comfortable to wear all day
  • Non-marking and oil-resistant sole
  • Superior leather for durability
  • Offer great support
  • Provide excellent protection when working

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Sizes run small

Social proof

The Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Round Toe Boots have an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 1,214 global reviews.

The Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Round Toe Boot is more expensive; but, if you ask us, it is definitely worth the investment to keep you safe and comfortable while doing roofing work.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Boot

Source: Amazon

It would be a huge mistake to forget to include the WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Boots on our list. These boots provide superior support and performance that roofers and contractors need to do their job safely.

These boots feature Wolverine’s innovative technologies that will keep your feet dry until the job is complete. Their excellent construction allows your feet free movement whenc walking on inclined roofs, crawling, or crouching.

Key Features

The WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Boots are made of high-quality materials that make them comfortable, firm, and adaptable to workers’ movements. These shoes feature safety carbon max toe-cap and rubber outsoles that provide excellent traction and grip on slippery surfaces.

The breathable membrane combined with advanced technologies offers the best comfort, and the 5” shaft height delivers excellent ankle protection and support. They are lightweight and very flexible, and bendy, making them pretty comfortable to wear while working.

Some other features of WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Boots’ are:

  • Waterproof materials
  • Contour Welt construction to allow free foot movement
  • Thick rubber soles with plenty of traction and grip
  • Ankle support
  • Removable Ortholite footbeds

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Breathable and waterproof materials
  • Excellent ankle support and protection
  • Offer great traction and grip
  • Flexible and bendy
  • Removable cushioned footbeds for comfort
  • Abrasion-resistant carbon max toe cap

Cons

  • Soles may split after a period of time
  • Inadequate quality control

Social proof

The WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Boots have an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 6.056 global reviews.

You will find these shoes flexible and comfortable to wear all day long, and of course, these boots are guaranteed to keep you from slipping when working on slippery surfaces.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

What to Look for When Buying Shoes for Roofing?

Searching for the perfect roofing shoes can become an overwhelming task. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some aspects that you should consider when you’re picking your work boots.

Safety

Studies have shown that work-related traumatic brain injuries are on the rise. The second leading cause of accidental deaths worldwide is slips and falls. These accidents are often caused by not wearing the proper footwear. If you are working on the roof, non-slip shoes are a must-have, at least if you don’t want to experience an embarrassing or even fatal slip or fall.

So, to avoid that hazard, you must always check the defensive feature of the shoes you wish to purchase and invest in a good pair of non-slip safety shoes.

The right roofer shoes should be ASTM-compliant, have good traction and grips, be made of durable materials, and offer the necessary support.

Materials

Checking the material of your shoes before buying them is essential. The material will contribute greatly to your shoes’ comfort, solidness, and durability. One of the best materials when it comes to working boots is full-grain leather. The leather is soft and breathable, so it will keep your feet cool and dry while working.

Arch support

Roofing is a job that often requires the worker to be on his feet for an extended period. Because of this, a roof worker needs shoes that will provide adequate arch support for balance and stability, and comfort.

To see if the boots you want to purchase offer that, check if the brand has worked in comfort innovation, firm insoles, and cushioned instep.

Upper construction

Full-grain leather is usually preferred for the shoe’s upper part because of its moisture-absorbing properties and flexibility. If you work in hot climates, look for shoes that combine synthetic materials such as nylon or go for synthetic materials only to improve breathability.

Sole

The sole of your work shoes is a crucial part to consider. Make sure to check the material and the structure of the sole. The right soles should provide good hold and balance, which is vital for roofing. So, make sure that the soles of the shoes you would like to buy have good traction and grips on any surface.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have attempted to review six of the best shoes and boots for roofing and share some relevant aspects for you to consider before purchasing your roofing shoes so that you can pick the right pair for you.

It would be best to give the shoe a trial to see whether they offer the factors you want them to. And remember, the best shoes for roofing will provide the necessary safety, support, and comfort.

Hopefully, this review has made your final purchase decision easier. So, choose one of our top picks and enjoy the comfort and protection that they provide.

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