Business Insider calls roofing the fourth-deadliest job in America! As anyone who has been working on a roof knows, you are dealing with all sorts of hazards. Uncertain slopes with little traction 10-12 feet above the ground while being exposed to electrical equipment, heat, dust, wind and many other environmental factors. Sometimes it may rain and the roof may be wet, making it even more dangerous. Therefore, you need the best work boots for roofing if you want to avoid a major accident.
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Roofing work boots should have a very strong grip, be shock-resistant, heat-resistant, and have a metal toe cap. They must also be comfortable because roofing requires you to work long hours every day.
I have been in the roofing profession for a long time. I have tried out more than 30 pairs of boots and spent a lot of time on research because I realized long ago that a good pair of boots are my best friends when I am on the job. My top seven best roofing shoes for 2020 are based on my many years of experience and extensive research.
In this article, you will find:
- Considerations for roofing work boots
- My seven best work boots for roofing
- A detailed buyer’s guide
- FAQs to meet any other questions you might have
What Kind Of Boots Do Roofer’s Wear?
A roofer always prefers to have comfortable and heat-absorbing foot pads present in their footwear to make them safe in all harsh weather conditions.
Apart from the comfort factor, roofers must keep their toes protected from sharp objects such as nails and screws which might be jutting out from the roof. Therefore, a steel toe cap is necessary on roofing shoes.
Another important feature is the tread of the shoe. Most roofs are sloped, and offer little resistance. Therefore, an accident is very much a possibility unless you take utmost protection. Roofers should always wear boots with high traction soles.
What Are The Best 7 Work Boots For Construction in 2024?
The best construction footwear comes with steel toe clips for a well-balanced feel. It will help to reduce the chance of any misstep. Also, they must be weather coated to allow them to work in any kind of harsh weather.
In my opinion, Irish Setter Men’s Work Boot is the top choice. Read on to see why I love this work boot.
#1 Irish Setter Men’s Work Boot
The Irish Setter Men’s work boot comes with a 1.5-inch heel along with a rubber sole that provides comfort. Moreover, the manufacturers design this boot with an EVA rubber heat-resistant outsole to safeguard your feet from hot surfaces. It is made of 100% waterproof leather to keep you comfortable for the entire day.
These are the best waterproof work boots for roofing on my list. The rubber sole comes with a slip-resistant feature to minimize the chance of missteps. You will also find polyurethane removable footbed present in this footwear.
Key Features
- Made with 100% waterproof leather
- Designed with slip and heat-resistant rubber sole
- Heels are 1.5 inches thick
- Heat-resistant EVA outsole
- Polyurethane footbed
Benefits
Made With Waterproof Leather: The manufacturers use 100% waterproof leather to help you feel comfortable for the entire day.
Slip-Resistant: It comes with a 1.5-inch thick slip-resistant heel to protect you from skidding.
Heat-Resistant: It has a heat-resistant outsole that can withstand temperatures up to 475℉.
Electrical Shockproof: The sole construction was made especially to reduce the danger from electrical hazards to ensure extra safety protection.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting soles
- Very comfortable
- Functions great for heavy-duty workloads
Cons:
- If completely soaked, water may get inside your socks
- Certain chemicals may stain the finish
The manufacturers use 100% leather to make the boots comfortable and long-lasting. The boots also come with a well-constructed heel to protect your feet from any kind of electrical hazards. The heel is also heat-resistant to safeguard your feet from temperatures up to 475℉.
#2 WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass Toe Waterproof Work Boot
WOLVERINE’s manufacturers use 100% leather along with premium-quality textile material to make the boots comfortable and long-lasting. They have 5-inch rubber soles to provide excellent grip and ankle support.
You will also find a toe clip that keeps the boots lightweight but also helps them fit perfectly. It also comes with innovative motion technologies to help you easily bend or flex your feet to ensure good performance.
Key Features
- Made with 100% leather and premium-quality textile
- Each boot comes with a rubber sole and a 5-inch shaft
- Designed with flexible welted construction
- OrthoLite cushioned footbed
- Weather coated and insulated outsole
Benefits
Made With Leather: The manufacturers use premium-quality textile material and 100% rubber to keep you comfortable for the whole day.
Shaft: You will find a rubber sole along with a 5-inch shaft to provide excellent grip and good ankle support.
Welted construction: It comes with ASTM-approved welted construction to easily bend or flex your feet to maximize roofing performance.
Weather Coated: The outsole of this boot is weather coated and well insulated to resist oil, abrasion, water and chemicals to ensure extra protection for your feet.
Removable Cushioned Footbed: It comes with an OrthoLite made removable cushioned footbed to ensure comfortability.
Toe Clip: There is a toe clip present to make the boot feel lightweight and perfectly fitted.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Extremely lightweight
- Fantastic fit
- Excellent quality comfort
Cons:
- Need to do waterproof after every six months
- It comes in an ordinary shoebox
WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass work boots are a good combination of both excellent comfort and outstanding performance. The manufacturers use 100% rubber and premium-quality breathable membrane to make you feel comfortable and dry in all kinds of weather. Each boot also comes with a toe clip and 6-inch shaft to provide balance, grip and a perfect fit.
#3 EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry” Leather Waterproof Work Boots
Those looking for a budget work boot with good performance can try EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry.” This great metal roofing boot comes with a shock-absorbing heel and arch to ensure extra protection for your feet.
You will also find flex points in it to allow better flexibility than other available boots. The manufacturers design the boots with a Sel-Direct construction to ensure proper weather coating.
Key Features
- Made with 100% leather and rubber sole
- It comes with weather coated leather and insulated lining
- Designed with a removable insole
- Back Loop and speedy hooks present
- Abrasion-resistant outsole ensures stability
Benefits
Made With Leather: The manufacturers use 100% leather and rubber sole to ensure comfort for the entire day.
Weather Coated: These boots are weather coated and come with insulated lining to make your feet warm and dry in any kind of weather.
Removable Insole: It comes with removable leather insoles to make you comfortable and soothe your foot pain.
Lightweight: Each boot is lightweight and has back loops and speedy hooks to help you easily move while wearing them.
Anti-Slip Outsole: You will find slip and corrosion resistant outsole to offer better stability to help you work better.
Steel Shank: A steel shank is present in this boot that will help to alleviate the pressure whenever you climb or descend a ladder.
Pros:
- Great fit
- Decent traction in wet weather
- Affordable price range
- Solid construction
Cons:
- If soaked, water may soak in the leather
- A little heavy when compared to other ‘lightweight’ boots
This boot comes from premium-quality material to ensure that it is weatherproof and well insulated. It comes with a unique Seal-Direct construction. Also, it has a shock-absorbing heel for protection from electrical hazards.
#4 Timberland PRO Men’s Wedge Sole Boot
Timberland PRO Wedge Sole Boot comes next in this list with excellent comfortability. The manufacturers use 100% leather and rubber soles to make the boots durable and long-lasting. It also comes with speed-lacing hardware to ensure convenient usage. It is lightweight and features slip-resistant and anti-fatigue technology.
Key Features
- Made with 100% leather and rubber soles
- It comes with speed-lacing hardware
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Lightweight and slip-resistant
- Designed with antimicrobial lining
Benefits
Made With Leather: The manufacturers use 100% leather and rubber soles to keep you comfortable all day long.
Speed-Lacing Hardware: It comes with unique speed-lacing hardware to ensure convenient usage.
Anti-Fatigue Technology: It comes with unique anti-fatigue technology to design the boot with dual density to make it ideal for wearing throughout the day.
Antimicrobial Treatment: It has an antimicrobial lining to protect the boot from any kind of bacteria breeding.
Lightweight: The manufacturers design the boot with EVA midsole to make the boot lightweight and ideal for wearing for long periods.
Abrasion-Resistant: This boot comes with a rubber outsole to make it resistant and abrasion-proof.
Shallow Tread: It has an external impression to offer good grip balance to reduce the chance of missteps.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Durable and long-lasting
- It comes with tie eyelets to help make putting the boot on and off easy
- Fits well
Cons:
- A little heavy, though negligible
- With time, cracks may develop in the outsole
This boot comes with electrical hazard protection to ensure your safety and security when working. The manufacturers use weather coating and premium-quality material to ensure durability and longevity. It also features an antimicrobial treatment to protect the boot from fungus and foul odor.
#5 Maelstrom Zion Men’s Waterproof Work Boot
Maelstrom Zoom Men’s Waterproof Work Boot comes with a good combination of excellent quality and all possible premium features. The manufacturers design the boots with shockproof and slip-resistant features to ensure extra safety.
EVA insoles and midsoles make the boots more flexible and bendable than other available work boots. They also come with a weatherproof upper sole to make them waterproof and breathable to keep your feet comfortable.
Key Features
- It comes with premium-quality water-resistant leather
- Made with a removable cushion made footbed
- Weather-resistant and comfortable
- Designed with a shock-absorbing midsole
- It comes with a rubber toe
Benefits
Durable: The manufacturers use premium quality leather to make the boots comfortable and durable.
Rubber Toe: It comes with a round rubber toe to make the boots flexible and more durable than the other available options on the market.
Cushion Footbed: You will also find a removable rubber footbed to keep your feet comfortable.
Slip-Resistant Sole: It is lightweight and comes with a slip-resistant sole to ensure extra grip and balance.
Weatherproof: The manufacturers design the boots with weather-coating to protect your boot from wind, dust and rain.
Ergonomic Design: It is available in an ergonomic design with composite toe and soft toe options.
Pros:
- Perfect fit
- Very comfortable
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The bottom sole may wear off with time
- Too much insulation makes the boot’s interior hot
Maelstrom Zion Men’s work boot is lightweight and durable and comes with weather coating. It comes with cutting-edge performance and efficiency. Moreover, the manufacturers design the boot’s sole with a shock-absorbing feature to safeguard you from electrical hazards. Premium-quality breathable rubber is used in the boots for added comfort. These are one of the best foam roofing shoes in my lineup
#6 Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Roofer Boots
The manufacturers use premium-quality leather to make the boot comfortable and long-lasting. It also comes with a slip-resistant outsole to minimize the chance of missteps. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Boot comes from a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your foot comfortable and dry in all kinds of weather.
The heels and soles both feature shockproof material to provide extra safety. That is why these are also the best boots for shingle roofing.
Key Features
- Designed with a calf-high shaft
- It comes with a removable shock-absorbing footbed
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Excellent welted constructed
- Made with a breathable and waterproof membrane
Benefits
Calf-High Shaft: The manufacturers design the boots with calf-high shafts for a stylish and comfortable look.
Shock-Absorbing Footbed: It comes with a premium-quality shockproof removable footbed to protect your feet from any kind of unwanted surroundings.
Cushion Insole: You will find high-quality cushion foam insoles in this footwear to make it comfortable for the whole day.
Slip-Resistant Outsole: It has a slip-resistant outsole to protect your feet from any kind of mishappenings and accidents.
Waterproof: The manufacturers mostly use the waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your feet comfortable and dry in all kinds of weather.
Insulated: These boots are well insulated to help you maintain proper temperature and find a strong balance when working on the roof.
Pros:
- Fits almost perfectly
- Very well-made
- Beautiful design
- Excellent price
Cons:
- May take little time to deliver
- Non-responsive customer service
This footwear comes with innovative craftsmanship to make your foot comfortable and durable. These work boots are an ideal option to ensure a solid grip and balance to help you stand firmly on slippery ground. It also features shock absorption to protect your feet from any kind of electrical hazards. A removable cushioned footbed is present for added comfort.
#7 Rhino 60S21 Steel Toe Work Boot
Rhino 60S21 is another excellent quality work boot that comes with a 6-inch steel toe to ensure extra safety for your feet. The manufacturers use 100% leather and rubber soles to help you feel comfortable for the whole day.
It also comes with a slip-resistant two-colored outsole to protect you. This boot features a shock-absorbing capability to protect you from electrical hazards. The manufacturers also design this shoe with a padded collar and tongue to offer good stability.
Key Features
- Made with 100% leather and rubber soles
- Shock-absorption
- Designed with a slip-resistant outsole
- It comes with a padded collar and tongue6-inch steel toe
Benefits
Made With Leather: The manufacturers use 100% leather and rubber soles that will let you feel comfortable all day long.
Shockproof: Both the heel and the soles come with shock-absorbing features to protect your feet from any kind of further electrical hazards.
Slip-Resistant: It has a slip-resistant outsole to minimize the chance of further mishappenings when you are working on the roof.
Delivers Stability: You will find a padded collar and a tongue in this boot to ensure good strength and balance to help you to stand firmly on the ground.
Steel toe: A 6-inch steel toe is present to protect your feet from all kinds of construction work.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Reasonable weight
- Perfect fit
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Outsole may wear off with time
- It takes a bit of time to deliver
The best part is that the Rhino 60S21 Steel Toe Work Boot is available at an affordable price. Both the heels and soles are shock-absorbing to protect you from any kind of electrical hazards. You will also find a slip-resistant outsole present on this boot to keep you safe on tricky surfaces. You will also find a steel toe to ensure firm grip and balance.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Roofing Boots?
Traction
This is possibly the most important factor that you should consider before purchasing a work boot. Traction will help reduce your chance of falling. Therefore, you must pick a boot that comes with a good traction grip.
Most importantly, the outsole of your boot must be thick and be made from premium-quality material. You can also opt for tread-designed boots for more efficiency. Try to avoid smooth lugs to get a good grip.
Those who frequently work in wet surroundings should choose slip-resistant boots. They will ensure a good balance to help you to stand on the ground firmly. Boots with firm traction and slip-resistance are suitable for heavy-duty workloads.
Durability
When you continuously work on the roof, your boots may develop some abrasive damage. Therefore, try to avoid cheaper quality boots. Always choose premium-quality breathable material to ensure durability.
You can pick leather boots that will increase safety and comfortability. Hot tar is very sticky and is nearly impossible to remove. It is so dangerous that it can damage your skin.
For this reason, try to choose leather boots to protect your feet from this hazard. Choose premium-quality material to avoid all kinds of injuries.
Shock-resistance
Electrical hazards carry a risk of electrocution. You can find live wires, transformers, and even overhead connections present on most houses. In the rainy season, you also be aware of lightning strikes.
Therefore, you should pick shock-resistant boots for protection from electrical hazards. The shock-resistant boots must come with a rubber outsole, as rubber does not conduct electricity.
Rubber outsoles will protect your feet from getting any kind of electrical hazards so you can continue your work uninterrupted.
Snug and secure enclosure
Try to choose the roofing boot that comes with laces. Laces will help you make the boot a perfect fit for your feet and allow you to navigate sloping surfaces easily. This lacing attachment must be from the top of the foot to the top of the tongue.
Also, check whether the shoelaces are well-secured. Loose laces can cause you to trip. Some high-quality roofing boots come with additional security that will prevent falls even if your shoelace loosens. Overall, try to choose boots with quality laces and straps.
Comfort
If you work hard for long hours, you must pick boots that offer good comfortability. Otherwise, you will feel severe pain whenever you take off the shoes. Try to determine which shoes come with built-in cushioning and support to ensure excellent comfortability.
You can pick boots with soft lining outsoles to protect your feet from all types of hazards. It will also prevent blisters on your foot. If you avoid the comfortability factor and simply endure chronic pain, it may lead to plantar fasciitis.
Also, the midsoles must come with adequate support and grip. On the other hand, if you work in the scorching sun, sweat control and ventilation are two must-have features in any new work boot purchase.
The manufacturers add small pores to the boots to ensure good ventilation. In addition, if you work in a cold environment, try to choose well-insulated footwear. It will help you to keep your feet warm and comfortable.
Weatherproof
When you work in scorching heat, the sun’s rays can affect your feet and the roof. Therefore, try to choose work boots with antimicrobial features and boots made from a breathable fabric to provide comfort and prevent fungus.
If your pocketbook permits you, you should choose two pairs of boots – waterproof and weatherproof. This will grant you protection from rain, snow and dust.
Flexibility
You should choose a boot with good flexibility to help your feet flex with ease.
You can also pick wedge boots to get more efficiency. Heel-style boots can allow your feet to twist easily, but wedge boots will not cause the same issues.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Work Boot for Roofing
What Are The Best Boots For Roofing?
To pick a single boot from all of the options on the market is difficult. Therefore, I did some homework to find out some of the best possible options. In my opinion, the Irish Setter Men’s Work Boot is the best. It is made from 100% leather to help you feel comfortable. Moreover, slip and heat-resistant features are some of the many advantages of these boots.
Is It Necessary To Wear A Steel Toe Cap When Roofing?
You must wear steel toe caps for roofing. The main reason is they protect your feet from any kind of electrical hazards. However, you may feel a little less flexible and somewhat restricted, especially in your toes, when you are wearing boots with a steel toe cap.
How Important Are Rubber Boots For Roofing?
Choosing a roofing boot along with a rubber outsole is very important. Rubber boots are durable and very comfortable to wear for a long day. They come with a good grip and balance, along with shock-resistant features.
What Are The Best Roofing Shoes In Australia?
The Timberland Pro Wedge Shoes are one of the best in Australia. These shoes are designed with oil and water slip proof technology, as well as shock protection and six inch high tread for a comfortable grip on the roof.
The shoes are extremely durable and waterproof, as well as having a layer of protection from sharp and pointed objects. Despite their hard exterior, these shoes are very comfortable to wear.
Are Cougar Paws Roofing Boots Good?
Cougar Paws specialize in boots that offer high amounts of traction, which are specially designed for roofers. Some of their boots like the Estimator, Steel Walker and Performers are the best in the industry, known for their durability, comfort and superb grip.
These shoes have been tested on 12/12 pitch roofs and their six-inch tall uppers are designed to prevent you from stumbling. They also have special pads for heat absorption from roof-tops with asphalt shingles. They are light in color, to keep your feet cool.
Are Red Wing Roofing Boots Good?
Red Wing produces another line of great roofing boots. One of the best Red Wing roofing boots is their Chukka, a boot that has a crepe white outsole with a strong grip to keep your feet firmly on the roof when you are working. These boots are made from 100% leather and have a four inch shaft as well as a one inch heel.
What Are The Best Boots For Roofing In The UK?
Black Hammer produces some of the best roofing boots in the UK. Their S3 SRC 1007 model is particularly rugged and designed for best in class performance for roofing.
These shoes have steel toe caps for protection against injuries from sharp objects such as nails and screws. Even the midsole is protected with a steel layer. The sole of the shoe is so good that Black Hammer offers a six month warranty on the sole itself.
The shoes exterior is made of leather, but it has mesh inside which keeps your feet cool and comfortable even on hot summer days, especially when you are working on a metal roof. The sole is made of PU, a flexible material that is very versatile in its usage. The shoes have a four cm heel and are perfect for all kinds of roofing and other work applications.
What Are The Best Boots For Shingle Roofing?
Asphalt shingles are notorious for heating up more than their ambient surroundings. The difference in temperature can be 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, you need shoes that are specifically designed to cater to this kind of heat.
Of course other conditions for roofing are equally true, you will need shoes with toe protection as well as a softer sole for avoiding pressing too hard on the shingles.
Apart from all this, you need a shoe that’s comfortable for all day long wear and durable so that you don’t have to keep changing them every few months.
In my lineup, Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Boots are the best for shingle roofing because they easily meet all the criteria mentioned above.
Conclusion
This informative article lists the best roofing work boots along with their detailed specifications and benefits. I am sure it will help you to choose the right boot for you.
In my opinion, Irish Setter Men’s Work Boot is the best choice. This is because it comes with 100% leather and rubber soles to make you feel comfortable. It also comes with a heat-resistant feature to do your job without interruption.
WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass Toe Waterproof Work Boot is my next best choice. It comes with a cushioned footbed and insulated rubber sole to help you continue your work efficiently. It is also weather coated, which is useful.
Suppose you are looking for a value-for-money option. In that case, consider EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry” Leather Waterproof Work Boots, which offers great protection and premium features at a reasonable price point.
If you found this article informative, please do not forget to leave your comments, suggestions and even your questions. I will try to answer all of them. I would also love to see your pics wearing the shoes that I have suggested!
Happy Roofing!
References:
[1] Roofers | BusinessInsider India
Last update on 2023-07-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hi, I’m Jim. I was a roofing constructor for 20 years, before deciding to start myrooff.com and gather the best content about roofing. I love woodworking and construction and it was only natural for me to start this passion project of mine. Thank you for visitng.