5 Best Roofing Shoes

Best Shoes for Roofers

Roofing is a labor-intensive job where you spend the majority of the day on your feet, on an elevated surface, surrounded by sharp objects that could easily stab through typical shoe materials.

For this reason, roofers must have the right pair of boots or shoes for the job.

Check out this list to see where you can find the best roofing shoes.

Best Shoes for Roofing

Our picks for the best shoes for roofing include:

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Cougar Paws Peak Performer Roofing Boots

Largely considered the “gold standard” of roofing boots, Cougar Paws have pretty much everything you could want from a roofing shoe.

Some of the most important things that you need to look for in a roofing shoe are protection on the bottom of your feet, traction, and comfortability. Cougar Paws pass the test on all of these things.

They feature a wood sole to prevent sharp objects from piercing through, a vented exterior and a breathable inner boot lining to keep your feet cool, and durable upper leather to extend the life of your pair of boots.

They also have a velcro strap across the top to keep your laces from coming untied.

Pros

  • Vented exterior to wick away moisture
  • Wood sole for superior protection
  • Full-grain leather upper for durability
  • Breathable inner lining for comfortability

Cons

  • Sizing is inaccurate (boots are large)
  • Velcro is unreliable
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Thorogood American Heritage

A surprisingly stylish pick, the Thorogood American Heritage boots have more to offer than just their good looks.

These boots feature a special MAXWear wedge slip-resistant outsole that offers better grip for oily and wet surfaces and is more flexible than other soles, giving you better protection for your feet and ankles when working on angled roofs.

These boots also have Goodyear storm welt construction to keep their shape and protect your feet from moisture.

Reviewers love that they can wear them for 10-16 hours a day without tearing them up or worrying about the risk of slipping.

Pros

  • MAXWear wedge slip-resistant sole for shock absorption and grip
  • Moisture resistant to keep your feet safe from the elements
  • Fiberglass shank construction to keep their shape
  • Stylish look

Cons

  • Pricey
  • A bit tight in the toes for wider feet
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Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Venting Hike Shoe


If you’re looking for a shoe instead of a boot for roofing, check out these Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Venting Hike Shoes.

They offer more mobility in your ankle while maintaining support. They also have vents that allow for airflow to keep your feet cool while working long, hot days on the job.

They’re also lightweight, so less dragging around a heavy pair of boots all day and causing your feet more aching than necessary.

Since they are designed for hiking rough terrain, the grip on the soles is great for working on all types of roofs.

Many wearers of this shoe have only positive things to say about it even years after purchase, so the durability is proven as well.

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Ventilation for cooling
  • Durable even after years of use
  • Traction made for hiking in rough terrain

Cons

  • Some claims of Merrell’s quality declining in the past few years
  • Ankle support is less than it would be with boots
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Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc 6” Boot


The Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc 6″ Boot is a 100% leather, clean-looking shoe that has as much functionality as it does style.

This pair of boots are stain and sweat-resistant, making them a must for any roofer that doesn’t want to be slipping and sliding around in their boots in the summer.

After the break-in period, you’ll see why so many people have sworn by these boots for decades. The durable leather and rigid sole insert gradually form to your foot, naturally customizing support where you need it most.

Though you may need to replace the sole a few times, the structure of these boots will make it through the toughest conditions and still look and fit great.

Pros

  • A classic, rugged look
  • Durable 100% leather
  • Quality design lasts years
  • Stain and perspiration-resistant

Cons

  • The break-in period is pretty painful
  • Not the most slip-resistant soles
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Timberland PRO Barstow Wedge Work Boot


Timberland is well known in construction for their famous work boots, and the Timberland PRO Barstow Wedge Work Boot is the version of this boot best-suited for roofing.

What makes this particular boot great for roofing is the anti-fatigue, dual-density technology. They are largely regarded by reviewers as some of the most comfortable boots on this list, with little to no break-in period before they become comfy enough to wear all day.

They’re also one of the more affordable pairs of shoes available, costing just over $100 whereas many others on this list are well over $200.

If you want an affordable, comfortable, oil-resistant pair of shoes that will support and protect your feet all day long, this is the boot for you.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Comfortable wedge sole 
  • Dual-density anti-fatigue technology
  • Electrical hazard protection

Cons

  • Not as durable as others on this list
  • The wide toebox is loose on people with narrow feet
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What Are Roofing Shoes?

Roofing shoes, or roofing boots, is a term used to describe shoes and boots that are suited for roofing.

Though only a few are technically called “roofing shoes,” the name refers to boots and shoes with thick rubber soles, a good grip ability, and protection from nails and other dangerous items that roofers’ feet often come in contact with.

Are Roofing Shoes Worth It?

It’s worth it to invest in a good pair of shoes specifically for roofing. Here are a few of the main benefits of roofing shoes.

Comfort

Standing on your feet in the hot sun or cold winter all day is anything but pleasant. So why add to that discomfort by wearing tight or poorly-supported shoes?

These roofing shoes will keep your feet in a supported position, keeping you from the added pain of blisters, bone spurs, and even stress fractures.

Protection

Between all of the nails, staples, and sharp tools used in roofing, there are plenty of opportunities to get your foot stabbed if you’re wearing improper footwear.

Something with a thick sole protects your feet from the dangerous foreign object they would otherwise come in contact with.

Safety

Working on roofs, there is always the possibility of a fall from either the roof or the ladder you use.

These roofing boots and shoes have extra grip in the soles which keeps your feet from slipping and sliding and keeps you safely on the roof.

More Roofing Tools and Equipment

We’ve used our industry expertise, partnerships, and analysis to find the absolute best roofing tools and equipment online. If you liked this post on the best roofing shoes, consider checking out some of our other guides to find top products.

Summary

Roofing shoes are a worthy investment that all roofers should make. These are our picks for the best roofing shoes and boots to buy before your next roofing project.

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