Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Azad Asf
What should you look for in the Best Work Boots for Roofing?
Roofing is a high-risk activity that most of us either love it or hate it. No matter what your feelings are, if you have to do roofing, then you have to be careful about the work boots that you choose for it.
It is stated that one of the main features of a good work boot for roofing is durability. The boot’s material is constantly being put through a hard test due to exposition to outdoor environments and to the abrasions from roof’s tar and shingles. This is why if your boot doesn’t have a nice high-end leather, then it won’t last you very long.
The other part of the work boot everyone pays attention to is the outsole. Why? Because it has to be a good quality non-slip type of outsole that sets your mind free of not worrying about accidents caused by the frightening steep angles that most roofs have.
Personal Touch
Besides the basic points that make a great work boot for roofing, I also like to search for a pair that performs well all around. Maybe you don’t, but I don’t only use my work boots just for roofing. I also do other stuff at my job and maybe I use them in my personal life too. So getting a work boot that is great for roofing is good, but if they add other features it won’t bother me…
The Best Work Boots for Roofing
This is the list of the best work boots for roofing I arrived at after extensive research:
- 1) Cougars Paws Peak Series Performer Roofer Boots With Removable Cougar Paw Pads
- 2) Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Lace-to-Toe Roofer Boots
- 3) Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Round Toe Boot
- 4) Original Chippewa 8-Inch Wedge Sole Lace-Up Boots
- 5) Timberland PRO Men’s Wedge Sole Six-Inch Soft Toe Boot
1) Cougars Paws Peak Series Performer Roofer Boots With Removable Cougar Paw Pads
These work boots are specially made for roofing. So if you are looking for footwear that covers this specific line of work, then keep reading.
One of the most differentiating aspects they have are the removable pads that offer a satisfying protection to the feet when working on roofs. They will protect you against any kind of material used, no matter what it is, and they also will protect the roof from any harm that you could do by stepping on it. They also absorb any kind of heat that the roof generates, so you can rest sure that you won’t be disturbed or uncomfortable by sweaty feet when you’re working. The last great add-on is the feeling of comfort they bring thanks to the ergonomic design they have.
Apart from the Pads, the other part of the boot that is clearly outstanding is the outsole. It provides a high level of safety to the feet with its various layers of protective materials that not only allow the boot to be protective but also offer one of the best slip resistances to a boot that any other outsole can offer. This results in a sole that brings balance, protectiveness and comfort, to prevent fatigue and usual accidents. It is not a causality that this outsole is rated exceeding the ASTM rating for slip-resistance.
After having them for over 2 years, I can tell you that this pair of boots is really durable. I’ve been using them especially for roofing and they hold up incredibly well. If I show them to you Now you wouldn’t believe that they are not new.
You know I can’t end up a review without talking about comfort. I just love comfort. Let me tell you..when you hold these boots it won’t take you too much time to realize that the quality leather and the cushioned interior lining make them one of the most comfortable work boots for roofing.
So.. If you don’t mind getting a little bit too specific in a certain work activity and you love the features I’ve just told you about, maybe you’re looking at the best work boots for roofing made for you.
2) Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Lace-to-Toe Roofer Boots
I love comfort. This is why I bought these boots. I mean, these can be used both for roofing and daily life tasks. I use them for roofing, staying around the house or watching tv, even for running errands with my kids. And let me tell you, there are a short number of work boots that can achieve this.
They have an ergonomic thickened rubber sole that allows the worker to walk safely and with a deep feeling of comfort. When it is combined with the Dual Density Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed, the sensation of comfortableness and security it’s almost unbelievable. The inserts are also worth to be named. I mean, they are like walking on clouds.
The other great feature that provides comfort is the Cotton Drill Vamp Lining that ensures your feet to be dry when working in hot and wet environments. This is because it is a high-grade technology that keeps the moisture away at any cost. Which is great for roofing in summer.
But comfort is not the only great advantage that these work boots have. There is the overall feeling of security when using them, both in roofing and other high demanding activities that your work, and mine, has.
This is mainly caused by their great design. I mean, when you hear all the security features they provide, you won’t hesitate to think they are the best work boots for roofing out there. The most important of all is the Christy Blown Rubber Wedge Outsole that offers a high-end slip-resistance. This is greatly important for us roofing workers because if our work boots fail in the heights we work in… it’ll suck.
These are one of the few that are specially designed to use when roofing. They achieve comfort and security. But does it all matter if they don’t last in time?. Durability is one of the main things that has to be top notch. And these work boots do a good work in the durability department.
The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Lace-to-Toe Roofer Boots use a handsomely handmade leather that gives you the durability and attractiveness for your work and daily life you’re looking for. This is an oil tanned leather which is good for roofing because they hold up well against any roof surface, making them last very long and maintain the great looks they had when you first bought them.
3) Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Round Toe Boot
As a result of years of experiences in the field of roofing, I can confidently tell you that these boots are one of the most protective and stylish of them all.
With their clean lines and hard construction, they achieve a great level of safety. This is mainly because of the outsole that they use. When roofing it’s very important to be stable, and these boots ensures it by the high-quality flat outsole that allows the worker to not be afraid of falling.
In the same topic, the outsole also is well known for working directly with the absorption of shocks letting the worker not to be worried about possible accidents.
On the other hand, when it comes to durability, these boots also are very durable. Thanks to the tough full leather that deals very well with all of the roof materials used in surfaces that can be damaging to any footwear.
Finally, there is no work boot without comfort, and these Red Wing boots are special in that department. They are engineered to use a specially made insole that uses padding as the main method of bringing relief to the working man feet. And let me tell you. They bring it very well.
4) Original Chippewa 8-Inch Wedge Sole Lace-Up Boots
As a common rule when roofing, you have to use a pair of work boots that is very durable for every work situation. In order for this to happen, materials that deal well with all types of roof’s surfaces have to be used. These Original Chippewa Boots follow that rule very well.
Great leather material is used to build them, making this all possible. When I touched it for the very first time it really made a good impression on me. And the laces used are specially waxed to resist every type of damage so the boot doesn’t break down. Thanks to it, replacing of the boot won’t be needed for many years.
Comfort is also very well developed too. The Vibram White Christy Wedge Outsole is what gives these boots the cushioning and non slipping stability needed to feel both protected and comfortable in any roof’s surface. They also use a full grain leather upper that is applied to maximize breathability, so anyone can feel cool and dry when roofing in hot environments.
Then.. If you like a pair of boots that covers these features in a very classic and stylish way, maybe in your case these are the best work boots for roofing.
5) Timberland PRO Men’s Wedge Sole Six-Inch Soft Toe Boot
I also love these boots for the safety they provide at my work. They have a toe protective shell in their body that leave my mind free to achieve peak performance when roofing. The lace up style and the Thick Rubber Wedge Sole are combined to offer both great stability and high traction for any surfaces, so I can work without any worries.
What makes these boots great for the price, is also the level of comfort offered. Timberland applies to this boot the EVA Mid-Sole Technology that is very effective for pleasure in long hour shifts, given its lightweight cushioning feeling.
Finally, the flexible leather makes these boots also very comfortable and durable. Making risky movements on any kind of surface is not a problem anymore. Which is produced because of the full welt construction method applied to achieve superior sturdiness over time.
Comparison Table
Let me share with you a comparison table of the best work boots for roofing that I developed so you can have a better grasp of what is the best choice for your needs.
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Great article, thanks.
Thank you, Jack for your well thought and thorough feedback on the topic. I’m excited to try out one or more of these examples.
Thanks for providing value to the roofing community! I think the outsole is one of the most important things to look for when it comes to roofing shoes. You need that grip and traction on every roof surface. In my opinion, rubber outsoles (Vibram, MaxWear Wedge) are the best for added traction even on wet & slippery metal roofs.
In general, roofing shoes are extremely important for a roofer’s safety and productivity. They should be slip-resistant, lightweight and extremely comfortable. At the same time, the ankle support is really important for providing that nice balance and stability. My favorite brands for roofing are Thorogood, Red Wings and Merrell (they make hiking shoes).
Keep up the good content!
I have not tried them at work yet, but my first opinion is that they’re extremely comfortable, featherlight, look great, and do not feel like they have a sword toe cap. They also nearly do not look like steel toe shoes. I am sure the soles will start to flatten out after many weeks and months but for now, they’re as comfortable if not more comfortable than some of my handling shoes.