Roofing shoes may appear to be a minor detail for contractors and roofing crews. However, in roofing or at any other jobsite, having the right pair of shoes is critical. Footwear helps keep you and your crew safe and also boosts efficiency and performance.
Without the right shoes, workers face greater risks. They can get fatigued, slip, and even get injured from falls, especially when the surfaces are steep or uneven.
This is why choosing the best quality roofing shoes is a key investment for roofing teams. It can be as vital to your crew as getting the best new roofing materials.
In this article, we’ll look at why roofing shoes are so important. You’ll read about categories of roofing footwear, best options for different job types, and how to care for the shoes. You’ll also learn about key features to consider when choosing the best shoes for your needs.
Why Roofing Shoes Matter for Business Owners
For business owners, investing in the right shoes for roofing isn’t just about comfort. It’s about the safety of the crew and the bottom line. You might not think about it, but shoes are a practical way to improve risk management and help ensure long-term operational success.
Good roofing shoes will help keep your workers safe from accidents, such as slips and falls. Around 82% of roofing fatalities happen because of a simple slip, so it’s important not to overlook traction.
Poor footwear makes workers more tired as they fight for balance and traction. Even if they avoid injury, they’ll work more slowly and get tired faster.
Also, the construction industry has strict safety regulations, and OSHA compliance is non-negotiable. Along with rules for using harnesses and protective gear, shoe requirements are meant to help ensure worker safety.
The right roofing boots can actually affect your bottom line too. They both lower the risk of fines for OSHA violations and minimize insurance claims by making the worksite safer.
For these reasons, choosing the right roofing shoe is critical for business owners. But which type of roofing shoes do you need?
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Key Features to Look for in Roofing Shoes
The best roofing shoes are designed specifically for safety, comfort, and performance. Here are the qualities to look for in shoes to wear on the roof:
- Traction and slip resistance: Roofing crews often work in all conditions on steep surfaces that can be slippery. Slip-resistant work boots provide multi-surface traction with high-grip rubber soles.
- Durability: Working on the roof will put your shoes through extreme wear and tear. Durable roofing boots typically include a thick, puncture-resistant sole and tough leather or composite uppers.
- Comfort and cushioning: Roofers working long hours need enough cushioning for comfort. Look for roofing boots with heavier soles paired with shock-absorbing insoles or a cushioned footbed. Also, ensure that the shoes are a good fit with secure lacing.
- Ankle support: Roofing involves engaging quick movements and a need for balance. Having roofing boots with proper ankle support can improve balance and reduce the risk of sprains. Look for mid- or high-top shoes with strong ankle collars.
- Weight: Shoes made with weighty materials become too heavy during a day-long shift. Choose shoes made with lightweight materials that still offer protection. This choice helps cut down on fatigue and boosts mobility and all-day performance.
- Breathability: During the summer, roofs can get very hot. Shoe breathability becomes a critical feature in such conditions. Choose shoes with moisture-wicking linings or mesh panels to improve breathability.
- Water resistance vs. waterproofing: During the winter and in wet environments, water-resistant shoes help keep out moisture. However, waterproof shoes give you the best protection overall. Take a moment to think about the climate you’ll be in. Then, decide if you need water-resistant or waterproof shoes.
All these features come together to provide roofing crews with the protection, durability, and comfort they need to stay safe and productive.
Types of Roofing Shoes
What are the best shoes to wear on the roof? It depends on conditions, types of work, and other factors. Here are the three main types of shoes for roofing you should consider:
Wedge-Sole Work Boots (e.g., Brunt Marin)
Roofing boots with wedge soles provide full contact with the roof. This helps to evenly spread the weight of the workers and boosts traction.
Wedge-sole work boots are best for low-sloping or flat roofs. They are generally lighter than traditional heel boots, which helps to reduce fatigue.
This type of roofing boot provides excellent comfort and minimal break-in time. They are also slip-resistant and provide cushioning for long hours of standing.
These shoes for roofing come with some disadvantages. The flat sole provides less grip on ladders or steep slopes.
Wedge-sole boots are moderately durable. And prices typically range from $100 to over $200, depending on the brand.
Traditional Heel Boots (e.g., Timberland PRO)
These boots have a defined 90° heel. The design gives wearers increased grip, especially when using ladders. They also help with braking when moving downslope on a roof.
Heel boots are best when working with ladders and on steep pitches or uneven work terrain. The 90° heel and rugged treads provide excellent stability on these challenging surfaces.
These are highly durable roofing boots with strong ankle support and grip for climbing. But they are also heavier, which means longer break-in periods and more fatigue.
That said, traditional heel boots are the safest and most durable option. They often include extra safety features like steel toes and waterproof membranes. High-end models like the Timberland PRO include deep treads and insulation. The price of roofing heel boots will range from $120 to $250.
Specialty Roofing Boots (e.g., Cougar Paws and KEEN Cincinnati)
These are special roofing shoes made specifically for roofers.
Their key feature is the interchangeable traction pads that allow roofers to work on flat and steep slopes.
Specialty roofing boots are best for steep roofing, synthetic underlayment roofs, and other situations requiring excellent traction.
The shoes are mostly common for their exceptional grip and control. They are, however, very expensive and limited to roofing use.
Specialty roofing boots have a high durability and safety rating with carbon‑toe options available. You can also find versions with electrical hazard protection and heat‑resistant outsoles for tar work.
Their prices range from $150 to $220.
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Best Shoe Recommendations by Job Type
You always want to get the most safety and best performance from your roofing shoes. The problem is that the right footwear for one job type may not be suitable for another.
Here are the top shoes for each type of roofing job:
- Full tear-off crews: Full tear-off jobs generally include a tough worksite with large amounts of debris and nails. Choose the traditional 90°-heel shoes, like the Timberland PRO. They provide enhanced traction, ankle support, and puncture resistance. You can also use them for waterproofing and ladder work.
- Inspectors and sales reps: These jobs don’t require as many safety features. Opt for the lightweight, wedge-sole work boots like the Brunt Marin. It offers grip and comfort for quick roof inspection. Plus, it has traction and support to ensure the roofing pro gets through the roof inspection checklist safely.
- Repair technicians: When it comes to repairs, versatility is key. To improve crew comfort and versatility, consider athletic-style work boots like the KEEN Red Hook. The shoes provide breathability and agility. This makes them the best for quick tasks that require movement on different parts of a roof.
- Multi-pitch roof work: For work conditions involving steep or high-angle roofing, safety is critical. Choose specialty roofing shoes or high-traction, 90°-heel boots, such as the Cougar Paws Performer Roofing Boots or the KEEN Cincinnati.
Matching roofing shoes with job type can help you and your crew members get the most out of your investment.
Care and Maintenance of Roofing Shoes
Proper care and maintenance of roofing shoes extend their lifespan and saves money. It also ensures individual workers’ ongoing safety on the job. Here are four key tips for good care and maintenance of roofing boots:
- Daily cleaning: Clean your shoes daily using a soft brush and mild soap to prevent material buildup that can wear off the boots. Wipe off dirt and debris after each use.
- Inspecting the soles: Regularly check on the treads for any separation or rate of thinning. And replace the outsole or the entire shoe when the grip begins to wear off.
- Waterproofing and aftercare: If exposed to rain or snow, reapply leather conditioner or waterproof sprays to maintain good condition.
- Proper storage: Store your boots in a dry and well-ventilated space. Be sure not to leave them in the open and on work surfaces where extreme temperatures can wear them off.
These steps can help protect your investment. They also ensure the roofing shoes work as they should when you need them.
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Roofing Shoes Make a Difference
Choosing the right shoes for roofing isn’t just about comfort. It’s about safety, efficiency, and protecting your crew from unnecessary risk. The right footwear can prevent slips, falls, and fatigue, helping your team perform at its best no matter the job type or roof conditions.
Just as the right shoes make a difference on the roof, having the right tools and technology can make a difference in running your roofing business. With RoofSnap, you can simplify measurements, improve accuracy, and save time on every project—just like choosing the right boots improves every step your crew takes.
Take the first step toward smarter roofing operations today: sign up for a free RoofSnap trial and see how easy managing your projects can be.
