Top 10 Best Shoes For Roofing – Reviews & Top Picks

Unlike other jobs, roofing is scary, dangerous, and life-threatening. Because of the nature of the job, workers who climb on rooftops need to stay vigil when they choose their work boots. You know that very few people if any, that have slipped from the roof have survived. That tells you how important the choice of roofing boots is.

The good thing is, now than any other time in the history of man, manufacturers know what their clients want. As such, they have produced boots that guarantee you safe roofing. One of these boots is the 6-inch Irish Setter Men’s Work Boot. Apart from the obvious non-slip rubber outsole, the boot has a decent color.

The EVA outsole is heat-resistant, which makes it possible for you to work even in extremely hot conditions. You will love the shoes because the upper leather allows your feet to breath and does not allow water to penetrate. Besides, the boot has an electrical hazard that protects you from an electrical shock in case of a malfunction. Interestingly, Irish Setter is not the only boot you can invest in. This article delves into several other roofing boots you can choose.

1. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Lace-To-Toe Roofer Boots

When you read that Thorogood Roofer Boot has a synthetic sole, you may mistakably think is a non-performer. A keen look at the boot reveals rich details that you wouldn’t know otherwise.

For instance, the boot has a Tobacco Gladiator color. This shade of color is only available in a handful of work boots. The other interesting thing about the boot is the top. Made from genuine leather, the top does not allow water to penetrate to hit your feet. As you well know, if water doe not reach your feet, they stay dry throughout your work. In the end, there is no stuffy smell or wetness.

A thick hem at the toe box ensures the durability of the boot and the comfort of your toes. Thorogood has a shaft that measures 5.3 inches. With this height, you are sure your arch has sufficient support. The boots have a removable insole. This is good news for those that suffer from occasional or perennial foot pain. Because the insole is removable, it is easy to replace it with an orthotic sole that provides footbed comfort.

You will not regret spending your money on this boot because it will keep your feet warm, dry, and you won’t fall. You need to
beware of the boot’s weight. If you occasionally suffer for footbed pain, this is the right roofing boot for you.

2. King Rocks Men’s Moc Toe Construction Work Boot

King Rocks is a brown boot, a color anyone can associate with construction work. However, many roofers fall for this boot because of the service it gives them. To start with, the boot is built with pitstop, a premium water-repellent material that allows the wearer to use the boot even if it is raining.

The mesh lining on the boot is another ingenious way the manufacturer makes it possible to balance the temperature inside the shoe. Speaking of balancing the temperature, while the upper is waterproof, it would be possible to make the interior of the boot stuffy.

But that is not the case.

Thanks to the mesh lining, your feet will always stay fresh, warm, and aerated. A cream colored wedge outsole makes the shoe not only look beautiful but also the ideal boot for roofing. One main thing this boot stands out is the wedged outsole does not leave marks on any surface the wearer steps on. At the back of the boot’s shaft, there is extra seamed leather that acts as a hook. You can use the leather hook when storing the boot. That way, the boot stays dry until it is time to use it again.

Above all, if you are on a budget, this is the boot you need to look for. It does not leave markings on any surface, leaves your feet dry, you can find your size, and you cannot complain about the color.

3. Irish Setter Men’s 6-Inch 83605 Work Boot

What else would you need if you get a roofing boot built from 100% leather upper and a non-slip rubber sole? From the arch upwards, the shaft measures some 5.5 inches, giving the wearer excellent arch support.

The heel of this boot measures 1.5 inches. Not many roofing work boots come with this measurement.

A heat-resistant outsole makes this boot one of the highly-ordered roofing boots today. But why? When working on the rooftop, it usually gets hotter especially if you work during summer or are stepping on a surface that attracts heat.

Irish Setter has an electrical hazard. Out of the many boots, it is a good thing to mention that the boot’s EH safety standards meet the regulations set by ASTM F2413-11. The interior lining is made from non-woven nylon, which explains why you will always feel warm when wearing the boot. As it were, nylon does not allow much air to escape. As such, the boot will retain whatever little warmth that is ideal for the feet.

There is no doubt you have suffered an electrical shock in your roofing work. Since not many boots come with ability, this alone is reason enough to grab the boots. They will keep your feet warm, offer your nice traction and provide your arch with excellent support. Don’t worry about the price. Look at the value.

4. EVER BOOTS Ultra Dry Men’s Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots

One of the affordable yet durable roofing boots you will find is EVER BOOTS that puts itself above its peers as the most insulated and waterproof work boots.

Currently, the boot sells at a discounted price thus helping you save many bucks. The boot has a fitting expectancy of more than 84%. With this fitting ratio, it means many contractors who purchase this work boot find it fitting. Only a meager percentage doesn’t find their size.

With a copper color, leather upper, and a rubber sole, the boot provides you with exceptional value on the following areas:

First, the color is brilliant and good-looking. Anybody can fall for the color even if they are not the color type. The leather top ensures no water penetrates to reach your feet when working on the roof. Thirdly, the rubber outsole is non-slip. This means no matter what happens; you are not going to fall.

The midsole is made from a highly-comfortable and durable PU material and the boot is fitted with back loop and speedy hooks that are ideal for any construction work.

The fitting expectancy, the price, non-slip, waterproof, and anti-fatigue abilities are big scores on this boot. You should, however, know that it will take you long to finally enjoy the boot’s interior comfort.

5. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

Although in part, it is titled ‘hiking shoe’, this is another boot from Merrell you can trust in your roofing work. First, it is about how many people find it fitting. A whopping 89% find the boot suitable after purchasing the right size.

The other thing you are going to love about this boot is its top. It is designed from a mix of mesh and suede leather that does let water penetrate.

With a synthetic sole, you may think that you will fall from the roof. On the contrary! Whether it is hot or cold, Vent Hiking shoe holds to its position. It is even best when it is warm or hot. The boot becomes more slip-resistant on warmer roofs than cold ones.

It is available in a variety of colors and shades. Some of the colors you can choose from include Navy, Earth, Olive Blue, Brindle, Castle Rock, Dusty Olive, Black; Walnut, and Beluga among others.

The tongue of this boot takes the form of a closed-cell, meaning the moisture inside the boot does not get a chance to escape.

On top of the synthetic sole, a Vibram TC5+ outsole increases the boot’s non-resistant performance.

The toe box and toecap have an additional thick rubber to enhance toe protection.

If you want to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable until you finish your work, this is the boot. Your toes will be safe too. But, you need to wear heavy socks to avoid blisters.

6. Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedge Work Boot

If you have bought boots for work, you know Timberland. The brand has been in the market for a long time that it is easy to think that all boots are similar. What you need to know, however, is some boots have elevated features than others.

For instance, Timberland PRO Barstow’s shaft and heel measure 5.5 inches and 1.5 inches respectively. With these measurements, you can start to see that the boot will provide excellent arch and heel support.

Unlike most of its peers that come with leather upper and a rubber sole, just like itself, the boot has an additional anti-fatigue ability. This is where it distances itself from the group. With an anti-fatigue feature alone, you are certain you are not going to visit a doctor or a foot surgeon even if you use the boots throughout your life.

You cannot question Timberland Barstow Wedge Boot’s craftsmanship. Besides, the footwear’s ability to guard water against reaching your feet and its capability to withstand several hours of intense work on the roof makes it the best roofing boot.

The other feather you can identify this boot with is an electrical hazard protector. Timberland PRO Barstow will not allow electric shocks that are as a result of faulty wiring or an electrical malfunction hit you.

Having a soft toecap is one of the things that many work boots lack. Thankfully, Timberland Barstow features a soft toecap and toe box area.

Apart from the few setbacks such as the unraveling of the top seam, you will love the fact that the boot will protect you against an electric shock.

7. KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot

With a handful of colors to choose from, KEEN Utility with an imported nubuck leather top and a rubber sole will give you the service you need as a roofing boot.

The boot’s shaft measures 5 inches, something that assures you of arch support. The steel toes have an asymmetrical design, which explains the reason many find this footwear ideal for roofing.

One good thing about the asymmetrical design you should know is it makes it possible for your toes to stay dry thanks to the wider distance between the big and the little toes. This technology also helps in the right spacing of the other toes.

Although the nubuck leather is waterproof, something that may denote a stuffy interior that is not the case. The membrane also comes with breathable ability, making it easy for your feet to stay dry, warm but without bad odor.

The toe box features a molded and reinforced compartment that plays a big role in guarding your toes and feet in general against any abrasion, mild impact, and falling objects such as debris, which is a norm in any construction work.

Because of its heel height, quality of the upper leather, and the rubber outer sole, KEEN Utility is versatile and provides stability when climbing or descending from the roof.

For those who have a challenge with paining toes when wearing tight shoes, this is the remedy. The boot will make you forget feet fatigue and pain. Beware of its weight.

8. Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6-Inch Boot

A few good things stand out about this roofing boot. The first thing is the availability of a handful of colors and shades to choose from. Some of the colors you can settle on include Black Harness, Tan, Oro Legacy, Or-russet Portage, Charcoal Rough and Tough, Briar Oil Slick, and the Brown trademark.

The other good thing about the boot is that it is made from USA’s imported leather extra-ordinary leather that assures you of durability. You will also appreciate the boot’s high shaft. Raised at 5.75 inches, the shaft helps those who struggle with paining arches.

Boot opening measures some 6 inches. With this spacious opening, you will not have a problem wearing the boot. This feature is also a plus to construction workers with wide feet. Wearing the boot is also made easy and fast thanks to the generous opening and inserting space.

The platform and the heel measure 0.75 inches and 1 inch respectively.

If you look at the boot’s outsole, you will agree that the manufacturer intends the boot to be used beyond the roofing or construction work. It has a rugged look, is thick but maintains a casual style.

Pros

Do you want to take care of your fallen arch? This is the right boot. With a 5.8” shaft, you are sorted. You can wear them when walking because it is stain resistant and dries up fast. If you have a small and narrow foot, you might reconsider your choice.

Factors To Consider When Buying Roofing Boots

Unlike most other jobs that do not require you to work from an elevated position or need you to climb, roofing is hectic. It is so dangerous that many construction workers who took it lightly have lost their lives. Nonetheless, you can protect your life by picking the best shoe for roofing from the list above.

The work of choosing the right roofing boot may sound easy to many people, but, if you have bought a few pairs in the past, you probably know how daunting it can get. Why can a seemingly easy thing be a daunting task? One of the reasons is most of the boots in the market have similar features.

To get the ideal roofing boot that beats them all and still serve the intended purpose is thus not an easy thing. Thankfully, you are here. This buyer’s guide delves into intricate and delicate things that you must put into mind before you press the ‘Add to Cart’ button on your computer screen.

Here are a few yet important things you should look at:

Overall Material (s)

A shoe’s durability depends on many things. Most of the points in this write-up add to the durability of a roofing boot. However, you will agree that often, you will be attracted to the way the shoe looks.

The material used to make the major part of the boot will determine whether the shoe is ideal for roofing or not. There are four main materials manufacturers use to produce roofing boots. These four materials differ greatly from one another.

Leather – so far, leather is the most preferred material for many types of footwear. The material is durable, easy to maintain, and offers the best flexibility. When taken care of, genuine leather can stay for many years. It is not easy to puncture a roofing boot made from 100% leather.

The other good thing about leather is it is breathable, waterproof, and provides warmth to your feet whenever needed. Many leather boots come in different colors to choose from.

Suede – suede is also a quality material. This material is not very different from leather. Perhaps, the main difference is how to handle it. Suede has a special way to clean it. You have to use designated suede to make sure the boot stays in its proper form and is attractive.

Do not confuse. This type of suede is not the smooth type. Rather, it is rough, making it ideal for construction work. Therefore, you are assured of a firm grip whenever you are kneeling on the roof.

Fabric – this is a cloth. Many soldiers’ boots are made of this material. One of the best things about this material is it is lightweight. Besides, when the laces are properly tied, you will walk and work without the fear or the boot coming out of the foot.

Canvas – with plenty of room and ability for your feet to breathe, canvas places itself among the materials you can trust when looking for roofing shoes. The only setback with this material is when it comes to falling objects. Any object whether light or heavy will hit you and smash your toes. The material also is likely to wear out quickly compared to the other three.

Outsole

Many would agree that a shoe is determined by its outsole. Well, that is true. Although you need to look at other factors, you probably know that the shoe sole is of utmost importance. This is especially because you are working on the roof. Your walking ground is the roof of your clients.

For your safety, you specifically need a type of outsole that is 100% non-slip. The sole should have a secure grip. Because tennis and skateboarding shoes are known for their excellent slip resistance, many contractors who work on the roof opt for them.

You may not go for a tennis shoe for your roofing work but if you choose a shoe with the excellent ground or roof traction, you are sure of doing your work without fail.

Although non-slip ability is the most important part of the outsole of a roofing boot, it is not the only thing to check on the outsole. A sole that leaves marks on the roof is not the right one. look for a light outsole, 100% non-slip, can withstand the heat of the roof if it is summer, and does not leave marks on any surface you step on.

 Support

The roofing boot you decide to purchase must come with proper support. The human foot needs support on three major parts namely the heel, the arch, and the footbed. In each of these areas, a premium roofing shoe will ensure you are comfortable and pain-free even if you work for several hours.

Quality roofing boots have high shanks to offer your arch proper protection. While it is good to shop for boots with high shanks, going for 5.6” and above would be extreme. The average height is 5-5.5”.At this height, you will be comfortable even if you have fallen arches.

Equally, the heel should also be slightly raised. Conventionally, flat shoes are always the best, but it is not the case with roofing boots. Besides, many people do not have flat feet. A slightly raised heel is more stable than flat roofing boot.

A good roofing shoe must have a thick and cushioned footbed. Whether the boot has a permanent or removable insole, it should be sufficiently padded to provide your footbed with comfortable and pain-free exercise.

Also, the back of the boot, at the shank, should be padded. A thick layer of cushioning goes a long way in providing the needed support especially for those who kneel or stand for many hours on the roof.

Hazard Protection

Like any construction boot, quality roofing shoes must have hazard protectors. Also called electrical hazard protector or EHP, the feature guards the construction worker against any electric faults.

By installing an electric hazard protector, the boot becomes different from other shoes such as running shoes, hiking, shoes or even shoes for playing tennis, which do not have anything to do with electricity.

Steel Toe

The safety of your toes is imperative. Because the nature of the job requires that you cross from one place of the roof to the other and at times climb down and up, you need to guard your toes. Falling objects such as steel metals, nails, stones, and even rubble mar many construction sites.

A steel toe, which is usually inserted inside the roofing boot’s toe box is all you need to ensure the safety of your toes. It is not easy to know whether a roofing boot has a steel toe because it usually lies between the inner part of the toe box and the upper leather. However, some manufacturers indicate on the package.

Other things you can consider before making the final decision include comfort, fit, weight, and any other additional features such as steel shanks and composite shanks that help you gain stability when standing on the roof.

Conclusion

After looking at those five broader factors, you are now better placed to choose the best shoes for roofing. While spending your hard-earned money on a quality roofing boot is a good thing, it will be a loss if you do not know how to clean and maintain a roofing shoe. Your roofing boot should be clean and dry all the time for it to stay and serve you for longer.