Best Boots For Roofers

A lot of jobs require you to wear personal protective gear and safety boots. However, the roofing industry is among one of the most hard-core industries, and it requires you to not only take care of yourself with the help of personal protective gear, but it also requires you to find the best roofing footwear to protect yourself during the job.

Almost all the contractors and roofing personnel will tell you that it is one of the high-risk jobs in the industry, and roofing requires taking care of yourself with high-quality equipment.

What Is the Roofing Job Like?

As a roofing contractor or a worker, you often have to work outdoors under harsh conditions.

You may have to work during the winter season or summer season, and you will have to endure the harsh cold of the winter or extremely hot weather during the summer season.

Moreover, as the roofer, your job may become even more difficult with constant rainfall or heavy heat strokes. This is why you need to take care of yourself as a roofer, and you need to employ only the best and the latest roofing equipment for your safety.

This includes wearing personal protective gear, such as goggles, and ensuring that you are wearing the latest and the most powerful safety work boots for your roofing job. Powerful footwear can ease your job and take the pressure off from your feet.

What Are the Possible Hazards During a Roofing Project?

As a roofer, I have come across several possible hazards that could have resulted in severe injuries if I hadn’t been wearing proper protective personal gear.

Sometimes, a roof is full of tripping hazards, such as unaddressed debris, leaves, branches, loose tiles, and scattered building materials.

Moreover, as a roofer, my job also included exposure to harsh chemicals that could have easily intoxicated me or harmed me during the project.

This is why I have to wear proper personal protective gear, and I also have to make sure that I have the latest work boots for my roofing projects.

Back in the day, I used to get foot pain all the time, but when I switched to powerful safety work boots, my pain went away, and I was able to carry on my job without worrying about putting any strain on my feet.

As a roofer, you will come across several potential hazards that can easily injure any part of your body, especially your feet.

There are nails lying around that can harm your feet and can cause you to take a leave of absence due to your injury.

Moreover, this injury from nails can also result in something severe if it goes unaddressed, and this is why you need to make sure that you are completely protected with the help of work safety boots.

Another potential hazard during a roofing project is slipping from the roof and falling on your neck. A lot of roofers have fallen from their project sites and have suffered from severe injuries.

This is why the majority of roofers tend to look for non-slip soles on their safety work boots.

You need to have the maximum amount of friction between the sole of your shoes and the site. Therefore, safety work boots can easily help you maintain a powerful grip on the site and complete your roofing job without any troubles.

Another potential hazard during a roofing project is the hot elements and chemicals lying around on the site. This is why you need to get safety work boots that are durable and resistant against the majority of harsh chemicals and hot burning elements.

As a roofer, you have to constantly deal with tar and hot aluminum panels that can easily burn a hole into your boots and hurt your feet.

Therefore, you need to make sure that you are wearing the latest safety work boots that can easily withstand high temperatures and chemicals without breaking apart.

Another important hazard that needs to be mentioned here is the impact of crushes on your toes or in the ankle area.

You may try everything on your end to make sure that your roofing project goes as smoothly as possible, but there have been incidents on these sites, and you need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

One of the worst-case scenarios of working a roofing project is the impact of crushes in the toe on the ankle area, and a lot of people have suffered from major bone crushes during the projects.

This is why you need to wear safety work boots that can offer enough resistance against a heavy impact and protect your fingers and toes without any problems.

How to Choose the Best Pair of Roofing Shoes?


Roofing is not something that you can do without protecting yourself or barefoot. Moreover, OSHA has proper laws that all the roofing personnel must obey, and these laws definitely include wearing proper protective gear and footwear.

You cannot even wear regular street shoes, and you have to make sure that you have the latest safety work boots for your roofing project.

These boots are designed to give you enough power and comfort during the roofing projects, and these boots can easily keep you away from any kind of foot pain and injury at the construction site.

Moreover, these safety boots are also designed to take care of all kinds of temperature and make sure that you do not have to suffer any damage or injury due to extreme temperatures during the project.

These roofing boots are also designed to work on hard and uneven surfaces, and these keep you balanced and offer enough friction with the surface of the site.

Therefore, you can wear these safety boots and get on top of any roof in any season, and these will offer you enough power and grip on the surface that you can easily complete your job without any injuries.

However, you cannot just pick any random safety work boots and use them for your next roofing project.

You need to make sure that these boots offer a wide variety of elements and safety features that are a must-have for roofers. Let’s take a look at some of the elements and factors that you need to consider before purchasing safety shoes for your roofing work.

The Safety Work Boots Should Offer Maximum Grip.

The first and foremost feature that you should look for in your safety work boots is the amount of traction offered by the sole. The majority of the accidents that happen at roofing sites are when the roofer falls off from the site.

This happens because the safety work boots do not offer enough traction with the surface, or they lose their amount of friction over time and due to the daily wear and tear.

This is why you need to make sure that the next safety work boots that you are going to buy offer the maximum amount of traction and friction with the surface.

When you are looking for your next pair of safety work boots, you need to make sure that it offers a solid grip on all surfaces regardless of the material of the surface.

According to the professionals, you need to take a look at the quality of the outsole and make sure that the bottom of your safety work boots is thick enough to offer a maximum grip with the surface.

Moreover, this outsole and the bottom of your safety work boots should be made of a high-quality rubber or a synthetic material that can offer enough traction and friction with the surface.

Another thing that you need to look for is the tread design on the sole of your shoes. The tread design plays a vital role in maintaining traction throughout the project, and it should be thinner than the standard work boots.

The tread design should not offer any deep cutouts or lugs. This way, you will be able to maximize the amount of traction between the roofing material and the sole.

You also need to stay away from tread designs that are either too smooth or offer giant lugs in them.

Another thing you’ll need to look for in the sole of your safety work boots is the quality of the material. If you want to take it a step further, you can check the manufacturer’s instructions and see if they offer a slip-resistant sole design.

Therefore, if you opt for a slip-resistant sole design, these safety work boots will allow you to work on any wet surface without worrying about falling.

There are special grooves present in slip-resistant soles that allow you to redirect the water away from your shoes and allow you to maintain a smooth amount of traction with the surface easily.

You can maximize your foot grip with the surface by opting for a lug free and slip-resistant sole design.

The Safety Work Boots Should Offer a Powerful Shock Resistance.


Did you know that a lot of roofers also suffer from electrocution? This happens due to the complex machinery involved in some of the roofing projects, and you need to make sure that your safety work boots allow enough shock resistance against electricity to protect you from any form of electrocution.

Even if your specific roofing project does not require any electrical machinery, there may be environmental hazards that may offer electrocution issues.

Therefore, you need to make sure that you are buying safety work boots that come with a high amount of shock resistance and can easily withstand electricity without forwarding it to your skin.

Sometimes, you will have to deal with an overhead line that connects to the local power grid. Due to poor weather conditions, you may be at risk for lightning strikes or electrocution due to these overhead lines.

Therefore, shock-resistant safety boots can help you stay away from any sort of electrocution and can also protect your feet by offering shock resistance.

These shock-resistant work boots come with a thick rubber sole that makes sure that none of the electricity is transferred from the ground to your body.

Since rubber is a bad conductor of electricity, it can offer you maximum shock resistance, and you need to look for work shoes that come with a big rubber sole. This way, you will be able to enjoy maximum grip and electricity-resistant work shoes.


The Safety Work Boots Should Offer Maximum Upper Strength.

This is yet another important feature that you need to look for when buying your next safety work boots. As a roofer, you will have to face several work hazards that may result in bone-crushing experiences.

Moreover, some of the roofing materials and equipment is quite heavy and can fall at any time and crush your toes or the ankle area. This is why you need to make sure that your shoes have powerful upper strength and can protect your feet against any form of impact.

Moreover, as a roofer, you will often have to work with abrasive chemicals and materials that will slowly eat away at your boots. The traditional asphalt shingles are extremely rough in nature and are quite similar to sandpaper.

Therefore, constant exposure to such chemicals and materials will eat away at your safety work boots, and you will have to constantly replace your work boots while putting a strain on your financial budget.

Therefore, you need to opt for durable materials like leather to make sure that it will offer maximum resilience against hot elements and abrasive chemicals.

Moreover, leather is also quite powerful and durable and can protect your toes against any impact.

Another benefit of using leather is that it is also a bad conductor of electricity and it can keep you protected from any form of electrocution.

Leather can also withstand high temperatures without melting and can easily help you work with hot or abrasive elements during the roofing project.


The Safety Work Boots Should Offer a Powerful Lacing Method.

You cannot just wear pull-on boots or other fancy shoes when working on your roofing project.

You need to make sure that your safety work boots offer a secure enclosure and a snug fit so that they do not keep falling off every other minute.

This will allow you to keep working on the project without worrying about constantly adjusting your boots.

Therefore, you need to go for safety work boots that offer laces that go all the way to the top, and these shoes should also offer you a snug fit on various points on your foot.

The shoes should also go higher than your ankles, and the laces should go all the way from the top of the tongue to the bottom of your toes.

Moreover, you need to make sure that the laces wouldn’t get too loose as to cause a tripping hazard in your way.

This is why you need to check if the laces are secure and if the enclosure method is powerful enough to last you a few years.


What Are the Best Boots for Roofing?


Now that you understand how to choose your next pair of safety work boots, it is time to look at some of the existing options in the market and see which one will be perfect for your next roofing project.

I understand that you may have to work on different types of roofing projects in the future, and this is why we will take a look at different safety work boots that are suitable for different roofing projects and categories.

These categories will include metal roofing, shingles roofing, waterproof shoes, and tile roofing, among others. Let’s get started.


What Boots Are the Overall Best Work Boots for Roofing?

A roofer’s job is littered with potential safety hazards and requires special footwear. If you ask me, the overall best work boots for roofing would be Wolverine Moc-Toe 6″ Roofing Work Boots For Men.

If you are a Wolverine fan, the name alone should be able to entice you into buying these boots. However, if you want to know more about these safety work boots, you should know that these are currently considered the best overall work boots for roofing projects.

Back in the day, these boots were used by construction workers for their amazing ability to withstand the high impact of construction equipment.

However, in the recent past, a lot of roofers are trying to use these shoes for their roofing projects as these are extremely comfortable and offer high resistance against all forms of shocks.

Moreover, the Wolverine safety work boots also offer a high amount of water resistance with the help of a rubber-based outsole and offer a wedge-style sold that minimizes the number of lugs or cutouts in the sole.

As we have previously discussed, the best type of sole is the one that offers water-resistance and also offers the minimum amount of lugs.

Therefore, this pair of safety work boots is considered amazing and is also extremely lightweight. As a roofer, you can consider this the best work boot for your projects.

If you want to know more about this pair of work boots, you should know that it is available in two different styles: no cap and steel cap. So, if your next roofing project contains a lot of heavy equipment, you should go for the steel cap variation.

On the other hand, if you are going to work with tiles and simple roofing materials, you can simply opt for the no cap option and enjoy maximum comfort without putting any strain on your toes.

This pair of work boots is also amazing when it comes to offering maximum comfort to the toes as it constantly fights against any fatigue and toe pain.

Another thing that might interest you into liking these work boots is that they come with the chukka style lacing system that ensures maximum enclosure and a snug fit. Here is a list of pros for you:

  • Maximum Comfort
  • Padded collars
  • Lightweight
  • Water-resistant Soles
  • Maximum Enclosure
  • Snug Fit

However, here are some cons that you should know:

  • The sizes may be too big.
  • These are not great for running.

What Are the Best Affordable Roofing Shoes?

If you are looking for shoes that will offer you maximum comfort but will not put a strain on your financial budget, then you can choose the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boots.

If you decide to go with these safety work boots, you will get to enjoy a slip-resistant outsole for a higher amount of traction.

Moreover, the upper surface of the shoes is also designed to offer you maximum protection against all kinds of shocks or electrocution problems.

Moreover, these shoes are also designed to be long-lasting and can offer you a high amount of water resistance in all weather.

The quality of the material is also of premium quality, and these shoes will also offer you removable cushioned insoles so that you do not have to worry about your toes hurting.

If you are into fancy shoes, you should know that these shoes come in five different colors.

Here are some pros for you:

  • Slip-resistant outsoles
  • Maximum shock absorption
  • Waterproof
  • Durable Material
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Removable cushioned insoles
  • Five colors available

Here are some cons for these shoes:

  • These shoes make a squeaking noise sometimes.
  • The stitching may get loose due to daily wear and tear.

What Are the Best Boots for Shingle Roofing?

Are you looking for safety work boots for a shingle roofing project? Well, you can easily buy the Original Chippewa Collection Men’s 6-Inch Plain-Toe Boots and stop worrying.

The material used in the construction of these shoes is pretty amazing and durable against the abuse of rough shingles.

This way, you can use these shoes for years to come without worrying about any abrasive chemical or shingles eating away at the sole or the upper surface of the shoes.

Moreover, these safety work boots come with a Vibram sole that is widely popular for its amazing grip with any surface and maximum durability. This way, you can enjoy amazing grip without worrying about any abrasive chemicals or shingles destroying the integrity of your shoes.

Moreover, these also come with an amazing tread design that does not offer too deep cutouts. This will further maximize the amount of grip between the surface and the sole, and allow you to complete any roofing project safely.

The upper surface of these shoes is made from high-quality leather that extends 6 inches upwards from the arch of the shoes. If you want to know about the secure enclosure method of these safety work boots, you should know that these rely on a flat waxed lace mechanism to offer a tight fit to all the users.

The insoles are created from the poron material that is known for its softness and warmth. It will reduce the amount of friction between your skin and the shoes, and will offer you a pain-free experience.

Here are some pros for these safety work boots:

  • Soft insoles
  • Durable Outsoles that will not react with abrasive materials
  • Powerful and durable material
  • Stung enclosure mechanism

Here are some cons that you should know:

  • It may be expensive for some roofers.
  • Only offer neutral tones.

What Are the Best Boots for Metal Roofing?

The Thorogood American Heritage Lace-to-Toe Roofer Boots will offer you the best experience when working with metal roofing projects.

These boots are designed to offer you a snug fit and a steady grip with any surface, especially when you are working with a metal roofing project.

Previously, these boots were used by construction workers to work with slippery surfaces, but roofers have been using these boots for working with the metal roofing projects.

One of the best things about using these safety work boots is that they offer a practical lacing system with metal eyelets and hooks that ensure a secure grip and enclosure for all surfaces without any problems.

You will not have to worry about constantly adjusting your shoes as the lacing mechanism will ensure that the shoes stay in a single place throughout the duration.

Another important benefit of using these shoes is that they come with maximum durability with the help of seam reinforcement rivets. These rivets are designed to offer you shock-resistance and impact-resistance against a variety of heavy equipment.

If you want to know more about the benefits of these shoes, you should know that these come with a slip-resistant outsole that further maximizes the amount of traction between the surface and your sole.

Therefore, you can work on your next metal roofing project without worrying about slipping from the roof. The insoles are created from the poron material that offers a comfortable experience for your roofing requirements.

Here are some pros for these safety work boots:

  • 100% leather material
  • Synthetic sole for maximum grip
  • Removable insole for maximum comfort
  • Dual-density comfort cushion made from poron
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Slip-resistant outsole

Here are some cons to these safety work boots:

  • May give you blisters
  • May be expensive
  • May feel hard around the ankle area

What Are the Best Waterproof Roofing Boots?

Are you looking for waterproof roofing boots to work in adverse weather conditions? Well, the Carhartt Men’s 6″ Energy Black Waterproof Composite Toe CME6351 Industrial Boots may be perfect for you.

There may be times when a roofer has to work in adverse conditions and has to face heavy rainfall during the routing project. Therefore, you need to equip yourself with the best waterproof roofing shoes to work in such conditions, and these shoes from Carhartt are perfect for such conditions.

These shoes are designed to be extremely durable and offer the maximum amount of traction even in water. The outsole is created from a durable rubber material that offers the minimum amount of lugs, therefore, increasing the water resistance level of these shoes.

The arch of the shoes is also hardened in order to offer maximum ankle protection against any impacts. Moreover, the outsole is fitted with an advanced footbed that serves as a storm defender in any adverse weather conditions.

Here are some pros for these safety work boots:

  • Durable leather material
  • Advanced footbed with rubber sole
  • Prevention against electrocution
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Storm defender mechanism
  • Completely waterproof
  • Maximum breathability

Here are some cons associated with these shoes:

  • It may take some time to break in.
  • May feel a little tight around the ankle area.

What Are the Best Shoes for Tile Roofing?

Is your next project related to tile roofing? Well, check out the Timberland Men’s Barstow Wedge Work & Roofing Boots as your loyal companion for this job.

These boots come with 100% leather material and also offer a rubber insole and outsole for maximum comfort and grip during the tiling project.

Moreover, this pair of safety work boots also come with an anti-fatigue technology that is designed to keep your feet away from any kind of pain and keep you fresh and healthy all day long.

You may find these boots to be a little heavier than other roofing work boots, but this is the reason these work boots offer a maximum grip with the tiles and other material required for tile roofing.

Here are some pros for these safety work boots:

  • 100% Leather Material
  • Rubber Insole and Outsole
  • Anti-Fatigue Technology
  • Maximum Grip with Smooth Tiles

Here are some cons of using these safety work boots:

  • The sizes may be too small.
  • The shoes may be too heavy.
  • The soles will wear out when exposed to aggressive chemicals.

What Are the Best Boots for Framers?

KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boots are hands-down the best safety work boots for framers right now.

These steel toe work boots offer a perfect fit for all your framing requirements and offer maximum protection against all kinds of shocks. Moreover, these shoes are also extremely waterproof and breathable, which allows you to enjoy the maximum amount of comfort for your feet.

You will not have to worry about placing any strain on your toes all day long as the insole is created from a soft material. These safety work boots are also designed for mid-foot support and come with the Dri-Lex footwear lining that offers the maximum level of comfort for long hours of the project.

Here are some of the pros of these shoes:

  • Durable material
  • Protective Steel toes
  • Waterproof
  • Breathable material
  • Comfortable for long hours

Here are some of the cons for using the safety boots

  • The toe area may be too narrow.
  • The sizes may be too small.

What Is the Bottom Line Here?

As humans, we do not offer care for the things that we take for granted. Our body is one such example as the majority of people do not pay any special attention to taking care of themselves during any projects.

However, as a roofer, you need to make sure that you are constantly protected with the help of personal protective gear and safety work boots.

These safety work boots will maximize your level of productivity and will also offer you an enhanced level of safety during your roofing project.

You can keep yourself from getting electrocuted, or you can protect your toes against all impacts by wearing safety work boots. I have listed all the different kinds and categories of safety work boots for different roofing projects.

Moreover, I’ve also listed all the elemental factors that you need to consider before buying your next pair of safety work boots. The final choice will depend on your personal preferences and job requirements. Good luck!

You May Also Like

About the Author: Jon Walker