The challenges that roofers deal with in their jobs are physically demanding.
Extreme heat, steep surfaces, and hazardous debris make roofings a dangerous environment for standard work boots.
Traditional footwear fails to keep roofers safe and comfortable without the necessary grip and ankle support.
To help you choose the proper roofing footwear, we’ve created a list of the top roofing shoes on the market.
By the end, you’ll know how to choose the right pair for your job to keep you safe.
Here’s a quick overview of our best roofing shoes:
Top 10 Roofing Shoes for 2024
If you search online, you’ll find hundreds of roofing shoe options and brands. You could try them one by one and see which one might be the best for you.
But this is time-consuming and tedious.
You can also take the shortcut and dive into our list of top 10 roofing shoes for 2024:
Cougar Paws Performer
Thorogood Crosstrex Waterproof Boot
KEEN Utility Flint II Low Steel Toe
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Tactical Waterproof Boot
Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Moc Toe Boot
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Danner Mountain 600 4.5” Hiking Boot
Timberland PRO Boondock Composite Toe Waterproof Insulated Work Boot
Irish Setter Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Boot
Ever Boots Tank S Work Boot
1. Cougar Paws Performer
These popular, heavy-duty roofing boots prioritize traction and foot protection.
While less flexible and heavier than other roofing shoes, the Cougar Paws are ideal to use on roofs with a pitch of 4/12 or higher.
Key features include:
Breathable inside boot lining
Vented exterior
Durable full-grain leather
Protective finish
The pros:
Reliable traction means less risk of slips and falls
Comfortable enough for extended periods on the roof
High-quality materials ensure durability even with heavy use
The cons:
Lacks waterproofing
Ideal for: Professional roofers who need long-lasting roofing shoes without waterproofing.
Price: $289.47 – $319.99
2. Thorogood Crosstrex Waterproof Boot
Thorogood creates industry-leading footwear for the safety and comfort of their customers.
The Thorogood Crosstrex model includes lightweight black leather and mesh with a safety toe and comfort insole.
Key features include:
Crosstrex 360 outsole
Composite safety toe
Composite shank
Removable single-density polyurethane footbed
The pros:
You’ll be comfortable wearing these shoes even for longer periods
You get BBP waterproofing for rainy conditions
These boots have a slip-resistant outsole for increased safety
The cons:
May feel bulky to some users
Ideal for: Roofers who need reliable waterproofing and comfort.
Price: $110.00 – $115.00
3. KEEN Utility Flint II Low Steel Toe
The Utility Flint II model comes with a highly slip-resistant and waterproof rubber sole.
This electric shock–resistant footwear offers extra protection if the outsole accidentally contacts live electrical circuits.
Key features include:
KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane
Non-mutilating upper to avoid marking or scratching surfaces
Shellback heel support
External stability shank for midfoot support
The pros:
If you accidentally touch live electrical circuits, you have additional protection
Waterproof, breathable membrane
Oil and slip-resistant outsoles
The cons:
May not provide as much ankle support as higher-cut boots
Ideal for: Roofers looking for comfortable and safe footwear without ankle support
Price: $150
4. Merrell Moab 2 Mid Tactical Waterproof Boot
The MOAB 2 Mid Tactical Waterproof Boot is made from waterproof leather and textile upper with M-Select DRY™ to support roofers working in rainy conditions.
Its Kinetic Fit™ Elite footbed with added zonal arch support and heel cushioning improves comfort for extended wear.
Key features include:
Vibram® TC5+ outsole delivers traction on any surface
Waterproof leather and ripstop uppers for the toughest jobs
Footbed KINETIC FIT™ footbed with added zonal arch support and heel cushioning
The pros:
These boots keep your feet dry in case of rain
The zonal arch support and heel cushioning mean higher comfort
You’re safe to walk on various surfaces without slipping or falling
The cons:
No additional protection in case of contact with electric circuits
Ideal for: Roofers who require robust waterproofing and strong ankle support.
Price: $249.99
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5. Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Moc Toe Boot
The Red Wing Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe boot features durable leather and a comfortable cushioned footbed.
Its moc toe design provides extra room and flexibility, while the Goodyear welt construction ensures long-lasting durability.
Key features include:
Full-grain leather
Moc toe design
Goodyear welt construction
Traction outsole
The pros:
These boots are made of high-quality leather, which makes them durable
Due to its Goodyear welt construction, you’ll likely use this pair for many years
The cons:
No additional protection in case of electrical contact
Ideal for: Roofers who seek classic and durable work boots.
Price: $385
6. Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Any roofer who works in rainy conditions will appreciate how waterproof the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is.
Key features include:
ADV-C Chassis for extra ankle support
Contagrip® MA outsole for more control
Soft, breathable lining
GORE-TEX waterproofing to keep feet dry
The pros:
With waterproof features, these boots protect your feet in case of rain
The Advanced Chassis™ feature means more support
You get more comfort and less fatigue with these lightweight boots
The cons:
These boots don’t have advanced insulation for extremely cold weather
Ideal for: If you’re looking for a lightweight, waterproof boot with advanced support, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is for you.
Price: $220
7. Danner Mountain 600 4.5” Hiking Boot
The Danner Mountain 600 4.5” Hiking Boot blends classic style with modern performance.
Key features include:
Full-grain leather upper
Danner Dry™ waterproofing
Vibram® Fuga outsole
Ortholite® footbed
Lightweight construction
The pros:
Made of full-grain leather, these boots will last and give you comfort
Danner Dry™ waterproofing
The cons:
You may need some time to get used to the feel of these boots
Ideal for: Roofers needing durable and waterproof boots.
Price: $280
8. Timberland PRO Boondock Composite Toe Waterproof Insulated Work Boot
The Timberland PRO Boondock Composite Toe Waterproof Insulated Work Boot is engineered for extreme conditions.
These high-top boots combine advanced protection with comfort and warmth to meet a wide range of roofers' needs.
Key features include:
Anti-fatigue technology
Composite safety toe
Non-metallic puncture plate
Premium full-grain waterproof leather
The pros:
The composite toe cap is lighter and non-metallic for greater comfort and safety
With shock-absorbing technology, these boots are ideal for all-day support and comfort
The cons:
Might feel heavier than other roofing boots
Ideal for: Roofers working in cold, wet conditions who prioritize warmth and waterproofing.
Price: $229.99
9. Irish Setter Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Boot
The Irish Setter Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Boot combines rugged durability with advanced waterproof features.
Key features include:
UltraDry Waterproofing technology
Moisture-wicking nylon lining
Steel support shank and heel molded counter
The leather upper features a speed-lacing system and contrast moc-toe stitching
The pros:
With high-quality waterproofing features, these boots are great to use in rainy conditions
The outsole is heat, slip, impact, compression, and electrical-hazard resistant
The cons:
You might feel too warm wearing these boots in mild weather
Ideal for: Roofers prioritizing waterproofing and insulation.
Price: $239.99
10. Ever Boots Tank S Work Boot
Roofers who use the Ever Boots Tank S Work Boot get durability and comfort at a budget-friendly price.
Key features include:
All-day comfort
Supple nubuck with reinforced stitches
Solid foundation
Steel-toe protection
The pros:
These steel-toe shoes offer reliable safety and protection
The cons:
You won’t get advanced cushioning with these boots
Ideal for: Roofers seeking a reliable, safe, and budget-friendly boot.
Price: $129.99
Why Is Choosing the Right Roofing Shoes Important?
With the right roofing shoes on your feet, you are more protected against accidents.
The nature of roofing work exposes you to slippery surfaces and steep roofs, and without specialized footwear, you are at risk of injury.
You can also work more efficiently if you have the comfort of high-quality roofing shoes.
Here are some key benefits of choosing the right shoes for you and your roofing company:
The most crucial function of roofing shoes is to prevent slips and falls. These shoes usually have specialized outsoles with aggressive treads that grip even the slickest surfaces.
Spending hours on a roof can be physically demanding. That’s why roofing shoe providers prioritize comfort with features like cushioned insoles and breathable materials.
The proper footwear can help you work more efficiently. Good traction and support allow you to move confidently and quickly.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Shoes
A well-designed roofing shoe combines several key elements. To find the perfect pair, focus on these factors:
Grip: Keeping your balance when working on a steep pitch roof is key to preventing you from falling. Roofing shoes are usually made of ethylene vinyl acetate rubber, neoprene, or other materials that increase traction.
Impact: What you don’t want to do when walking on a roof is damage it. Roofing shoes have a relatively soft outsole that reduces the chances of damaging roof shingles or other roofing materials.
Comfort and Support: Spending long hours on a roof is physically demanding; your shoes should help. Ensure the shoes fit well and with secure lacing to support your foot.
Breathability: Look for materials like mesh or perforated leather to help keep your feet cool and dry.
Waterproofing: Depending on the climate and weather conditions, you might also need waterproof shoes to protect your feet from rain and snow.
Cost: Depending on how often you want to replace your roofing shoes, you’ll either buy more expensive shoes to last longer or cheaper ones that you know will need regular replacement.
Ultimately, you should find the non-negotiable elements and the ones you can compromise on to choose the right shoes.
Beyond Just Shoes: Streamline your Roofing Business with ServiceTitan
Equipping yourself or your team with the right gear is essential for a successful roofing business.
But the right roofing work shoes are just one piece of the puzzle.
When Guardian Roofing faced challenges typical of the roofing industry, like inefficient operations and difficulty managing growth, the family-owned roofing company turned to ServiceTitan.
ServiceTitan is an all-in-one software platform designed specifically for the trades, including roofing. By leveraging Service Titan’s Marketing Pro, Guardian Roofing took control of its marketing operations and online reputation.
“(Marketing Pro) gives us a really good visual of a lot of our metrics as far as their performance and our return on investment,” Lori Swanson, owner of Guardian Roofing, said. “It's really helpful to know where we're going to spend those marketing dollars.”
When asked about ServiceTitan features, Robert Maier, vice president of Laing Roofing, said these are his favorite:
Tech-friendly mobile app: ServiceTitan’s Field Service App enables technicians to create estimates and manage tasks on the go.
Agile dispatch: Another favorite feature of Guardian Roofing is the platform’s efficient dispatch system, which helps the company quickly adapt to changing weather conditions.
Customer-centric insights: ServiceTitan provides techs with comprehensive customer histories. “Techs can access that customer history and see that we've tried to go out there two or three times, but the weather didn't cooperate,” says Maier. “They know the backstory with the customer and what they've been going through. They're not going in blind.”
Easy membership management: Laing Roofing leverages ServiceTitan to effectively manage its membership program. They manage all their service contracts in one place and automate agreement renewals.
“I can't even imagine going back to pre-ServiceTitan because of how archaic it was and not having real-time information,” says Lori Swanson. “Having to wait until the end of the month to know your metrics is just not scalable. It's really hard to grow that way. You find yourself really reactive.”
With nearly $30 million in revenue generated in 2023, Guardian Roofing ranks among the nation’s top residential roofing companies. The business has expanded significantly, increasing by 200% since 2015.
Back to You
With the information from this guide, you’re well-equipped to choose the right roofing shoes.
You now know that traction, durability, comfort, and waterproofing are some key elements that your pair of roofing shoes should have.
While having the right equipment is essential, efficient business operations are equally important for success.
Roofing apps like Service Titan can streamline your business management and position you at the top of the competitive roofing industry.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, roofing, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and they have increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us.
ServiceTitan Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and has increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us.
