Top 7 Best Work Boots for Roofers and Roofing Work

Many jobs require workers to know where they step. However, there is probably no other job that requires as much cautious stepping as roofing.

Roofers (workers installing or repairing roofing) have to be very cautious and to observe safety rules when working. Roofers who are not careful and do not observe safety rules sometimes fall and get life-threatening injuries.

One of the most important safety rules for roofers is – always wear the right work boots for roofers before climbing onto any roof. Because failure to do so can result in slipping and falling.

In this post, we’re going to share with you a list of the best work boots for roofing. These are boots that are super comfortable and provide great support and stability.

They also offer great toe and ankle protection. By purchasing and wearing one of these boots to work, your feet will be comfortable and your chances of slipping and falling will reduce significantly.

What Are the Hazards of Roofing?

The hazards of roofing are many. A slippery roof, a steep slope, loose shingles, small stones, and/ or leaves can cause you to slip or trip and fall of a roof. This can lead to very bad consequences if the roof is high off the ground. And it is the reason why you should invest in a great pair of work boots for roofers before you climb onto a roof.

A great pair that is engineered for roofers can give you everything you need for a safe and comfortable working experience. Remember, wearing a great pair of roofer boots is not a guarantee that you will never fall. However, it will make it harder for you to slip or trip and fall.

Top 7 The Best Work Boots for Roofers Reviews In 2023

1. Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot

This is the first work boot for roofing in this list. It is an American-made heavy-duty work boot that is perfect for roofing and other construction jobs. It is the work boot I would recommend to any friend looking for a boot that offers excellent support and protection. Any worker would be impressed to wear this pair of boots.

Many people unknowingly wear casual boots to work. This is not right because casual boots or shoes do not provide the required protection. While this Red Wing Moc boot looks stylish and casual, it is not a casual boot. It is specifically made for work. How do I know this? Because it has a heavy-duty design and because it provides both ankle and foot protection.

As roofer, you will love the protection this boot provides because it will make you to focus on your tasks confidently. You will also love the fact that the leather upper of this boot is breathable. This makes it comfortable to wear even for more than six or seven ours. It also makes this boot more flexible.

The thing you will love the most about this Red Wing boot is the fact that it has a special rubber outsole that provides brilliant traction. This will help you stay stable and safe on most roofing surfaces.

The only thing you may not like about this boot is its price. It is somewhat costly.

PROS

• American-made 100 percent leather work boot
• Very breathable and durable
• Provides both ankle and foot protection
• Comfortable for many hours even with thick socks
• Provides magnificent traction
• Available in many neutral colors

CONS

• Somewhat expensive
• Sizes run a bit small

This work boot is considered to be among the highest rated roofing boots despite its sizes running a bit small. It provides good traction, great comfort, and great durability.

2. Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Work Boot

This Timberland PRO model is engineered to provide maximum comfort to all workers doing hard physical work. It is suitable for roofers and for many other types of construction workers. The boot is built using genuine leather. This makes it super durable. However, this comes at a cost – the genuine leather requires breaking in. So you will need to wear this boot a number of times before it becomes fully comfortable for you.

Besides making this Timberland boot durable, the leather also makes it protective. This is because it is thick and tough. It is so sturdy it will make you feel well protected when you walk in it.

Unlike many boots, this boot boasts a composite toe box. This provides brilliant toe protection without making the boot heavier than necessary.

Just like many Timberland work boots, this shoe comes with anti-fatigue tech. This tech is important because it delays fatigue. So if your work as a roofer often involves you being on your feet for many hours, this boot will enable you to work through the hours like you are some sort of genetic freak.

It also comes with a shock-absorbing midsole. This will make your feet happy and prevent sore feet at the end of the work day.

Lastly, its collar is padded for additional comfort.

Like most Timberland PRO boots, this boot is expensive. However, if you are a looking for a good quality boot, it is the one you should get.

PROS

• Considered to be among the top of the line work boots for roofing
• Anti-fatigue and anti-odor technology
• Durable high-traction outsole
• Lightweight, sturdy, and waterproof

CONS

• Somewhat expensive compared to ordinary work boots

Despite its high price, this is one of the most comfortable boots for roofing.

3. KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot

The KEEN Utility Milwaukee 6-inch boot is one of the toughest work boots for tough work environments. It is built using quality leather and an abrasion-resistant outsole. This makes it a tough and long-lasting boot that is perfect for use in the maintenance industry, construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

The Milwaukee boot is available in many sizes and colors. According to the manufacturer, the boot is engineered for maximum usability. This is evident in how comfortable it is, its long protective shaft, and its high-traction outsole.

Unlike many work boots, this boot comes with locking lace hooks. These hooks make it fit more securely around the foot. This makes it a more stable work boot, which is exactly the kind of boot you should wear when you want to do roofing work.

To make this boot comfortable, the manufacturer added a dual-density cushioning footbed. It works really well and it will ensure you do not experience any soreness during your work day.

The only thing that is not really perfect about this boot is its weight. It is somewhat heavy. But this is understandable as most heavy-duty boots are relatively heavy.

Any list that mentions or reviews the best boots for roofing is incomplete without this pair of boots from Wolverine. Known as the Overpass Work Boots, these boots from Wolverine must feature in every top rated roofing boots list because they feature advanced technologies that provide comfort, support, and flexibility.

Therefore, if you want a work boot that will feel comfortable and provide you with support and flexibility, you now know exactly what to buy.

In addition to being supportive and comfortable, this boot is very durable. It is a boot that will serve you well for many months even if you wear it daily.

Most boots that are durable are often not very breathable because they are made of pure leather. However, this one is different. It is different because it is not made of leather alone but of a combination of leather and textile materials. This makes it very breathable compared to purely leather boots.

It is very unlikely that your feet will get very hot, sweaty and uncomfortable when you wear this boot even in hot weather.

This pair of Wolverine boots comes with a carbon toe box that offers great toe protection. Underneath, it features a rubber outsole that is well-treaded to provide excellent traction even on naturally slippery roofs such as metal roofs.

The one thing I know you will not like about this boot is the fact that it is quite costly. However, if you think of it as an investment in a protective, comfortable, and durable boot, you will not mind its price.

PROS

• Among the top roofing work boots
• Durable and breathable at the same time
• Features innovative technologies for comfort
• Provides great arch and ankle support
• Waterproof and provides superior traction

CONS

• Costs good money

Wolverine really put a lot of effort in making this boot as comfortable, as protective and as supportive as possible. It is one of the best work boots I have ever seen.

4. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe, MAXwear Wedge Non-Safety Toe Boot

Thorogood has been making quality industrial footwear for the longest time. The American company is particularly known for its innovative work shoes perfect for men working in the construction industry and for contractors.

Because Thorogood has been making boots for long, they have over the years become better and better at making more comfortable boots. The Thorogood American Heritage Moc Work boot is definitely evidence of how far they have come in terms of progressively making their boots better. This is because it is a special boot that offers superior comfort.

It is so comfortable that when you wear it you would think you are wearing a good sneaker.

One of the most unique things about this boot is its sole. The sole has the wedge design that not only provides good arch support but also makes it stylish. The sole is made of a material that makes it long-lasting and provides protection from underneath.

The sole also happens to be slip-resistant and oil-resistant. Therefore, the risk of slipping or falling while wearing it is very low. This safe boot also provides to protection.

The one thing you may not like about the sole of this shoe is that it squeaks especially when it is new.

PROS

• High traction footwear for roofers
• Slip and oil resistant
• Provides shock absorption
• Has a safety toe and removable footbeds
• Available in many colors
• Waterproof and very durable
• Has electrical hazard protection

CONS

• It is expensive

Despite being expensive, this American-made boot is perfect for construction work. It can help to do just about any work. Its design also makes it one of the good hiking boots for roofing.

5. Irish Setter Men’s 6″ 83605 Work Boot

This Irish Setter work boot is not very popular like most of the other boots I have reviewed in this list. However, this does not mean it is any less suitable compared to the other boots. In my opinion, this is a work boot that is seriously underrated. I say this because I believe it is perfectly suited for individuals looking for super tough and super durable work boots.

The best thing about this work shoe is how it is constructed. The manufacturer built it to last for a long time. This is evidenced by the fact that it is built using superior quality leather. It is also evidenced by the fact that it is double stitched in strategic places.

The second thing about this boot is its rubber sole. This sole offers good traction making it great for roofers. This rubber sole is complemented by a PU footbed. These two things make walking and working in this boot to be a comfortable experience.

The third thing about this boot is how safe it is. It is has a tall shaft for ankle protection, a special sole for electric hazard protection, and a special outsole for heat protection.

The only thing that this boot is missing is toe protection. It could have been nice if the manufacturer added a steel or composite toe box for great toe protection.

PROS

• Among the excellent boots for metal roofing
• Waterproof, double-stitched and durable boot
• Comfortable with PU footbed
• Heat and electric shock resistant outsole

CONS

• No steel toe protection
• Somewhat difficult to clean

If you are looking for a good work boot that will serve you for a long time, look no further than this boot.

6. Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boot

For over 100 years, Danner has been manufacturing superior quality work boots. The company’s boots are best known for being stylish, protective, and very durable. This particular Men’s Bull Run boot is a stylish Moc toe boot that is extremely protective. It is perfect for roofers and other construction workers.

What stands out the most about this Danner boot, in my opinion, is its design. The design of the boot is very aesthetically pleasing. It makes this work boot perfect for casual use. The design is also very comfortable. It makes this boot to feel comfy throughout the workday.

This boot is comfortable because it is made of a leather material that is both durable and supple. The suppleness of the leather material used also makes it flexible. So if you want a boot that will allow your feet to move naturally without any inflexibility, this is the boot to purchase.

If you examine this boot carefully, you will find notice that its toe box is wide and spacious. This is not normally the case in many work boots. The wideness and spaciousness of the toe box in this boot will many your toes feel roomy and comfy.

Unlike a number of the boots I have included in this list of highest quality roofers boots, this one is pretty cheap. So if you are looking for a safe and comfortable work boot to wear, you should strongly consider this Danner boot.

While this boot is top quality, it does come with two minor flaws – it does not have a steel toe and it takes some time to break in.

PROS

• Well-made boot constructed with top materials
• Very comfortable and very durable
• Provides great traction and support
• Provides protection against electrical shocks
• Can be re-crafted

CONS

• Takes some time to break in
• Does not come with steel toe protection

This is a great boot by all accounts. It is perfect for roofer looking for a good boot. Only construction workers who need steel toe protection should not get it.

7. XTRATUF Performance Series 6″ Men’s Full Rubber Ankle Deck Boots

Roofers who want to enhance their performance at work should get this boot from XTRATUF. This is because the kind of comfort, support, traction, and protection this boot provides is sufficient to make anyone to fully focus on their job without any distraction.

This boot is perfect for work whether the work environment is humid, cold, hot, or rainy. This is because it is built to handle these conditions.

According to various reviews by individuals who have worn this boot, it is a high-performance boot. It boasts a slip-resistant and non-marking outsole that provides excellent traction. This is what makes it a high performance boot because it makes it provide great stability.

Unlike most of the boots I have reviewed above, this one is very easy to wear because it has pull-on loops.

Moreover, also unlike most of the boots above, this XTRATUF boot is very breathable. It also comes with an antimicrobial liner that prevents foot odor. In other words, this boot promotes cooling and prevent stinking.

The only thing you may not like about this boot is how difficult it is to clean mud off its tread patterns.

PROS

• Among the great boots for shingle roofing
• Waterproof and durable work boot
• Provides great slip resistance
• Easy to wear and to remove
• Breathable and anti-odor
• Improves performance

CONS

• Has an outsole that is not the easiest to clean

Despite not being very easy to clean, this is one of the few high performance work boots that is perfect for roofing work.

What Kind Of Work Boots Are Good for Roofers?

Several kind of work boots are perfect for roofing work. The best ones are those that are comfortable, have excellent traction, and provide good ankle support.

Roofing boots need to be comfortable. Because it is very difficult for someone to work in a boot that is not comfortable. This is especially true if the person is working in a highly risky work environment such as on top of a roof.

Roofing boots need to have excellent traction. This is because when working on top of a roof, especially one that is slippery e.g. a metal roof, you need to have shoes that will grip the top surface of the roof and make slipping and falling less likely.

Lastly, roofing boots need to provide good ankle support. Because without ankle support, walking on non-flat roofs becomes much more dangerous.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Roofing Work Boots?

When shopping for roofing boots, you should take the factors below into consideration.

Traction

This is probably the most important thing you need to consider. Because a boot without good or excellent traction is not a good work boot for roofers. The very best work boots for roofers have got good traction to prevent you from slipping easily and losing your balance or falling.

Boot material

Many work boots on the market are made of mesh, canvas, and synthetic nylon. These boots are not perfect for roofing work because they are not very durable or protective. The highest-quality work boots for roofing are made of either suede leather or full-grain leather. These two materials are flexible, breathable, protective, and durable.

Comfort

Roofers often climb and stay on roofs for many hours. Sometimes they stay on roofs for ten hours or more. Because of this, it is important for them to always wear a very comfortable work boot. Those who do not wear a boot that provides extreme comfort often end up with sore feet at the end of the day. Therefore, when buying a work boot for roofing work, you should make sure it is maximally comfortable.

Lacing closure system

A boot that has any other closure system that is not lacing is not a good roofing boot. This is because there is a need to ensure the boot you wear to do roof work fits securely and tightly around the foot and the ankle. Because if it doesn’t, it will bring about instability and this could cost you greatly.

Features of a Good Roofing Construction Work Boot

How do you know you have found a good roofing work boot? You check if it has the following features.

A good roofing boot is one that:

• Has laces for a snug and secure fit
• Has good traction for stability and good balance
• Is not too heavy to cause damage
• Provides great ankle support
• Provides extreme comfort for extended work shifts
• Provides toe protection (not necessary but required by some employers)
• Is breathable and insulated at the same time

A boot that does not have all the above features will not be good enough for roofing work. For example, if it does not have laces (it is a pull on boot), you will not be able to fit it securely around your feet and this could affect your stability and balance. And we all know the last place you want to lose your balance is when you are on top of a 10 feet or 15 feet high roof.

Probably the two most important features a boot must have to be considered a roofing boot are – excellent comfort and excellent traction. A work boot that is not comfortable will cause sore feet at the end of the day because roofing work usually takes a lot of time.

Since roofing tasks typically take a lot of time, it is important to ensure that the boot you wear is extremely comfortable. If it is not, your feet are going to end up sore at the end of the day and you could develop injuries.

You also need to ensure that the boot you purchase provides good traction. Because a boot that provides good traction will ensure your steps are stable and will reduce your likelihood of slipping and falling.                                                            

Safety Measures Before You Climb on a Roof

It is important to follow all the set safety measures before you climb on a roof to do roofing work. This is because roofing is a dangerous job and, therefore, following established safety protocols is important. Failure to do so can result in injury to self or to colleagues.

Below are some of the most important safety measures you need to take into account as a roofer:

• Take notice of dangerous areas where slipping and falling is more likely and move about appropriately
• Wear the right work boots for roofing (excellent traction boots) to avoid slipping
• Always wear your safety harness and make sure it is strong enough to protect you at all times
• Stop working when you notice part of the roof is wet or slippery (wait for it to dry or dry it up)
• Stop working when you notice very low or high temperatures on the roof as extreme temperatures can affect your vision and movement making your work even more dangerous

FAQs

1. Are vans good for roofing?

Vans are heavy shoes. They also typically do not have very good traction compared to roofing work boots. Therefore, you should not wear them for roofing jobs. Y

2. What pipe boots are used for metal roofing?

The best boot to wear for metal roofing is a boot that has very good rubber traction and is heat-resistant. This is because metal roofs are very slippery and can get hot during the day. A pipe boot is not a wearable boot but a pipe seal to protect the roof from water and debris.

3. How do roofers walk on steep roofs?

On steep roofs, roofers normally wear very high-traction boots. This is because without such boots they can easily slip. In addition to wearing the right boot, they usually use a ladder or a harness.

Everyone knows what a ladder is. A harness is a safety wearable. It comes with an anchor, a rope, and a lanyard. When used properly, a safety harness can make roofing work much less dangerous; no need for roofing boot covers.

Conclusion: What Are The Best Work Boots for Roofing?

As you have discovered in this article, the work boots professional roofers use are special work boots. They are the work boots that are engineered to prevent slipping and provide comfort at the same time.

After hours upon hours of research, I found the best work boots for roofing. I then selected the best among them and reviewed them. You now know these boots plus their pros and cons. The ball is now in your court to choose which pair among them is the best for you.

The great work boots for roofing are the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage boots. Because they have great traction, excellent shock-absorption, extreme comfort, and a safety toe.