Best Roofing Shoes
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Roofing is a tough job that demands specialized footwear for safety and performance. Roofing shoes are designed to offer stability, grip, and protection on steep or slippery surfaces, helping prevent accidents while ensuring workers can move confidently across various materials. With strong traction, these shoes keep roofers steady on sloped roofs, protect feet from sharp objects and hot surfaces, and provide comfort during long hours on uneven terrain. When selecting roofing shoes, key factors include the sole material, tread pattern for grip and durability, and overall weight and breathability for all-day comfort. We tested eight top-rated roofing shoes to find the best options for safety and comfort on the job.
KEEN Voyageur Low Hikers
We think these hiking shoes are a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want comfort and durability in one package.
We think these hiking shoes are a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want comfort and durability in one package.
We took these KEEN Voyageur shoes out on the trails and were impressed by their performance. The mesh parts let our feet breathe, which was great on hot days. We liked how stable we felt on uneven ground thanks to the thick soles and good traction.
The wide toe box gave our feet room to spread out, making long hikes more comfy. We noticed the shoes felt a bit snug at first, but they loosened up after a few wears. The water-resistant leather kept our feet dry in light rain, but we wouldn’t trust them in deep puddles.
We think these shoes are best for day hikes and light backpacking. They’re tough enough for rocky paths but not too heavy for all-day wear. If you have wide feet or like extra toe room, you’ll probably love these. Just keep in mind they might feel tight at first, so you may want to go up half a size.
Due North GripPro Spikeless Traction Aids
We think these traction aids are a solid choice for workers who need extra grip in slippery conditions.
We think these traction aids are a solid choice for workers who need extra grip in slippery conditions.
We tested the Due North GripPro Spikeless Traction Aids in various settings. These rubber grippers slip over your regular footwear, adding traction on slick surfaces. We found them handy for jobs that involve moving between indoors and outdoors.
The 22 high-visibility chevrons on each pair gave us better grip on wet and icy ground. We liked that we could wear them while driving and climbing ladders without issues. The pull-on design took some practice, but once on, they stayed put.
In very icy conditions, we wished for more aggressive traction. But for most winter weather, these worked well. The natural rubber stayed flexible even in frigid temps. For workers who need extra safety without changing shoes, these grippers are worth a look.
Timberland PRO Berkley Slip-ons
We think these casual-looking safety shoes are a great choice for workers who want comfort and protection without sacrificing style.
We think these casual-looking safety shoes are a great choice for workers who want comfort and protection without sacrificing style.
We tried out these Timberland PRO Berkley slip-ons and were impressed by their blend of safety features and casual style. The skate-inspired look is a refreshing change from clunky work boots. We liked how easy they were to slip on and off during our workday.
The composite safety toe gave us peace of mind without the weight of steel. We found the Anti-Fatigue footbed lived up to its name, keeping our feet comfortable even after long shifts. The slip-resistant sole helped us feel steady on various surfaces.
We noticed the shoes felt a bit narrow, so wider feet might need to size up. The soft foam parts of the sole showed some wear after a few weeks of heavy use. While we liked the black and white color, more options would be nice. Still, for workers wanting safe, comfy, and cool-looking shoes, these are worth checking out.
New Balance Speedware Composite Toe Work Shoes
We think these are a top pick for anyone needing a comfy, safe work shoe that can handle tough jobs.
We think these are a top pick for anyone needing a comfy, safe work shoe that can handle tough jobs.
We tried out these New Balance work shoes on some job sites, and they really stood out. The composite toe gives great protection without weighing us down like steel toes can. We walked around all day and our feet felt good, thanks to the cushy insole and foam midsole.
These shoes are built tough. The debris-free design kept dirt and small rocks out, which is a big plus when you’re on rough ground. We liked how the outsole worked well both on smooth floors and uneven outdoor surfaces. It gave us good grip everywhere we went.
One thing to note – they might feel snug at first if you have wide feet. We’d suggest going up a half size. Also, give them a little time to break in. After a few wears, they felt much better. For the price, we think these shoes offer great value for anyone needing safe, comfy footwear on the job.
Ulogu Steel Toe Work Shoes
We think these Ulogu shoes are a solid choice for workers needing lightweight, waterproof safety footwear.
We think these Ulogu shoes are a solid choice for workers needing lightweight, waterproof safety footwear.
We recently tested these Ulogu steel toe shoes on a job site. The first thing we noticed was how light they felt compared to traditional work boots. Walking around all day, our feet didn’t get as tired as they usually do in heavier safety shoes.
The waterproof membrane worked well when we stepped in puddles. Our socks stayed dry, which was a nice change from some other “waterproof” shoes we’ve tried. The steel toe gave us peace of mind around heavy objects, meeting safety rules without feeling bulky.
We liked the slip-resistant soles on wet surfaces. They gripped well on ladders too. But we’re not sure how long the waterproofing will last with daily wear. Some workers may need tougher boots for very rough jobs. Still, for most work sites, these Ulogu shoes offer a good mix of safety and comfort at a fair price.
Ergodyne TREX Slip-On Traction Devices
We think these traction devices are a good choice for workers needing extra grip on slippery surfaces, but they may not be ideal for roofing work.
We think these traction devices are a good choice for workers needing extra grip on slippery surfaces, but they may not be ideal for roofing work.
The Ergodyne TREX traction devices caught our eye as a potential option for roofing work. We slipped them on over our regular work boots to test them out. The stretchy design made them easy to put on and take off, which is handy when moving between different work areas.
On slick surfaces like wet or oily floors, we noticed a big boost in grip. The Michelin rubber soles did a good job of sticking to slippery spots. For indoor work environments where spills are common, these could be a real lifesaver.
But when we took them up on a roof, the results were mixed. They added some extra traction, but not as much as dedicated roofing shoes. We also found they tended to slide around on our boots a bit, needing frequent adjustments. For serious roofing work, we’d probably opt for purpose-built footwear instead.
Cougar Paws Peak Performer
We recommend these roofing boots for their excellent grip and comfort on steep slopes.
We recommend these roofing boots for their excellent grip and comfort on steep slopes.
We’ve spent many hours testing these Cougar Paws Peak Performer boots on different roofs. The grip is amazing. We felt secure walking on steep pitches that would be scary in regular shoes. The soft leather upper molds to your foot, making them comfy for long workdays.
The vented design helps keep our feet cool and dry, even in hot weather. We like how easy they are to clean after a dusty job. Just a quick wipe, and they look good as new. The full-grain leather seems tough enough to last through many seasons of hard use.
Sizing these boots can be tricky. We found they run a bit large. It’s best to order a half-size smaller than your normal shoe size. The replaceable grip pads work well, but you’ll need to buy new ones eventually. While pricey, we think these boots are worth it for anyone who spends a lot of time on roofs.
Korkers TuffTrax Roofing Overshoes
We recommend these versatile overshoes for roofers who need adaptable traction on different surfaces.
We recommend these versatile overshoes for roofers who need adaptable traction on different surfaces.
The Korkers TuffTrax overshoes offer a smart solution for roofers working on different surfaces. We found the 3-in-1 system really handy, letting us switch between soft foam for metal roofs and other soles for different materials. This flexibility is a big plus when you’re tackling varied jobs.
Putting these on is a breeze. The quick-release buckle and strap system meant we could slip them on and off in seconds. This is great when you’re moving between the roof and the ground often. The molded rubber walls gave us a snug fit, which made us feel secure even on steep pitches.
Durability is solid overall, but we did notice the foam soles wear down pretty fast on rougher surfaces. It’s worth keeping spare soles on hand. Sizing can be tricky too – we suggest trying them on with your work boots to get the right fit. While they’re not the cheapest option out there, we think the versatility makes them worth considering for pros who work on many roof types.
Ulogu Steel Toe Roofing Sneakers
We think these Ulogu work shoes are a solid choice for anyone needing protective footwear that’s comfortable enough for all-day wear.
We think these Ulogu work shoes are a solid choice for anyone needing protective footwear that’s comfortable enough for all-day wear.
We recently tested these Ulogu steel toe shoes on a roofing job and came away impressed. The waterproof upper kept our feet dry even when working in damp conditions. We liked how breathable they felt compared to traditional work boots, which was a big plus during hot weather.
At just 1.3 pounds per shoe, these are much lighter than typical steel toe boots. This made a noticeable difference in reducing foot fatigue over long workdays. The rubber outsoles provided excellent traction on sloped roofs and slippery surfaces.
While comfortable for most, we found the steel toe box a bit tight for wider feet. The overall build quality is good for the price, but they likely won’t last as long as premium work boots. Still, for those wanting more athletic-style protective shoes, these Ulogus are worth considering. They offer a nice balance of safety features and all-day comfort at a reasonable price point.
EverBoots Comfort Work Boots
We think these EverBoots are a solid choice for those seeking affordable, comfortable work boots that don’t skimp on quality.
We think these EverBoots are a solid choice for those seeking affordable, comfortable work boots that don’t skimp on quality.
When we first tried on these EverBoots, we were surprised by how comfortable they felt without any break-in period. The soft leather conformed to our feet nicely, and we didn’t experience any blisters or hot spots during long workdays.
We put these boots through their paces on various job sites. The thick outsoles protected our feet from sharp objects and provided good traction on uneven surfaces. We liked the steel shank, which helped reduce foot fatigue when climbing ladders or working on roofs.
While these boots aren’t the most expensive option out there, we found them to be a great value. The leather seems tough enough to withstand daily wear and tear, though they may not last as long as pricier work boots. We did notice the laces frayed quickly and needed replacing. Keep in mind that sizing can run large, so you might want to order a half-size down.
Buying Guide
When shopping for roofing shoes, there are a few key things to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best pair for your needs.
Traction
Look for shoes with rubber soles that offer excellent grip. The tread pattern should be deep and able to handle different roof surfaces.
Comfort and Fit
A snug, comfortable fit is crucial. The shoes should have good arch support and cushioning to keep your feet happy during long work days.
Durability
Choose shoes made from tough materials like leather or synthetic fabrics. They should be able to withstand rough roofing conditions.
Safety Features
Steel toe caps provide extra protection. Some shoes also have puncture-resistant soles to guard against sharp objects.
Weight
Lighter shoes can help reduce fatigue, but make sure they don’t sacrifice durability or protection.
Waterproofing
Water-resistant or waterproof shoes are a big plus for working in wet conditions.
Here’s a quick checklist of features to look for:
- Non-slip rubber soles
- Comfortable fit and support
- Durable materials
- Steel toe (if needed)
- Lightweight design
- Water resistance
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find the right roofing shoes for your job.