What Are Roofing Shoes

Professional roofers need proper safety shoes. Roofing stands out as the most dangerous job in construction. The industry sees 45.2 accidental deaths per 100,000 workers, making it the fourth deadliest occupation in America. Statistics from 2017 paint a grim picture – 91 deaths and 2,810 injuries occurred from slips and falls on roofing jobs.

Sloped and slick rooftops create dangerous work conditions without the right footwear. The right roofing shoes give you the grip and stability you need to prevent dangerous slips and falls. Your feet need support throughout long workdays, and quality roofing boots make the job safer and more comfortable. This piece gets into everything roofers should know about picking the right footwear. You’ll learn about slip resistance, toe protection, and the best options to match different roofing materials and weather conditions.

Understanding the Role of Roofing Shoes in Job Safety

Professional roofers depend on specialized footwear as their primary protection against workplace dangers. Roofing shoes differ from regular footwear because they’re built to handle the specific risks of working high up on different roofing materials.

Why regular shoes don’t work on roofs

Regular athletic or casual shoes lack the features that make roofing work safe. These shoes can’t give you enough grip or support your ankles when you walk on sloped surfaces. Roofers need special rubber-soled shoes that stick well to very steep slopes where normal sports shoes would slip.

Roofing materials are naturally slick, and this gets worse when they’re wet or covered with moisture, frost, or ice. Workers who don’t wear the right shoes face a much higher risk of sliding down the roof. This can lead to bad injuries or worse, especially without proper fall protection gear.

Regular shoes also have stiff soles that don’t bend with the roof’s surface. This reduces contact with the roof and makes it harder to keep your balance. Wearing the wrong shoes adds unnecessary risk to an already dangerous job.

Common roofing hazards and how shoes help

Roofers face these dangers every day:

• Slippery surfaces: Wet metal roofs become very slick, and morning dew makes asphalt shingles dangerous to walk on.
• Steep slopes: You need great balance to work on inclined surfaces, especially when putting the final shingles at the top.
• Physical strain: Your feet get tired and sore from standing on hard, uneven surfaces all day.
• Falling objects: Tools and materials might drop and hurt your feet.
• Puncture hazards: Nails and sharp debris can go right through weak shoes.

Good roofing shoes protect against these risks with special features. Deep treads grip the roof like a built-in safety system that cuts down the chance of falls. Boots that go up higher give better ankle support on uneven or sloped surfaces. The cushioned insoles also help absorb shock and keep your feet from getting tired during long days.

The math is simple – better grip means fewer dangerous falls. Roofers who pick the right boots stay safe and avoid trips to the ER.

OSHA and ASTM safety considerations

OSHA sets clear rules about protective footwear in regulation 29 CFR 1910.136. This rule says employers must make sure workers wear protective shoes in areas where falling objects, sole punctures, or electrical hazards pose risks.

OSHA doesn’t have rules just for roofing shoes, but employers need to protect workers from common roofing dangers like falling objects and puncture risks. Protective footwear must meet ASTM International standards to comply with regulations.

ASTM F2412 and F2413 lay out how to test protective footwear and what standards it needs to meet. These standards look at key safety features:

• Impact and compression resistance
• Puncture resistance
• Static dissipation properties
• Electrical hazard protection

Shoes that meet these standards give roofers the protection they need against workplace injuries. The core team must review all possible hazards to figure out which safety features their roofers need.

Many roofing shoes might not go through official ASTM testing, but work boots are more likely to meet these safety standards. The best choice balances following rules with practical use to keep roofers safe and efficient.

Key Features to Look for in Roofing Shoes

Roofing professionals know that picking the right footwear is a vital investment. The right pair of roofing shoes can make the difference between a productive workday and a dangerous accident. Looking at several features helps roofers choose this important piece of safety equipment.

Slip resistance and grip

Quality roofing shoes are built on good traction. Soft rubber compounds in soles adapt to surface textures and create maximum contact and friction. The most effective tread patterns include:

• Multi-directional patterns that grip from all angles
• Siping (thin slits) that channel water away from wet surfaces
• Shallow lugs that maximize surface contact without trapping debris

Small, dense tread patterns work best on asphalt shingles. Metal roofing needs softer compounds that almost “stick” to smooth surfaces. Magnetic roofing shoes give another specialized option for metal roofs with powerful magnets in the soles, offering exceptional stability on slippery metal surfaces.

Toe protection and puncture resistance

Safety features protect against common roofing hazards. OSHA rules require simple safety elements like oil- and slip-resistant soles, safety toes (steel or composite), and ASTM electrical hazard ratings. The best roofing shoes come with reinforced toe caps (non-metallic ones are lighter) and puncture-resistant midsoles that prevent nail injuries. These protective features cost more upfront but give you the durability needed for regular roofing work.

Comfort and cushioning

Comfort becomes vital during long days on sloped surfaces. A heavier sole with a thick, cushioned footbed or shock-absorbing insoles keeps feet comfortable all day. Good arch support reduces fatigue, and proper heel support keeps you stable. Premium roofing shoes with KEEN.ReGEN midsole technology give 50% more energy return than standard EVA foam.

Weight and flexibility

Weight matters when you’re climbing ladders and walking on steep pitches. The best shoes balance protection with lighter materials through smart use of composite materials that are strong but not bulky. Lighter shoes help with stamina during long shifts. The space between toe and laces needs to flex easily because roofers spend lots of time crouching and kneeling. The Reno model uses KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology, which works like an accordion to let the toe area flex without damaging materials.

Weather adaptability

Weather creates extra challenges for roofing professionals. They face seven times higher risk of heat-related illness than other outdoor workers. Summer calls for shoes with breathable mesh panels for air flow and moisture-wicking liners to keep feet dry. Winter requires waterproof exteriors and insulated linings that stay flexible. The Mt. Vernon works great in extreme conditions with heat-resistant rubber that handles temperatures up to 572°F—perfect for working with hot tar or asphalt.

Quality roofing shoes with these features improve safety and ended up increasing efficiency and career longevity in this demanding job.

Types of Roofing Shoes and Their Pros and Cons

Professional roofers need the right footwear that matches their work conditions and roofing materials. The right choice balances safety, comfort, and performance based on the job requirements.

Work boots vs hiking shoes

Work boots give you better protection with steel toes and puncture-resistant soles. These boots work great for roofers who deal with tough conditions and need extra coverage. But they’re heavier and don’t flex as much as other options.

Many roofers now choose hiking shoes instead. Quality hiking footwear like the Danner Trail 2650 is light and breathable while giving you the grip you need. The Merrell Moab 3 Mid hiking boot stands out because it grips well without damaging shingles. Hiking shoes give you:

• More flex to work on steep pitches
• Better airflow in hot weather
• Less weight to reduce tiredness during long days

Your work environment should guide your choice. Heavy commercial projects need work boots’ protection. Residential roofing with different pitches works better with hiking shoes that let you move easily.

Skate shoes and climbing shoes

Some roofers have started using skate shoes. Their smooth bottoms don’t damage roofing materials, which makes them good for smooth surfaces. But skate shoes have problems too – canvas tops wear out fast, toes aren’t protected well, and ankles don’t get much support.

Climbing shoes might seem perfect for roof work since they let you move easily on steep surfaces and grip well. The biggest problem is they don’t protect your toes or support your ankles enough for construction sites.

Magnetic roofing shoes for metal roofs

Metal roofs create special challenges that regular shoes can’t handle. Magnetic roofing shoes like the Cougar Paws SteelWalker and Roofers World Magnet Shoe are groundbreaking solutions with strong magnets built into their soles.

These smart shoes create amazing stability – some can pull up to 154 pounds per boot. They also use special rubber that works with the magnets to give you better grip. This combination helps you stay steady even on slippery metal surfaces.

Winter-specific roofing boots

Roofing in cold weather needs special boots made for harsh conditions. Winter roofing boots keep your feet warm without losing stability or grip.

Snow boots can work well for winter roofing because they keep feet warm. The problem is most snow boots aren’t flexible or light enough for roofing work. Special winter roofing boots made with neoprene are great in cold weather because they’re flexible and warm, so you can still move around easily.

Year-round professionals should invest in different boots for each season. This keeps them safe and productive whatever the weather brings.

Matching Roofing Shoes to Roofing Materials

A roofer’s footwear works best when it matches the roofing material. Different surfaces create unique challenges that just need specific shoe features to work safely and well.

Best shoes for roofing shingles

Asphalt shingles need footwear with specific design elements. Shoes with larger grip patterns grip better on composition shingles’ granular surface. Soft outsoles are vital because harder materials can damage shingles, especially during hot weather when asphalt gets soft. Korkers TuffTrax comes with specialized composition soles made for asphalt shingles that won’t leave scuff marks on hot, soft roofs. These soles are “not intended for metal or other non-textured surfaces,” which shows why material-specific footwear matters.

Cougar Paws has built a solid reputation among pros thanks to their replaceable traction pads that grip shingles well. Gino Henderson, who has roofed for 30 years, says: “When it’s hot out I wear Cougar Paws so I don’t scar up the shingles.” His experience shows how the right footwear keeps you safe and protects your roofing investment.

Roofing shoes for metal roofs

Metal surfaces create different challenges and become very slippery when wet or oily. Magnetic roofing shoes like Cougar Paws SteelWalker offer a game-changing solution with “powerful magnets lined into the soles” for unmatched stability. These boots are “ONLY intended for use on steel roof-tops and are not manufactured to be effective on aluminum surfaces.”

Foam-soled options provide great traction on smooth metal surfaces. Korkers TuffTrax foam replacement soles feature a “grippy, sponge-like sole” that sticks well to wet metal roofing. Regular cleaning keeps the grip optimal – dirty foam cells reduce performance.

Shoes for tile and synthetic surfaces

Tile roofing needs footwear with smaller, finer non-slip soles for maximum surface contact. Foam soles shine here too because their spongy texture molds to smooth tile surfaces. Merrell Moab hiking shoes with Vibram soles give great traction on smooth materials including synthetic roofing surfaces.

Shoes made with ethylene vinyl acetate rubber or neoprene compounds work best on these surfaces. Finding the right balance between grip and weight is vital – heavier shoes might grip better but tire you out during long installations.

Special Considerations for Fit and Use

The right type of roofing shoes matter, but a proper fit makes all the difference in safety and comfort during long days on challenging surfaces. A well-fitted footwear helps prevent fatigue and lowers injury risk for roofing professionals.

Foot arch types and support

Your specific foot arch determines the ideal support you need. The easiest way to identify your arch type is simple – wet your foot, step on cardboard, and look at the footprint. A complete footprint means flat arches, while half-filled middle sections point to neutral arches. Minimal middle contact shows you have high arches.

Each arch type needs specific support features:

• Flat arches do best with straight soles, rigid shanks, and stability features that prevent too much pronation
• Neutral arches match well with semi-curved lasts and moderate rear-foot stability
• High arches call for extra cushioning and curved soles to make up for limited natural shock absorption

Women’s roofing shoes and sizing tips

Female roofers often can’t find work footwear in their size. The solution lies in buying men’s roofing shoes – women should pick 1.5-2 sizes smaller than their usual women’s size. A woman who wears size 9.5 should try men’s size 7.5 or 8. Men’s sizes stop at 5.5, which limits choices for women with smaller feet.

Width matters just as much – a woman’s size 10 that fits right should match a men’s 8.5 in width. Some brands like Cougar Paws make it clear: “women should order two sizes down from their standard.”

Accessories like pads, straps, and covers

The right accessories can boost your roofing footwear’s performance. Replaceable pads let you keep optimal grip without buying new shoes, which helps since pads wear out faster than boot uppers. Roofing shoe covers stop mud from getting on rooftops or client’s homes, giving you double protection.

Steeper pitches need additional straps over laces. These give you extra security and help keep your feet in place on challenging slopes.

Summing all up

Professional roofers face serious dangers every day, and they just need the right footwear – it’s not optional anymore. Safety-focused roofing shoes protect against slips, falls, and other workplace hazards. This piece shows how the right footwear cuts down these risks and keeps workers comfortable during long days on tough surfaces.

You’ll want to think over several things when picking roofing shoes. The roofing material sets specific traction needs – magnetic shoes work great on metal, while softer materials match better with asphalt shingles. Weather plays a big role too. You’ll want breathable shoes for summer heat and insulated ones for winter work. Your arch type and shoe size matter a lot since they keep you comfortable and fight off fatigue.

Good roofing footwear is worth every penny. It improves your work and cuts down injury risks. Roofers who wear the right shoes have fewer accidents and last longer in this tough job. The cost of quality shoes looks tiny next to medical bills from injuries you could avoid.

OSHA and ASTM safety standards help guide you, but finding that sweet spot between protection, comfort, and function matters most. You might just need different shoes for different jobs – maybe magnetic ones for metal roofs and hiking-style boots for residential shingle work.

Quality roofing shoes mean more than just work gear. These special tools help pros guide through dangerous spots safely while protecting what matters most – their health and safety. Roofers who pick the right footwear protect themselves and their families who count on them.

Here are some FAQs about what are roofing shoes:

What is a roofing shoe?

A roofing shoe is specialized footwear designed specifically for roof work, offering superior traction and stability. These best shoes for roofing typically feature soft rubber soles that grip shingles without damaging them, along with reinforced toe protection. Magnetic roofing shoes are a specialized variety that can pick up nails and metal debris while working on roofs.

What type of shoe is best for roofing?

The best roofing shoes for shingles are those with soft, grippy rubber soles and excellent ankle support. Many professionals prefer roofing shoes with flat tread patterns that won’t mark or damage roofing materials. For steep pitches, magnetic roofing shoes provide extra security while also helping keep the work area clear of loose nails.

What do roofers use to not slip?

Roofers rely on specialized roofing shoes that feature advanced traction technology to prevent slips. The best shoes for roofing incorporate sticky rubber compounds and tread patterns designed specifically for sloped surfaces. Some workers also use magnetic roofing shoes which provide additional stability through their metal-detecting soles on certain roof types.

What shoes do metal roofers wear?

Metal roofers typically wear roofing shoes with soft rubber soles that grip smooth metal surfaces without slipping. Many choose magnetic roofing shoes that can pick up stray nails and screws while providing extra stability. The best roofing shoes for metal roofs often have reinforced toe protection and heat-resistant soles for working on sun-heated surfaces.

Do you need special shoes to go on a roof?

Yes, you need special roofing shoes designed specifically for roof work to ensure safety and prevent damage to roofing materials. Regular shoes lack the specialized traction and features found in the best shoes for roofing. Whether working with shingles or metal, proper roofing shoes for shingles or other materials significantly reduce slipping hazards.

Are Merrell shoes good for roofing?

While Merrell makes quality outdoor shoes, they aren’t specifically designed as roofing shoes and may lack some specialized features. The best roofing shoes typically offer more specialized traction patterns and softer soles than standard Merrell hiking shoes. For professional roofers, purpose-built magnetic roofing shoes or other dedicated roofing footwear usually provide better performance and safety.