This weekend I went up to my roof to work on an antenna and clean the chimneys. It’s the first time I’ve been there since I’ve done some roof construction as a child.
To be honest, working on the ceilings do not scare me in general. But this time it was different. I did not feel safe at all as I almost slipped a couple of times. I doubt that I will go up there anytime soon.
But the roof needs some repair, so, I had got to go up. However, this time I went up prepared as I’ve got myself the best shoes for roofing. And if you’re also looking for the best roofing shoes too then you might want to stick around.
The 5 Best Shoes for Roofing Reviews
| No | Image | Material | Color | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |   | Leather | Tobacco Oil-tanned | Check Price |
| 2 |   | Leather | Black, Tobacco & Brown | Check Price |
| 3 |   | Leather | Various | Check Price |
| 4 |   | Leather | Brown | Check Price |
| 5 |   | Leather | Tobacco Oil-tanned | Check Price |
#1. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage
Usually, roofing footwear is kind of dull and looks horrible, to say the least. But Thorogood has turned the tables and showed the world, roofing shoes can be used for more than just walking on roofs.
They can replace your regular pairs. Just look at the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage, the shoe is just too good for roof works.
However, looks aren’t the only factor to buy the boots. They might be a bonus. But the real reason to get them is for the quality. And that’s where the Thorogood boot shines the most.
To start with, the boot uses high-quality leather material. It’s not your typical leather stuff. This one got the Goodyear storm welt treatment, so the thing will be wearable for years.
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Also, the leather is waterproof. So, while working on a rainy day, you don’t have to worry about getting the shoe ruined.
But for someone working on the roof, the real challenge is to find a solid grip. And in that department too, the Heritage proves to be on top of its game.
Because, while wearing the boot, not for even a single second you will think of slipping down the roof.
Let it rain, be the roof be as muddy and wet as possible, the boots won’t let you slip thanks to the wedge outsole.
No doubt, Thorogood is one of the best shoes for walking on the roof.
However, such a quality product doesn’t come cheap, so it might not be the best fit for you if you’re on a tight budget. But if you don’t have any such restraint, then you should go for it.
Pros:
- Made in the USA.
- The shoes feature safety toe.
- It uses waterproof leather.
- It has memory foam for the insole.
Cons:
- Heritage isn’t cheap.
#2. Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc
People with wide feet often find themselves with very few shoes for roofing. But thankfully Danner got them covered as their Bull Run Moc Toe boot will fit even the giant of toes.
Now, the market has a few moc toe shoes. However, the top-down Danner takes out its competitors by being much better looking. Now that’s a great virtue to be found in work boots if you ask me.
But the Danner moc toe, come into its own when you get to know more about its tank-like built. Every boot that comes out of the factory uses 100% genuine leather. So, the thing is perfect for all kind of weather.
Now, one of the issues with leather shoes is that it takes time to break into the boots. However, after a couple of days of use, the Moc Toe feels more like a slipper. The inner sole of the boot is that damn comfortable.
However, the true test of the boots is when you’re on the roof wearing them. And even there they won’t let you down.
The roof can be slippery as hell or can have an incline like a hill, but the rubber outer sole of the boot will grant enough traction to hold your ground.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality leather.
- It is made in the USA.
- Super comfortable to wear.
- The boots provide great traction.
- Looks great.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Some find the leather stiff.
#3. Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc
If you’re making a list of the best shoes for roofing work, then at least one boot is certain to make the cut. It is none other than the Red Wing roofing shoes.
Red Wing is a brand that has been known to provide the best roofing shoes. So, there boots being on the list shouldn’t come as a big deal.
However, which one to put in the list might be a challenge in itself as every boot of their are phenomenal.
The one however I’ve picked is the Red Wing Heritage Moc boot.
Now, why is that? I think it is the perfect roofing boot as it meets all the criteria. It is durable. The thing is built to last. But most importantly it keeps your toes and feet safe from something heavy dropping on the feet.
When you’re doing construction work like mending the roof, such risks trail you around all the time.
Meanwhile, the boots give you the support you crave while being on top of the roof. You feel stable wearing them. So, no need to worry about sliding from the roof.
But one thing that needs to be mentioned about the shoes is that they don’t damage the roof in any way too. Most shoes leave marks on the tent. But not this one.
Overall, these genuine leather shoes are perfect for the work and even for regular use.
Yes, it takes time to break into the things as leather can be stiff. But once you break into the shoes, you will be surprised how comfortable and mobile the boots can be.
Pros:
- Easy maintenance.
- Good quality built.
- Durable.
- Super cozy to wear.
- Protects the ankle and the foot.
- Stylish.
Cons:
- Even more expensive than the Thorogood or the Danner.
#4. Georgia Arctic Toe Waterproof Insulated
One of the reasons to go up to the roof is to clean the god damn snow off the roof. In such cold conditions, a boot that can keep cold off-limits should be your top priority.
And if that’s what you’ve in mind too then the Georgia Boot Arctic Toe boot should come as an enticing offer to you.
What’s not to like about the boot? The insulated boot keeps the feet warm. Meantime, the boot the job for which it is made and that is to provide the traction so you don’t fall off the roof.
However, I think if you’re thinking them only as of the shoes for walking on roofs than you’re under evaluating the thing. This can be more than roofing footwear.
You can just wear them to take a stroll on the road, or wear them for hunting. There isn’t any situation where you can’t get some use out of them.
Especially, in the cold and rainy conditions, the boots can be great. All thanks to its 100% waterproof leather that doesn’t let the water come in.
And even if it’s freezing like hell outside, you won’t feel a thing as your feet are warm and cozy thanks to the thin insulating layer inside the shoe.
Moreover, the Georgia Boot Arctic Toe is worth every penny it charges. The boots aren’t like the cheap stuff that torn apart or get damaged after a couple of use.
You know they are built to last when you see the Goodyear welt construction is mentioned. So, take your chance with the shoes for walking on roofs. You won’t regret.
Pros:
- Waterproof leather.
- Goodyear welt construction ensures a high-quality build.
- Exceptional traction on snowy conditions.
- High top design protects the ankles.
Cons:
- It is heavy.
- Steel shank insole makes them less flexible.
#5. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6 MAXwear Wedge Safety
The Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe is one of their best selling shoes for years now. And that trend isn’t going to change anytime soon as still professionals love to put their faith on the solid build of this classic Moc Toe.
Like any other Thorogood product, the Moc Toe is a 100% USA manufactured product. Even the materials are from the USA.
So, the leather that they are using to build the shoes is from here. Not like other brands who import materials to cut the cost.
Now, obviously, this is a reason why the Moc Toe might be on the expensive side. But for the price, I would say it is a steal.
Let’s take the shoe apart piece by piece to get to know more about its quality. Start from the bottom part, the outer sole.
Thorogood has gone with the obvious choice of MAXwear Wedge Polyurethane Sole. Anyone who knows about boots knows that the outsole provides exceptional grip.
Even in the most extreme conditions, you won’t feel scared as the stability it gives is just out of this world.
Like the outsole, they have given the same effort and time with the insole of the boot to ensure you feel comfy wearing the boot. Even the widest of feet will find enough room to wiggle the toe around inside it.
So, overall, I would say to anyone who is looking for some good shoes for roofing, try the Moc Toe from Thorogood. They are the best.
Pros:
- Waterproof upper material.
- Grippy outsole.
- Nicely insulated.
- Feels comfortable.
- Looks great.
Cons:
- Stitching might not be the best.
How to Find the Best Roofing Shoes
The criteria to find the best shoes for roofing can vary from person to person. However, there are some aspects that remain the same.
I won’t bore you by talking about every little detail. Instead, I would dive right into the key aspects that you should look for while buying the boots.
So, if you’re ready, let’s cut to chase and learn about the secrets of finding the best shoes for walking on the roof.
Grip
The most important feature of roofing shoes is the grip. This is the number one thing that you should consider in the boot. Now, what part of the boot provides the grip? Simple, the outsole of the shoe.
Now, depending on the conditions, you would be looking for different outsole in the boots.
For instance, if it’s cold, then rugged lug soles should be in your list. In simple terms, any boot that comes with a textured under sole would do the job.
Material
The material of the boot also plays an important role. If you buy cheap quality stuff, the boots might get ruined within months. But a genuine leather boot will go for years. So, be sure to invest in quality materials.
Safety
Roofing works mean construction work. You would be working with heavy tools. So, a boot that protects the foot is something you can’t overlook. That’s why boots that protect the toe and covers the ankle areas is something that requires considerations.
F.A.Q:
Top Brands:
To be honest, there are many new brands coming into the industry that are turning heads. However, there are some brands who are closer to my heart than others. So, here they are:
Thorogood: Thorogood owned by Weinbrenner Shoe Co. has been manufacturing footwear in Wisconsin since 1892. The company has a legacy behind it and that’s it manufacture boots that are to last forever. And that heritage is still being continued by their exceptional heritage boots.
Danner: Danner, on the other hand, made its inceptions in 1932 thanks to one stubborn Charles Danner who took his chance with the shoemaking business even at a time when the economy wasn’t that great, but he still believed that his superior craftsmanship would take him to victory.
And that legacy of making top class boots hasn’t changed as each Danner boot can survive any harsh environment and still come up on top.
Conclusion
There are so many boots that can easily make the list of best shoes for roofing. However, looking at the market, I have found the ones that I believe to be the best.
All the shoes here are exceptional in their own rights. But there might be other options that you might consider better than the ones here. If that’s the case, then you can check out the buying guide to take some notes and find the best roofing shoe all by yourself.
However, you can get any of the shoes from here and I can guarantee, you won’t be let down. Give it a chance and let me know.
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