One of the most dangerous jobs in the entire construction industry is, of course, roof work. Working at such a height means a slip and fall can be severe or even lethal.
A good roofing boot or shoe is required to protect roofers against this main factor, among other discomforts and hazards. For the most important feature, GRIP and slip resistance should be y.
Roof work and The Dangers Involved
There are so many hazards in roof work; here are a few of the main hazards that every roof worker should be made aware of;
- Fall Hazards – Anything from objects that obstruct your walk path, holes, loose tiles, wetness, oil, and even unstable ladders can be a fall hazard, so always ensure you take every safety precaution.
- Electrical Hazards – You may be working with electrical tools and equipment on the rooftop, which may hold electrocution risks. Please ensure that all electrical equipment is in a safe working condition and that you use it safely.
- Power Tools – Power Tools are heavy, dangerous, and can cause electrical and slip hazards, so make sure anyone using these is qualified to do so and know how to use the specific tool safely.
- Hazardsous Substance – Asbestos, dust, paint fumes, and thinners are all hazardous substances used on rooftops, so wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself against vapors and liquids that may cause harm.
- Extreme Heat – Working on the rooftop means directly in the sun with no shade and protection. Sunburn, as well as heat exhaustion, is the main concern here. Therefore, wear protective gear and sunscreens on your face, hydrate regularly, and have short rest periods.
What to Look for in a Shoe for Roof Work
- Outsole – The sole on your roof work shoe is vital as it will protect you against your greatest hazard, slipping and falling. I recommend rubber or, even better, Vibram Rubber for the outsole with a lug pattern and design to offer you the best slip and oil resistance.
- Misole – A thick cushioned midsole is an excellent advantage, mainly when working on hard roofs on your feet all day. The midsole will protect against puncture hazards, stability, and shock absorbency.
- Weight – Working on a roof is exhausting and hot in general, so the last thing you need is heavy shoes weighing you down, causing further fatigue. Choose lightweight shoes from lightweight materials.
- Uppers – Soft and supple leather uppers or mesh and leather overlays are your best options. It would be best to have lightweight, flexible, breathable uppers, offering a comfortable fit without friction.
- Ankle Support – Good ankle support can help when climbing those steep inclines and declines on a roof and help with stability.
- Laces – Beware of your lacing system so they do not cause a tripping hazard. You can choose a shoe that can lace up securely and safely.
- Durability and Quality – Last and most importantly, your Roofing shoe protects you against severe and fatal injuries and provides comfort for your workday. Choose good quality and durability, even if the price tag may be high, as you invest in your safety and work performance.
Features of a Good Shoe For Roofing
- Uppers – Durable leather and synthetic uppers in some models with breathable mesh insets. It has a waterproof lining or Gore-Tex waterproof membrane. Soft and moisture-wicking interior linings.
- Support – Stability shank. Arch support and cushioning for comfort.
- Closure – Secure lace-up closure.
- Outsole – A durable lug rubber outsole is heat slip and oil resistant.
- Cpnstruction – I look forward to Goodyear Welt or Cement construction for durability.
- safety features – A soft toe, moc toe, or steel protective toe cap.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Width options | Drop / Cushion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Timberland Pro Direct Attach 6 | Shoe | Medium, Wide | – |
| 2 | Red Wing Heritage Moc 6 | Loafer | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – |
| 3 | Reebok Work Sublite | Shoe | Medium, Wide | – |
| 4 | Timberland PRO Intercept Steel Safety Toe Industrial | Shoe | Medium, Wide | EVA |
| 5 | Wolverine Floorhand / Floorhand Steel-Toe 6 (women's) | Shoe | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: The Best Shoes for Roofing
Here are some of the safest, most durable, and most comfortable Roofing Shoes Available today.
1
Roofing Shoes
Timberland Pro Direct Attach 6 - Men
Currently unavailable
Timberland Pro Direct Attach 6 - Women
Currently unavailable
Timberland Pro is a top name in industrial-grade work boots. The Direct Attach is extremely tough and durable, ensuring superb slip resistance for Roof work.
- Full-grain leather uppers with 200 grams of insulation for warmth in colder weather conditions.
- The protective steel cap on the toe will protect your toes against falling objects.
- The 24/7 comfort system reduces foot fatigue with arch support and cushioning.
- A lug slip-resistant rubber outsole that is also oil-resistant.
2
Moc Toe Roofing Shoes
Red Wing Heritage Moc 6 - Men
Currently unavailable
Red Wing Heritage Moc 6 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Moc Toe Red Wing Heritage shoe is a stylish and comfortable soft-toe work shoe with all the features required for roof work.
- Soft and supple leather uppers with a contra-stitched moccasin style soft toe.
- The outsole has a layer of soft cushioned crepe for shock absorbency and a high traction lug tread for slip resistance.
- Inside is a comfortable and moisture-wicking lining and cushioned footbed.
- A soft and comfortable work boot is available in a few neutral color options from which to choose.
3
Roofing Work Shoe
Reebok Work Sublite - Men
Currently unavailable
Reebok Work Sublite - Women
Currently unavailable
- The Sublite from Reebok is the Cushioned model from their work range.
- The Sublite work shoe is ideal for roofing and offers comfort and a good grip.
- The shoe has a Memory Tech cushioned footbed and mesh breathable uppers.
- The outsole on the shoe has a design to provide optimal grip.
- The Sublite also has a protective Alloy toe.
4
Shoe for Roofing
Timberland PRO Intercept Steel Safety Toe Industrial - Men
Currently unavailable
Timberland PRO Intercept Steel Safety Toe Industrial - Women
Currently unavailable
The Timberland PRO Intercept Steel Safety Toe Industrial comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- Asymmetrical steel safety toe.
- Timberland PRO Flex Technology sole featuring anatomically positioned flex grooves.
- Lightweight and shock absorbing injection molded EVA sole with an angled sidewall which delivers a comfortable and supportive foundation.
- Breathable and durable ripstop upper.
5
Roofing Work Boots
Wolverine Floorhand - Men
Currently unavailable
Wolverine Floorhand Steel-Toe 6 - Women
Currently unavailable
The men’s pair is the Wolverine Floorhand and the women’s pair is the Wolverine Floorhand Steel-Toe 6, the newest in-stock versions we found on the web.
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
- A strong steel toe that meets astm standard f2413-11 m i/75 c75 eh.
- Slip resistant rubber lug outsole to safely keep your footing in slippery conditions.
Index Table: Top Rated Roofing Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Timberland Pro® - Roofing Shoes |  |  |
| Timberland Pro |
| 2 | Red Wing® - Moc Toe Roofing Shoes |  |  |
| Red Wing |
| 3 | Reebok Work® - Roofing Work Shoe |  |  |
| Reebok Work |
| 4 | Timberland PRO® - Shoe for Roofing |  |  | Timberland PRO | |
| 5 | Wolverine® - Roofing Work Boots |  |  |
| Wolverine |
Sources
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls
- National Institute on Aging (NIH): Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention
- NHS: Falls
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Falls
Update History
- Oct 2026: Replaced Timberland White Ledge with Timberland PRO Intercept Steel Safety Toe Industrial; updated Wolverine Floorhand to Floorhand Steel-Toe 6
- Oct 2026: Removed Georgia Titan, Merrell Moab 2 Vent, Thorogood American Heritage, Keen Utility Flint, Keen Utility Lansing, Columbia Newton Ridge and Skechers Sergeant (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Sep 2019: Published
