For those who usually work on the roof for reconstructing or repairing houses, you know best how dangerous metal roofs can be as they are sloped and slippery.
Therefore, wearing appropriate shoes is extremely crucial to help you stay safe and mobile during your work.
With that in mind, this post is created to help you find the best shoes for metal roofing.
Here are the best shoes for metal roofing you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Wide Feet (Men’s Shoes): Timberland PRO Men's Wedge Sole 6” Boot
- Best For Narrow Feet (Men’s Shoes): The North Face Men's Back-2-Berkeley Redux Leather Shoes
- Stylish (Men’s Shoes): Reebok RB RB8877
- Best For Winter (Men’s Shoes): Itasca Men's Authority 8” Medium-M
- Sturdy (Men’s Shoes): Thorogood Men's American Heritage Lace-To-Toe Roofer Boots
- Most Durable (Women’s Shoes): Merrell Women's Jungle Moc Slip Resistant Work Shoe Construction
- Ultra Lightweight (Women’s Shoes): Reebok RB416
- Best For Summer (Women’s Shoes): KEEN Utility Women's Sparta Work Shoe
- Best For Narrow Feet (Women’s Shoes): Red Wing Heritage Women's Iron Ranger-W Boot
- Best For Wet Weather (Women’s Shoes): KEEN Utility Women's Cincinnati 8” Soft Toe Waterproof Wedge Work Boot
| 10 Best Shoes For Metal Roofing | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Wide Feet | Timberland PRO Men's Wedge Sole 6” Boot
| |
Best For Narrow Feet | The North Face Men's Back-2-Berkeley Redux Leather Shoes
| |
Stylish | Reebok RB RB8877
| |
Best For Winter | Itasca Men's Authority 8” Medium-M
| |
Sturdy | Thorogood Men's American Heritage Lace-To-Toe Roofer Boots
| |
Most Durable | Merrell Women's Jungle Moc Slip Resistant Work Shoe Construction
| |
Ultra Lightweight | Reebok RB416
| |
Best For Summer | KEEN Utility Women's Sparta Work Shoe
| |
Best For Narrow Feet | Red Wing Heritage Women's Iron Ranger-W Boot
| |
Best For Wet Weather | KEEN Utility Women's Cincinnati 8” Soft Toe Waterproof Wedge Work Boot
| |
Best For Wide Feet (Men’s Shoes): Timberland PRO Men's Wedge Sole 6” Boot
- High-quality, durable – the real leather material & thick heels
- Extra comfort for wide feet – available Wide option for each size
- Look vintage - contrasting platform sole & rolled moccasin-toe stitching
- The inside is a bit tall
Available from size 7 to size 15. But what’s worth mentioning is, for each size, Timberland provides one more option called “Wide”. For example, size 7 and size 7 Wide for extra comfort.
What a thoughtful design!
The shoes are made of real leather and constructed with nearly one-inch heel height for optimal protection. They’re also good at metal roofing.
| Timberland PRO Men's Wedge Sole 6” Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.1 Pounds |
Material | 100% Leather |
Heel High | 1 inch |
Highlight Features | the real leather material & thick heels available Wide option for each size contrasting platform sole & rolled moccasin-toe stitching |
The Timberland PRO Men's Wedge Sole 6
Best For Narrow Feet (Men’s Shoes): The North Face Men's Back-2-Berkeley Redux Leather Shoes
- Great insulation and waterproof properties - full-grain leather & 100g PrimaLoft insulation inner layer
- Durable - TNF grip rubber outsoles with IcePick lugs & compression-molded TPU heel clip
- Fit well to narrow feet
- Offer too little size options
Contrasting to the previous shoes, this pair is specifically for narrow feet.
It is a high-quality pair of work shoes that are made of full-grain leather with synthetic soles. The 100g PrimaLoft insulation inner layer offers top-notch wet-weather insulating performance, and it’s also known as the best down alternative in the world.
For protection enhancement, the shoes are designed with TNF grip rubber outsoles with IcePick lugs and a compression-molded TPU heel clip.
| The North Face Men's Back-2-Berkeley Redux Leather Shoes Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Full-grain leather |
Heel High | 1” |
Highlight Features | full-grain leather & 100g PrimaLoft insulation inner layer TNF grip rubber outsoles with IcePick lugs & compression-molded TPU heel clip |
The North Face Men's Back-2-Berkeley Redux Leather Shoes - Men’s Shoes run smaller than usual but they give great support to the heel. So, for narrow feet, they’re the best bet
Stylish (Men’s Shoes): Reebok RB RB8877
- Resist water optimally – real leather materials & waterproof zippers
- Look stylish – nicely contoured shoe shape, high ankles, and full-black design
- Lightweight – 100% non-metallic
- Not ventilate well
- Seem to take a longer time for breaking in
The next metal-roofing work shoes give you the best of both worlds – exceptional protection and stylish design.
Thick materials aside, the shape of these shoes contours nicely to the wearer’s feet, making you look taller and neater. Not to say that the full-black color brings a cool vibe.
Another bonus is that it gives optimal waterproof properties, not only from the high-grade real leather material but also the waterproof side zippers.
| Reebok RB RB8877 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Material | 100% Leather |
Heel High | 2.25" |
Highlight Features | real leather materials & waterproof zippers nicely contoured shoe shape, high ankles, and full-black design 100% non-metallic |
Made to let you wear in style, Reebok RB RB8877 is a shining candidate for people who are seeking good metal-roofing shoes with a stylish design.
Best For Winter (Men’s Shoes): Itasca Men's Authority 8” Medium-M
- Superior insulation & warmth - premium full-grain leather & high-grade polyurethane insole
- Extra comfort - well-padded collars
- Safety - slip- and oil-resistant outsoles
- The heels are prone to wear out
A pair of cool, retro construction shoes for those people who want extra warmth during winter. While the outer layer is made of premium full-grain leather material, the insole is of high-grade polyurethane.
Plus, the collars are well-padded for extra comfort and insulation.
Itasca delicately designed these shoes to be slip- and oil-resistant, which comes in handy for roof jobs.
| Itasca Men's Authority 8” Medium-M Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Material | 100% Full Grain Leather |
Heel High | 1.5” – 2” |
Highlight Features | premium full-grain leather & high-grade polyurethane insole well-padded collars slip- and oil-resistant outsoles |
For winter, the Itasca Men's Authority 8
Sturdy (Men’s Shoes): Thorogood Men's American Heritage Lace-To-Toe Roofer Boots
- Reliable – made in the USA
- Durable and sturdy - Vibram(r) Christy blown rubber wedge outsole & Oil-tanned leather upper
- Comfortable - a Poron(r) 4000 comfort cushion & polyurethane footbed
- Give less protection to the ankles
- Not for wide feet – the boots run narrow
For extra flexibility, these low-ankle work boots might be your best bet.
They’re proudly made in the USA, of high-quality oil-tanned leather and a Poron 4000 comfort cushion beneath polyurethane insoles. A big plus is these footbeds are removable for easy cleaning.
The shoe, in general, gives a durable and sturdy hand feel that can last a lot longer than other counterparts.
| Thorogood Men's American Heritage Lace-To-Toe Roofer Boots Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5 Pounds |
Material | leather, rubber |
Heel High | 2” |
Highlight Features | made in the USA Vibram(r) Christy blown rubber wedge outsole & Oil-tanned leather upper a Poron(r) 4000 comfort cushion & polyurethane footbed |
The Thorogood Men's American Heritage Lace-To-Toe Roofer Boots are our top pick for those who want ultra-sturdy metal-roofing shoes.
Most Durable (Women’s Shoes): Merrell Women's Jungle Moc Slip Resistant Work Shoe Construction
- Easy to wear - dual elastic gore
- Durable and protective - high-end full-grain leather material and patterned, thick outsoles
- Targeted support - Merrell air cushions and KINETIC FIT footbed
- The ankle rim is a bit tight
Cool, full-black work shoes for people who want a super-durable experience.
It is all in the high-end full-grain leather material and patterned thick outsoles. That doesn’t mean they will not give you a comfortable foot-feel.
The shoes are crafted with Merrell air cushions and KINETIC FIT footbed for targeted support as well as save your heels from pain during a long day at work.
For ease of slip-on entry, it features dual elastic gore.
| Merrell Women's Jungle Moc Slip Resistant Work Shoe Construction Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4 Pounds |
Material | Rubber & Full-grain leather |
Heel High | 2” |
Highlight Features | dual elastic gore high-end full-grain leather material and patterned, thick outsoles Merrell air cushions and KINETIC FIT footbed |
The Merrell Women's Jungle Moc Slip Resistant Work Shoe brings home our Top Choice for Durability this year.
Ultra Lightweight (Women’s Shoes): Reebok RB416
- Lightweight and comfortable – made of micro web and rubber soles
- High-quality – meet ASTM F2413 testing standards
- Safety - slip-resistant, static-dissipative outsoles
- The soles are a bit stiff
- The size runs small
Compared to other counterparts, Reebok RB416 brings a lot more lightweight walking experience because it is constructed completely of micro web and rubber soles. Yet, the shoes still achieve all of the ASTM F2413 testing standards for quality.
The outsoles are slip-resistant and static-dissipative for extra safety.
Therefore, this is a nice choice for metal roofing.
| Reebok RB416 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | 100% Micro Web & Rubber |
Heel High | 1” |
Highlight Features | made of micro web and rubber soles meet ASTM F2413 testing standards slip-resistant, static-dissipative outsoles |
Made to be ultra-lightweight, the Reebok RB416 offers increased comfort and support to the wearer
Best For Summer (Women’s Shoes): KEEN Utility Women's Sparta Work Shoe
- Lightweight & breathable – made of 100% textile & low-ankle design
- Great protection to toes - right and left asymmetrical aluminum toes
- Quality & safety – meet ASTM F2413 EH and F2412 standards & ASTM F2913 SATRA and F1677-96 standards
- They have a chemical smell
While leather is an ideal material for winter, the textile is our favorite choice for the summer months when it comes to choosing the right work shoes.
Another big advantage of this material is its lightness. But to optimize the total weight of these shoes for maximum comfort, KEEN built them with right and left asymmetrical aluminum toes which are 35% lighter than the steel.
Yet, it still meets ASTM F2413 EH and F2412 standards for quality and ASTM F2913 SATRA and F1677-96 standards for safety.
The best part is EH rating, meaning for a secondary protection source in case of accidents coming into direct contact with live electrical circuits.
| KEEN Utility Women's Sparta Work Shoe Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.05 Pounds |
Material | 100% Textile |
Heel High | 1” to 1.5” |
Highlight Features | made of 100% textile & low-ankle design right and left asymmetrical aluminum toes meet ASTM F2413 EH and F2412 standards & ASTM F2913 SATRA and F1677-96 standards |
We love the KEEN Utility Women's Sparta Work Shoe because of its exceptional breathability and ventilation, which is perfect for summer
Best For Narrow Feet (Women’s Shoes): Red Wing Heritage Women's Iron Ranger-W Boot
- Dependable and quality assurance – made in the USA
- Durable and sturdy - steel shank, Goodyear welt construction, leather-lined Texon insoles, and nubuck upper
- Resist slippage efficiently - non-skid Vibram 430 Mini-lug rubber outsoles
- Breathable - textile lining
- The footbed is not removable
Red Wing Heritage Women's Iron Ranger-W Boots are proudly made in the USA, and the construction includes a non-skid Vibram 430 Mini-lug rubber outsole, steel shank, Goodyear welt construction, leather-lined Texon insoles, and nubuck upper.
Combined with black laces and contrasting stitching, it brings a cool yet beautiful retro look.
For extra air ventilation, it features a textile lining. About fitting, it runs a bit tighter than usual, so we would say this pair is perfect for narrow feet.
| Red Wing Heritage Women's Iron Ranger-W Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5 pounds |
Material | Rubber & leather |
Heel High | 1.5” |
Highlight Features | made in the USA steel shank, Goodyear welt construction, leather-lined Texon insoles, and nubuck upper non-skid Vibram 430 Mini-lug rubber outsoles textile lining |
If you have narrow feet, try the Red Wing Heritage Women's Iron Ranger-W Boot
Best For Wet Weather (Women’s Shoes): KEEN Utility Women's Cincinnati 8” Soft Toe Waterproof Wedge Work Boot
- Slip- and oil-resistant - siped rubber outsoles
- Safe to use - electrical-hazard rated construction
- Keep your feet dry and comfortable – waterproof membrane liner
- A bit pricey
The last-but-not-least metal roofing shoes are for wet weather, according to its electrical-hazard rated construction and oil-resistant, siped rubber outsoles that already exceed ASTM F2913 SATRA and F1677-96 standards.
In the meantime, the liner is specifically designed to be waterproof yet still breathable for keeping your feet stay dry all the time.
A bonus is its dual-density PU insoles that are removable for extra comfort and easy cleaning.
| KEEN Utility Women's Cincinnati 8” Soft Toe Waterproof Wedge Work Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.85 Pounds |
Material | Rubber & leather |
Highlight Features | siped rubber outsoles electrical-hazard rated construction waterproof membrane liner |
If you frequently work in wet conditions, the KEEN Utility Women's Cincinnati 8
How To Choose The Best Shoes For Metal Roofing?
Grips & Traction
When you are buying shoes for metal roofing, the first thing that should come to mind is grips and traction.
These factors are extremely important in holding you on sloped, slippery roofs. Roofing shoes should provide excellent grips and traction so that your feet are stuck on the surface, avoid falling.
To achieve this, you should look for a thin thread design, which has more contact area and hence better grips.
Meanwhile, for maximum traction, you should opt for an aggressive pattern tread featuring deep lugs. In addition, oil-resistant, non-slip outsoles are great add-ons.
Flat Sole
Shoes with flat soles are useful in helping you maintain balance and stability when you are on a steeper pitch. And this is exactly what you should look for. Plus, flat soles help you walk better on metal roofs as they stick well and provide adequate secure support.
Weight
So as to move quickly on the roof, you need lightweight shoes. Another reason why weight is important is that heavy shoes can damage the rooftop surface one way or another.
Support & Comfort
You need shoes that fit your feet and have a safety lacing system so that the laces won’t come off as you work. To ensure the shoes work well, you need shoes that adapt well to the shape of your feet, ensuring flexible movements and mobility.
With that in mind, remember to buy shoes with a heel clutching system, arch support, or ankle protection.
Besides, comfort is essential if you have to work on the roof for a long time.
The shoes should have enough cushions and protection against foot pain. It will also help if the shoes are made of breathable, soft materials.
Which Brands Make The Best Shoes For Metal Roofing?
Thorogood
Over the past 138 years, this company has been a leading brand when it comes to shoes. In addition to high quality, its products also offer unmatched comfort for your feet.
Reebok
Since 1895, this company has been making clothing and footwear products for global consumers. Here, you will find products with great performance and quality.
Red Wing Heritage
This is a 115-year-old company that specializes in making shoes and accessories. Its strength comes from the expertise it provides to ensure quality for each product.
Timberland
Founded in 1952, Timberland focuses on innovation and has built a good reputation ever since. With the aim of changing the world, this brand creates outstanding products that benefit different communities.
The North Face
With more than 50 years of experience in the industry, this brand relies on innovation to create the best product for exploration. It’s undoubtedly one of the best names for both regular users and athletes.
Merrell
This company was established in 1981 and has since made shoes for the whole family, including men, women, and kids. If you preferred stylish shoes, this is a must-try.
FAQs
So how does the magnetic sole work?
The sole has strong magnets that magnetize the foot to metal surfaces, which help the wearer slide on steep slopes while walking freely.
So how long do the metal roofing shoes work?
This depends on how often you use your shoes, high-quality shoes may last for a few years.
How do roofers walk on steep roofs?
One of the common ways is using an extension ladder extending 3 feet or more above the eaves. They climb onto the roof, then the bottom needs to be secured to the foundation and the top needs to be secured to the eaves.
Next, they hold on to the ladder with their hands as they dismount.
What are the differences between roofing shoes and regular shoes?
The key difference here is the addition of traction and grips in roofing shoes compared with regular ones.
What shoes should I not wear for roofing?
You should never wear sandals, slippers, flip-flops, or heavy, rigid boots.
Conclusion
Through this post, we hope you have got an idea of what the best shoes for metal roofing should be like. Based on the factors we have listed here, consider carefully and choose the perfect product for your needs. Good luck!
