Roofing is hard work.
Long hours spent under the bright sun, crouching and kneeling on hot shingles, not to mention walking up and down steeply sloped and sometimes slick roofs.
It’s definitely not a job to take lightly, but rather a profession that requires the proper safety gear from head to toe.
With a good pair of roofing boots, you’ll guarantee sturdy, secure footing no matter where you’re stepping. Plus, all-day comfort and support for your feet so you end your long work shift just slightly less tired.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
I’ve spent a fair few years working constructing jobs, doing everything from hauling bricks to running piping to putting down floors.
After an extra-long work shift ended in a near-plummet off a steep, rain-slicked roof, I came to realize just how dangerous certain aspects of the job were. So I set out to find the best pair of roofing boots to ensure I was as safe as possible.
In the last five years, I’ve tested every pair I could get my hands on, talked with all my roofer buddies, and combed through hundreds (if not thousands) of reviews.
My research has led me to put together this list of the five best roofing boots I could find.
5 Best Roofing Boots in 2023
Best Overall: JK O.T. Safety Toe
In all my testing, I haven’t yet found a boot that can beat the quality, comfort, and performance of JK’s O.T. Safety Toe boots for on-the-job-site use.
The “dual sport” design makes them perfect for both sports (hunting, fishing, hiking) and work. The JK O.T.s offer OSHA-required protection—including an ASTM-rated composite safety toe, NFPA-rated materials, and an ultra-grippy Vibram 100 Honey sole—and excellent durability.
However, the O.T.s are also very comfortable, with excellent arch support, a thick outsole, and an ergonomic design that feels like they’re hugging my feet. Thanks to the addition of speed hooks, they’re easy to get off and on in a hurry.
Don’t get me wrong: JK boots are a pricey investment. But I consider the O.T.s a worthwhile one for the handmade quality. They’re both rebuildable and resoleable, so they’ll easily last at least ten years with proper care and maintenance.
What I Like
The most comfortable work boots I’ve tested to date.
“Dual sport” design makes them useful not just on the job site, but also for recreational activities.
Handsome mix of roughout and smooth leather, very eye-catching.
Handmade quality, excellent durability, and can be rebuilt/resoled to extend their longevity.
Grippy, stable, supportive, and reliable—everything I look for in a pair of work boots.
What I Don’t Like
The price tag is no joke. However, the fact that “you get what you pay for” with these boots makes it a smart long-term investment in my mind.
What Other Reviewers Say
With a 4.9 out of 5-star rating, it’s clear tradies are fans of JK O.T. Safety Toe. Reviewers rave about their light weight, sturdy construction, and great arch and heel support.
The only negative reviews I could find mentioned that the leather is a bit stiff and takes longer to break in than average (although this wasn’t the case for me). However, once broken in, there is no other cause for complaint that my research could turn up.
Lots of people rave about their handsome fit and finish, too.
The Verdict
If you want to invest in a pair of boots that will last you for years of hard use on the job, I consider the JK O.T. Safety Toe a smart choice. Their handmade quality and top-of-the-line materials ensure they’ll hold up to wear and tear, and their excellent cushioning and support will keep you comfortable when kneeling, crouching, and hoofing it up and down roofs.
If you want to invest in a pair of boots that will last you for years of hard use on the job, I consider the JK O.T. Safety Toe a smart choice. Their handmade quality and top-of-the-line materials ensure they’ll hold up to wear and tear, and their excellent cushioning and support will keep you comfortable when kneeling, crouching, and hoofing it up and down roofs.
Best on a Budget: Brunt Marin Comp Toe
As a big, heavy guy (6’6”, 250 lbs.), I always appreciate a well-built wedge sole boot like the Brunt Marin Comp Toe. I like the extra support and cushioning the full-length sole offers, and the grippiness keeps me very stable, even on sloped or slippery rooftops.
The Brunt Marins are great for use on the job: they come with a composite safety toe, are ASTM-rated for electrical hazards, and have an oil- and slip-resistant rubber coating on the bottom of the wedge sole. Plus, they’re waterproof, so I never have to worry about my feet getting soaked in heavy rain.
The Marins‘ six-inch shaft makes them great for kneeling, crouching, and bending, but they still offer good ankle support when laced up tight. The moc-toe style pairs nicely with my weekend wear, and they’re comfortable enough that I’ll use them both on the job and around town.
Best of all, like most Brunt boots, the price tag is low enough that I won’t think twice about replacing them when my current pair wears out.
What I Like
Waterproof design is great for working even in the heavy British Columbia rainfall.
Composite toe makes it lighter than steel-toe boots, and less friction against my toes.
Premium insoles offer all-day comfort and support.
The mesh lining keeps the boots breathable, so I can wear them even in the summer heat.
Lightweight, shock-absorbing midsole and wedge sole are great for big, heavy guys like me.
What I Don’t Like
The break-in time was a bit longer than I’d like. Before I wore them in fully, the leather gripped my ankle really tight and rubbed to the point of causing blisters. I had to wear extra-thick socks (like the Camel City Mill Heavyweights) for enough protection.
What Other Reviewers Say
Out of the nearly 3,500 reviews the Brunt Marin Comp Toe boots have garnered, the vast majority are highly positive.
A few found that these boots suffer the same problem that many wedge sole boots do: the sole separating from the upper as the stitching wore out or tore.
Most tradies who wear them on the job, though, speak highly of their quality, comfort, style, and, of course, their value for the budget price.
The Verdict
The Brunt Marin Comp Toe is simply a great pair of hard-wearing, comfortable work boots that’ll suit you well on the job site.
Their short shaft, cushioned insoles, and grippy, supportive wedge outsole make them ideal for long days of roofing, and their waterproof design will keep your feet dry. And no one can argue with that budget-friendly price tag.
The Brunt Marin is an excellent boot for you if you need a solid work boot and you’re on a budget. And if you’re not entirely sure on what kind of fit you should get for your boots, the Marin has some customizable features (like the second removable insole) that ensure you’ll have comfort in your boots.
Best Work Boots for Roofing: Thorogood 8” MAXwear Safety Toe Boot
If you’re looking for a heavier-duty pair of work boots for roofing, I recommend the Thorogood MAXwear Safety Boot. Specifically, the eight-inch boots.
I know, I know: a lot of roofers prefer boots with a six-inch height for more versatility. But I’ve found that when I’m standing on a sloped roof, the extra-long shaft gives my (sadly weak) ankles extra support and keeps my footing more secure.
The Thorogood boots have a lot of other features that will be suitable for roofers, including a composite shank (for support when climbing up and down ladders), a slip-resistant MAXWear wedge outsole (extra grippy), and an “Ultimate Shock Absorption” footbed that’ll reduce fatigue over long hours on your feet.
I also highly appreciate the fact that these boots are also rebuildable and resoleable, with top-quality materials and the work done right here in the USA.
What I Like
American-made quality at a reasonable price tag.
Heavy-duty construction without being overweight (for a work boot).
Steel toe, composite shank, and slip-resistant outsole keep you stable and safe on the job.
Shock-absorbing footbed does a great job of combatting fatigue.
Extra-tall shaft offers good ankle support for standing on sloped roofs.
What I Don’t Like
If I don’t hold the tongue when I’m sliding my foot into the boot, it ends up twisted and pretty uncomfortable, forcing me to re-adjust before I can lace up.
What Other Reviewers Say
A few negative reviews mentioned that the Thorogood 8” MAXwear Safety Toe Boot’s sole gets a little slick in heavy rain or on mud.
However, they have earned a lot of reviews praising their comfort, true-to-size fit, reliability, and durability. The fact that they can be rebuilt/resoled makes them popular for wearers who want to keep the same boot for years to come, with regular maintenance as needed.
The Verdict
For a tough, reliable work boot for roofing, I recommend the Thorogood 8” MAXwear Safety Toe Boot. It’s got all the necessary safety features you need for your daily work, but aren’t so heavy they’ll drag on your feet. The addition of a shock-absorbing insole makes them nicely comfortable and the extra-tall shaft height hugs your ankles for more stability on sloped or slippery rooftops.
For a tough, reliable work boot for roofing, I recommend the Thorogood 8” MAXwear Safety Toe Boot. It’s got all the necessary safety features you need for your daily work, but aren’t so heavy they’ll drag on your feet. The addition of a shock-absorbing insole makes them nicely comfortable and the extra-tall shaft height hugs your ankles for more stability on sloped or slippery rooftops.
Best for Shingle Roofing: Wolverine Overpass
The Wolverine Overpass boots are my go-to for shingle roofing because the combination rubber-and-synthetic outsole offers fantastic footing on the asphalt material. Even if the day is scorching hot and the shingles are soft, the lugs are deep enough to offer steady footing but not so aggressive they’ll damage the asphalt.
The Overpass also has many other features that make it suitable for roofing: waterproof construction, a moisture-wicking mesh lining, a thick Ortholite cushioned footbed, a nylon shank for more stability, and a composite safety toe that can take a beating.
The Wolverine boots aren’t so pricey they’ll break the bank, but are built with quality materials and resilient construction, so they’ll last for years on the job. Just a great pair of all-around work boots well-suited to shingle roofing and most other construction jobs.
What I Like
Versatile, great for everything from roofing to flooring to carpentry.
Solidly built and will last a long time.
Affordable price tag.
Ultra-grippy sole, great for walking on asphalt shingles.
Lightweight but excellent protection.
What I Don’t Like
The composite toe feels a bit tight against my thick, long toes. I have to wear thin socks (the Camel City Mill Lightweights work wonderfully) for my feet to fit comfortably.
What Other Reviewers Say
Combing over the reviews for the Wolverine Overpass, I’ve found a lot of wearers appreciate their supportive construction, thick cushioning, and accurate sizing.
Other reviewers apparently had the same problem I did (the composite toe being a bit too tight). Also, a few complaints mentioned quality control issues, with the boots’ side seams and wearing down/breaking faster than expected.
But it was a winner for all-day comfort. One user even said he wears them eight to fifteen hours at a time with no issues.
The Verdict
Thanks to the combination of rubber and polyurethane used for the outsole, the Wolverine Overpass boots will be extra grippy on shingle rooftops, and offer you the traction you need to stay steady and secure even if the roof is deeply slanted.
Add to this a comfortable, waterproof, breathable design and a reasonable price tag, and they’ve earned their place on my list.
Comfort plays a big factor in alleviating pain from plantar fasciitis. The Wolverine Overpass Boot is breathable, ergonomic, and flexible in the outsole, which provides a custom level of long-lasting relief.
Best Winter Roofing Boots: Carolina Elm
I chose the Carolina Elms as my ideal winter roofing boots for two reasons.
First, the 600-gram Thinsulate insulation can repel temperatures as low as -20F, making them ideal for working even in the brutal Canadian winters.
Second, their “logger” design (with a one-inch slanted heel and the addition of a triple-rib steel shank for support) makes them ideal for climbing up and down ladders.
The oil- and slip-resistant outsole offers solid footing even if the roof is slick or steeply slanted, and the SCUBALINER waterproof layer ensures the boots stay dry even if rain’s pouring down.
The fact that the Carolina Elms are made from horse leather rather than cowhide means they’re even more resilient and capable of withstanding hard use.
What I Like
Horse leather is naturally water-resilient and very tough.
Waterproof and insulated against cold temperatures.
Logger design offers fantastic comfort and support on ladder rungs.
Sure-grip rubber soles provide excellent traction.
Comfortable, thickly-padded Pillow Cushion memory foam footbed.
What I Don’t Like
These are great winter boots, but they’re too hot to use in summer. My feet overheat before the day’s halfway done because of how thick the insulation is.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Carolina Elms get a lot of love from roofers, linemen, and tradies of all professions. Positive reviews highlight their comfort, rugged construction, excellent waterproofing, accurate fit, reliability, and affordability.
One reviewer mentioned that the insole felt a bit hard and didn’t offer the shock absorption the boots promised. Another noted the tread on the heels wore off a bit quicker than expected.
The Verdict
If you’re working in the cold, the Carolina Elms are my recommendation for winter roofing boots. Their logger design, nylon shank, and grippy outsole will provide your feet good support and traction whether you’re scrambling up and down ladders or walking across rooftops.
Thanks to their ultra-tough horse leather and waterproof construction, you’ll find they last you a long time working in any weather conditions.
The Carolina Elm is a fantastic value, and I love that it's completely waterproof. There's a steel toe and non-steel toe version.
4 Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Boot
Grip
You’ll be walking on slanted rooftops, which may also be slippery from rain, dew, or ice melt. It’s imperative that your boots offer good traction, typically using rubber or a combination of rubber and polyurethane for the outsoles.
Note: In many cases, an ultra-aggressive lug may damage the roof, particularly asphalt shingle. You may want to consider boots with a less aggressive tread/lug pattern for roofing specifically.
Safety Features
OSHA requirements demand that you have at least the basic safety features necessary for any construction site, including:
- Oil- and slip-resistant sole
- Safety toe (either steel or composite)
- ASTM electrical hazard rating
Comfort
A heavier sole (like a wedge sole) is a good option for all-day comfort, especially when paired with a thick, cushioned footbed or shock-absorbing insoles.
Stability and Support
Boots with higher heels (anything over one inch) may compromise your footing and make you less stable, whereas lower heels (one inch or less) and wedge soles will give you more stable footing.
You need plenty of heel and arch support to reduce foot fatigue, but also consider your ankles. A boot with a higher shaft (eight inches) may grip your ankles more tightly and provide support as you stand on the slanted roof for long hours at a time.
Conclusion
With the right pair of roofing boots, you’ll not only have the necessary safety and stability for your job—you’ll be more comfortable, too.
The good news is that a wide range of work boot styles are compatible with roofing, so you have plenty of options to consider when shopping for the best roofing boots.
My top pick is the JK O.T. Safety Toe boots. They deliver the comfort and support a big, heavy guy like me needs, and their handmade quality ensures they’ll last for easily ten years on the job.
If you want to invest in a pair of boots that will last you for years of hard use on the job, I consider the JK O.T. Safety Toe a smart choice. Their handmade quality and top-of-the-line materials ensure they’ll hold up to wear and tear, and their excellent cushioning and support will keep you comfortable when kneeling, crouching, and hoofing it up and down roofs.
But if you’re on a tighter budget, the Brunt Marin Comp Toe boots are a solid pick. Though less pricey, they don’t compromise on construction or comfort.
The Thorogood 8” MAXwear Safety Toes are a great pair of all-around work boots that are highly reliable for roofing, but for shingle roofs, I recommend the less aggressive but ultra-grippy soles of the Wolverine Overpass.
For a tough, reliable work boot for roofing, I recommend the Thorogood 8” MAXwear Safety Toe Boot. It’s got all the necessary safety features you need for your daily work, but aren’t so heavy they’ll drag on your feet. The addition of a shock-absorbing insole makes them nicely comfortable and the extra-tall shaft height hugs your ankles for more stability on sloped or slippery rooftops.
And if you’re working in cold conditions, the insulation and waterproofing offered by the Carolina Elms will keep your feet dry, warm, and comfortable all winter long.
FAQs
What boots are best for roofers?
Roofers can wear pretty much any work boots that have the requisite safety features (safety toe, electrical hazard rating, etc.).
However, the best roofing boots will have very grippy soles, cushioned footbeds to stave off fatigue, and heel, arch, and ankle support for more stability when standing on the slanted rooftops all day. Waterproofing and insulation are both “nice to haves,” too.
What are the best shoes to climb a roof?
If I’m climbing on or around roofs, I’ll be happiest when wearing my JK O.T. Safety Toe boots. However, if it’s really cold (like it is for five months out of the year in Canada), the insulation offered by the Carolina Elms makes them my go-to boots.
What are the best shoes to wear on a tin roof?
Tin roofs are not only prone to being more slippery than shingle roofs, but they also tend to have sharp edges. The best boots to wear on a tin roof will have thick rubber outsoles and an aggressive tread pattern that offers good grip on the metal and protection for your feet.
Are there special shoes for roofers?
Roofers can get away with wearing any work boot style. There is no roofing-specific design. However, certain boots are more comfortable for climbing up and down ladders (such as logger boots or linemen boots), or boots that offer better ankle support and stability on sloped rooftops.
