Thorogood Roofer Boots Review


One of the essentials of a safe and efficient roofing job is a pair of roofer boots like the Thorogood Roofer Boots. Designed to keep you planted firmly where you stand, these boots minimize the risk of accidents, falls, and injuries that way too many people experience as a result of poor footwear choices.

Now, I’m not a stranger to roofing repairs so the Thorogood Roofer Boots definitely seemed like something I could get a lot of use out of. Needless to say, I’m pretty pleased with what I got out of my purchase, so I could definitely recommend these Roofer Boots to anyone who frequents any dangerous roof terrain.

If you’re not quite sure what these boots offer, I’ve got you covered. Find out what I learned about the Thorogood Roofer Boots and find out if they can fit your fancy.

Pros of the Thorogood Roofer Boots

  • Superb construction is extra durable against wear and tear, giving you a long lasting pair that you can use for a variety of household repair projects.
  • Unbelievable traction keeps you planted and stable on a variety of difficult and dangerous terrain.
  • Impressive aesthetics, despite being constructed as a roofer boot.
  • Secure lacing system keeps the boot snug against your feet.
  • Smart cushion makes the boot exceptionally comfortable for extended hours of use.

Cons of the Thorogood Roofer Boots

  • Takes a pretty long time to break-in, so they may feel stubborn on your feet for a while.
  • Lacks a few components that could have improved the boots’ protection features.

At a Glance

If there’s one thing I can say about the Thorogood Roofer Boots at first glance is that they look as secure as they can get. The lace-to-toe boots have an extensive lacing system. It covers almost the entire length of the upper, save for an inch or two of the toe area.

The leather features a triple stitch – a marker of high quality construction. It also comes equipped with a few metal rivets that help hold the entire upper in place. This gives the entire construction superb resistance to wear, guaranteeing long life and a hardy defense against damage.

From a bird’s eye view, the sole extends slightly beyond the uppers. So all together, the sole measures quite a bit more than the shoe size all together. This part of the design was intended to improve traction. The greater surface area gives you more to stand on so you can balance more efficiently.

In terms of aesthetics, the Roofer Boots definitely aren’t that shabby. The leather is oil-tanned, and looks a little distressed as an intended result of the treatment. Aside from giving the boot a worn aesthetic, the oil-tanning process also makes the boot abrasion resistant.

Exceptional Support and Safety

A main concern for anyone navigating a roof would be safety. If your shoes don’t give you the right support, traction, and protection, you might find yourself in an accident.

The boot features Vibram Christy blown rubber wedge that gives mighty traction and grip. The sole is also slip-resistant, which is always helpful when treading wet shingles. Inside the soles are composite shanks that are just as durable as their metal counterparts. The reason why the manufacturer chose composite material over metal is because they’re lighter. This gives you greater control and reduces the chances of losing your balance.

The leather itself also adds to the boots’ safety features. Attached to the uppers via Goodyear welt construction, there’s no such thing as worrying about the soles from separating from the uppers.

Stiff and dense, the leather was designed to be stubborn against bending and folding. This maintains the structure of the boot even with extended, frequent use. So you can rely on the design to work essentially the same through the years.

Finally, the lacing system is another safety feature worthy of praise. The laces extend from the toes all the way to the top edge of the uppers. After six standard lace eyelets, the holes are replaced with lacing hooks that add extra stability to your laces. Closest to the edge of the upper, the final component of the lacing system resumes the eyelet design for a secure finish that won’t become undone with movement.

Padding, Cushions, and Comfort

If your feet aren’t properly cradled while walking on an uneven roof surface, you might end up curling your toes, adjusting your arches, or otherwise awkwardly positioning your feet. This can cause injury and strain just the same, so comfort is of utmost importance.

To give your feet the padding they need, the Thorogood Roofer Boots come with removable Poron 4000 Comfort Cushions. These conform to your arches and give you a stable and steady step. This – in combination with the rubber midsoles – provides superior shock absorption. Ultimately, they eliminate any bounce so you can plant your feet in confidence with each step.

Lining the interior of the boot is cotton drill vamp which wicks away sweat. It also prevents moisture from being absorbed into the material. This keeps both odor and bacteria from developing in the boot as a result of sweat and moisture accumulation.

Form and Fit

Although they’re designed for roofing projects, you’d be surprised that the Roofer Boots from Thorogood actually offer some pretty decent aesthetics. The distressed leather finish gives it a worn and used look. For lots of guys, this makes it a great accent for certain style trends and outfits. It also comes in a black leather colorway that definitely looks just as good as the tan brown option.

Designed to fit your feet like a sock, the Roofer Boots are a naturally a snug fit. This keeps them secure against your feet and prevents any accidents associated with loose footwear. The lacing system can be loosened extensively, allowing you to get your foot in with ease. Adjusting tightness from the toes to the leg for a snug fit can take some getting used to, though.

Sizes for the Roofer Boots tend to run a size larger. So be sure to purchase them in one size smaller to counter the sizing issue.

Traction and Stability

Another thing I want to talk about with these Roofer Boots is the stability and traction that they offer. It’s of utmost importance that your shoes keep you firmly in place when working on a roof, so they need to prevent slips and falls that could lead to injurious outcomes.

For that purpose, the Roofer Boots feature a zigzag sole pattern with wide spaces that run deep. The embossed zigzag pattern is textured, giving you extra traction against shingles and other roofing materials. It’s also extra dense, giving it extended resilience against wear and tear that could easily blur out the treads on other shoes.

A Few Missing Details

After having used these shoes for a while, there are a few things I wished were incorporated into the design. The lack of a composite or steel toe option makes could have been appreciated. Especially for jobs that require the use of heavy tools like drills and hammers, the extra reinforcement would have been helpful.

A composite heel reinforcement would have also been a worthy addition to the overall design. As the boot does tend to fit quite snug, any ankle movements may not be as easily prevented by the leather alone. The inclusion of a composite heel would have greatly reduced any ankle injuries as a result of eversion or inversion.

Finally, the extended sole – while it does add some surface area – might seem like a bit of a hazard at times. Generally, when we wear shoes, we’re conditioned to feel that the entire surface area is limited to the size of our feet. With the extended outsole, it might be easy to snag your foot along obstacles. This becomes especially hazardous if you’re working around tight spaces.

The Verdict

There aren’t a lot of roofer boots available on the market, so when I found the Thorogood Roofer Boots, I definitely had to grab a pair. Yes, there were a few design flaws I noticed as I used them more often, but then again, those aren’t serious enough to make me feel like I wasted money on them.

That said, I not only recommend the Thorogood Roofer Boots for roof repair specialists, but for DIY enthusiasts too. They definitely give the right comfort, support, and traction for tasks that might put you at risk of falls and injury.

If you’re in search of a trendy new pair to add to your wardrobe, I’d dare say that the Roofer Boots aren’t a bad pick. In fact, lots of buyers have leveraged them for that purpose entirely, so they’re sure to find a place in your wardrobe if you’re a style-savvy men’s fashion geek.

Sources

  1. The effectiveness of shoe insoles for the prevention and treatment of low back pain: a systematic review and meta, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov