Worth it? Cougar Paws Roofing Shoes Reviewed

Cougar Paws are specifically designed for roofing tasks but they come at a hefty price. In this article we look at the details, figure out if their worth the cost and what alternatives are out there on the market.

Cougar Paws roofing boots – What are your options?

Originally designed by Dan Cougar, there are four models of Cougar Paws on the market, with the first model below being the flagship model:

1. The Cougar Paws Steel Worker – Starting at around $230

2. Estimator – Starting at around $170

3. Performer – Starting at around $200

4. Wood Silencer – Starting at around $80

These models all come at considerable cost, so later in this article we look at good (maybe better!) alternatives. You can skip to this section Cougar Paws alternative section by clicking HERE.

Are these roofing shoes worth it?

These roofing shoes deliver a number of useful safety features that can help protect roofers on slippery surfaces. So if you’re regularly climbing surfaces with a steep incline they may be worth the price for you, particularly if you’re a professional roofer regularly walking on a roof and you need something that’s going to offer durability.

What alternatives are then to Cougar Paws boots?

We’re glad that you asked! It’s worth considering other roofing footwear to protect youon a steep incline roof. Below are the top footwear that we tested:

THOROGOOD MEN’S AMERICAN HERITAGE 6″ MOC TOE BOOT

The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boot may be the perfect choice, achieving a balance between comfort, safety and value for money. They feel fantastic and the outer soles are designed for safety for tasks like climbing ladders or working on uneven surfaces. These have long been the choice of roofers and other workmen in need of protection and comfort.

Overall these make an excellent choice of shoe that we would highly recommend purchasing, it’s hard to improve upon this tried and tested design.

Key Features:

• Upper: Oil-tanned leather.

• Removable Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed.

• Insole: Poron comfort cushion.

• Outsole: MAXWear Wedge.

• Triple-stitched.

• Construction: Goodyear storm welt protection.

What other people Say:

TIMBERLAND PRO MEN’S BARSTOW WEDGE WORK FOOTWEAR

The Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedges are an excellent choice for roofers. These boots can respond to the safety requirements of working on metal roofs, for gutter installers and any other roofing industry task that you might throw at them.

The Timberland PRO Men’s Barstow Wedge Work have a strong build meaning that they won’t need to be replaced in a short period of time. They also have excellent grip which depending on the surface that you’re working on, can help prevent slips and falls. They also have excellent ankle support and support your foot arches well for a comfortable day at work.

Key Features:

• Comfortable design with wide options available

• Anti-fatigue technology

• Electrical hazard protection

• Perfect for slippery surfaces

• Metal alloy safety toe

• Good value for money

What other people Say:

KEEN UTILITY MEN’S DETROIT MID STEEL TOE WORK

As a brand Keen is well knowing in the industry and have a reputation for continuing to make high quality accessories. They are known for being hard wearing and providing a high level of safety for any roofing job.

So if you’re after a high quality for your roofing task or business, that aren’t going to break overnight, while offering a high level of stability and support, then look no further.

Key Features:

• High level of support through heel and mid-foot

• Ergonomic heel cup that ensures comfort

• EH rated Mark 2 outersole provides industry rated slip resistance

• Waterproof

• Excellent for uneven surfaces

What other people Say:

IRISH SETTER MEN’S 6″ 83605 WORK BOOT

Another brand with an exceptional reputation, Irish Setter has been making high quality footwear for many years. They are some of the most popular boots amongst industry professionals and provide both a high level of comfort and protection.

The great thing about these are their price point. Though they’re cheaper than their Red Wing alternative, they offer all of the features, comfort and protection needed to get your job done.

Key Features:

• Rubber EVA Traction Tred outsole.

• HRO soles are heat resistant at a minimum of 475 degrees fahrenheit.

• Goodyear welt.

• Removable polyurethane footbed.

• Lace-up style with antique brass eyelets.

• Soft toe is ASTM F2892-11, EH rated.

What other people Say:

RED WING HERITAGE 6-INCH ROUND TOE BOOT

The Red Wing Heritage 6-Inch Round Toe depending on who you ask, are the ultimate Redwing Work Boots. Not only do they look great but they are also sturdy and durable, lasting perhaps the longest of all roofing shoes.

The Red Wing Heritage 6’’ boots are also very comfortable to wear all day because they offer excellent support and top-quality materials. Additionally, they are pretty durable, as Amazon reviews read, ‘they last you a lifetime.’

Key Features:

• Polyurethane traction tred sole

• Taslan laces

• Solid brass eyelets

• All-around Goodyear welt

• Puritan triple stitch

• Leather-covered foam footbed

What other people Say:

WOLVERINE MEN’S OVERPASS 6″ COMPOSITE TOE BOOT

We simply had to include these Wolverine Men’s Overpass 6 inch composite toe in our list. The reason we needed to include them is due to the positive feedback we’ve received about them from roofers on how supportive and comfortable these feel. As well as this, they’re also safety rated to allow you to get your job done safely.f

The Wolverine Overpass features Contour Welt® technology providing the ultimate comfort and flexibility. Alongside of that flexibility, the Overpass utilizes a lightweight rubber lug outsole and shock absorption that will keep you light on your feet and heavy on protection.

Key Features:

• Premium waterproof leather with abrasion resistant toe
• Moisture wicking mesh lining keeps feet cool
• Removable OrthoLite® cushioning footbed molds to your foot
• Advanced comfort PU midsole
• Dual compound rubber and PU outsole grips the ground
• Nylon Shank provides extra strength
• ATSM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated composite toe
• Backed by Wolverine’s 30 day comfort guarantee

What other people Say:

What pitch are Cougar Paws good for

Cougar Paws are good for a 12/12 pitched roof. These roof surface definitely shouldn’t be tackled in sneakers or unsuitable footwear.

For those who work on roofs and incline roof surfaces, these roofing shoes are an excellent option. Made with powerful magnets and a soft rubber sole, they are safe to use while climbing ladders and stepping onto metal roofs.

SteelWalker roofing footwear

For a durable steel-toed boot, you may want to consider the Cougar Paws SteelWalker. This brand makes a variety of products to suit various roofing needs. There are several styles to choose from, including the Steel Walker Boot and Magnetic Shoes. These metal roof shoes are specifically designed to offer a secure grip on metal roofs. Read on to find out more about this versatile product.

The steel-toed Cougar Paws SteelWalker was born from the company’s research and development. They have a unique magnetic outsole and an 8-inch height. While their predecessors varied greatly in their magnetic flux density, the SteelWalker’s patented magnetic design allows it to withstand extreme conditions. These are an excellent choice for workers in the ironworking trades across North America.

Replacement soles

In 2003, Cougar Paws began research for 8-inch high leather boots using patented magnetic designs. They specifically designed for steep-pitch steel roofing in North America. The soles are removable and replaceable, so you can always stay protected. Replacement soles cost $196, and you can buy them online for easy replacement and repair.

The patented replaceable traction pads provide superior grip on specific angled surfaces. These boots are often nicknamed “glue shoes” due to their superior adhesion to roofs.

Warrantee

One of the attractive things about these boots is the 6 month ‘always waterproof’ warrantee. Among manufacturers, this is a rare feature. So if you experience any design or feature defects within the first 6 months you can simply go back to the manufacturer and request either a replacement or a refund.