Magnetic Roofing Shoes for Metal & Standing-Seam Roofs

Magnets, Pads or Spikes: The Surface Picks the System

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Traction system	Built for	Not for
Magnetic sole (Steel Walker II)	Carbon and galvanized steel, standing seam	Aluminum, copper, zinc, shingle
Replaceable friction pad (Performer)	Asphalt shingle, steep pitch	Smooth or wet metal
Strap-on spike cover (Spike Cover)	Tear-offs, felt, sheathing, wood shake	Finished panels they would dent

Which Metal Roof Boot Is Right for Your Job?

A metal roof defeats ordinary footwear. A standard lug tread rides on a smooth steel panel with nothing to grab, and soft rubber relies on friction that disappears the moment the surface is damp.

Magnetic soles solve that differently. Instead of gripping the surface, they lock to it. That works on carbon steel and galvanized steel, including standing seam and most painted panels.

It does not work on aluminum, copper or zinc. Those metals are not magnetic. If you are not sure what you are standing on, test the panel with the Magnetic Cleaning Tool that comes with every pair of Steel Walker II boots before you commit to the roof.

Two things to know before you buy. Magnets hold in the rain, but friction still happens between rubber and surface, so dew, frost and chalky oxidation will still slide you. And walking on seams or screw heads damages a magnetic sole, so stay on the flat pan.

Metal Roof Footwear FAQ

Clear answers to help you choose the right tool for the job.

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Trusted by professionals since 1996

Do magnetic roofing boots actually work?

Yes, on ferrous metal. The magnets in the sole lock onto carbon steel and galvanized steel panels, including standing seam, which gives you a positive hold rather than relying on friction. They will not grip aluminum, copper or zinc.

How do I know if my roof is magnetic?

Every pair of Steel Walker II boots comes with a Magnetic Cleaning Tool, which you use both to clean the soles and to check the roof. It is the same magnet that is in the boots, so if it sticks to the panel, your boots will too. If it does not stick, the roof is aluminum, copper or zinc, and you need a soft-sole option instead.

Will magnetic soles scratch or damage the roof?

Not on their own. The risk is metal shards, filings and dropped screws sticking to the sole and grinding into the paint finish. Clean the soles at the ladder and after any cutting or drilling.

Do magnetic boots work on a 6/12 pitch?

On clean, dry steel, yes. The magnet keeps holding regardless of pitch, but the steeper the roof, the more you are relying on it, so fall protection is not optional. Wet, frosty or chalky panels still slide.

Can I walk on seams and screw heads?

No. Walking on raised seams or fasteners damages a magnetic sole and can make it unsafe. Stay on the flat pan between the seams.

What is the difference between magnetic boots and pad boots?

Magnetic boots grip steel by magnetic hold and are for metal roofs. Pad boots use a soft replaceable friction pad that bites granular asphalt and are for shingle. They are not interchangeable, and pads can slip and scuff on smooth metal.