Choosing the right traction
Which roofing boot should I buy for my roof?
The surface decides. Asphalt shingle and steep pitch call for a pad-sole boot such as the Performer. Steel and standing-seam metal call for a magnetic boot, the Steel Walker II. Tear-offs, felt and wood shake call for strap-on Spike Covers over your existing boots. See them side by side in all roofing boots and shoes.
Roof cleats, pad-sole boots or magnetic boots: which should I use?
They are not competitors, they are tools for different surfaces. Spikes penetrate and anchor into rough or torn-up material, and will damage a finished roof. Pads grip granular asphalt by friction across a large contact area. Magnets lock onto ferrous steel. Crews who work more than one surface keep more than one system.
Can one pair of boots cover every roof?
No, and that is the most common buying mistake. A pad that bites shingle glazes over on smooth painted steel, and a magnet that locks onto steel is dead weight on a shingle roof.
Are regular work boots or sneakers good enough for roofing?
No. A lug tread is built for dirt and gravel, and on shingle it rides on top of the loose granules. On metal it has almost nothing to grab at all.
Are steel-toe boots good for roofing?
Steel toe is about impact protection, not grip, and it adds weight. Cougar Paws offers composite toe where the job site requires it. The sole is what keeps you on the roof.
Do magnetic roofing boots actually work?
How do I check whether my roof is magnetic?
Will magnets damage the roof finish?
Can I wear pad-sole boots on a metal roof?
Pads and wear parts
My pads are worn smooth. Can I replace just the pads?
Yes. That is the point of the system. The pad is the part that wears, so you replace the pad and keep the boot. Worn grip is the most common and most preventable reason a roofer slips.
Where do I buy genuine Cougar Paws pads?
Direct from cougarpaws.com and from authorized dealers. Pads sold elsewhere may not be genuine Peak Series. A pad that doesn't fit the sole properly won't grip properly, so a cheaper pad isn't worth the risk.
How often should I replace my pads?
When the surface goes smooth, not on a schedule. How fast that happens depends on how abrasive your surfaces are and how much walking you do off the roof.
How do I make a set of pads last longer?
Most pad wear happens on the ground, not the roof. Pavement, gravel and driveways grind a pad faster than a day on shingle does. Slip-on Covers keep that wear off the pad between climbs.
On the roof
Is it safe to walk on a metal roof?
Yes, with fall protection, dry conditions and the right footing. Step on the flat pan and over supports, not on ribs or seams.
How steep is too steep to walk on a roof?
There is no single number, it depends on the surface, conditions and your own experience. What is not optional is fall protection: OSHA requires fall protection for steep-slope work with unprotected edges six feet or more above a lower level, and for most roofers that means a personal fall arrest system. For steep shingle work, see our shingle roof boots.
Why do I keep slipping even in good boots?
Two usual causes: loose granules or debris in your working lane, and worn grip on your soles. Sweep the lane before you rely on it, and check your pads.
Do magnetic boots count as fall protection?
No. No boot does. Traction is the last line of defense, never the first.
Orders, Sizing and Warranty
Who can benefit from using Cougar Paws products?
Cougar Paws products are perfect for roofers, adjusters, house inspectors, gutter installers, window cleaners, chimney sweeps, and anyone else who works on hazardous inclines or roof surfaces.
What makes your products different?
Cougar Paws products are unique in that they offer Traction Grip technology that no other roofing products can offer. This innovative Traction Grip technology enables workers to double their production while also increasing their safety. These products will revolutionize the way you work on roof surfaces of varying finishes and inclines. Once you try them you will never go back to anything else.
How do the Cougar Paws Boot and the Peak Series Replacement Pad work together?
The Cougar Paws boot soles are specifically made of industrial Velcro. Called the "hook," it allows a replaceable "Peak Series" pad to be attached to the sole. One side of the Replaceable Pad, called the "loop," is made of felt type material. When attached to the "hook" it holds firmly. When the pad wears down, it can be peeled off and replaced by a new one.
Do Cougar Paws work on steel surfaces?
The SteelWalker and the Steel Walker® II are exclusively for steel. We do not suggest using the Performer or the Estimator on steel surfaces. Dust is a factor that prevents the pad from making contact with the roof surface.
Do the Cougar Paws Boots come in women's sizes?
The Cougar Paws work boots are only available in men's sizes. However, our boots will fit ladies’ size 5 and up. Women’s sizes are normally two (2) sizes smaller than men sizes. For example, a woman who wears a size 8 in a woman's shoe would normally ask for a size 6 in a men’s shoe. Likewise, a woman who wears a size 6 in a woman's shoe would wear our size 4 men's, etc.
How do I determine my boot size?
Typically, our shoes run large for most people. You may need to order a full size smaller if you have a narrow foot. In most cases, ordering ½ sizes smaller works for most men.
Do your Cougar Paws boots come with a warranty?
Yes, our boots are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of purchase.
What is the best way to care for my roofing boots?
Brush away in loose dirt or material daily while inspecting your boot.
Do you ship internationally?
At this time, we do not ship outside of the United States.
Hours of Operation?
Normal operation hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 to 4:00 Eastern Standard Time
When will my order ship?
Orders are shipped on business days only (Monday to Friday, excluding U.S. federal holidays). Orders received after 12:00 pm EST will not ship until the next BUSINESS Day. Please note that the ship date is not included towards time in transit.
Saturday delivery for Express shipping is not offered on-line. Please call customer service at 276-632-3932 to determine availability if you require this option.
All packages are shipped via Federal Express. We are unable to ship to PO boxes. Please enter a physical address for delivery of your package.
Cougar Paws Inc. is not responsible for any delays in packages due to circumstances beyond our control such as weather delays, missing/incorrect addresses entered on-line, etc.