The Problem with Conventional Roofing Footwear
Standard work boots and even purpose-built roofing shoes rely entirely on friction to keep you on a metal roof. On a dry, low-pitch surface, this works reasonably well. But on a steep Colorbond roof — particularly when wet, or when you're carrying materials — friction alone is simply not enough.
The fundamental challenge is physics: on a sloped surface, gravity creates a lateral force that tries to slide your foot down the incline. The steeper the pitch, the greater this force. At 25–30 degrees — common for residential metal roofing — this lateral force is substantial, and no amount of rubber grip can fully counteract it.
The Magnetic Solution
The Magnetic Roofer® Shoe takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than relying solely on friction, it uses rare-earth neodymium magnets embedded in the sole to create a direct physical attraction to ferromagnetic metal surfaces — including Colorbond steel, Zincalume, and most corrugated iron profiles.
This magnetic attraction acts perpendicular to the roof surface, pressing the sole firmly against the metal and dramatically increasing the normal force available for friction. The result is a shoe that feels like it's "gripping" the roof rather than merely resting on it.
Five Years of Development
The technology didn't emerge overnight. The Magnetic Shoe Co. team spent five years in research, development, and real-world testing before bringing the product to market. Key engineering challenges included:
Magnet placement and strength: Too weak, and the effect is negligible. Too strong, and the shoe becomes difficult to lift for normal walking. The final configuration uses a carefully calibrated array of magnets positioned across the forefoot and heel zones.
Sole flexibility: A rigid sole would transfer the magnetic force unevenly. The 100% rubber sole is designed to flex and conform to the roof profile — whether corrugated, ribbed, or flat — ensuring consistent contact across the full footprint.
Durability: The magnets are encapsulated within the sole structure, protecting them from impact, moisture, and the abrasive conditions of roofing work. The industrial-grade micro-fibre upper provides additional protection and breathability.
Cleaning: Metal shavings and debris can accumulate on the magnetic sole over time, reducing effectiveness. Each pair includes a dedicated magnetic cleaning tool to maintain optimal performance.
What Surfaces Does It Work On?
The Magnetic Roofer® Shoe is designed for ferromagnetic metal surfaces, including:
- Colorbond® steel (all profiles)
- Zincalume® steel
- Corrugated iron
- Standing seam metal roofing
- Metal decking and purlins
It does not provide magnetic attraction on non-ferromagnetic surfaces such as tile, concrete, timber, or aluminium. For these surfaces, the standard Roofer® Shoe with its high-grip rubber sole is the recommended option.
The Result
Roofers who have used the Magnetic Roofer® Shoe consistently report a noticeable difference in confidence and stability on steep metal roofs. The magnetic attraction doesn't eliminate the need for safe work practices — fall arrest systems, risk assessments, and appropriate training remain essential — but it provides a meaningful additional layer of protection at the most critical point: your feet.
Explore the full product specifications on the Magnetic Roofer® Shoe product page.