When you're standing on a steep, unpredictable roof, every step matters. That’s why at Contra Footwear, we didn’t settle for a generic outsole — we developed Tractex™, our proprietary rubber and tread technology engineered for tradesmen who work where footing counts most.
Whether you're navigating asphalt shingles, metal panels, or plywood decking, Tractex is designed to maximize grip, shed debris, and stay reliable in variable jobsite conditions. Here's how it works.
Tractex™ is the outsole materials colllection; the foundation of Contra's modular roofing footwear. It includes our Diamond tread; a soft, tacky rubber compound formulated to increase surface contact while maintaining resilience and durability under load. The result: a work shoe that grips like a cleat but wears like an athletic sneaker.
Unlike generic rubber outsoles, Tractex is:
Optimized for sloped and slick surfaces
Designed to remain flexible in cold or hot temperatures
Engineered with industry-specific tread geometry for roofing and trades
One of our most versatile outsole patterns features a diamond tread design — chosen for its ability to shed granules, dust, and debris while maintaining consistent contact with the roof. This pattern excels on loose shingles, synthetic underlayment, and even metal, where channeling water or dirt is key.
The diamond tread version of Tractex is perfect for:
Shingle roof installations
Solar panel mounting
Service calls on mixed-material roofs
Dusty or unstable ground conditions
Other versions of Tractex™ feature flat siping, lugged treads, and compound variants optimized for different traction needs — all interchangeable with our modular outsole system.
Traditional roofing boots often rely on dense, rigid rubber that feels heavy, lacks flexibility, and can lose grip in wet or dusty conditions. Tractex solves these issues by offering:
Higher surface-area contact (13% more than most boot outsoles)
Lightweight materials that reduce fatigue
Swappable tread pads, so you can switch out your grip based on the surface you’re working on
From roofing contractors to solar installers, Contra with Tractex™ is built for those who move quickly and work hard. You don’t just need a boot — you need a high-performance work shoe with the traction to match.
Ready to upgrade from outdated boots? Try Tractex™ and feel the difference.