Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Contra Footwear, TRACTEX™ modular traction, sizing, orders, returns, or which outsole pad is right for your work? You’re in the right place.
Contra builds athletic-inspired modular footwear for roofing professionals, inspectors, installers, contractors, exterior trades, and other professionals who need lightweight comfort and adaptable traction.
For additional help, contact support@contrafootwear.com.
About Contra Footwear
What is Contra Footwear?
Contra Footwear makes athletic-inspired work footwear built around the TRACTEX™ modular outsole system.
Instead of permanently attaching one outsole tread to the shoe, TRACTEX allows compatible traction pads to be removed and replaced as they wear or changed to better match different surfaces and working conditions.
Contra footwear is designed for professionals including roofers, inspectors, adjusters, solar installers, holiday lighting installers, exterior trades, contractors, and other workers who value lightweight mobility, comfort, and adaptable traction.
What is the TRACTEX™ modular outsole system?
TRACTEX™ is Contra's interchangeable outsole platform.
Compatible Contra shoes use replaceable traction pads that attach securely to the bottom of the footwear. When a traction pad becomes worn or when a different tread is better suited to the work environment, the pad can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire shoe.
Benefits of the system include:
- Replaceable wear components
- Different traction options for different surfaces
- Easy field replacement
- Longer usable life of the overall footwear system
- The ability to move between specialized and everyday traction configurations
Are Contra shoes roofing shoes?
Roofing is one of the primary applications for Contra footwear, particularly when Contra shoes are paired with Roof Runner traction pads.
Contra footwear is also used for inspections, ladder work, solar installation, holiday lighting, exterior service work, general jobsite movement, and everyday professional use.
Contra footwear is not certified fall-protection equipment, PPE, or a substitute for appropriate workplace safety equipment.
Choosing Your Contra Footwear
What is the difference between the Contra Heist and Contra Raid?
The Contra Heist™ is Contra's lightweight, low-top performance work sneaker. It is designed for users who prioritize athletic-style mobility, breathability, lightweight comfort, and adaptable traction.
The Contra Raid™ is a more rugged 6-inch high-top design intended for users who want additional support, weather protection, and a more substantial work-shoe platform while retaining the TRACTEX modular outsole system.
In general:
Choose the Heist if you want: lightweight mobility, a low-top athletic feel, roof inspection capability, ladder mobility, and everyday jobsite versatility.
Choose the Raid if you want: a high-top design, more support, greater weather resistance, a more rugged upper, and additional coverage for demanding work environments.
Is the Contra Heist waterproof?
Water resistance depends on the specific Heist model.
The Vector / Dark Green WP Heist features waterproof upper construction.
Other Heist models should not be assumed to be waterproof unless the individual product page specifically identifies them as waterproof.
Is the Contra Raid waterproof?
The current Midnight / Black WP and Axis / OD Green WP Contra Raid models feature waterproof upper construction.
Waterproof footwear does not make a roof, ladder, jobsite, or traction pad safe for wet-weather use. Always evaluate the actual working surface and environmental conditions before proceeding.
Choosing a TRACTEX Traction Pad
Which Contra traction pad should I use?
Different TRACTEX pads are intended for different applications.
Roof Runner
Best suited for common residential roofing surfaces including:
- Asphalt shingles
- Composite roofing
- Felt
- Plywood
- Wood shakes
- Similar roofing materials
Rapid-Traction Diamond
Best suited for:
- Metal roofing
- Gravel
- Dirt
- Trails
- Loose or uneven terrain
- Rugged worksites
The open diamond tread is designed to help shed mud and debris.
Gummy-X Grip
Designed as a versatile soft-rubber traction option for:
- General walking
- Ladder movement
- Smooth surfaces
- Everyday wear
- Transitions between work environments
EVA All-Around
Included with certain earlier Heist configurations and designed primarily for lightweight everyday comfort, smooth surfaces, flat surfaces, and longer-wearing general use.
Always choose a traction pad based on the actual surface and conditions you encounter.
What is the Roof Runner pad?
The Roof Runner is Contra's replaceable roofing-focused TRACTEX outsole pad.
It uses a soft, high-traction rubber compound and tread geometry designed for common residential roofing materials. The current generation includes an updated front traction area intended to improve durability and traction consistency in higher-wear areas.
Roof Runner pads are wear components and can be replaced separately from the footwear.
Can I use Roof Runner pads on the ground?
Yes. The current Roof Runner compound is designed to allow movement between roofing and ground surfaces without requiring you to change footwear every time you leave the roof.
However, walking on highly abrasive surfaces such as rough concrete can accelerate traction-pad wear.
Can I use Roof Runner pads on a wet roof?
Roof Runner pads should be used on dry surfaces.
Contra's Roof Runner safety guidance does not recommend the Roof Runner pad for exposure to moisture.
A waterproof Contra upper does not change the recommended conditions for a particular traction pad.
Never assume that footwear or a traction product makes a wet, icy, contaminated, steep, or otherwise hazardous surface safe.
Which Contra pad is best for metal roofing?
The Rapid-Traction Diamond pad is Contra's primary traction option for metal roofing and is also designed for loose or uneven outdoor terrain.
Actual traction depends on the metal surface, coating, slope, moisture, contamination, wear, and environmental conditions. Contra traction products are not guaranteed to prevent slips or falls.
Which pad is best for normal everyday walking?
The Gummy-X Grip pad is designed for versatile everyday traction, ladder movement, smooth surfaces, general walking, and transitions between work environments.
Certain earlier Heist configurations also include an EVA All-Around pad, which is designed for lightweight everyday comfort and long wear on smoother surfaces.
Installing and Replacing TRACTEX Pads
How do I remove a Contra traction pad?
To remove a TRACTEX traction pad:
- Start at the heel of the shoe.
- Grip the rear of the traction pad.
- Pull the pad upward and forward toward the toe.
- Continue peeling the pad forward until it is completely removed.
How do I install a new traction pad?
To install a TRACTEX traction pad:
- Insert and align the toe of the new pad into the recessed front area of the shoe.
- Confirm that the front of the pad is properly positioned.
- Press the pad firmly into place from the front toward the heel.
- Press across the complete pad to ensure full engagement.
- Inspect the pad before use to make sure it is properly positioned and securely attached.
Never use Contra footwear with a traction pad that is loose, damaged, incorrectly installed, or only partially attached.
How often should I replace my traction pads?
Traction-pad life varies significantly based on surface, frequency of use, user movement, temperature, abrasion, kneeling, toe dragging, and other working conditions.
Inspect your pads regularly.
Contra recommends discontinuing use and replacing a pad when:
- Pad thickness is below approximately 4 mm (5/32")
- The pad is damaged
- The pad is loose
- The attachment system is damaged
- Tread condition no longer appears appropriate for the intended surface
Do not rely only on age or number of workdays to determine whether a pad needs replacement.
Are traction pads supposed to wear out?
Yes. TRACTEX traction pads are intentionally replaceable wear components.
Normal outsole wear and abrasion are expected during use and are not automatically considered manufacturing defects.
High-friction activities, rough concrete, aggressive roofing surfaces, repetitive kneeling, toe dragging, scraping, and other abrasive conditions can significantly accelerate pad wear.
Sizing and Fit
How do Contra shoes fit?
Sizing varies slightly between Contra models.
Contra Heist
For current Heist models, ordering approximately one-half size down from your standard athletic shoe size generally provides the best fit.
The Heist has a wider toe box designed to provide room for natural toe movement.
Contra Raid
The current Contra Raid is designed to fit true to size.
If you are uncertain about sizing, we recommend measuring your foot with a Brannock Device or visiting a footwear store for an accurate measurement before ordering.
Why does the toe box feel wider than my normal shoe?
Contra footwear uses a wider toe-box design to provide additional room for natural toe splay and movement.
Because of this design, a Contra Heist may initially feel more spacious than a conventional narrow athletic or work shoe. This is one reason many customers find that sizing down approximately one-half size in the Heist provides the best overall fit.
How much room should I have in front of my toes?
A properly fitting Contra shoe should generally provide about a thumb's width of room in front of the toes while keeping the heel securely seated in the back of the shoe.
The shoe should not allow excessive heel movement.
Do Contra shoes require a break-in period?
The midsole and insole may conform more closely to your foot during the first several days of wear.
Before relying on new footwear for a full workday, we recommend wearing the shoes indoors or in another return-safe environment to confirm sizing and comfort.
Remember: once footwear has been used outdoors, on a roof, or on a jobsite, it is considered used work equipment and is no longer eligible for a standard return.
What socks work best with Contra shoes?
Medium-weight or performance socks generally work well during the initial wear-in period.
Always lace the footwear securely enough to keep your heel seated in the molded heel area.
Returns and Exchanges
What is Contra's return policy?
Eligible unused products may be returned within 30 days of delivery.
For a return to be accepted:
- The product must be unworn and unused.
- Footwear must be in new condition.
- All original tags, packaging, and markings must be present.
- The product must show no signs of outdoor, roof, jobsite, or other use.
- The return must be initiated within 30 days of delivery.
Standard refund returns are subject to Contra's current return-policy terms, including return shipping costs and a 15% restocking fee.
Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
Can I return Contra shoes after wearing them on a roof or jobsite?
No.
Once Contra footwear has been used outdoors, on a roof, or on a jobsite, it is considered used work equipment and is not eligible for an ordinary return or size exchange.
If you believe the product has a manufacturing defect rather than normal wear or a fit/preference issue, contact support@contrafootwear.com and submit a Quality Guarantee claim.
Can I try my shoes on before deciding whether to keep them?
Yes. Try the footwear on indoors in a clean environment while keeping all packaging and tags intact.
Do not test the shoes outdoors, on a roof, on concrete, or on a jobsite if you may want to return or exchange them.
Outdoor or jobsite use makes the footwear ineligible for a normal return.
How do I start a return?
Use Contra's self-service return portal linked from the Return & Order Policy page.
If you are unable to complete the return through the portal, email:
Include your order number and reason for the return.
Do I pay return shipping?
For a standard refund return, Contra can provide a prepaid shipping label for convenience, but the cost of the return label is deducted from the refund.
A 15% restocking fee also applies to standard returns under the current Return & Order Policy.
Can I exchange my shoes for another size?
Eligible new and unused footwear may be exchanged within the applicable return period.
Initiate the exchange through the return process and request the desired size or style.
Products being exchanged must remain new, unworn, and in their original packaging.
Do not tape a shipping label directly to the footwear box. Place the original footwear box inside an appropriate shipping box or shipping bag.
Is exchange shipping free?
Eligible footwear exchanges receive a prepaid return label under Contra's current exchange guidance.
Free exchange shipping does not apply to apparel or gloves.
What happens if I send back worn or used shoes?
Returned products that do not meet Contra's return requirements are not eligible for a refund.
Items that fail the return inspection may be made available to ship back to the customer at the customer's expense.
Are clearance or final-sale products returnable?
No. Products identified as Final Sale or Clearance are not eligible for return.
Always review the individual product page before purchasing discounted or discontinued products.
What happens if I return part of a bulk or discounted order?
Returns from bulk, promotional, or volume-discounted orders are refunded based on the discounted price actually paid.
If returning part of an order causes the remaining purchase to fall below the quantity or dollar threshold required for the original discount, Contra may adjust the refund accordingly.
Pre-Orders
When will my Contra pre-order ship?
The estimated shipping or delivery window for a pre-order is listed on the specific product page at the time of purchase.
Because pre-order availability changes as inventory arrives, always refer to the current product page and your order communication for the most applicable estimate.
Products specifically marked as in stock are processed under Contra's normal shipping policy.
Can I cancel a pre-order?
Pre-order purchases reserve upcoming inventory and production allocation, so pre-order cancellations may be non-refundable.
If Contra approves a pre-order cancellation, a minimum 3% processing fee may be deducted to cover non-recoverable payment-processing and administrative costs.
Customers should review the product, size, color, estimated delivery window, and pre-sale terms carefully before placing a pre-order.
Shipping and Tracking
How quickly does Contra ship in-stock orders?
In-stock orders placed by 1:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, typically ship the same business day.
Orders placed after 1:00 PM Central Time, on weekends, or on holidays typically ship the next business day.
Processing can take longer during major promotions, product launches, and peak-volume periods.
How long does shipping take?
Typical domestic delivery is approximately 2–7 business days after shipment, depending on the destination and shipping service.
Carrier delivery dates are estimates and are not guaranteed.
Weather, carrier disruptions, natural disasters, customs, labor disruptions, and other circumstances outside Contra's control can affect delivery.
Does Contra offer free shipping?
Contra currently offers free shipping on qualifying U.S. orders over $75.
When free shipping is used, Contra selects the best available shipping method based on destination, speed, and reliability.
If a customer purchases a specific upgraded shipping service, Contra ships the order using the selected service.
Where is my tracking number?
Once an order ships, Contra sends a shipping-confirmation email containing tracking information.
Tracking information can take up to approximately 24 hours after shipment to begin displaying carrier movement.
My tracking says delivered, but I can't find my package. What should I do?
First check the delivery location, household members, nearby entrances, mail areas, and any location where the carrier may have left the package.
Once a carrier marks a shipment as delivered, Contra is not responsible for subsequent loss or theft.
If you believe the package was lost, misdelivered, delayed, or damaged in transit, contact support@contrafootwear.com. Contra will assist with a carrier claim when applicable.
What if I entered the wrong shipping address?
Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate shipping address at checkout.
An order returned because of an incorrect or incomplete customer-provided address may require additional shipping charges before it can be sent again.
Contact support as soon as possible if you notice an address error. Contra cannot guarantee that an address can be changed after an order begins processing.
Quality Guarantee and Product Issues
Does Contra have a warranty or quality guarantee?
Yes. Contra's current Quality Guarantee covers defects in materials or workmanship identified within 30 days of purchase under normal use.
After reviewing an eligible claim, Contra may provide a repair, replacement, or refund at its discretion.
The Quality Guarantee is different from the standard return policy. Used products are generally not returnable simply because the customer changes their mind, but a suspected manufacturing defect can still be submitted for review.
What is not covered by the Contra Quality Guarantee?
The Quality Guarantee does not generally cover:
- Normal wear and abrasion
- Damage caused by high-friction or abrasive use
- Chemical exposure
- Heat damage
- Environmental degradation
- Misuse
- Improper care
- Alterations
- Use outside the product's intended purpose
- Cosmetic issues that do not affect product function
- Third-party modifications or repairs
Normal wear of replaceable TRACTEX traction pads is expected and does not by itself indicate a manufacturing defect.
What should I do if I think my shoes have a manufacturing defect?
Stop using the product if you believe continued use may be unsafe.
Then email support@contrafootwear.com with:
- Your order number
- Your purchase date, if available
- A clear description of the issue
- Clear photographs or video showing the issue
Use a subject such as:
Quality Guarantee Claim – Order #12345
Contra may request that the product be returned for inspection before determining the final resolution.
How long does a quality claim take to review?
Contra typically responds to Quality Guarantee submissions within approximately 2–3 business days.
More complex claims may require additional information or physical inspection of the product.
Is worn tread or abrasion considered a defect?
Not necessarily.
Traction pads and footwear are exposed to significant abrasion during roofing and trade work. Normal tread wear, abrasion, scraping, toe wear, and deterioration caused by working conditions are not automatically manufacturing defects.
If wear appears abnormal or you believe a component failed because of a manufacturing issue, submit photographs or video to Contra support for review.
Intended Use and Safety
Are Contra shoes OSHA-approved safety footwear?
Contra footwear and traction pads are not certified safety devices or PPE unless a specific product expressly states otherwise.
Contra footwear does not replace:
- Fall-protection systems
- Harnesses
- Ropes
- Anchors
- Guardrails
- Required protective footwear
- Employer safety programs
- Jobsite-specific safety equipment
- OSHA-required protective measures
Contra footwear is designed to enhance traction and mobility but does not eliminate the risk of slipping, tripping, falling, or injury.
Are Contra shoes slip-proof?
No footwear is slip-proof.
Contra footwear and traction pads are designed to improve traction for their intended applications, but traction changes with surface material, slope, moisture, contaminants, temperature, pad condition, user movement, and many other factors.
Contra products do not guarantee slip prevention or fall prevention.
Can Contra shoes replace a harness or fall-protection system?
No. Never.
Contra footwear and traction products should never be used as substitutes for required fall protection.
Always comply with applicable safety regulations, employer requirements, jobsite policies, and proper fall-protection procedures when working at height.
Are Contra shoes safety-toe shoes?
Contra footwear should not be assumed to include certified safety-toe protection unless a specific product page expressly states otherwise.
Current general Contra footwear guidance states that the footwear does not provide certified toe protection or certified slip resistance required for certain industrial environments.
Check the requirements of your employer and work environment before using Contra footwear.
Can I use Contra footwear for heavy construction?
Contra footwear is designed around lightweight mobility and traction rather than functioning as traditional heavy-duty certified construction footwear.
High-friction activities, repetitive kneeling, toe dragging, rough decking, concrete, abrasive construction materials, and other severe use can accelerate wear.
The Heist is particularly focused on lightweight professional use such as roof inspections, ladder work, exterior trades, and general jobsite movement.
The Raid provides a more rugged high-top platform, but its modular traction pads remain replaceable wear components and can also wear more quickly in highly abrasive environments.
If your work requires certified protective footwear, use footwear meeting the required certification.
RoofRug™
What is the Contra RoofRug?
The RoofRug™ is a flexible 3/8-inch rubber roofing work mat designed to create a high-friction work surface while helping protect finished roofing materials from repeated traffic and equipment.
Common applications include:
- Ladder landing areas
- Material staging
- High-traffic roof areas
- Tool and equipment staging
- Roofing repair work areas
- Solar work
- Inspections
- Holiday lighting
- Gutter work
- Other exterior service work
RoofRug is currently offered in approximately 2' × 3' and 3' × 4' sizes, with customization options available.
Is RoofRug fall protection?
No.
RoofRug is a work-surface and traction accessory. It is not PPE, fall protection, an anchor, or a substitute for required safety equipment.
Users must independently evaluate the roof, pitch, surface, environment, placement, and applicable fall-protection requirements before use.
Contacting Contra
How do I contact Contra Footwear?
For general questions about products, sizing, traction pads, orders, shipping, or product issues:
For return-processing issues:
You can also use the Contact form on ContraFootwear.com.
When contacting support about an existing purchase, include your order number whenever possible so the team can assist you faster.
Additional Help & Policies
For the most detailed and current information, review these pages on ContraFootwear.com:
Return & Order Policy
Returns, exchanges, non-returnable products, pre-order cancellations, and discounted orders.
Shipping Policy
Processing times, shipping methods, tracking, delivery estimates, and lost-package guidance.
Help & Sizing Guide
Sizing, fit, traction-pad replacement, intended use, and safety information.
Contra Quality Guarantee
Manufacturing defects, exclusions, claim requirements, and resolution process.
Individual Product Pages
Current inventory, package contents, colors, available sizes, waterproof models, pre-order dates, and product-specific specifications.
If information regarding inventory, product configuration, availability, or pre-order timing differs between this FAQ and an individual product page, the current individual product page should be treated as the most current source for that product.
If information regarding returns, exchanges, shipping, or the Quality Guarantee changes, the applicable current policy page controls.
Move With Motive.