Help & Sizing Guide

Welcome to the Contra Footwear Help Guide. Below you’ll find information on sizing, fit, outsole pad replacement, recommended use, and safety considerations for Contra Heist™ and Contra Raid™ footwear.

📏 Men’s Sizing Chart

Contra footwear is designed with a wide toe box to allow more natural toe movement and all-day comfort.

Heist™ Fit

The Heist™ generally fits true to size or up to a half size large depending on your preferred fit.

• Start with your normal size for a roomier athletic fit.

• If you are between sizes or prefer a more secure fit, we recommend going a half size down.

Raid™ Fit

The Raid™ runs snug, with a slightly more structured fit due to its high-top construction.

• Start with your normal size and go a half size up at least.

• If you are between sizes, wear thicker work socks, or prefer additional room, we recommend going a half size or full size up.

For the most accurate sizing, we recommend using a Brannock Device or visiting a local footwear store to have your foot measured.

Our midsoles are designed to provide a balance of stability, cushioning, and ground feel. The footwear will naturally conform to your foot during the first several days of wear for a more personalized fit.

🥾 Choosing Between Heist™ and Raid™

Both models use Contra’s modular traction platform, but they are designed for different levels of work.

Heist™ — Light-Duty Performance

The Heist™ is our lightweight, athletic-style work shoe designed for mobility, comfort, and traction.

Best suited for:

• Roofing inspections and estimating

• Home service professionals

• Solar and holiday lighting work

• General jobsite walking

• Ladder work

• Property inspections

• Light-duty installation work

• Everyday wear

The Heist™ is not intended for continuous heavy abrasion or prolonged work involving kneeling, dragging, scraping, or repeated contact with aggressive surfaces.

Raid™ — Medium- to Heavy-Duty Performance

The Raid™ is a more substantial high-top platform designed for professionals who need additional structure, coverage, and durability.

Best suited for:

• Roofing professionals

• Regular rooftop work

• Construction and installation

• More demanding jobsite environments

• Medium- to heavy-duty work

• Applications where additional ankle coverage and upper durability are preferred

While the Raid™ is designed for more demanding use than the Heist™, footwear and outsole pads should still be inspected regularly for wear or damage.

🔄 How to Replace Outsole Pads

Contra footwear uses our modular outsole system, allowing traction pads to be changed based on the job, surface, or pad wear.

1. Start at the Heel: Grip the rear of the traction pad and pull upward and forward toward the toe.

2. Insert the Toe First: Position the front of the replacement pad into the recessed toe section of the outsole.

3. Secure Front to Back: Press firmly along the length of the pad from the toe toward the heel.

4. Check the Perimeter: Confirm that the entire pad is properly seated and securely attached before use.

Tip: Always inspect and secure both outsole pads before beginning work.

⚠️ Safety & Usage Notice

• Contra footwear is not classified as personal protective equipment (PPE) unless specifically stated for an individual accessory or product.

• Contra footwear does not include safety toe protection or certified slip resistance required for certain industrial environments.

• Traction performance varies depending on the surface, weather, contamination, pad condition, footwear condition, and user movement.

• Exercise caution on steep, slick, wet, loose, contaminated, or unpredictable surfaces. Contra footwear is not guaranteed to prevent slips or falls.

• Regularly inspect traction pads, attachment surfaces, uppers, and footwear components before use.

• Do not use traction pads below approximately 4 mm (5/32") of remaining thickness, or if pads are damaged, torn, excessively worn, or no longer securely attached.

• Ensure all traction pads are fully seated and securely attached before each use.

• Roof Runner pads should be used according to their intended surface and environmental conditions. Avoid using pads on surfaces or in conditions for which they are not designed.

• The Heist™ is intended primarily for light-duty applications and should not be used as a substitute for footwear designed specifically for continuous heavy abrasion or severe industrial environments.

• The Raid™ is designed for medium- to heavy-duty use, but users should still select footwear appropriate for the specific hazards and requirements of their work environment.

🥾 Fit & Wear Tips

• Wide Toe Box – Contra footwear is designed to provide additional room for natural toe movement without requiring an excessively loose heel or midfoot.

• Heist™ Sizing – Order your normal size or, when between sizes, consider going a half size down.

• Raid™ Sizing – Order your normal size or, when between sizes or using thicker socks, consider going a half size up.

• Break-In Period – The midsole, insole, and upper will naturally conform to your feet during the first several days of wear.

• Lacing Matters – Lace footwear securely so your heel remains seated in the heel cup. Proper lacing improves stability, comfort, and fit.

• Sock Choice – Wear the type of socks you normally use for work when determining your size.

• Check Toe Room – Aim for approximately a thumb’s width of space in front of your longest toe while keeping your heel securely positioned.

• Wear-In Before Full-Duty Use – Wear new footwear for a shorter period before relying on it for a full workday, particularly when working on ladders, roofs, or uneven surfaces.

• Inspect Regularly – Modular traction footwear works best when pads and attachment surfaces are kept clean, properly seated, and replaced as they wear.

🛠️ Need Help?

If you have questions about sizing, choosing between Heist™ and Raid™, replacement traction pads, or your specific application, contact us:

Email: support@contrafootwear.com

We’re here to help you choose the right setup for the way you work.