By The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
The best roofing gloves are matched to the task, not bought as one pair for everything. Tear-off calls for a leather palm with a puncture rating, such as the Ironclad Ranchworx (goatskin, ANSI puncture level 3). Metal panel and flashing work calls for a glove rated ANSI A4 or higher, which the ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 scale defines as 1,500 grams or more of cut resistance. Shingle nailing calls for a thin nitrile-coated knit like the SHOWA 370B, which keeps finger feel but carries an EN 388 cut score of only 1.
The picks below are an editorial selection built from maker spec pages and retailer prices checked October 19, 2026. The Roofing Brief did not wear-test these gloves; every rating shown is the maker’s published rating.
What are the best gloves for roofing?
The best roofing gloves by task are a cut-resistant glove rated ANSI A4 to A5 for metal panels and flashing, a goatskin or cowhide leather palm for tear-off and debris, and a thin nitrile-coated knit for shingle nailing where dexterity matters. OSHA’s construction PPE rule, 29 CFR 1926.95, requires protective equipment wherever a hazard can injure workers through contact, and it does not name a cut level, so the level comes from matching the task to the ANSI scale.
| If your roofing task is… | Choose this glove type | Minimum cut level | Example product (maker rating) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal panel, flashing and drip edge handling | HPPE or Tuffalene shell, coated palm | ANSI A4 (1,500 g) | Global Glove Samurai CR860 (A4, 1,744 g) or CR815D (A5, 2,726 g) |
| Tear-off and debris removal | Leather palm with puncture rating | ANSI A1 plus puncture level 3 | Ironclad Ranchworx RWG2 (A1, puncture 3, goatskin) |
| Shingle install and nailing | Thin nitrile-coated knit | No cut rating needed | SHOWA 370B (EN 388 4121X) or MaxiFlex Ultimate 34-874 (non-ANSI) |
| Steep slopes where you hold the roof surface while moving | Tacky rubber-grip glove | None published | SteepGear Gloves (patented sticky rubber pattern) |
| General tool work with knuckle impacts | Synthetic mechanic glove with TPR guards | None published | Mechanix Wear M-Pact (TPR knuckles to EN 13594) |
| Cold, wet roofing | Insulated, waterproof membrane | ANSI A2 | Youngstown Waterproof Winter Plus 03-3450-80 (A2, 60 g Thinsulate) |
Roofing glove types explained
Roofing gloves fall into five types, and the maker spec sheets show the tradeoff in numbers. The Ironclad Ranchworx leather palm carries ANSI puncture level 3 but only cut level A1. The SHOWA 370B nitrile knit scores 1 for both cut and puncture on EN 388. The Global Glove CR815D reaches A5 cut with a 15-gauge Tuffalene shell. Choose the type first, then the brand.
| Glove type | Best for | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather (cowhide, goatskin) | Tear-off, debris, dragging bundles | Puncture and abrasion resistance | Low dexterity, stiff when wet |
| Nitrile-coated knit | Shingle install, nailing, general grip | Grip, breathability, finger feel | Little cut protection |
| Cut-resistant HPPE | Metal panels, flashing, sheet edges | ANSI A4 to A9 cut resistance | Costs more, less puncture defense |
| Synthetic mechanic | Tool work, mixed tasks, dexterity | Fit, dexterity, impact padding | Moderate cut and heat limits |
| Insulated waterproof | Winter and wet-weather work | Warmth, water resistance | Bulky, reduced feel |
What cut level do you need for roofing?
Cut resistance is rated by ANSI/ISEA 105 on a scale from A1 to A9, based on the grams of load a blade needs to cut through the material over 20 mm of travel in the ASTM F2992 test. The ANSI summary groups A1 to A3 (200 to 1,499 grams) as light cut protection and A4 to A6 (1,500 to 3,999 grams) as medium protection suited to construction and glass handling. For roofing, shingle work sits at A1 to A2, metal panels and flashing call for A4 or higher, and repeated sheet-metal edge work justifies A5 to A6.
| ANSI cut level | Cutting force (grams) | Roofing use case | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200 to 499 | Tear-off, general handling, nailing | ANSI/ISEA 105 |
| A2 | 500 to 999 | Shingle work, light debris | ANSI/ISEA 105 |
| A3 | 1,000 to 1,499 | Mixed tasks, occasional metal | ANSI/ISEA 105 |
| A4 | 1,500 to 2,199 | Metal panel and flashing handling | ANSI/ISEA 105 |
| A5 | 2,200 to 2,999 | Frequent sheet-metal edge work | ANSI/ISEA 105 |
| A6 | 3,000 to 3,999 | Heavy metal fabrication on site | ANSI/ISEA 105 |
| A7 to A9 | 4,000 and above | Rarely needed in roofing | ANSI/ISEA 105 |
Read the gram figure, not just the letter. The Global Glove CR588MF tested at 1,143 grams (A3) and the CR860 at 1,744 grams (A4), per Global Glove’s spec pages, so the jump from A3 to A4 is about 600 grams of blade load. If your work is mostly asphalt shingles, an A1 or A2 glove covers granule abrasion and nail nicks without slowing your nailing; if the same day includes cutting drip edge or valley metal, carry an A4 pair for that part of the job.
Best gloves by roofing task
Match the glove to the job on the roof that day, using the maker ratings below. Each step names the published spec that decides the pick.
- Tear-off: Use a leather palm with a puncture rating. The Ironclad Ranchworx RWG2 has a goatskin grain palm, ANSI cut A1, abrasion 3 and puncture 3, with Kevlar-reinforced thumb saddle, listed at $34.99 on Ironclad’s site (Oct 2026). The CLC 124 WorkRight is not leather; CLC lists a Syntrex synthetic palm and spandex back, so it fits light handling rather than nail-studded tear-off.
- Shingle install and nailing: Use a thin nitrile-coated knit like the SHOWA 370B, a seamless nylon knit with a nitrile palm rated EN 388 4121X. It runs about $3.98 a pair by the dozen (Oct 2026 retail).
- Metal panel and flashing handling: Move to ANSI A4 or higher, such as the Global Glove Samurai CR860 (13-gauge Tuffalene, silicone coating, A4, 1,744 g) or CR815D (15-gauge Tuffalene Platinum, A5, 2,726 g). Retail listings for the MaxiFlex Cut 34-8743 (Home Depot, Oct 2026) give ANSI A2, below the A4 threshold for panel edges.
- Torch-down and hot work: Use heat-rated leather or a welding-style glove and check the tag for an EN 407 contact heat level. Nitrile-coated knits like the SHOWA 370B and MaxiFlex Ultimate list no heat rating, so they are the wrong glove near an open torch or hot bitumen.
- Cold-weather roofing: The Youngstown Waterproof Winter Plus 03-3450-80 pairs a waterproof, windproof membrane with 60 g 3M Thinsulate and an ANSI A2 cut rating, listed at $38 on Youngstown’s site (Oct 2026).
Features that matter in a roofing glove
Beyond type and cut level, five build specs on the tag separate the picks: shell gauge, coating, cuff, impact guards and touchscreen tips. Gauge is the easiest to compare, because a higher number means a finer knit: Global Glove’s CR588MF uses a 13-gauge shell and the CR815D a 15-gauge shell.
- Grip coating: Nitrile or latex palm coating holds shingles, tools, and wet panels. Sandy or crinkle finishes add grip on smooth metal.
- Dexterity: A 13 or 15 gauge knit shell lets you feel nails and fasteners. Thick gloves cost you fine control on the roof.
- Cuff style: Knit or safety cuffs keep debris out. Gauntlet cuffs protect wrists during metal handling and tear-off.
- Breathability: Vented backs and knit shells cut sweat buildup in summer, which prevents slipping inside the glove.
- Puncture resistance: Leather palms and reinforced fingertips defend against nails and screw points during tear-off.
- Impact guards: Mechanix lists M-Pact TPR knuckle guards as meeting EN 13594, with D3O palm padding.
- Touchscreen tips: Conductive fingertips let you use a phone or measuring app without removing the glove; the Global Glove CR815D lists them.
Named glove picks roofers actually use
This table is an editorial pick list, not an affiliate ranking and not a wear test. Each glove is paired with the roofing task its published rating fits, with the maker’s rating and an October 19, 2026 price from the maker or a named retailer.
| Glove | Type | Maker rating | Best roofing use | Price (Oct 19, 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHOWA 370B | Nylon knit, nitrile palm | EN 388 4121X | Shingle install, general grip | $3.98 a pair ($47.75 a dozen, Industrial Safety Products) to $8.13 (Grainger) | SHOWA; Google Shopping |
| MaxiFlex Ultimate 34-874 | Nylon/Lycra knit, micro-foam nitrile | Non-ANSI; EN 388 4131 | Dexterity, tool and fastener work | $4.00 a pair ($47.99 per 12, IndustrialSafety.com) to $13.00 single pair | ATG/PIP spec sheet; Google Shopping |
| Mechanix Wear M-Pact | Synthetic, TPR knuckles, D3O palm | EN 13594 knuckle impact | Tool work, mixed tasks | $28.99 sale, $46.99 list (mechanix.com) | Mechanix |
| CLC 124 WorkRight | Syntrex synthetic palm, spandex back | No cut rating listed | Light handling, bundle carrying | $17.86 (goclc.com) | CLC |
| Ironclad Ranchworx RWG2 | Goatskin leather palm | ANSI A1, abrasion 3, puncture 3 | Tear-off, dragging bundles | $34.99 (ironclad.com) | Ironclad |
| Global Glove Samurai CR860 | 13-gauge Tuffalene, silicone coat | ANSI A4 (1,744 g) | Metal panel and flashing handling | $12.08 a pair ($145 a dozen, Safewerks) to $13.77 (R.S. Hughes) | Global Glove; Google Shopping |
| Global Glove Samurai CR815D | 15-gauge Tuffalene Platinum, nitrile | ANSI A5 (2,726 g) | Frequent sheet-metal edge work | $7.53 (Beeline) to $8.00 a pair ($95.99 per 12, IndustrialSafety.com) | Global Glove; Google Shopping |
| SteepGear Gloves | Cotton/nylon/spandex, sticky rubber grip | No cut rating listed | Steep slope grip, Full Finger or Free Finger | $24.99 (SteepGear) to $29.95 (Roofing Direct) | SteepGear; Google Shopping |
| Youngstown Waterproof Winter Plus | Waterproof membrane, 60 g Thinsulate | ANSI A2 | Cold and wet-weather roofing | $38 (ytgloves.com) | Youngstown |
Prices are a dated snapshot and move with pack size and retailer. On a per-pair basis, the knit gloves cost $3.98 to $8.13 and work as consumables, while the leather, impact and winter picks run $28.99 to $38 a pair. SteepGear lists a fabric of 47% cotton, 50% nylon and 3% spandex with its patented sticky rubber pattern, and sells a Free Finger version with the thumb and two fingers removed for nailing. Pair the right gloves with the right roofing shoes and the rest of your roofing safety equipment and PPE for a full setup.
How to size and care for roofing gloves
Glove size numbers are not the same across makers, so measure first and then read each maker’s chart. SHOWA labels the 370B as 7/M, 8/L and 9/XL; Youngstown labels the Waterproof Winter Plus as Medium/8, Large/9 and X-Large/10; CLC labels the 124 as M (9), L (10) and XL (11). A hand that fits a size 8 is a Large at SHOWA, a Medium at Youngstown, and below CLC’s smallest listed size.
| If your hand is size… | SHOWA 370B | Youngstown Winter Plus | CLC 124 WorkRight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | M | Small | Not listed |
| 8 | L | Medium | Not listed |
| 9 | XL | Large | M |
| 10 | XXL | X-Large | L |
| 11 | Not listed | 2X-Large | XL |
- Measure your hand: Wrap a tape around your palm at the knuckles, not the thumb, and read inches. Match that number to the maker’s size chart, since the table above shows one size 8 hand landing on three different letters.
- Check finger length: Fingertips should reach the glove ends without cramping. Extra material at the tips kills dexterity for nailing.
- Break in leather: Flex new leather gloves before a full shift so they mold to your hand and stop rubbing blisters.
- Wash to the label: PIP’s spec sheet for the MaxiFlex Ultimate 34-874 says to wash in water no hotter than 104°F (40°C) on a 5 to 10 minute cycle and tumble dry at no more than 104°F. Air-dry leather away from direct heat.
- Rotate pairs: Keep a coated-knit pair and a leather pair in the truck so you can switch by task and let each dry between uses.
For a broader look at what protects a crew on the roof, from harnesses to footwear, see the full rundown on roofing tools and equipment and how hand and body injuries drive up cost in our roofing workers’ compensation report. New to the trade? Start with the basics at our Learn About Roofing hub.
Frequently asked questions
What gloves do roofers use?
Roofing gloves split by task. For tear-off, a leather palm with a puncture rating such as the Ironclad Ranchworx (goatskin, ANSI puncture 3). For shingle install, a thin nitrile-coated knit such as the SHOWA 370B (EN 388 4121X). For metal panels, a cut-resistant glove rated ANSI A4 or higher such as the Global Glove Samurai CR860 (A4, 1,744 g).
Are leather gloves good for roofing?
Leather gloves suit tear-off, debris handling and dragging shingle bundles because a leather palm adds puncture and abrasion resistance; the Ironclad Ranchworx goatskin palm is rated ANSI abrasion 3 and puncture 3. Its cut rating is only A1, so leather alone is not a metal-panel glove, and its thickness costs finger feel for nailing.
What cut level gloves do I need for metal roofing?
For metal roofing, choose gloves rated ANSI cut level A4 or higher, meaning at least 1,500 grams of blade load under ANSI/ISEA 105. Examples are the Global Glove Samurai CR860 (A4, 1,744 g) and CR815D (A5, 2,726 g). Levels above A6 (4,000 grams and up) are rarely needed for roofing and cost dexterity.
Do you need cut-resistant gloves for asphalt shingles?
Not usually. An ANSI A1 or A2 glove, or a nitrile knit such as the SHOWA 370B with an EN 388 cut score of 1, covers granule abrasion and nail nicks while keeping the dexterity needed to nail. Carry an A4 pair if the same job includes cutting drip edge, step flashing or valley metal.
What are the best gloves for tearing off a roof?
A leather palm with a published puncture rating, such as the Ironclad Ranchworx RWG2 (goatskin, ANSI A1 cut, puncture 3, $34.99 on Ironclad’s site in October 2026). Tear-off exposes hands to old nails and torn flashing, so the puncture rating matters more than cut level, and a gauntlet or safety cuff adds wrist protection when bagging debris.
What gloves keep your hands warm for winter roofing?
The Youngstown Waterproof Winter Plus 03-3450-80 combines a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane with 60 g 3M Thinsulate insulation and an ANSI A2 cut rating, at $38 on Youngstown’s site in October 2026. Keep a dry backup pair, because a soaked glove loses grip and warmth.
Are SteepGear gloves good for roofing?
SteepGear Gloves are built for grip: SteepGear lists a 47% cotton, 50% nylon and 3% spandex rip-stop fabric with a patented sticky rubber pattern on the fingers and palm, in Full Finger or Free Finger styles, for $24.99 on its site in October 2026. SteepGear lists no ANSI cut or puncture rating, so pair them with a rated glove for metal or tear-off.