Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes. Navail™ magnetic roofing shoes are specifically engineered for standing seam metal roofs. The magnetic sole technology adheres to the steel substrate beneath the raised seams, giving workers firm, consistent footing on both flat panels and alongside the seam ridges. Unlike rubber-soled boots that rely solely on friction, magnetic traction remains effective even on steeper pitches common with standing seam profiles.

 No. Navail™ footwear is designed to leave metal roofing surfaces undamaged. The magnetic contact surface is smooth and non-abrasive, meaning there is no scratching, denting, or coating removal. They are safe for use on painted, Kynar-coated, Galvalume, and bare steel roofs. Unlike crampons, cleats, or hard rubber soles, Navail™ Magnetic soles distribute weight evenly to protect panel integrity.

Absolutely. Magnetic roofing boots and shoes significantly reduce slip-and-fall risk on ferrous metal roofs by creating active magnetic grip rather than relying on passive friction. Roofing falls are among the leading causes of construction fatalities in the U.S., and Navail™ shoes provide an additional layer of protection—especially on wet, dusty, or steep surfaces where conventional footwear loses traction rapidly.

 Navail™ magnetic roofing boots are designed to support OSHA fall prevention best practices under 29 CFR 1926.502. While OSHA does not certify individual footwear products, Navail™ boots provide traction-based fall risk mitigation as part of a comprehensive fall protection plan. They are recommended for use alongside (not as a replacement for) guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets where required by OSHA regulations.

 Navail™ shoes deliver maximum performance on ferrous (iron-containing) metal roofs including galvanized steel, Galvalume, bare steel, and most coated steel panels. Compatible roof types include standing seam, corrugated steel, R-panel, and exposed fastener profiles. They are not recommended for aluminum, copper, or non-ferrous metal roofs as these materials are not magnetically reactive.

 Yes. One of the key advantages of magnetic traction technology is that it does not rely only on passive surface friction, which diminishes significantly when metal roofs get wet. Navail™ MagSteel™ Flow shoes maintain magnetic grip even with moisture, making them effective during light rain or when working on dew-covered surfaces.

However, extreme weather conditions (heavy rain, ice) should always be evaluated as part of a site-specific safety assessment.

Grip on flat surfaces

 Navail™ shoes use industrial-grade Neodymium permanent magnets engineered for extended field use. Unlike battery-powered or mechanically activated systems, permanent magnets do not degrade with normal use. With proper care and maintenance, the magnetic system within Navail™ shoes maintains consistent pull strength across thousands of hours of use.

 The safest approach combines proper footwear, deliberate movement, and fall protection systems. Key practices include: wearing magnetic traction boots like Navail™ for ferrous metal roofs, moving slowly and deliberately with feet flat against the surface, avoiding sudden pivots or runs, working with a buddy system when possible, and using fall arrest harnesses on pitches exceeding 4:12 as recommended by OSHA. Never work on wet or icy roofs without enhanced precautions.

 Yes. Navail™ shoes are widely used by home inspectors, insurance adjusters, and commercial roof assessors who need to safely traverse metal roof surfaces. The boots allow inspectors to cover more surface area more efficiently without compromising safety, reducing inspection time while minimizing slip-and-fall risk. Their non-damaging design ensures the roof remains in condition for the inspection report.

 Yes. Navail™ shoes work effectively on painted metal roofs as long as the substrate is ferrous (steel-based). Standard factory paint coatings, including Kynar 500, silicone, acrylic, and polyester finishes, do not significantly affect magnetic pull strength. Thick elastomeric coatings (typically over 60 mils) may slightly reduce performance and should be tested before full deployment.

 Navail™ boots are engineered to support professional roofers carrying standard tool loads. The magnetic system is rated for real-world working conditions, not just static test scenarios. Refer to the specification pages for more details. For workers carrying heavy equipment (solar panel systems, HVAC units), additional fall protection should always be used in conjunction.

 Yes. Solar installers working on metal-framed rooftops are one of the primary professional groups using Navail™ Magnetic soles. The magnetic traction system is particularly valuable during panel placement and wiring phases when both hands may be occupied. The shoes provide the stable footing needed to work confidently on steel substrate roof sections while managing panels and equipment.

 After each use, remove metal debris, screws, or ferrous particles that may have attached to the magnetic sole area using the cleaning magnet provided. Rinse with water if exposed to chemicals or solvents. Store boots in a dry environment away from extreme heat. Periodically inspect the sole for wear, cracks, or physical damage to the outsole. Do not use abrasive cleaners on the sole surface.

 Magnetic roofing boots significantly enhance traction and reduce slip-and-fall risk, but they are a complement to—not a replacement for—a full fall protection system. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 requires fall protection on roofs at heights of 6 feet or more in construction scenarios. Navail™ footwear serves as a critical component of your overall safety stack alongside guardrails, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), and safety monitoring as applicable.

Magnets are embeded in the sole of the shoe. They provide a pulling force toward the metal roof or any steel surface they are placed upon.
The outsole is made of a rubbery material with a high friction coefficient on steel.
The high friction outsole combined with the magnetic pulling force provides outstanding traction on steel panels.

Mechanical stress or heat can normally damage a magnet.
The magnetic boots from navail protect their magnets within their sole. Each magnet is placed on a strong metal plate that absorbs most of the mechanical stress that could affect the magnets. The neodymium magnets also feature a durable Nickel-Copper-Epoxy coating that further protects them.
When it comes to heat, our magnets can withstand being placed in boiling water for unlimited time.
Durable magnets are the first step toward a durable magnetic boot.

First, you ankles are covered. This protects them from a bad twist or external objects.
Two, your toes are protected by a steel toe cap.
Three, your feet are protected by anti-perforation midsoles that stop nails from going through the soles.

We are serious about safety

Each MagSteel™ comes with a cleaning magnet. Simply put it on your sole and it will catch all the debris.
You can then easily wipe the cleaning magnet to remove debris from it.

You can walk on the ground with your magnetic boots. However, like any magnetic shoes, they are likely to collect ferrous debris.

To allow you to go on and off the roof as seamlessly as possible without having to worry about debris, we recommend usage of the Magnetized sole cover.

With them, you can effectively keep your sole clean from debris and increase the lifetime of your boots.

They are hands free. Simply step on them with your Navail magnetic boots and they are on!

We believe MagSteel™ and MagSteel™Flow to be the best for professionals because they offers:

1. Up to three times more traction than other magnetic boots. See the traction test in video.
2. Best foot protection with: covered ankles, steel toe caps and anti-perforation midsoles with para-aramid fibers (Kevlar® material)
3. Better durability. With our magnetic boots, you can walk on a srcew head or even on the sharp edge of a steel panel with limited damage. See what happens when you cut the sole with a cutter
4. Increased comfort. With the Soft Slope and Walk & Lock features, we made sure you can work on high inclines all day long as relaxed and fresh as possible. Our magnetic boot will naturally absorb some of the pitch so your ankle is not as flexed and less weight is put on your heel. That's what we call Soft Slope. Now you want the magnets to secure you foot in position once you step on the steel panel but you don't want to feel this constant pulling force when you walk. Our magnets do just that: strong when you make contact, weak when you lift your feet. Walk & Lock.

We offer shipping options to many countries worldwide.

If you need assistance to complete checkout, please contact us. We are here to help!

We accept returns within 14 days for all items in new condition. No questions asked.

We provide free return labels for US domestic orders.

After we receive your return, you will be refunded within 15 days.

Please note:

• Worn items even lightly are not elligible for refund.
• Shipping costs, VAT, duties & custom fees are not refundable.
• To submit a return from US military addresses, US territories, or international addresses, you will need to provide the shipping label.

To apply for a return:

1. Gather your proof of purchase
2. Contact us at emmanuel@navail.com