Downpipe shoes

Downpipe shoes are specialist fittings that direct rainwater from a vertical drainpipe away from a building’s base. They’re typically attached to the end of a downpipe and help prevent rainwater from pooling. In modern construction, downpipe shoes are used to guide runoff into a drainage system, gully, or soakaway. Some builds may also pair them with drainage channels or water butts for collection.

You’ll find downpipe shoes in plastic, cast iron, and aluminium, depending on the drainage system being used. Installation is straightforward—most push-fit into place or are clipped onto the downpipe. Gutter shoes and pipe shoes are common names for the same component, especially on older sites or in supplier listings. For restoration work, you may need to match the profile of a period shoe or find heritage-compatible finishes. Whatever your job spec, it’s best to check fall direction and outlet height to after installation to make sure water is carried clear of the building.

Find the best retailer prices on downpipe shoes at Buildbuddy.