An impact resistant shingle is provided which includes an asphalt-coated substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a headlap portion and an exposure portion. The headlap portion comprises a transition zone disposed at an edge region of the substrate distal to the exposure portion. The first surface of the substrate exclusive of the transition zone comprises granules, wherein the shingle has a smaller thickness dimension at the transition zone than a thickness dimension of a remaining area of the shingle.