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If you work in an industry where you need foot protection, you’ll want to know what are your best options to protect your feet. A common question is what is a composite toe and whether you actually need steel toe boots. There are benefits to both safety toe types.
In this post I will take a look at what to consider when buying new safety footwear to ensure you choose the best toe protection. We’ll look at the materials used in each safety toe to help find the right protection for your feet.
What are composite Toe Shoes?
Composite toe shoes or boots are safety footwear that has toe cap construction from composite material. Instead of the more traditional metal toe caps a composite protective toe can be made of fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber or kevlar.
What are Steel Toe Shoes?
Steel toe cap shoes are exactly the same as composite toe boots or shoes except the actual toe cap is made of steel. Steel toe caps have been around for decades and are still very popular.
What’s the Differences Between Composite Toe and Steel Toe?
The steel toe component is the biggest difference between the two types of safety footwear along with the weight of the materials. The non metal composite toe caps are lightweight compared to steel toe caps, making it an obvious benefit.
The Advantages of Wearing Composite Toe Boots
As I have said above the big advantage of wearing composite toe boots is that they are lighter than steel toe boots. However, the boots available today do not have such big differences in weight that you would have found some time ago, but it is still a clear benefit when making a final choice.
Composite materials will also usually be OK to pass through metal detectors. This is advantageous if you work at a location where you have to pass through metal detectors to begin work. There are rare occasions though when composite toe caps have set off metal detectors. Composite material can sometimes do this during a security check.
Some examples of where you might find a metal detector is airports and government buildings where security is is an important factor.
The Disadvantages of Wearing Composite Toe Boots
One of the disadvantages of wearing a composite toe boot or shoe is that some companies especially large construction contractors will not allow them as part of their safety requirements.
Always check a construction contractors safety rules, risk assessment and any method statements before visiting a site or sending workers to a job.
The Advantages of Wearing Steel Boots
In my opinion the biggest advantage of wearing steel toe caps is that you have a very high level of protection for your feet. If you are working in a very hazardous environment then steel toe boots can give you piece of mind when at work.
The Disadvantages of Wearing Steel Toe Boots
As previously mentioned steel toe boots can weigh more than composite toe boots or shoes. I have always found them a little more uncomfortable too as I tend to move my toes around a lot and like to have more free movement in my choice of footwear.
Composite Toe Caps vs Steel Toe Work Boots FAQ’s
Let’s take a look at some common questions that are often asked when it comes to protective composite toe vs steel toe boots, shoes and safety footwear.
Is a Composite Toe Cap as Strong as Steel Toe Cap?
Modern product testing tells us that not only are composite toe caps lighter than steel, but they are also more durable overall.
Can Steel Toe Caps Cut Your Toes Off?
A common myth is that if your have an accident that involves heavy compression to your feet that steel toe caps could harm and cut off your toes. This is simply not true, your feet and toes are very safe in a pair of steel toe work boots.
Can I Get Electrocuted When Wearing Steer Toe Caps?
The answer here is no. The metal in steel toe shoes are enclosed within insulating layers of non-conductor materials. Therefore an electric current will never ever comes in contact with your metal toe caps in your safety footwear.
One thing to consider here though is to ensure your boots are in good condition with no tears exposing the steel toe caps when working with electricity.
Do I Have to Wear Foot Protection?
You might not have to wear any foot protection for your job. If you are an office worker it is highly likely you won’t need to. However if your job involves entering a warehouse area then you may need safety footwear.
If you are working where this is a very clear risk of falling objects or you work with materials of considerable weight then I would highly recommend considering buying a pair of safety toe work boots or shoes. Also check with your employer if you are in doubt.
Are Composite-Toe Boots Better in Cold Weather?
When it comes to cold weather the boot with the best insulation will keep your feet the warmest. So if you do work in cold weather you need to find a boot with good insulation that will protect you from the cold as well as having a protective toe to withstand falling objects and compression.
Are Composite Toe Boots More Comfortable than a Steel Toe Boots
Ultimately the answer to this question is ‘it depends’ beacause there are many factors to consider. Overall though many will say a boot with a composite toe is more comfortable, but you need to consider the overall quality and comfort of each boot you try on. Try before you buy!
Final Thoughts Composite Toe Vs Steel Toe
My final thoughts on this matter is to highlight to you that you really must consider your own safety based on the hazardous environment you work in day to day. When it comes to choosing the best safety boot or shoe to wear look at all the risk factors in your job and go from there.
It may also be worth talking to your employer as they may be able to assist or even provide the correct footwear themselves (a lot of companies do nowadays).
When it comes to buying your new footwear make sure you try on both types of toe cap and try as many different brands and styles as possible to ultimately find the most comfortable footwear for you.
Other Helpful Footwear Posts
I hope you have found this article on safety toe footwear helpful in finding the right boot for your needs. We have some other articles on work boots and safety footwear that you can find below.
Best Work Boots for UPS Drivers
Best Boots for Onsite Construction Workers
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