Confused Between Composite Toe or Steel Toe? Don't Be. Let Me Hold Your Hand And Guide you
In any workspace, safety is the main concern, especially, safety for the feet. No doubt, the toe is the most exposed area to any hazardous object or situation that you may encounter with during the work. That's the reason, for the workers, the work boots, with a strong toe cap inserts, is the necessity set by ANSI. The ANSI has set some manufacturing standards for the work boots and one is to insert a strong and sturdy toe cap in the boots. Some hard materials such as Steel and Composite Substances are used while making the boot caps. For a beginner, determining what is the difference between steel toe and composite toe work boots could be overwhelming. Let me make it simpler for you with a detailed comparison between the steel toe vs composite toe.
Let's dig deeper:
What Is A Steel Toe Cap Boot
As the name denotes, a toe cap made of a standard heavy duty steel is inserted into the radius of the boot. A steel toe works in conjunction with a steel plate that is inserted in the mid-sole. The toe cap protects the wearer against heavy weights and hits and the plate in the mid sole protects against nails or punctures. No doubt, the steel cap delivers the strongest toe protection but it increases the weight of the boot that might seem a bit uncomfortable to the wearer.
What Is A Composite Toe Cap Boot
In the nutshell, a composite toe cap inserts is made of tightly bound fibres. The bond is super strong. No metal is used for making this mixed material. Basically, it is a mix of Kavlor and Carbon-Fibres. Although it is a fairly strong composition yet not as sturdy as a steel cap but it is 50% lighter than the it's steel counterpart. A composite toe also works in conjunction with a fibre mid-sole that is puncture proof but not as effective as that of in a steel toe boot.
Steel Toe Boots vs Composite Toe Boots - Which One Should You Choose
Although your first step should be consulting with your employer if he has set any specific instructions regarding choosing a toe cap. If there is not any set standards for the toe cap, you must choose according to your profession or preference. Let me make the process easier:
Environment: If you are working in a plain area you can choose either of the too. But if your workspace is located in a chilly region or you have to dip your feet in snow, obviously, you must choose the composite toe. Reason being? the steel doesn't provide a good insulation and catches cool very fast. You might soon become uncomfortable with the cool in your boots. It can also give you some cold burns whereas the composite toe retains the warm temperature inside the shoes providing a better insulation.
Work Nature: If you are doing a heavy duty at a construction site or any such workspace where heavy objects are littered all around, no doubt, steel toe is a great help. But if you work at places like Air-Port, Medical Facility or Nuclear Plants where you often have to pass through security checks, a steel toe could be a hassle as it sets off the security alarms that wastes a lot of time.
Especially, I must say, if you are doing an electrician job, you must choose a composite toe cap. Reason being, they insulate against the electric shocks. Although it doesn't mean that steel toe boots are not shock-proofed. Any boot is insulated against electricity from the bottom but in case you are kneeling while repairing some under the shelf wiring, the toe touches the ground and could catch the electric shock. So I recommend a composite toe for electricians.
Comfort: Obviously, safety is the main concern but if your work involves a lot of walking or standing we can't ignore the comfort. A regular discomfort to your feet may give you some foot related abnormalities. If you have to walk so often or stand for longer period, go with the composite toe boots as they are lighter in weight and allows your feet for a full swing.
Key Concern While Choosing A Safety Toe Cap
In the nutshell, it doesn't matter if composite toe cap is better or the steel toe cap. It's all about personal preference but either should pass the safety standards set by ANSI. For a safety toe cap, it should pass the Impact Rating and Compression Rating test.
Impact Rating: It is basically to test how much of a sudden jerk or weight a cap is able to bear. In other words, it is to calculate that how much shock absorbent the cap is. When a heavy weight falls on the cap it absorbs all the shock within itself without getting bent and without passing it on to or crushing the feet claw.
As per ANSI standards a cap should have an Impact Rating of 1/50 or above. What does that mean? It means it should be able to absorb the shock when an object with a weight of 50 Pounds falls on it from a set height. So do check the Impact Rating before making an order.
Compression Rating: It is to test that how much compression the cap can withstand before getting bend or tearing apart. ANSI has set a minimum compression rating of 75 that correlates to 2500 pound of compression. It is denoted on boots as C/75. Make sure your pair is not less than 75.
Where To Buy Composite Or Steel Toe Boots
I know it's a hassle sorting out of the overwhelming range of work boots available in the market, checking out the specifications, cross-checking them weather they pass the criteria for being a pair that is studded with an up to the safety standards toe cap or not. It's really a daunting task.
Even if you are extra careful, with you testing, still there are chances for making a mistake. So as to avoid the situation, My team and I have done some intensive testing and research and short-listed some quality models that follows the standards. All the models passes the safety standards set by ANSI. Just pick any and it won't disappoint you. Have a look:
Best Steel Toe Boots For Men
Keen Utility Men's Pittsburgh (Steel Toe Work Boot)
Personally, I am a fan to this pair of boots with a sturdy steel toe cap. It is made with a nice arrangement of leather and fabric that gives it a tough mechanism as well as a strong visual appeal. The sole is made with a Non-Marking Rubber that is oil and slip-resistant. The resistance is so strong that enables you withstand against the most messiest conditions. The Dry-Lex technology is used for the construction that keeps the boot cool and dry, thus, making it an ideal pair for the summer seasons and plain areas.
The boot is water-proof yet has a breathable membrane that ensures enough air-flow inside the boot itself. Its supportive rubber sole serves your feet with a high comfort while working. It has a bulged metal hook around eyelets that acts as a meta-tarsal guard providing your feet with extra protection. The model has a heel-lock structure contoured in the inner-sole that grips your feet from the heel to toe and enhances the comfort.
Timberland PRO Men's Pitboss 6" (Steel Toe Work Boot)
Designed for providing protection and comfort, at the same time, even in the toughest work environments. The synthetic out-sole is oil and abrasion resistant as well as shock proof that provides you with a greater degree of protection. It has a strong visual appeal with it's 1.5” heel and metallic lacing eyelets with tonal stitching.
The boot comes with great traction-grip to make it non-slippery and is designed with electrical hazard protection keeping your foot safe from any open circuits. The boot's polymer foot-bed with anti-microbial fabric cover helps to soak the moisture and to prevent the occurrence of any kind of blisters and odours. Its contoured steel toe and padded collar on top offers great protection and comfort to the foot.
Thorogood Men's American Heritage 804-4200 (Steel Toe Work Boot)
Best for those, who loves classic styles and hand-crafted footwear. This classic work boot model is the result of a supreme craftsmanship and expertise. Its thick crepe sole and secure lacing system renders a great shelter to the foot. Its oil-tanned vintage leather with bold contrast stitching makes the boot look handsome. The boot includes cotton-drill vamp lining that makes it non-slippery and oil-resistant.
Its dual density removable foot-bed cover is made to absorb the moistures and prevent germs and odour. The boot is shock-resistance to provide coverage against any open electric circuits. The toe-contoured steel cap prevents you catching a stubbed toe or a crushed toe. The cushioned insole sucks the fatigue away of the feet and pampers with maximum comfort.
Best Composite Toe Boots For Men
Carhartt Men's CMF6366 (Composite Toe Work Boot)
A fully-leathered pair, best in durability but without any compromise with the flexibility or the comfort. The boot has a padded collar and full-grain leather upper making it ideal for construction workers where debris find its way to inside the boot. The light-weight mid-sole follows EVA Technology and insole follows OrthoLite technology. These are set of standards that makes a boot anti-fatigue and safer for the feet. Additionally, a metallic shank supports the foot arches.
The abrasion-resistant rubber sole is highly durable and flexible. The wearer experiences a strong traction-grip and feels confident on slippery surfaces. The boot has beautiful ladder lock channels and electrical hazard protection. The protective composite toe is wide enough to enable the toe to wiggle inside the boot.
Timberland PRO Men's 8 Inch Boondock (Composite Toe Work Boot)
Seriously made with the premium quality leather with a waterproof membrane. The later is porous enough to allow air through it and so is the inner mesh facilitation enough ventilation resulting as a cool temperature and dry feet. The pair follows high standards in terms of safety, durability and the protection. The boot has clean anti-microbial lining providing control over odours. The outer rubber sole is slip-resistant allows you to stand upright on wet surfaces.
It comes with padded top collar and dual-purpose hardware for instant lacing customization. As a special feature, I must mention, it has a finger-grip pull-on feature to enable easy wearing. The boot's composite safety toe with rubber covering withstand heavy weigh-falls and sudden jerks.
The cemented heel is constructed to provide great forefoot flexibility. The boot has light-weight mid sole for comfort cushioning, it is shock resistant and its innovative design is much capable to eliminate foot fatigue.
Timberland PRO Men's 6" (Composite Toe Work Boot)
A good O'l design. Very light weight model yet highly durable and flexible. The cast metal top hook lacing add-ups to its durability. The moisture-managing space mesh lining of the boot is anti-microbial treated so as to prevent odour and keeps the foot dry and comfortable. The cemented 1.5 inches of heel is constructed to provide flexibility and easy break-in the boot.
The light-weight composite toe offers great protection and Polyurethane mid sole offers excellent cushioning and sucks the fatigue out. Its contoured open-cell Polyurethane foot bed provides breathable environment inside the boot and nylon diffusion shank provides torsional rigidity and support. The outer rubber sole is non-slippery and oil-abrasion-resistant.
Best Steel & Composite Toe Boots For Women
Hey Ladies! Can I ever forget about you while researching different boots? Obviously, never. Here is a section dedicated to the women workers. I won't leave you with overwhelming options but with one best steel toe work boot and one best composite toe work boot dedicated for women. Choose either of the two and you will admire the products. Enjoy:
Keen Utility Women's Detroit Mid (Steel Toe Work Boot)
An aesthetic combination of leather and fabric. The Nubbuck leather upper is a full grain leather. The leather at the top is well-organised with secure lace-up closures. The boot comes with a rubber sole providing slip resistance to the foot and has a torsion stability ESS shank. Its Dual-Density, compression moulded and removable EVA mid sole pampers the feet with extreme comfort.
Icy on the top, the pair is water-proof. The bended steel toe with aggressive tread makes it a performance-driven boot and, at the same time, providing safety to the foot against any unfortunate incident. The boot includes an ample padding that offers great relief to the foot. Overall, a great product for any women worker.
Wolverine Women's Merlin (Composite Toe Work Boot)
The boot is made of 100% leather with Americana leather upper. It has a water-proof dry silver water-proof membrane lining and rubber sole providing great comfort and dry feet. The boot includes removable open-cell Polyurethane cushion that is anti-microbial. It's moisture-managing mesh makes it an extra value footwear.
The boot possesses a compression moulded & ultra-light EVA mid sole and nylon shank. The outer sole is rubber-made that withstands any wet surface. The boot comes with cemented construction and the composite toe protection to safeguard the foot from heavy damages.
A Big Myth Regarding Steel Toe Cap
It is propagated that a steel cap would cut apart in some hazardous situations and would wound or even cut your toe off the feet. So does it happen like this? No, not at all. Steel toe caps are as safe to wear as composite toe caps. They are designed so as they don’t tear apart from the mid or at any point. There is not even a single reported incident so far that any one lost his feet fingers because of a steel cut.
Conclusion
Honestly saying, Although I explained Composite Toe Cap vs Steel Toe Cap yet I am not against of either of the two. Both have some edges over each other in terms of advantages and both have some downsides over each other as well. You can choose either, as long as they are fulfilling the safety measurements. If you are concerned about the super hazardous situations, no doubt, the steel toe caps are better for safety but, in general, both protects your feet efficiently.
As a sure short, rather than trying, testing, dumping a boot and then re-trying another pair, just choose from our recommended products and save yourself on time and money. The list is created after days of research and analysing experience of 100s of actual wearers. Hope that helped.
2 thoughts on “Composite Toe Work Boots vs Steel Toe (CHOOSE WISELY)”
That sounds like steel toe boots would be nice because they protect your toes against hits and heavy weights as well as punctures. I’m going to be doing some construction on my home, and my feet are very important to me. I’ll just have to find somewhere to get myself a pair of steel toe boots.
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