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Steel Toe or Composite? Finding the Ideal Safety Toe Boot

Posted on Oct 3rd 2016

You use them and abuse them, but safety toe work boots protect you day after day.

Hard-working men and women rely on a safety toe boot that works just as hard as they do. The question is whether steel toe or composite is the right choice. And we know the answer: it's both.

Steel toe work boots are a perennial choice that's preferred for their strength and legendary ability to protect against injury in the workplace. But what about composite materials? Are they less protective? Sort of, but in many situations, the difference doesn't matter.

Both steel toe and composite toe have notable pros and cons. As with the decisions that you make about other safety equipment, it all comes down to your job, its hazards and demands, and ultimately your personal preference.

This is going to take some thought.

Steel Toe Work Boots are Classic

The steel toe work boot of today has changed very little over the years. There are different styles, but the function is essentially the same. This material is clearly tough, which makes it resistant to serious impacts. And for all of its history as top dog, it's also economical.

The benefits of steel begin with its superior strength. It resists impacts better than composites, and it's shatterproof. If you're at risk of nail punctures or incredibly heavy force, steel might be the best choice of all.

As for downsides, steel has a few. First is its weight. Some workers experience fatigue, which can impair job performance. Steel also conducts heat and cold, so it offers very little protection against temperature extremes. And if your work requires you to pass through a metal detector, your day has an added level of frustration with steel.

Composite Toe Boots are Gaining Fans

Where steel is the hefty champ, composite is the lighter, faster contender. This material is usually made of carbon fiber, Kevlar®, fiberglass or plastic. But don't that fool you. ISHN says that composite materials meet ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 standards.

The benefits of a composite safety toe boot include surprising protection against impacts, lighter weight and more comfort. The material doesn't conduct heat or cold like steel, and it's safer against electrical hazards. You'll never get caught in a metal detector wearing composite safety toe boots. EHS Today says 77 percent of foot injuries happen when workers aren't wearing safety boots. Because composites are so comfortable, more workers might enjoy wearing them.

And of course, with the sweet comes the sour. Composites aren't as strong or puncture resistant as steel. If you work in an industry where extreme protection is required, this material probably isn't for you. It's also expensive, which is one reason why steel remains so popular. But the industry is constantly getting better. New nanotechnology promises lighter, stronger safety toes that compete better with steel's strength.

Where men and women put in a risky, hard day's work, personal protective gear will always be vital to safety. And no PPE takes more abuse than the work boot. The right pair keeps you dry, comfortable, and protected against some of the greatest hazards on site. The biggest issue is choosing the right safety-toe material for you and the work that you do.

There really is no right or wrong answer except in extreme situations. Composites won't protect very well against a runaway cable spool that meets your toes. And steel can feel so heavy at the end of the day that your toes drag. But both materials also have their place. Under average work hazard situations, you can't go wrong with a steel or composite safety toe boot.