When it comes to choosing safety shoes, one of the most important decisions you'll need to make is whether to go for composite toe or steel toe. Both offer excellent protection for your feet, but there are a few key differences you need to consider before making your choice.
You may find yourself asking all sorts of questions when it comes to the different types of safety toes. We hope we did a good job answering those in this article.
Feature Steel Toe Composite Toe Material Steel Composite material (such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, or fiberglass) Weight Heavier Lighter Conductivity Conducts heat and electricity Does not conduct heat or electricity Metal detection May set off metal detectors Does not set off metal detectors Cost Less expensive More expensive Impact protection Higher level of impact protection Lower level of impact protectionComposite toe shoes are made from a combination of materials, such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, or plastic. They're designed to offer the same level of protection as steel toe shoes, but with a few added benefits.
Composite toe shoes are much lighter than steel toe shoes, which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods, especially if you're walking or standing for most of the day.
Composite toe shoes are non-metallic, which means they won't set off metal detectors. This makes them ideal for workers who need to go through security checkpoints, such as airport employees or government workers.
Composite toe shoes are typically more expensive than steel toe shoes. This is because composite materials are more expensive to produce than steel.
Steel toe shoes, as the name suggests, have a steel toe cap that protects your feet from heavy objects or falling debris. They're the most traditional type of safety shoe and have been around for decades.
Steel toe shoes offer superior protection against impact and compression. They're ideal for workers who are exposed to heavy machinery or tools, such as construction workers or factory employees.
Steel toe shoes are typically less expensive than composite toe shoes. This is because steel is a less expensive material than the materials used in composite toe shoes.
Steel toe shoes are metallic, which means they'll set off metal detectors and aren't suitable for workers who need to go through security checkpoints.
Steel toe and composite toe boots are both designed to protect the feet from impact and compression injuries. However, there are some key differences between the two types of boots.
Steel toe boots are made with a steel cap in the toe area. Steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand a high level of impact. However, steel toe boots can be heavy and can conduct heat, which can make them uncomfortable to wear in hot weather. Steel toe boots can also set off metal detectors, which can be a problem for workers who need to pass through them regularly.
Composite toe boots are made with a composite material, such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, or fiberglass. Composite materials are lighter than steel and do not conduct heat or electricity. This makes them a good choice for workers who need to wear boots in hot weather or who work around sources of electricity. Composite toe boots are also less likely to set off metal detectors.
In terms of impact protection, steel toe boots can withstand a higher level of impact than composite toe boots. However, composite toe boots are still able to meet the safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Ultimately, the best type of boot for you will depend on your specific work environment and needs. If you need a boot that can withstand a high level of impact and you don't mind the weight, then a steel toe boot may be a good choice. If you need a boot that is lightweight, comfortable, and does not conduct heat or electricity, then a composite toe boot may be a better option.
You may ask yourself, is composite toe as good as steel toe? Well, we put together a quick table to shoe you all of the differences to help you make an informed decision.
Now that you know the key differences between composite toe and steel toe shoes, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
They're ideal for workers who are on their feet all day, such as warehouse employees or delivery drivers.
They're ideal for workers who are exposed to heavy machinery or tools, such as construction workers or factory employees.
Many manufacturers offer a warranty on their safety shoes. This warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship. It is important to read the warranty carefully before purchasing a pair of safety shoes. Grabbing a pair like Northside Work Safety ensures a 90-day trial.
Composite toe shoes are typically more expensive than steel toe shoes. This is because composite materials are more expensive to produce than steel.
Steel toe shoes are generally more durable than composite toe shoes. This is because steel is a stronger material than the materials used in composite toe shoes.
You can also use our comprehensive guide to help you choose just click here
At Northside, we offer a wide range of safety shoes, including both composite toe and steel toe options. No matter what your needs are, we have the right shoe for you.
The Garner Mid - Non slip, full leather composite toe workboot with a puncture resistant outsole
The Axson Mid - Also Non-Slip, more rugged, and both feature electrical hazard ASTM certification. Composite toe and puncture resistance.
The Walcot - Non slip, Rubber work boot, great for hunting as well, never cracks. Check out an article with information on it: FLEX-TUFF Rubber Hunting Boots
Choosing the right safety shoe is important for your overall safety and comfort at work. Whether you go for composite toe or steel toe, make sure you choose a shoe that meets all of your needs and provides the necessary protection for your feet.
At Northside, we're committed to providing the highest quality safety shoes for all of our customers. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right shoe, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We're here to help!
What are safety boots? According to Wikipedia, “A steel-toe boot (also known as a safety boot, steel-capped boot or safety shoe) is a durable boot or shoe that has a protective reinforcement in the toe which protects the foot from falling objects or compression, usually combined with a midsole plate to protect against punctures from below”
Steel toe caps have been around for a long time – since the start of the 20th Century when the usage of safety workwear and footwear first became recognised as a need – prior to this, it was actually considered more expensive to issue proper safety footwear workers with than to replace an injured operative! However, when liability costs were introduced after the laws regarding compensation were implemented, this theory and practice began to change. Safety Standards in many countries mean that thankfully, the use of safety boots in many industries is now compulsory.
The first type of safety footwear was a type of wooden shaped and hollowed out boot, named a “sabot” which protected workers from heavy falling objects.
Allegedly, the word “sabotage” came from the industrial revolution when workers used their sabots to wreck machinery!
While steel toe capped boots have been around a long time – since the 1940’s – composite toe caps are a relatively new introduction into the world of safety footwear. so what makes them better? Or are they even inferior to steel toe caps?