By Rehan Iqbal
One glance at the modern workplace today is enough to give a visual on precisely how far we have come. Thanks to technological advancements and the innovation of personal protective equipment, workers all over the world can breathe a sigh of relief. Never have instances of work-related injury been so low since the industrialization era.
But as safe and accident-free as we might try to make a workplace, danger and hazards are inherently present in even the most protected environment. This is why we still need the help of equipment like safety footwear to protect our limbs from all sorts of injuries. Today’s modern safety footwear is not only functional and practical, but it is also stylish and as versatile as ever. Groundbreaking innovations like the safety toe cap has also made workers feel safer and more confident on the job. But as always, variety and change bring confusion. Today, we shed some light on all you need to know about Steel Toe Vs Composite Toe Work Boots.
Steel Toe Boots
When it comes to good old protective footwear, nothing works better than a solid steel safety toe cap. This type of toe cap incorporates a thick steel cap that makes up the toe box and a steel plate over the midsole for puncture protection. One of the reasons why steel toe work boots are a popular choice for many is because they offer some of the most customer friendly prices on the market. With steel toe footwear, you are guaranteed of a boot that exceeds ASTM safety standards on all fronts.
Composite Toe Boots
When it comes to toe protection, composite safety toes are known as the new and mean kid on the block. As the name implies, composite toe boots consist of absolutely no metal. Instead, the safety toe cap is made from a combination of Kevlar, rubbers, carbon fibers and plastics. Most of the composite safety toe work boots are designed to meet the minimum ASTM safety requirements and can offer just as much protection from impacts as steel. Due to their materials, composite safety toe boots are about 30 % lighter than steel toes and offer more space at the toe room.
Steel Toe Vs Composite Toe
As it stands, composite toes may be great alternatives for steel toes, but they will never really replace classic steel toe boots. However, certain occasions call for a particularly different type of safety toe. One of the most significant influencing factors is the working environment.
If you work in a plain area with absolutely no influence from your surroundings, then you are free to choose either steel or composite toes. However, you may have to reconsider if your job involves temperature variations on both sides. It’s a well-known fact that steel is an excellent conductor. As such, working in cold environments puts your feet at risk of freezing and at risk of burns and lacerations if the temperatures rise. Composite safety toes offer the best insulation of any type and are ideal for use in both chilly and sweltering environments.
Additionally, people who walk around for long distances or stand all day will also be more comfortable with a composite toe boot. That’s because their lighter materials make the entire boot weigh much less than a steel toe work boot. The composite materials are also thinner and allow for more wiggle room in the toe box. As for the price, composite safety toe boots tend to be more expensive than steel toes.
