Many people in different fields have jobs that require safety-toe shoes. Do you know the difference between Composite Toe, Steel Toe, or Safety (Alloy) Toe boots? Do you know what your job requires? When you think of safety toe boots, steel toe boots come to mind. Innovations in the protective footwear industry have expanded the definition of what safety toe boots are past steel toe, and even beyond just boots.

Steel Toe Boots

Shop our selection of steel-toe boots here.

Let's start with the "classics", the O.G. safety boot, the steel toe shoe. More than 80 years ago, steel-toe boots were introduced as a safety standard for construction, manufacturing, and material transportation workers. While they offer the most toe protection and are less costly to manufacture, they tend to be heavier than other safety materials and can dent. The toe is thinner when compared to composite boots, but steel does conduct electricity, which makes them less than ideal for anyone who works in the electrical field.

Pros

• Can withstand higher impacts, punctures & compression
• Less expensive to make & purchase
• Toe cap is thinner, creating a less bulky boot

Cons

• Can dent
• Heavy & colder in the winter months
• Conducts electricity
• Sets off metal detectors

Composite Toe Boots

Shop our selection of composite-toe boots here.

Designed to be a lighter counterpart to steel toe boots/shoes, the composite toe boot has become popular with people who spend long periods outdoors. The toe cap on these boots is both lightweight and more comfortable, all while meeting the CSA safety requirements as a steel toe shoe. Composite toe caps are often made from a combination of non-metal materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglass. Since these boots have no metal, they're perfect for people who work in places where you have to go through a metal detector constantly. They also offer better resistance, making them a popular choice for electricians and engineers.

Pros

• Lighter weight (30% lighter than steel toe), making them more comfortable over longer periods
• Metal-free & prevent sparking
• Thermal insulation; is less affected by ambient temperatures than steel toe
• Better electrical resistance

Cons

• Less impact protection (but is still up to CSA standards)
• Bulkier than alternative materials

Is Safety Toe & Steel Toe The Same Thing?

In some ways, the answer to that question is yes. Both types offer many of the same features, but safety toe boots are made from generally lighter material than steel-toe boots, they work better in hybrid shoes like work sneakers. Non-steel safety toe boots or shoes outperform their steel counterparts in extreme heat or cold. Make sure you check with your job site's requirements, as some require a steel toe cap vs other materials like alloy, composite, or other materials.

Job Requirements

Footwear standards are included in the personal protective equipment section of the U.S. Office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) guidelines. OSHA's guidelines for impact and compression follow the standards developed by ASTM International, an international organization that develops and publishes safety standards. Each job site/industry has different requirements based on job requirements. If you are not sure what type of safety toe boot you need, check with your employer.

If your job exposes you to possible foot or leg injuries from falling or rolling objects or from crushing or penetrating materials, you should wear protective footwear. If your feet may be exposed to electrical hazards, non-conductive footwear should be worn. On the other hand, workplace exposure to static electricity may necessitate the use of conductive footwear. 

Per OSHA: "Protective footwear must comply with any of the following consensus standards; ASTM F-2412-2005, “Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection,” and ASTM F-2413-2005, “Standard  Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear”, ANSI Z41-1999, “American National Standard for Personal Protection - Protective Footwear”, or ANSI Z41-1991, “American National Standard for Personal Protection - Protective Footwear”, or provide equivalent protection. All ANSI-approved footwear has a protective toe OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 2 0 and offers impact and compression protection, but the type and amount of protection are not always the same. Different footwear protects in different ways. Check the product’s labeling or consult the manufacturer to make sure the footwear will protect the user from the hazards they face."

Care of Protective Footwear

As with all protective equipment, safety footwear should be inspected before every use. Check for wear and tear at reasonable intervals. This includes looking for cracks or holes, separation of materials, and broken buckles or laces. Check the soles of your shoes for pieces of metal or other embedded material that could cause electrical or tripping hazards. Follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and maintenance of protective footwear.

Here a QC Supply, we take safety seriously and offer a variety of safety toe boots in a variety of styles and toe cap materials. We offer the brands you know and trust, like Dryshod, Tingley, Bekina, and more. Shop our entire selection of safety boots here. 

Do you have any tips on picking the right brand of safety boots? Or the perfect style for an outdoor job? How about what toe cap material best suits your job? Let us know below in the comments section!