Composite Toe vs Steel Toe

A questions I often get is composite toe vs steel toe, which one is better?

For a broad answer I would say steel toes are overall better and you can’t go wrong picking them over composite toes. Having said that, they’re both very good and which one you choose ultimately depends on factors that we’ll get into later.

What are Composite Toe Boots

Composite toe boots are produced using solid non-metal materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic or fiberglass. They are resistant to electricity and meet OSHA safety standards. They’re called composite because their composition is made up a mixture of materials whereas steel toes are completely made from steel.

Benefits of Composite Toe Boots

Composite Toe boots do have benefits over steel toes, a few include:

Lighter weight
More elctrical resistance
Conducts less heat or cold to your feet
Will not set off metal detectors

Jobs That Should Wear Composite Toe Boots

Composite toe boots are better suited for some careers when compared to steel toes. When looking at the day-to-day of whatever job you’re going to be doing, a couple of things tend to stand out that make composite toes the better choice.

Those who work in airports
Electricians
Those working in cold conditions

If you’re walking through metal detectors multiple times of day, such as working in an airport, composite toe boots are probably going to be a headache saver.

Also if you’re working outside in the cold I would recommend wearing composite toe boots over steel toe boots because your toes are definitely going to feel a difference. Especially when temps get below 30 degrees. Composite toe boots conduct less heat when compared to steel toes. It makes a big difference throughout the day having cold toes when you could prevent it.

Because composite toe boots provide increased electrical resistance, I would recommend electricians wear composite toe boots instead of steel toe boots. Although if the toe cap is exposed you’ll be required to get a new pair of boots if they’re either steel or composite, having a composite toe just adds an extra layer of protection in those unlikely scenarios.

What are Steel Toes

Steel toes are safety ote caps made completely from steel. These boots have great resistance to large force impacts and have been the gold standard for safety toe boots for years, meeting OSHA safety requirements.

Benefits of Steel Toes

Steel toe boots do have a advantages over composite toe boots, a few include:

Can resist more force
Do not need to be replaced after every large impact to the steel toe cap
Can be less expensive than composite toes

Jobs That Should Wear Steel Toe Boots

Steel toe boots make a solid choice no matter the industry you’re working in. Steel toe boots are great for any job that requires safety footwear. If you’re okay with your toes getting a little cold during winter months or having to take off your boots to do through metal detectors steel toes are always a great choice. With their higher resistance to large forces and being relatively less expensive, I recommend going for steel toes.

Ultimately when choosing between steel toes and composite toe boots I think the most important factor is how comfortable the boot is on your feet and which one is going to stay comfortable after 12 hours of walking. This is going to be up to you.