When it comes to work shoes, most customers are pretty convinced that steel toe boots are the best. Of course, many customers only think of making inquiries into what the best steel toe work boots are available. As much as this kind of boots is useful, it will interest you to know that there are different categories available in the market. Over time, there’s been a raging debate about which is better between alloy and composite steel toes.
Perhaps there’s no one exact way to classify which is better, considering the fact that each comes with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Picking one over the other often depends on individual preference and what you intend to do with the boot in question. That said, we will focus this article on steel toe vs composite toe boots. Bear in mind that each of these is a type of work boot with its unique features and functionalities.
Steel-Toe Boots
Also referred to as steel-capped boots or safety boots, these are durable boots or shoes that are designed to feature protective reinforcement in the toe area. The reinforcement present in the toe area serves for protecting the foot in events that an object drops on it, or that you hit your feet. These reinforcements are usually combined with a midsole plate to ensure adequate protection against puncture that may occur from below.
Although the reinforcement typically features steel material, there are a few occasions when it is made of composite material. Steel-toe boots are mostly used in the construction industry, but it is not only limited to this industry. The use of steel-toe boots has also extended to several other sectors where the movement of heavy-duty irons and machinery are expected.
There are several reasons behind the invention of this type of boots, but the most important reason is to keep the fit protected from heavy impacts, both within and outside the industrial sphere. If you work in an area where occupational safety is required, or where health legislation is strong, then you’ll most likely need to use these boots. It is worth mentioning that boots that fall under this category typically feature an incredible level of durability. The primary purpose of the durability level is to enable them to withstand the area of usage.
Generally, they come in many styles and designs based on how vast the manufacturer might want to be. Some brands have even gone ahead to produce steel-toe footwear that is fashionable within subcultures like punk, skinhead, and rivethead. Whatever your needs, however, ensure that you look properly to get the best deal as far as steel-toe footwear is concerned.
Pros
- Shoes under this category are generally stronger and more durable than other categories.
- They mostly pass the ASTM safety toe tests.
- They are usually more beautiful looking and can maintain a lower profile in comparison to composite toe boots.
Cons
- These types of boots are typically weighty compared to other types.
- They can be uncomfortable when you want to handle jobs that will require flexibility on your part.
Composite-Toe Boots
Composite-toe boots are lighter boots compared to steel boots. They are completely metal-free, and therefore, cannot conduct electricity. Instead, manufacturers design then to feature composite materials such as plastic, fiberglass, or other hard polymers. These composite materials are made to have the same strength compared to the power of steel.
There are several instances in which a composite boot comes as a better option in comparison to their metal-toe counterparts. For instance, if your job environment requires that you work in areas that are prone to electric shock, then this is a perfect boot to go with. If you also need to pass through a metal detector door or gadget regularly, then a composite toe may be the perfect option for you to go with. It is also worth mentioning that composite toe boots are not designed to be able to conduct heat. Therefore they are not the right choice of boots to go with if you work in environments where your feet may be susceptible to getting frozen.
Another reason why many users opt for composite-toe boots is weight. These boots are usually lighter than steel toe boots, so if your work requires that you would always be on the move, then this is perhaps a more appropriate option to go with.
Pros
- Typically very durable
- Relatively lightweight
- They are not conductors of electricity.
Cons
- Generally not as durable as steel-toe shoes.
- Poor conductors of heat.
Alloy Toe Boots
Alloy toe boots are perhaps the most popular type of safety boots in today’s market. These boots are typically made from lightweight materials, such as titanium and aluminum. Don’t let the use of lightweight materials deceive you, because these boots are still as strong as steel. The biggest reason why many people are opting for boots made of this material is its ability to combine several amazing features from both the steel-toe and the composite-toe boots. They are usually light, offering you comfort and convenience across a variety of uses. It is, however, essential to note that shoes under this category can be somewhat expensive in many cases.
Pros
- Relatively lightweight compared to steel-toe boots
- Doesn’t conduct electricity
- Very comfortable
Cons
- They are mostly pricey.
Shoes in this category also set off metal detectors. When it comes to making your selection between steel-toe footwear and composite-toe footwear, one of the most important factors to look at is the type of job to be done. You also need to understand the anatomy of a shoe to know what’s in which and which one fits different usage. Bear in mind, however, that both of these materials are excellent for the protection of the feet. Each of them also come with the unique properties that make them incredibly protective materials.
There’s also the need for you to assess your environment for what fits in and what it needs. If you are buying for your employees, then it is important to put their comfort into consideration. Remember that no worker would perform optimally if you fail to get them the right material. Therefore, whether you are buying them waterproof work boots or shoes for working on concrete, it’s important to put their comfort and convenience into perspective.
Wrap Up
As we’ve rightly explained, the choice of footwear often depends on specific needs. Therefore, there’s no general rule on what you should wear. Your choice footwear should be based on a number of factors, including where you intend to use it and how often you would wear it. If you would need to wear a shoe for hours every day, for instance, then you’ll need to get a one that’s comfortable to you, highly durable and able to withstand every pressure. Check out our numerous helpful shoe guides to find the best shoes under different categories.
