When buying work boots, it’s important to understand not only the codes and standards for safety shoes, but also the materials used to make them, such as composite-toe and steel-toe work boots.

Understanding the differences between composite-toe and steel-toe work boots means you can buy the right 1 for your job and rest assured knowing that your feet are protected.

So, keep reading to find your perfect fit…

What Are Composite-Toe Work Boots?

Composite-toe work boots are made from non-metallic materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or plastic.

They’ve been gaining popularity due to their many comfort advantages and lightweight design.

These work boots don’t conduct heat or cold in extreme temperatures and offer comfort.

What Are Steel-Toe Work Boots?

Steel-toe boots are a form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used to protect the feet from any hazards in the workplace.

They’ve been used exclusively in metal construction since the 1930s and remain a popular option. 

The strength of the steel ensures that a thinner layer of protection over the toes is still able to withstand a tremendous amount of force, which also reduces the cost of producing the work boot.

Similarities Between Composite-Toe & Steel-Toe Boots

Composite toe caps provide the same protection as steel toe caps but are lighter and less bulky. 

This makes them ideal for users who spend a lot of time on their feet or where they need to move freely.

Both types of work boots are also much heavier than normal shoes or boots due to how they’re built.

Differences Between Composite-Toe & Steel-Toe Boots

The differences between composite-toe and steel-toe work boots are, among others, in their material, durability, and protection. 

Both provide excellent foot protection against a wide range of workplace hazards; however, there are significant differences between the 2 types of safety shoes. 

Let’s take a look:

Comfort

Comfort may be subjective, but it also happens to be one of the most important factors when buying work boots. 

The level of comfort is often determined by the soles, insoles, lining, breathability, and other materials used in building the work boot. 

Steel-toe boots are heavier and more rigid, making them less comfortable than composite-toe boots.

Materials

Steel-toe work boots have steel toes, while composite-toe work boots have composite toes made from non-metallic materials.

The materials used not only provide protection but also play a role in determining the price of the work boots.

Weight & Height

Steel-toe shoes are usually heavier than composite-toe work boots. 

Both types of safety shoes can be quite heavy due to their safety features and strong construction.

Composite shoe soles can be about 50% lighter than steel-toe work boots¹.

Price

In general, composite-toe boots are more expensive than steel-toe shoes because of the complex manufacturing process. 

Layers of carbon fiber, Kevlar, plastic, or fiberglass are put together with nanotechnology to make a thin and strong toe cap. 

Durability

Steel caps are known to be more durable than Kevlar, fiberglass, or composite-toe caps. 

The steel cap provides the greatest durability in the event of consecutive heavy load compressions. 

However, composite-toe caps offer almost the same longevity, although they may break or crack more easily than steel caps. 

Protection

Composite-toe boots and steel-toe boots provide superior protection against workplace hazards. 

However, steel-toe work boots beat composite-toe work boots because of their greater impact resistance.

Conduction & Insulation

Steel-toe work boots are more conductive than composite-toe work boots. 

This means that heat can be transferred from your feet to the outside, which provides a cooling effect. 

That’s not all

Composite-toe boots retain heat, which makes them a great option if you’re trying to keep your feet warm.

The same logic can be applied to insulation; steel-toe boots offer little to no insulation, while composite-toe boots are superior in that regard.

Composite-Toe vs. Steel-Toe Work Boots: Which is Best For You?

Both composite and steel-toes are highly resistant to impact and compression, but there’s a big difference between the 2. 

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each work boot toe cap:

Pros of Composite-Toe Work Boots

The pros for composite-toe work boots are as follows:

• They’re lighter than steel-toes and can be worn in many workplaces. 
• They provide better protection against shocks, cuts, leaks, and electrical hazards.
• They don’t conduct electricity, making them safe to wear in most work areas.
• Composite toes have a longer lifespan than steel toes because they don’t rust or break as easily as steel toes do. 
• Composite toes are made from soft materials like plastic and rubber, which means they won’t pinch your feet when you walk or run all day.

Cons of Composite-Toe Work Boots

The cons for composite-toe work boots are as follows:

• Composite toes don’t have the same protective effect that steel toes have. 
• They can’t be used in a wet environment because they can damage easily if continuously soaked.
• Composite toes aren’t as durable as steel toes, so they may not last as long as steel toes.

Pros of Steel-Toe Work Boots

Here are a few pros for steel-toe work boots:

• Greatly protects against impact and fire-related injuries.
• Very resistant and durable.

Cons of Steel-Toe Work Boots

Here are a few cons associated with steel-toe work boots:

• They’re heavy due to the steel used.
• They’re not insulative or conductive.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

For workers who do heavy lifting or who work in factories where there’s a high risk of slipping and falling, there’s an increasing need for workers to wear the correct work boots.  

For this reason, understanding the difference between different types of work boots is important in order to avoid serious foot injuries.

As the My Best Work Boots team, we hope that we’ve helped you understand steel-toe and composite-toe work boots a lot better, so that you can make a clearer and more informed decision on your next work boot purchase.