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It is important to understand the different features of your work boots. By the end of this article we hope you will have enough information to decide for yourself, which boot is right for you.
Steel toe boots are durable work boots that have a protective steel reinforcement built into the toe of the boot that protects your toes from potential hazards. Although steel toe boots were, at one time, always made from steel, the reinforced toe has also been known to be made from aluminum. In some steel toe boots, they also have a steel plate along the bottom of the sole to protect your foot from punctures.
The best protective boots provide the wearer with the reassurance that if something were to happen, their feet would be protected, while also taking into account the comfort level of the boot and prolonging the amount of time the wearer can be standing for. Steel toe boots are a member of a larger category of footwear, commonly referred to as Occupational or Work & Safety shoes. These safety shoes come in a variety of types and styles, and some are made with a composite substance. Composite toe boots are especially valuable for the individuals who work long hours in less industrial areas.
Steel Toe vs. Composite Toe
Steel toes are good safety shoes; however in some specific situations, it is better to choose a composite depending on its intended use. There are a few ways of distinguishing between these types of shoes:
- Steel toe boots are regularly worn in tough working situations, being the favored and usually required type of footwear for construction workers and security officers. When you want the absolute best in protection, the steel in the front of the boot that covers the wearer's toes will protect their feet in the event that a harmful item falls onto them.
- Composite boots are relatively new on the market and the term composite is used to describe this type of footwear, and it means that rather than a bit of metal, the protective part of the shoe is made up of a blend of carbon fibers, plastics and elastic. This does not imply they provide inferior protection– a large portion of composite work boots available perform well within ASTM measures.
In comparison, composite toed boots are lighter, offer vastly improved electrical protection, don’t set off metal detectors and offer considerably better protection in harsh weather conditions. Be that as it may, their cut resistance isn't as high as steel, and they cost more.
To put it plainly, the composite vs steel toe face off does not have a clear victor. The right choice for the job depends on the use for which you require reinforced safety boots.
Elements of quality steel toe boots
The steel toe boots you select must have most, if not all, of the elements specified below for them to be the most solid and useful steel toe boots for your profession:
- Comfort: Comfort should be high on your priority list when it comes to boots. Whether they are steel toes or not. Lightweight boots are generally the most desired boots because they decrease weariness and are easier to move in. Companies like Caterpillar do produce steel toe and composite toe shoes/boots in a variety of modern designs that are sophisticated and stylish. In fact ShoeVariety carries a huge selection of steel toes, composite toe, water proof shoes, and even slip resistant in our Work & Safety collection.
- Protection: Steel toe boots promote a feeling of safety and protection in the work place. They are made to withstand intense trauma to the toes, so feet are shielded from potential hazards. However, foot safety should consider the whole foot, not just the toes – look also for metatarsal backing, impenetrable sole plates, and steel shanks to guarantee that the greater part of your foot is protected from injury. This is particularly important for individuals who work in settings where flotsam and jetsam are used, i.e. development specialists.
- Durability: Because they are heavy- duty work boots, steel toe boots will be tough. Generally, steel toes are the sturdiest type of safety shoes, and if you are working in a field where your feet are prone to coming into contact with hazards objects or situations, your best option is most likely steel toe boots. In addition, the steel toe boots are typically made with full grain cowhide, which is a solid, durable material in its own right.
