Composite VS Steel Toe Cap: What is the Difference?

For many years, steel-toe cap boots were the industry standard when it came to safety footwear in manufacturing, but this is changing in today’s world. Nowadays, composite toe caps are considered to be as safe as steel-toed boots. However, both types of shoes and boots are equipped with different levels of comfort and protection, among many other features, hence, the variety of options. 

Before you begin comparing the differences between composite and steel-toe trainers or boots, please review the required HSE rules and regulations for the level of footwear protection your staff’s job roles will demand.

In this article, we at Shoes For Crews are going to cover some notable differences that you should be aware of before making a purchase. If you are currently in the process of deciding between composite vs steel-toe cap boots, keep reading to learn more about these styles.

1. Construction and design

The lighter feel of composite toe safety boots is primarily due to their production process. It is also often the main feature that comes to mind when you are considering updating your crew’s footwear with composite toe-capped styles.

However, there are several different styles and designs that you can choose from with steel toe boots. There are a number of options, depending on the roles and responsibilities of each of your staff members. Designed with a curved piece of steel that sits above the toe, this style protects the feet from all sorts of workplace hazards. Metal boots can be heavier to wear and at times may feel uncomfortable given their smaller toe box. 

2. Level of protection and comfort

Composite toe cap trainers and boots are often made of Kevlar, carbon fibre, rubber and other lightweight materials. At Shoes For Crews, we are committed to becoming more sustainable and reducing our carbon footprint in the world. Since 2022, we have been using processed rubber to source components for our new outsoles. This lightweight design is durable and focused on providing the wearer with optimal comfort for long shifts that require a lot of walking.

Steel caps are oftentimes able to withstand more weight than basic safety requirements indicate and in comparison, to older composite toe-capped footwear. They offer the most protection from heavy objects that fall from height, thus, helping reduce the risk of serious injury to the feet or toes.

3. Resistance

Our composite toe models provide the same level of resistance as metal safety boots but without the rigid toe box. If you are not looking for insulated boots, composite-toe boots are a better choice for indoor jobs as they do not conduct heat or cold.

In the same vein, metal toed boots must meet the industry standard minimum amount of protection, which is typically 200 joules, or higher. If your staff is going to be spending a lot of time outdoors in the colder months, look for a lined steel-toe-capped boot that will help keep their feet warm.

4. Flexibility

When it comes to flexibility, a composite toe cap can return to its original shape after a significant force or impact. It is also designed to adapt to a worker’s everyday movements such as twisting, turning, bending and stretching.

While not known for their ease of mobility, steel toe cap footwear is fit for purpose. Our Shoes For Crews Wellingtons come in two different sizes, knee and mid-calf, depending on the type of movements workers will be performing. These water-resistant, rubber boots provide flexibility all while keeping the legs and feet protected from the elements.

5. Safety

If your staff is bending or stooping repeatedly throughout the day while lifting heavy objects, footwear that prioritises their health and safety is paramount. Composite toe caps provide the same level of protection as steel toe cap boots, but they boast a less bulky and more lightweight feel. Moreover, composite toe safety shoes are metal-free, meaning they do not conduct electricity thus, protecting employees who are working in hazardous electrical environments such as airports, construction sites and in manufacturing facilities.

Steel-toe cap boots, while not as new as composite toe boots and trainers, are still a good option when it comes to safety in manufacturing factories. This style has been around for many decades and offers wearers proper protection on the job. It can be just as strong in terms of withstanding a heavy impact or even stronger than composite toe cap footwear. And with our patented slip-resistant technologies, your crew will get the highest level of protection and support during those long, hard shifts.

In summary, steel-toed boots can help prevent a wide range of injuries, but especially those caused by falling objects. Both composite and steel toe trainers and boots are capable of reducing the risk of slips and falls, cuts and lacerations, burns and, most importantly, punctures. However, remember that composite toe footwear is best for jobs that entail a lot of walking whereas metal boots are aimed at workers who are lifting heavy items and equipment from mostly stationary or fixed positions.

We hope this guide to the differences between composite-toe cap vs steel toe cap safety footwear was useful. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our safety styles, please contact one of our experts to receive a free sample pair. Or download our Catalogue to discover even more features that our metal-free or steel toe capped boot styles offer.