Top 13 Best Composite Toe Work Boots On The Market (Full Reviews & Helpful Info)

Hello and welcome to our best work boots with composite toe review round-up for 2022 (updated for 2023).

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The Best Rated
Composite Toe Work Boot

We’ve put together a list of the top 13 most popular composite toe work boots models and our #1 recommendation based on what we’ve found in our research is the Timberland PRO Boondock.

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To bring you this article we’ve researched over 29 websites, looked at 88 different work boot brands and models with composite toe caps and we have read dozens of customer reviews and feedback for each make of boot that made the cut, as well as a few that did not.

Overall we’ve spent over 63 hours of our time looking into all of these composite toe work boots to bring you the most important information for each boot. 

In this article, you’ll learn about which are some of the newest and most rated composite toe work boots. What to look for when buying a new pair of composite toe work boots, comparisons, plus some additional things you should know related to this type of safety toe cap. (and much more)

So keep reading. There’s a lot of good info in here…

Our list of the top 13 best rated composite toe work boots for men and women

Here’s a quick comparison table if you’re curious about which work boots we’ve included in our round-up.

1. Timberland Boondock

• Waterproof
• 100% leather
• EH rated

Most Rated Composite
Toe Work Boot

Latest Price

2. Bates

• YKK zipper
• Leather + textile
• Removable insole

Best Composite Toe
Boot For Military

Latest Price

3. Wolverine Overpass

• Oil resistant
• Leather + textile
• Contour welt
• Read Full Review

Most Comfortable Composite Toe Work Boot

Latest Price

4. Ariat Workhog

• 90 degrees heel
• 100% leather
• Mesh lining

Composite Square Toe Work Boots

Latest Price

5. Nat’s 1500

• Waterproof
• Made of EVA
• Manure resistant

Composite Toe Rubber Boots For Work

Latest Price

6. Reebok Coyote

• Slip resistant
• Leather + textile
• Breathable

Best Composite Toe Work Boot For Hot Weather

Latest Price

7. Keen Philadelphia

• Waterproof
• Leather + textile
• Puncture resistant

Best Composite Toe Work Boots For Winter

Latest Price

8. Carhartt

• Heel stabilizer
• 100% leather
• Goodyear welt

Best Composite Toe Work Boots For Loggers

Latest Price

9. Rockrooster

• Anti puncture
• 100% leather
• EH rated

Good For Plantar Fasciitis

Latest Price

10. Thorogood

• Removable insole
• Full grain leather
• Quick release

Slip-on Composite Toe Work Boots

Latest Price

11. Caterpillar Excavator

• Roomier toe box
• 100% leather
• Great traction

Composite Toe Boot For Heavy Duty Work

Latest Price

12. Danner Vicious

• Ankle support
• Leather + Gore-tex
• TPU shank

8 Inch High Composite
Toe Work Boots

Latest Price

13. Carolina Boots

• Slip resistant
• 100% leather
• Fiberglass shank

Hiking Style Boots With Composite Toe

Latest Price

Reviews of the best lightweight composite toe work boots out there

Alright, let’s jump into some detailed reviews of each one of these composite toe work boots we’ve included in today’s round-up.

We’ll start with the best rated …

1.Timberland PRO Boondock

Top Rated Composite
Toe Work Boots

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This model from Timberland PRO is one of the most-rated composite toe work boots you’ll find out there. It’s made of 100% leather and it comes with a ton of safety features to keep your feet safe at work.

There are two models available, the 6-inch boot and the 8-inch boot.

The 6” Boondock it’s more comfortable since it goes just under or very close to your ankle to give you more flexibility. Whereas the 8” version it’s better if you work in construction fixing steel or similar. 

It’s a bit less flexible but will protect your ankle and lower parts of your leg from steel piercing your legs and scratches by the boot being higher.

You’re going to be stable on your feet when working on the wet or unstable ground due to the TPU outsole that comes with some deep lugs. This will give you additional grip and traction and avoid silly injuries from slips and falls.

Other features such as the anti-fatigue technology, waterproof membrane, electrical hazard protection, and others, make users very happy using it day in day out at work.

According to some users, the Timberland Boondock has quite a lot of room inside the boot and that’s great news for those of you with wide feet. (This has been confirmed as well by us when we reviewed the Timberland PRO Boondock 6-inch work boot).

The rubber detail on the boot’s toe cap will prevent gouging the boot. They’ll look good for longer!

2. Bates Ultra

Best Composite Toe For Military

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If you have a military-related job these Bates are perfect for you. They are a very comfortable pair of work boots and lightweight at the same time. Some users have compared these boots with wearing sneakers with extra safety features on top. 

Just like the previous boots you have the option to choose between a 5-inch model and the 8-inch model.

What makes these Bates composite toes work boots different is that they come with a side zip for easy take-off/put-on when you need it. Maybe when you have a break and you just want to let your feet bread for a  little bit,  you just unzip them instead of untying the laces.

Much more practical!

The upper of these boots is made of a mix of leather and nylon that’s water-resistant keeping your feet dry as you walk through paddles.

These boots look amazing, but I’m not a soldier. Can I use them for work?

The answer is 100% Yes. Just depends on what kind of job you’re doing. These boots are not heavy duty so maybe they can’t hold if you use them in construction. But they’re perfect for warehouse workers, retail, supermarkets, drivers, etc. 

Overall a great lightweight composite toe work boot for very active people.

3. Wolverine Overpass

Most Comfortable Composite
Toe Work Boots

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This pair of Wolverine work boots have received a lot of praise due to how comfortable they are. Features such as the contour welt construction, which basically make the boot more comfortable by bending together with your foot at specific and essential joints. 

Additionally, the contour welt adds more flexibility, support, and durability to the boot. 

These Wolverine work boots are excellent if you work on construction sites. The composite toe cap will keep your feet safe and at the same time will avoid you becoming tired from standing all day on your feet due to being a lightweight work boot.

The boots upper is made of leather and textile. Not being 100% made of leather compromises the longevity of the boot but that’s one of the ways Wolverine managed to reduce the weight of the boot.

It comes with a chemical and abrasion-resistant outsole to give you some extra protection when working on a job with hazardous chemicals. Some users have mentioned the boot supported quite well their weight. 

That means that if you are a big guy or gal, these boots might be for you.

You can get this Wolverine Overpass boot as 

1. Insulated 5 boot
2. Wellington style boot

4. Ariat Workhog

Composite Square Toe
Pull-On Work Boots

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If you’re after a great-looking pair of square toe work boots, this Ariat cowboy style boot is the perfect match.

The 90-degree ankle on this boot will give you great support making it a good boot for working on construction sites. 

It’s a great option if you work with landscaping or working with animals at the farm, etc due to its 10″ high shaft. The high shaft will stop things like dirt, soil, water chemicals from coming into your boot and make you uncomfortable or possibly injure yourself.

One extra point for these pull-on work boots from Ariat is that they look great if you wear them as a casual boot with a pair of jeans. Just brush them off a little bit when you finish your shift and you’re ready to rock and roll. 

Whether you’re going for a drink or you’re visiting a doctor or your CPA, you’re going to look good in these work boots.

The rubber outsole of this Ariat composite toe boot is anti-slip. It will provide you not only with good grip and traction whilst working but also with good support due to its 4LR technology (Four Layer Rebound System)

This boot is made with 100% full-grain leather around the foot area and suede on the upper. This makes it look great and lightweight but not really waterproof. At least not on the upper side.

5. Nat’s 1500

Composite Toe Rubber Work Boots

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Nat’s 1500 boot is what you’ve been looking for if what you want is a lightweight, waterproof work boot with a composite toe.

This boot weighs only 1.2lbz which is ridiculous light for a safety toe work boot. 

Do you spend your days in freezers sorting products and materials around? Well, this boot will keep your feet warm all day when working in such low temperatures.

It’s a great composite toe boot if you work in industries such as fishing, farming, agriculture, food industry, etc. 

These are not the prettiest work boots, let’s be honest. They are big and bulky. But if what you’re after is the safety of your feet whilst at work, don’t think twice. Put them on and carry on with your job with the peace of mind that you’re protected.

The insoles offer very little support so it’s recommended to get yourself a pair of comfortable insoles that fit your feet.

One more little detail. These boots are not rubber. These are made of EVA. This is much better especially because rubber might crack after being in contact with oil or animal waste. The EVA is a better option.

6. Reebok Coyote

Best Composite Toe
Work Boot For Hot Summer

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This Reebok boot it’s made of suede leather and ballistic nylon. This makes the boot very light and breathable. It’s a great work boot to work in hot weather.

Some users didn’t like the insoles that these boots come with. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for these boots if you like them. 

Just buy some insoles that are comfortable and fit your feet. The ones that come originally in the footwear most of the time are of poor quality.

And that could be on purpose by the manufacturers since they know you’ll end up buying a better insole. Why should they waste their time and resources on a good one?!

Don’t let these boots fool you by their military look.

You can use them for any job you want. Do you work in construction? You can definitely use them for light-duty construction work. Don’t use them in wet conditions though. They are not waterproof.

If you work in airports or places where you have to go through metal detectors this boot is great because it’s metal-free. (No more annoying security checks when the metal detector is set off)

7. Keen Philadelphia

Best Composite Toe Work
Boots For Winter

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These boots look like a tank. They’re heavy and bulky but unfortunately, this is what you get if you want solid, protective work boots. These are good winter work boots.

Having the composite toe cap instead of the steel toe one helps a lot since the material the composite toe cap is made of is not conductive.

That’s one of the benefits. Another benefit of the Keen Philadelphia work boot is that it’s an insulated boot. It comes with 600G of Thinsulate. Not the best-insulated work boot out there but it gets the job done for most workers.

The asymmetric carbon fiber toe caps in this boot increase the chances of having a perfect fit. 

These are not cheap work boots. When you put your money on a good pair of safety boots you want to make sure they’ll last. And these seem to be made to last for a few years. 

A great feature that should help with the longevity of the boot is the Goodyear welt. Why is that good?

Because you can replace the outsole of your boots and enjoy them for a few more years. Usually, you can’t do that if the boot has a cemented sole.

8. Carhartt Logger

Best Composite Toe
Work Boots For Loggers

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Another great-looking boot in our composite toe work boots round-up. These Carhartt work boots are perfect for all the linemen and loggers out there. 

Just like with any other great work boots out there, these Carhartt work boots come with a Goodyear welt construction rubber outsole that has a couple of benefits. 

Right off the bat, this makes the boots easy to resole and also will stop the water from the floor coming into your boot through the stitchings. Keeping your feet dry and comfy all day!

In the sole of this boot, you’ll find a steel shank and also a 90-degree heel, both great for stability. These two last features make this boot perfect for climbing.

Having a higher heel than most of the work boots out there could help release some pressure and alleviate pain if you’re one of those people who put too much pressure on their heels.

400G of insulation will provide you with some protection in moderately cold weather. 

The upper of the boot is made of a mix of high-quality leather and synthetic material to make it more flexible.

9. RockRooster

Good Option For Plantar Fasciitis

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RockRooster is probably the less known brand in our best composite toe work boots list. But they look very good. 

It’s another one of those work boots that you can take to work and when you finish your shift, just brush them a bit and you’re good to go out with your friends. Not one will notice these are work boots.

The outsole of this boot it’s interesting. It’s dual-density PU and this has lots of benefits. It’s lightweight and comfortable.

It’s climate-controlling which simply means that if you work with these work boots in winter your foot stays warm. And when it’s hot it allows the air to flow and keep your feet cool.

It’s water-resistant so remember not to buy these if you work a lot in the presence of water and other liquids.

If you end up buying on Amazon, just pay extra attention to the color of the boots you’re choosing. This particular model with a composite toe comes only in brown. So if you end clicking on another color and adding it to the cart you might end up buying the wrong boot.

• Discover here other good work boots for plantar fasciitis

10. Thorogood Quick Release

Slip-On Composite Toe Work Boots

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Great slip-on composite toe work boots from Thorogood. Great work boot for the fire department life savers. 

These are super comfortable for the simple fact that every time you feel you want to give your feet a break and let them breathe for a minute you can take them off and put them back on in a sec.

The shank on this boot is also made of composite material which makes the boot not only lighter but also will avoid triggering metal detector gates. 

The removable insole is a nice detail since you’ll want to buy your own for more comfort. And also because you should wash the insoles every month or so to avoid stinky feet (depending on how active you are).

One thing you need to be aware of with these types of work boots (slip-on) is that usually, the air can’t circulate very well inside the boot.

What does that mean for you? 

It means that if you sweat a lot in your boot and you don’t take your feet out and leave to dry, the boot will start to stink pretty bad, pretty fast. That’s why it’s recommended to have several insoles available. So you can wash them and rotate them!

11. Caterpillar Excavator

Heavy Duty Composite Toe Work Boots

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The Keen boots we looked at above looked like a tank and these Caterpillar boots look like an excavator. Hence the name. Another sturdy and heavy-duty-looking composite toe work boot in our list.

The upper is made of premium full-grain leather and some extra rubber on top of the toe cap and at the back of the heel. This is for extra protection to those two parts of the boots which are almost always the first to get damaged.

Some owners have mentioned that the rubber on top of the toe box was a great idea but it’s too thin so it’s peeling away fast exposing the leather. Not a big deal but something to keep in mind.

The composite toe cap is quite a roomie avoiding compressed toes and discomfort. 

One feature unique to this boot in our composite toe review post is the Goodyear welted forefoot and the cemented heel. Usually, the sole comes in one piece and is either glued to the upper or Goodyear welted but this is different.  All to improve your comfort.

Caterpillar claims this technology provides long-lasting durable boots and athletic comfort.

12. Danner Vicious

8 Inch Composite Toe Work Boots

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To create this composite toe work boot, Danner came up with the idea of using leather and Gore-Tex for the upper.

This of course makes the boot lightweight and also breathable. Having said that, this isn’t the greatest work boot to use in summer, but it’s a good all-year work boot. 

Many people who bought these boots have said they didn’t require any breaking-in period. They feel great right out of the box.

These boots are not waterproof. Remember that if you just need to go through a couple of small paddles, that doesn’t really mean the boot is waterproof.

The boot has to resist going through water many times during the day and still keep your feet dry.

These Danner work boots are water-resistant. 

13. Carolina Boots

Hiking Style Composite
Toe Work Boots

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This looks like a well-made leather work boot by Carolina. The outsole is made of rubber which will keep you stable and on your feet when working on wet surfaces.

They are very comfortable inside due to the technologies Carolina uses such as the pillow cushion. This is basically a memory foam that wraps around your foot increasing the levels of comfort while wearing these composite toe work boots.

The iron hooks will help you wear these lace-up work boots tighter or looser, depending on the situation. 

You can see some double and triple stitchings on these Carolina boots which could mean that they mean business. The more lines of stitching you have on a boot the longer it is going to last. (in theory)

Are any benefits to wearing composite toe work boots?

One of the most obvious benefits of the composite toe (when compared to steel toe) is that it’s made from lighter material.

That will translate into having less heavier safety boots reducing your leg’s stress and fatigue after a long shift.

Another advantage of having composite toe work boots is that the toe cap doesn’t get cold in winter or hot in summer. We all know how hot some of the steel toe boots can get in summer.

Also if you work in places where there are metal detectors or gates (airport, prison, nuclear plants, etc) having a pair of work boots with a composite toe will not set off these detectors.

How should composite work boots fit?

Composite toe, just like any other safety toe, should have some room to freely move your toes inside the toe box.

If you buy a composite toe safety boot and your toes are compressed you must send them back and get maybe a wider size or just change brand or model.

Yes, even if you fall in love with the boots you’ve chosen. Send them back. In the long run it will damage your feet and cause injuries that could put you off work for weeks and months.

Not worth it!

Who should wear composite toe work boots and when to choose composite toe vs steel toe?

Just like we mentioned above, composite toe type of work boots are best for jobs where metal detectors are present. 

Having a non-metallic safety work boot will avoid setting off the metal detector and consequently, you won’t have to go through manual search, taking the boots off and all that madness.

Also, the boots with a composite toe are better work boots for electricians and people working with electricity especially where water is present or the environment is wet. 

That’s because not having any metal in their construction, composite toe work boots don’t conduct electricity.

Some people prefer the composite toe over the steel toe cap when working with animals. 

The idea is that if you work with horses for example and your horse steps on your steel toe cap, the cap it’s going to bend and possibly cut your toes off.

Whereas with a composite toe cap, your toes will still get injured but at least the composite toe will bounce back to its original shape and position once the animal steps off your boot.

So that could be a good example of when to choose composite toe vs steel toe.

If you think that at your day job there is the risk of the toe box getting squashed, it’s probably better to go with a composite toe rather than a steel toe. 

Features to look for in good composite toe work boot

Just like with any other safety toe work boot, you want to have more safety features to protect other parts of your foot.

Puncture resistant

For example, if you work as a carpenter, or let’s say you work in construction in general, you want to have a puncture-resistant outsole.

Glass, sharp stones, nails, and screws are just a few of the things that can get through the sole and make your life impossible for a few days. (Or even worse in some cases)

Ankle support

Not everybody will need this feature but some people have really weak ankles.

If that is the case for you, look for a boot that has a good solid footbed, heel support and that can keep your ankle locked into place whilst you’re working.

Oil and chemical protection

This is a feature that comes in most work boots nowadays. If you work in the oil industry, agriculture, food industry, machinery, and similar, this feature it’s a must for you.

Comfort

It’s not all about how safe a work boot should be. But also, it’s important to know if it’s comfortable. After all, you’ll spend more time in your work boots than in any other footwear.

Depending on what type of foot you have (flat foot, high arch, regular arch) you’ll want to look at different types of soles. 

Also when you buy a new boot make sure it fits you well. You can read more about how a work boot should fit here.

Are composite toe work boots better than steel toe work boots?

Just as we’ve seen above, there are many advantages of the composite toe over the steel toe cap protection.

The composite cap protection is becoming more and more common. Most workers they’re just not very familiar with this type of toe protection so they keep buying steel toe work boots.

But there is clear evidence that the composite toe cap is much better than the steel toe one in most situations.

Editor's note:

Personally I keep buying both. If I like how the boot looks like and it fits my purpose I don't look at what type of safety toe they have (as long as they have a safety toe)

Are composite toe work boots waterproof?

It depends on the construction of the boot and the material used to make the boot.

But yes, you can definitely find composite toe work boots that are waterproof.

Just scroll back up and check out our work boot reviews and you’ll find a few models that are waterproof, not water-resistant. Remember, it’s not the same thing.

Is composite toe OSHA approved?

Yes, composite toe work boots are OSHA approved IF the work boot is certified and meets the ASTM standard.

If the boot meets or exceeds the ASTM standard, you should find a clearly marked label most of the time stitched on the inside of the tongue.

You should look for something like this: ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C EH

Can you remove the composite toe from a boot?

Yes, you can remove the composite toe from your work boot. Any skilled cobbler can do that for you. 

What’s the best place to buy composite toe work boots?

You can buy your favorite pair of composite toe work boots at your local store. It’s better because you try them on and have a feel about them. 

However, many times you won’t find a model or the color that you like. That’s why the best place to buy composite tow work boots is at the online stores. 

For the simple reason that you can access lots of brands and models from the comfort of your home. Plus the delivery, many times is free.

Here are a few stores you might be familiar with:

• Amazon
• Payless
• Sears
• Walmart

Last words on these work boots with composite safety toe

There are a lot of great composite toe work boots on the market.

We’ve included only the ones we thought (based on research, own experience, and owners reviews) are the best composite toe work boots you can buy!

Whether you’re in the military, construction, food industry, agriculture, automotive, retails, etc we’re pretty sure there’s one boot that can fit your needs in our round-up above.

Any of the above composite toe work boots are great because they’re lightweight and comfortable without sacrificing the safety aspect.

If we’d have to choose which one is the best from all of the above, we’d have to go with the Wolverine Overpass for comfort and the Timberland as being the top-rated by the people who bought them.

Top Choice

The Best Composite Toe Work Boots

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Adrian – Web Master / Construction Professional

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Theo Cox / Researcher, Writer

I’m an MA student currently working on a research project for King’s College London Museum of Life Sciences alongside my MA dissertation. I have been published in my student newspaper, The Spectator, and the Adam Smith Institute. I’m doing part of the research and writing of the content you’ll read on BestForMyFeet.com Enjoy!

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Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!