What Are Composite Toe Work Boots? (Explained + Examples)

With footwear technology constantly advancing, work boot brands & manufacturers have unleashed a new kid on the block to overcome the issues workers have had to deal with traditional steel toe work boots to protect their feet: composite toe work boots.

But what is a composite toe work boot?

Composite toe work boots are safety footwear that offers workers the same protection level as steel toe work boots without the extra weight, discomfort, and electric conductivity that steel is notorious for. Check out some of the best composite toe work boots on the market here.

What is a composite toe, and what is it for?

Generally speaking, composite toe work boots are a type of safety boot with a protective toe box that isn’t made out of metallic materials. However, other elements of a work boot’s supportive parts, such as the shanks, are composite materials. 

Workers that need to keep their toes safe wear composite work boots. Composite work boots keep them safe from the daily risks of their job without dealing with the dangers that steel itself poses (think electrical jobs).

But are they right for you? To break it down, here are the main pros and cons of composite toe work boots:

Benefits of composite toe work boots

• It does not get dented from heavy impacts

• Softer than toe caps made out of steel or alloy materials

• It does not trigger metal detectors.

• Lighter than steel toe caps

• Great for hot summers or cold weather

• It can be worn in job sites with electrical hazards

Cons of composite toe cap

• Durability reduces after several impacts

• The entire work boot usually needs to be replaced if the toe cap breaks

• Not recommended for heavy-duty jobs

What is a composite toe made of?

Composite toe caps are made out of a composition of materials such as aramid fiber (Kevlar), fiberglass, graphite fiber, carbon fiber, and plastic molded into a material that becomes stronger than each material on its own.

You might think that nothing matches steel when it comes to safety.

However, consider that composite materials are also used in other heavy-duty applications such as the exterior of cars, yachts, space equipment, grenades (yes) you read that right), and even bulletproof vests.

Composite work boots are also tough because the base material used to make the toe cap is carbon. To put that into perspective carbon is also what diamonds are made out of – aka the hardest natural substance out there. 

Are composite toe work boots OSHA approved?

Yes and no!

Composite toe work boots from reputable manufacturers are rated and tested to meet several ATSM and OSHA standards. So, whether a work boot has a steel toe or composite toe if it’s ATSM rated, a quality pair of work boots will offer a worker the safety and protection they need on the job against impacts and compression.

On the other hand, cheap composite toe work boots are a completely different story.

More often than not, their manufacturers do not assess cheap work boots to handle the real-life conditions that workers face, making them more of a safety risk than anything else.

An easy way to tell whether or not your composite toe work boots will keep you safe from the hazards of your domain is to check their ATSM rating. It would help if you then compared that against the safety requirements of your job.

What other toe protection options are available?

We’ve written a lot about work boots and the different types of materials that go into them. But, as workers ourselves, we recommend only two types of protective toe caps if you want what’s best for your feet to keep your toes intact: 

Steel toe

Practically synonymous with work boots, steel-toed work boots are, well, made out of steel, and they’ve been around for a long time. Steel offers workers in risky jobs a reliable and durable way of keeping their feet safe.

Yet, steel isn’t the most lightweight material out there, and in some jobs, it’s not a viable option. Read here how steel toe work boots work if you want to learn more.

Alloy toe

Alloy toe caps are made from lightweight metals such as military-grade aluminum, titanium, or other lightweight metals. Compared to steel, they can be anywhere between 30 to 50% lighter.

Safety-wise, alloy toe caps can withstand more weights and impacts than composite alternatives. But they’re more expensive than composite and steel-toed work boots.

Do composite toes get cold?

If you’ve ever had to work in a cold climate while wearing a pair of steel-toed work boots, you’re bound to have felt your toes get a little too chilly. That’s because steel conducts outside temperatures.

The good news is that composites do not conduct cold or heat. And that makes them ideal for workers who have to work in extreme weather conditions.

Can you remove a composite toe from a work boot?

Yes, you can pull out the toe cap of a composite work boot. All you need is some pliers, razor blades, a hammer, shoe glue, and a hard surface to work on.

Note: if you’re trying to DIY repair your composite toe work boots with a broken cap, we recommend leaving that task to a professional cobbler. Or check if your work boot’s manufacturer can do it for you.

Any mistake made while fixing things yourself can compromise your foot’s safety or possibly damage your work boots even more.

Is composite toe stronger than steel toe?

Composite toe work boots are highly durable and can handle a lot of weight and pressure. In some cases, depending on the material used, they can even be much more robust than steel.

One of the main advantages of composite toe caps is that, unlike steel which can become dented when impacted by a heavy object, a composite toe cap will pop back into shape.

Over time though, a composite toe work boot’s durability will start to take a hit from repeated impacts and will not offer the same level of protection. Once your composite work boot has had one too many encounters with heavy blows, there’s a good chance that the toe cap can break.

Is a composite toe lighter than a steel toe?

Composite toe work boots are lighter than steel-toed work boots since the very nature of the material used to make them is lightweight.

When it comes to comfort, the reduced weight of a work boot also helps in reducing fatigue from having to work all day.

But while a composite toe does make a work boot lighter, only a fraction of a boot’s weight comes from the toe cap. So, if the weight of your boot is an issue, we recommend checking out our list of work boots that are all about comfort to let you work without tiring your feet.

Where can you buy composite toe work boots?

Composite work boots are pretty standard and worn in many fields these days. So, you can find them in outlets specializing in selling safety footwear.

Some manufacturers sell their safety footwear directly on their websites. Amazon is a great place to check out reviews and buy a pair of quality work boots right from the comfort of your seat. 

If you’re not keen on diving through endless searches and reviews, we’ve covered many work boots that we’ve tested out on our blog. 

Alternatively, scroll down to check out some of our top picks!

Examples of popular composite toe work boots

These boots have been selected in no particular order. All of them have been produced by well-known manufacturers.

1. Wolverine Overpass CarbonMAX 6″ Boot

Wolverine’s composite toe Overpass work boots blend in the best of safety, quality, and premium looks all at once.

A lightweight option that lets you focus on work instead of having a sore foot. These bad boys meet several safety standards and provide all-day comfort. They also have the added benefit of being water, oil, slip, and chemical resistant for complete peace of mind while you’re on the clock.

2. Carhartt Rugged Flex 6″ Composite Toe Work Boot

When hardworking men and women need foot protection they can count on, Carhartt never fails to deliver. 

While designed to handle a long day’s workload, these boots also double as everyday boots. Carhartt boots keep feet dry and comfortable. The midsole is reinforced with Carhartt’s signature cement construction.

3. Ariat Rebar Flex 6″ Composite Toe Work Boot

Engineered for best foot flexibility. These work boots from Ariat will work as hard as you do no matter how many times you have to lift, bend or kneel at work. 

In addition, these work boots are very breathable and offer the best support. The support and comfort make them perfect for heading out from work and wearing them as casual boots.

4. Timberland PRO Drivetrain Composite Toe Work Boot

We wouldn’t blame you for mistaking these work boots as running shoes. Because they really look like that.

These work boots from Timberland are built to focus on being lightweight while protecting you from work hazards.

In addition, these boots give a modern spin on the look of a classical work boot while staying true to Timberland’s history of making comfortable and durable work boots with everything from shock resistance to anti-fatigue outsoles.

5. Caterpillar Hauler 6″ Composite Toe Work Boot 

These boots are for workers who have to tough it through the harshest conditions. 

Caterpillar once again lives up to its history of heavy-duty equipment with the Hauler work boots. The Hauler is engineered to be functional and protective without compromise.

The work boots feature everything from foot stability support to full waterproofing. In addition, Caterpillar’s Hauler work boots will provide you with reliable protection. 

The protection will let you go from job to job without having to worry about whether or not your boots can keep up with your pace.

The takeaway: Are composite toe work boots worth it?

Some skeptics cast doubts about composite toe work boots. 

While some scenarios validate choosing steel over composite, the main thing to always remember is that just as with any work boot, it all comes down to how you intend to use them and what the nature of your job is.

The bottom line is that unless you work with heavy machinery or a place with objects falling around left and right. 

A good pair of composite toe work boots will stand their ground against steel-toed work boots any day, especially if your job site’s work hazards make the presence of steel a risk itself. 

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More related content and resources on the topic

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramid
• https://www.grainger.com/know-how/safety/ppe-in-the-workplace/foot-protection/kh-protective-footwear-standards-qt-252?cm_sp=CM-Shop-_-inline-text-_-composite-toe-vs-steel-toe-_-2019-11
• https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/composite-toe-vs.-steel-toe/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9088d3139f
• https://www.integraboot.com/blog/2016/november/steel-vs-composite-toe-caps-what-is-the-difference/

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