Steel Toe vs Composite Toe Boots?
CAN STEEL TOE BOOTS CUT YOUR TOES OFF?
NO – this is a myth! Steel toe boots are not more dangerous than regular boots. and with the amount of pressure and weight they’re designed to handle, chances are very slim that you’ll encounter something that can crack your steel toe boots. Plus, imagine what would your feet would look like after an accident without a protective toe!
CAN STEEL TOE BOOTS CAUSE FOOT PROBLEMS?
In truth, any poorly fitting boot can cause problems. If you purchase boots that are too narrow in width, they can cause bunions, or bony growths on the sides of your feet. The best way to avoid this is to ensure you’re purchasing well-fitted boots, whether they’re a composite toe, steel toe, or even a moc toe.
As always, the Thorogood team is here to help. If you are still undecided about what type of work boot you’ll need, feel free to reach out to our team with questions.
Let’s first look at the benefits of a composite toe boot.
The benefits are:
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- They’re poor conductors of electricity, making them perfect for electricians
- They’re poor conductors of heat and you’re less likely to get hot or frozen toes
- They’re also a little lighter than their steel counterparts
- They offer a little bit more space
- And they’ll pass through metal detectors on your job site or through airports
The benefits of steel are they offer stronger protection if something falls or runs over your feet. They’re great on job sites with heavy materials that may fall on your feet or heavy machinery that could run over them.
What type of boot for my Job?
Whether you’re looking to buy your first pair of work boots or trying to find a better option, it’s important to select your work boots based on your occupation. With nearly 24% of workplace accidents resulting in ankle, feet, or knee injuries, it’s clear that choosing the best work boots to protect your feet can save a lot of pain, time, and money.
Some of the most common work-related injuries are:
- Punctures to the soles of feet from workplace debris
- Crushed or broken toes and feet from falling objects and moving vehicles
- Cuts or severed toes from saws and unguarded machinery
- Ankle issues from sprains or fractures due to slips and falls
- Shocks and burns from chemicals, fire, explosive material, or contact with electricity
Scared yet? Don’t worry – just take that first preventative step and choose the best work boots for the job. We can’t promise anything, but you’ll feel better knowing your feet are more protected than they would be in your Crocs.
WORK BOOTS FOR ELECTRICIANS
There are a few factors you need to pay attention to when selecting your boots. If you’re new to the trade, familiarize yourself with the ASTM and OSHA codes for protection. The “EH” code on work boots stands for “electrical hazard” protection and although a safety toe isn’t required, it’s not uncommon for accidents to happen on the job site. A steel toe isn’t considered a safety hazard, as long as the steel isn’t exposed on the outside of the work boot or in contact with the foot on the inside. Basically, the OSHA is trying to prevent an electrical circuit from completing to the ground and leaving you a little crispy. Our boots are designed to be slip-resistant, shock-absorbing, and shock proof up to 18,000 volts! So, when you step on the exposed wires your work buddy forgot to put away, you should be alright. Here are our most popular work boots for electricians:
BOOTS FOR PLUMBERS
Plumbers are often dealing with wet working environments and sometimes with abrasive chemicals, so choosing a waterproof, non-slip work boot makes sense. Our Maxwear wedge outsoles provide super traction on slippery surfaces while the Goodyear storm welt construction means your boots will last for years before needing re-soling. The 8″ height on some of these, and the added safety toes, provide extra support and ankle protection from the pipes you drop or the sewer water you might have to stand in.
WORK BOOTS FOR WELDERS
As a welder, your work boots might not be on top of your list when it comes to welding tools and accessories, but they are a must, especially if you’re welding overhead with potential burning debris falling down on you. Regular boots and shoes (we’re looking at you, sneaker wearers!) won’t protect your feet, and definitely won’t last as long as a higher-quality investment. If you’re new to welding, look for these features:
- A safety toe to save those little toes from falling metal pieces
- A higher leather upper of 8″ or more to protect against welding embers falling in your boots
- Pull-on boots if your employer allows it (burnt up laces that snap mid-day are no fun)
- Consider a shield or foot guard to protect your laces and your boots
- An EH or non-conductive work boot to protect you from any open electrical circuits
Here are some great options for welders:
WORK BOOTS FOR ROOFERS
As a roofer, you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your feet so one of the biggest considerations for work boots is comfort (and safety, but we’re not your parents). Look for boots that have a strong sole, a cushioned footbed, and padding around your ankles – but most importantly, try your boots on for the perfect fit! You’ll want to make sure you have an anti-slip, protective work boot that has a heel for better traction on ladders or other precarious balancing situations you find yourself in. For those of you who live north of the wall, you’ll also be interested in an insulated boot. Check out some of our best work boots for roofers:
WORK BOOTS FOR CONCRETE WORKERS
Buying the right work boots for concrete will mean that you not only have protection on your feet, but that you also have comfort and cushion for those long days. Choose a work boot that you know has the ability to handle rugged terrain, a range of temperatures, and all sorts of abuse. Safety toe boots are typically more preferred in this line of work, and once they run out you can even make a concrete mold of them to treasure them forever. (We’re kidding, send them in to us for a re-sole and we’ll work our magic.) We’re not biased, but here are the boots we wouldn’t mind wearing during concrete work:
WORK BOOTS FOR CARPENTERS
As a carpenter, you’ll be spending long hours on your feet and you’ll regret choosing anything other than a durable work boot with a strong sole and comfortable cushion insole. Our recommendation: The wedge work boot. The wedge sole disperses weight evenly across the boot so whether you’re framing or building elegant furniture, you’ll have a stable, anti-fatigue boot to rely on. Our soles are specifically designed to protect your feet from punctures and shocks. For ultimate comfort, the latest Infinity FD Series boots have revolutionary technology that will make them the most comfortable work boots you’ve ever owned.
BEST WORK BOOTS FOR CONSTRUCTION
Working on a construction site has a fair share of dangers to look out for. You’ll often be working with a team of people specializing in different skill sets to set up (or demo, which is much more fun) a building. You’ll work with concrete, scaffolding, and heavy machinery – so you’ll want to protect those toes unless you’re open to losing them! Either a steel toe or composite toe will probably be required, and buying the wrong boot can leave your limping by the end of the day. Check out some of our highest rated work boots for construction and the features that’ll keep your feet feeling as fresh in the evening as they were after your last pedicure.
BEST WORK BOOTS FOR CONTRACTORS
Contractors’ and subcontractors’ roles will vary from project to project, but in general, the main responsibilities will be in project planning and construction site management. You’ll deal with everything from legal documents and budgeting to monitoring construction work and resolving safety issues on the work site. That’s why a pair of work boots should look as good as they perform. Check out some of our classic styles for quality workmanship, making these boots some of our favorite work boots for contractors:
