How to Choose Between Soft Toe vs. Composite Toe Tactical Boots (2024)

FAQs

How to Choose Between Soft Toe vs. Composite Toe Tactical Boots? ›

Are you working with heavy equipment? Heavy equipment means you need the heavy-duty protection that composite toes provide. Do you need to be light on your feet? Soft toe boots are usually lighter than composite toe boots, but you can also find exceptionally flexible, lightweight composite toe boots.

Composite materials are lighter than steel and do not conduct heat or electricity. This makes them a good choice for workers who need to wear boots in hot weather or who work around sources of electricity. Composite toe boots are also less likely to set off metal detectors.

A soft toe boot is designed as the name suggests: the exterior around the front of the boot uses soft material. As a result, these boots provide comfort, especially around the toe area.

Here, the toe cap material can make a real difference. Composite toe caps need to be somewhat thicker than their steel counterparts to offer a similar level of protection, and this can make the shoe or boot seem larger and more bulbous, changing how the footwear feels, according to Occupational Health & Safety.

Fact: Modern design features, such as ergonomic insoles and moisture-wicking linings, contribute to the comfort of composite toe boots. The misconception that these boots are uncomfortable for prolonged wear is debunked by the numerous professionals who rely on them for long hours on the job.

Soft toe boots are usually lighter than composite toe boots, but you can also find exceptionally flexible, lightweight composite toe boots. Do you walk through metal detectors frequently?

Composite toe boots are the better choice for outdoor weather since they are less affected by ambient temperature than steel toe boots. While they are up to safety standards, composite toe boots do not withstand the same level of impact as a steel toe boot.

According to podiatrist and foot surgeon Mona Ramani, DPM, the most important features of a comfortable boot are a good shaft width, a modest heel height, and a roomy toe box. She says the latter should be "wide enough to prevent crowding of your toes."

Martens boots are not only stylish, they're also incredibly comfortable. In fact, we're surprised at how comfortable they are straight out of the box—which isn't always the case for leather boots. They fit true to size and have a roomy toe box with enough space for a thick sock on colder days.

A few simple tried-and-true methods can make your work boots more comfortable: apply leather conditioner or mink oil to soften the leather, use padded and impact-reducing insoles, cushion any pain points using moleskin patches, stretch the boots out properly, and invest in a good pair of work socks.

Are composite toe boots OSHA approved? ›

Composite toe boots meet OSHA and ASTM safety requirements. They are made of non-metallic fibers like Kevlar® and do not conduct electricity. Composite toe boots are preferred by engineers, electricians and some independent contractors.

Composite Toe Caps

They are made of non-metallic materials, such as carbon fibre, fiberglass, plastic, or Kevlar. They offer comparable protection against impact and compression as steel and aluminium toe caps. Composite toe caps can withstand up to 75 pounds of force dropped from a height of up to 18 inches.

Composite-Toe Shoes: Composite-toe shoes offer good strength and durability. While not as strong as carbon fiber, they still provide adequate protection against impacts, compression, and other workplace hazards.

However, composite toe boots are typically more suitable for people who have to pass through metal detectors, such as nuclear workers, security personnel, and airport workers. This is because composite boots do not set off metal detectors like steel toe boots because they are non-metallic.

Improper footwear such as high heels and steel toe-capped boots are very tight on the toe, which causes an increase in pressure and leads to the nail growing down in the skin rather than straight out. In other cases, severe trauma to the nail or genetic disposition can cause ingrown nails.

Some modern safety toes are crafted using advanced nanotechnology. Nano composite toes are named for the carbon “nanotubes” they're made of—these are tiny carbon structures arranged into a beehive pattern and wrapped into a cylinder only 10-50 nanometers in diameter.

Are Composite Toe Boots OSHA Approved? Composite toe boots meet OSHA and ASTM safety requirements. They are made of non-metallic fibers like Kevlar® and do not conduct electricity. Composite toe boots are preferred by engineers, electricians and some independent contractors.

Generally, if there is a risk of objects falling onto the foot, piercing the sole of a regular shoe, or in electrical areas, you will want steel-toe shoes. The risk has to be there after the employer has already taken all other measures to prevent the risk.

Carbon fiber safety-toe shoes can withstand higher temperatures without melting or deforming. Composite-Toe Shoes: Composite-toe shoes generally offer good temperature resistance but may have temperature limitations compared to carbon fiber safety-toe shoes.

Another critical safety feature to consider is a protective toe cap. While OSHA has no specific requirement for workers in the electrical trades to wear safety toe footwear, your employer may require it as part of their established safety protocols.