Quick Answer
Steel toe and composite toe boots rated to ASTM F2413 pass the same impact and compression tests. Pick steel toe if you want the thinnest toe and the lowest price. Pick composite toe if you want a lighter boot, work in cold weather, or go through metal detectors at work.
We fit work boots for oilfield, construction, plant and ranch crews at our store in Elk City, Oklahoma. Here is how we help people choose.
Steel vs. Composite vs. Aluminum
| Steel toe | Composite toe | Aluminum toe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | ASTM F2413 impact and compression | ASTM F2413 impact and compression | ASTM F2413 impact and compression |
| Weight | Heaviest | Lighter than steel | Lighter than steel |
| Toe profile | Thinnest | Bulkiest | Thin |
| Cold and heat | Carries both | Insulates | Carries both |
| Metal detectors | Sets them off | Does not | Sets them off |
| Price | Usually lowest | Usually higher | Usually in between |
When Steel Toe Makes Sense
- You want the slimmest toe that still meets the standard.
- You work mostly in mild weather.
- Price matters and you are not going through metal detectors.
When Composite Toe Makes Sense
- You are on your feet all day and want a lighter boot.
- You work outside in winter. A non-metallic toe does not pull cold into your toes the way metal does.
- Your job has metal detectors, such as some plants, airports and secure sites.
- You work around live electrical equipment and want nothing metal in the toe. You still need an EH-rated boot for electrical hazard protection.
What About Aluminum and Carbon Toes?
Aluminum toes split the difference: lighter than steel with a thin profile, but still metal. Carbon and nano composite toes are thinner and lighter than standard composite toes. All of them are rated to the same ASTM F2413 standard.
Will a Steel Toe Cut Off Your Toes?
No. That is a myth. A load heavy enough to crush a rated steel toe cap would do far more damage to a foot without one.
Read the Label
- I/C: impact and compression protection for the toe. Every safety toe boot has it.
- EH: electrical hazard protection from the sole.
- Mt: a metatarsal guard over the top of the foot.
- PR: a puncture-resistant plate in the sole.
- SD: static dissipative.
What Oilfield Crews Usually Wear
Many oilfield hands wear a pull-on or lace-up boot with a safety toe, an EH rating and a defined heel for climbing. Some sites call for a specific toe type or a metatarsal guard, so check your company's PPE policy first. See the best oilfield work boots and defined heel vs. wedge sole.
Steel Toe vs. Composite Toe FAQ
Is composite toe as strong as steel toe?
Both pass the same ASTM F2413 impact and compression tests. The difference is weight, bulk and how each handles cold.
Which is better in cold weather?
Composite. It does not conduct cold the way steel and aluminum do.
Do composite toe boots set off metal detectors?
The toe will not, but metal shanks, eyelets or hardware elsewhere in the boot can. Look for a metal-free boot if your site screens for metal.
Should I replace safety toe boots after a heavy impact?
Yes. Replace them after any heavy impact or compression, even if the toe looks fine.
Shop safety toe work boots, Red Wing boots and women's safety toe boots, or get fitted at 3000 W 3rd St in Elk City, Oklahoma. Outfitting a crew? See our company boot programs.