Choosing a work boot starts with what your job needs. Here is how the most common toe types compare.
Steel toe
- Very strong protection against impact and compression.
- Usually the most affordable safety toe.
- Heavier, and it can feel cold in winter because steel conducts temperature.
- Will set off metal detectors.
Composite toe
- Made from non-metal materials like carbon fiber, Kevlar or plastic.
- Lighter than steel and doesn't conduct cold or heat the same way.
- A good choice for electricians and jobs with metal detectors.
- The toe cap is often a little bulkier.
Alloy toe
Made from aluminum or titanium. Lighter than steel with a thinner profile than composite.
Soft toe
No safety cap. Lighter and more flexible, and a good fit for farm work, landscaping and jobs that don't require safety toes.
Other features to look for
- Waterproof: for wet job sites, farm work and winter.
- Electrical hazard (EH) rated: for work around live circuits.
- Slip resistant: for concrete, kitchens and wet floors.
- Pull-on or lace-up: pull-on western work boots are easy on and off; lace-ups give more ankle support.
Always check your employer's safety requirements before you buy. Shop work boots and shoes and women's work boots, or try them on at Preslar's on Fern Valley Rd in Louisville.