All You Need to Know About Composite Safety Shoes

While working at hazardous workplaces, our feet need special protection from falling objects, punctures, extreme temperature, and liquid spills. Therefore, we need to wear safety shoes. To prevent injuries from impact force created by heavy, falling objects, your pair of safety shoes should comprise protective toe caps. Traditionally, steel toe cap shoes were an ideal choice for most workplaces. However, nowadays, composite toe cap shoes have gained high popularity due to being light-weight and more comfortable. In this article, you will get to read comprehensive information about composite safety shoes.

Why use composite toe caps?

Composite safety boots differ from steel toe cap shoes by the fact that they are made from light-weight materials, such as fibreglass, kevlar, plastic, and carbon fibre. Being made from such materials, they are lighter and more durable than steel toe cap boots. A major advantage of wearing a steel toe cap boots is that they protect from extreme temperature conditions. Unlike steel toe cap shoes, composite safety shoes don’t conduct heat or cold. Therefore, they are perfect for working outdoors.  

Pros of composite safety boots

1) Composite safety shoes are perfect for working in security conscious environments. The metals detectors won’t set on the alarms while passing through it.

2) They are more fashionable and go well with both formal and informal outfits.

3) As composite toe caps do not conduct electricity, they give extra peace of mind if you are working in a hazardous electrical environment.

4) As they are lightweight, they don’t drag your feet down, the wearer feels more comfortable while working.

5) The non-metallic composite safety shoes are softer and more flexible than their steel counterparts.

6) The midsoles of composite safety shoes offer more protection against nails, screws, and other sharp objects.

Cons of composite safety boots

1) Composite safety shoes are more expensive than their steel toe counterparts.

2) Some composite shoes do not provide a good level of puncture protection like steel toe cap shoes.

What to consider while buying a pair of composite safety shoes

1. Support– The shoes should provide support to your feet so that you feel comfortable while working. Apart from the toe caps, the shank, puncture plate, insole, midsole, and outsole should contribute toward protecting your feet.

2. Fitting- Composite safety shoes should fit our feet well. You should check the fitting by trying it on both feet. While buying online, make sure that the company offers an easy return policy so that in case it does not fit well, you can easily buy another one.

3. Traction– Make sure that your shoes pose slip-resistant sole that would prevent slipping, tripping, and falling. The outsole has to be chosen as per the nature of the job. For example, if you work in the chemical industry, then it’s better to choose Thermo Poly Urethane (TPU) outsoles as they provide abrasion, oil, and chemical resistance.

Apart from all these factors, you should also make sure that the shoes are made from high-quality material that will make you feel comfortable throughout the day.

Conclusion- Composite safety shoes are more comfortable, softer, and flexible than their steel toe counterparts. Plus, they are ideal for working in security conscious environments. You should look for proper support, fitting, and traction while buying a pair of composite shoes for the workplace.