Steel Toe vs. Composite Toe Caps

What is the difference between Steel Toe and Composite Toe Safety Boots?
Steel toe caps are mandatory on many work sites and are often the more popular choice over composite toe caps but do you know the benefits of choosing a composite cap?
Composite toe caps are more lightweight than steel caps and are non-conductive. They are also handy for FIFO workers so they do not need to remove their boots to pass through security metal detectors at airports.
Steel Toe Cap
Pros
Weight: 108g
Cut resistance to power saw
Puncture resistance to nail gun
Mandatory on many industrial work sites
Prevents injury from falling objects at a drop force of 200 joules
Complies with: AS/NZS 2210.3
Cons
Heavier than composite toe caps
Can become an ignition hazard, reduce the risk by choosing a bump cap and always maintaining your boots
Need to be removed for airport security checks
Composite Toe Cap
Pros
• Weight: 60g
• Significantly lighter with superior flexibility
• Metal detector friendly
• Can be X-rayed
• Excellent thermal regulation – insulates against hot and cold
• Protects against spark ignition and will not transmit electricity
• Rebounds after vertical or roll compression
• Complies with: AS/NZS 2210.3
Cons
• Not as resistant to punctures as steel toe cap
• Can be more expensive
Still not sure which boots are right for your team? Contact the ATOM Safety team for expert advice.