Safety footwear is highly utilized in all forms of workplaces, especially in heavy industries. On the other hand, some people are wearing safety shoes to do some exercises or just for casual use. There are different types of this footwear that are aimed at specific activities such as hiking shoes, touch rugby boots, work boots, etc.
One kind of footwear is composite toe shoes which have toe caps made from plastics, metals, or other synthetic materials. Unlike steel-toe shoes, it is flexible and lighter in weight. They are considered to be the most popular form of footwear for outdoor activities such as hiking or even doing some sports work.
In addition, this type of footwear is proven to be effective when worn during military training activities. It is constructed from a material that can shield your ankles from injuries when in contact with hard surfaces. To give you further information about this type of safety footwear, here are its advantages and disadvantages in using them.
6 Features of Composite Toe Shoes
The following are the features that you can get from wearing this type of footwear:
1. Lightweight – The shoes are lighter compared to other safety shoes in the market. They can also be used for different purposes like workouts at home, hiking, and even running on tracks. Its overall weight is less than most steel-toe shoes or boots.
2. Flexible – This type of footwear is more flexible as compared to steel-toe shoes. It can give you a greater degree of foot movement for activities like hiking or jogging on tracks, especially when the ground surface includes hard rocks and stones. The high flexibility makes it convenient to walk in hilly areas that have steep inclines and declines.
3. Affordable – Another great feature of composite toe shoes is their affordable price. This makes it the right shoe for most people who want to use this kind of footwear, especially when they cannot afford to buy expensive boots and shoes with steel-toe caps.
4. Abrasion Resistance – The plastic materials that are used in making the toe caps are hard and tough. This feature makes them versa
for different purposes like exercising at home, working in warehouses, military training, etc. It is also highly recommended for people with diabetes or those who have sensitive feet.
5. Comfortability – The shoes provide the best level of comfort when you wear it and use it for different purposes like exercising at home, working in warehouses, military training, etc. It is also highly recommended for people with diabetes or those who have sensitive feet.
6. MoistureResistance – These safety shoes are resistant to absorption of water, especially during long-term use under wet conditions. They are designed with drainage holes so that they can effectively let the moisture outside and avoid accumulation inside the shoe’s interior part. These features are important for people who are often engaged in different activities that involve lots of walking. It has enabled them to do tasks more effectively while wearing the shoes.
Composite Toe Shoes – A Solution for Foot Problems
Composite toe shoes have expanded their use worldwide because of their positive features. They are extremely comfortable when worn even for long periods of time. In addition, they are the best footwear for people who have diabetes or those with sensitive feet.
So if you’re having foot problems and other related medical conditions, it is recommended that you use composite toe shoes to solve your problem. In addition, this type of footwear has been considered an effective alternative to steel-toe work boots because it can protect your feet from injuries.
This makes it an appropriate choice for people who are exposed to puncture and laceration risks in their line of duty such as factory workers, construction workers, law enforcement agents, firefighters, etc.
Composite Toe Shoes Standards
Composite toe shoes come in different safety ratings depending on the manufacturer and the country where it is made. Here are some of the most common composite toe shoe standards:
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F 2413-11 – This standard has been described as the test method that can assess whether the footwear is resistant to impact. It also provides specifications on the physical dimensions of composite toe shoes to be used for certification purposes.
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F 2412-11 – This standard covers requirements not covered by ASTM F 2413-11, such as flammability resistance, heat resistance, sole traction tests, dynamic electrical shock tests, etc.
- ASTM F 2412-11 also provides the basis for minimum performance criteria on electrical hazard protection.
Guides on Choosing the Right Composite Toe Shoe
It is important to consider several factors when choosing the right shoes for you. Here are some of them:
The Right Fit
One of the most common mistakes in buying safety shoes is getting footwear that has sizes that don’t meet your actual foot measurements. Always remember that wearing ill-fitting protective footwear poses safety risks for workers.
The Right Material
You must consider the material used in making your composite toe shoes. It is vital that you choose footwear made from breathable and waterproof materials like leather and rubber to make sure they can protect your feet and keep them dry and fresh during long-term use.
The Appropriate Composite Material
You must consider the use of your shoes when choosing between steel, plastic, or composite. For example, if you are exposed to puncture risks in your work environment like working in manufacturing plants, you should choose products made from steel.
The Right Price
As is with any purchase, it is always best to buy one that has a reasonable price yet when it comes to safety footwear, quality must not be compromised.
Leading Composite Toe Shoe Manufacturers
If you want to be sure that the product you use is from a legitimate manufacturer, only purchase from reputable companies. Here are some of them:
Dr. Martens Composite Toe Shoes
DR. Martens is a UK-based manufacturer and retailer of composite toe shoes and other footwear products for men and women, as well as accessories. It has been in business for more than 50 years and continues to produce quality footwear products using the best materials.
The brand offers both steel toe and composite toe boots for men and women, as well as sandals, chukka boots, and other footwear styles. Dr. Martens safety toe cap work boots are offered from sizes 6 to 14 available in black and brown. Their safety toe cap work boots are offered from $125 – $200.
Dr. Martens Safety Toe Cap Work Boots Features:
- Electrical Hazard
- Safety Toe
- Slip Resistant
- Steel Toe
Homepage: https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/
Dr. Martens Safety Toe Cap Work Boots: https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/work/safety-toe/work-boots/c/05444800
New Balance Composite Toe Shoes
New Balance – Based in Boston, Massachusetts, New Balance is known for its wide range of safety shoes from athletic to casual feet wear. Its products come with a number of safety features including steel toe protection and puncture resistance composite material. The brand makes a wide range of safety toe footwear for men and women, as well as other styles.
New Balance work boots are available in 8 different colors from sizes 7 to 18. Their work boots are priced between $95 and $150 depending on the style.
New Balance Homepage: https://www.newbalance.com/
New Balance Work Boots: https://www.newbalance.com/men/shoes/boots/
SALOMON Composite Toe
SALOMON – This company has been in the business of manufacturing sports and equipment products for outdoor activities since 1947. SALOMON Composite Toe Shoes are known for their lightweight features leather materials, waterproof protection, shock absorption technology, etc.
SALOMON makes both safety toe shoes and boots for men, women, boys, and girls. Also, the brand carries extensive footwear collections which include shoes for:
- Trail Running
- Road Running
- Hiking
- Sportstyle
- Sandals & Watershoes
- Winter Shoes
Salomon Homepage: https://www.salomon.com/en-gb
Salomon Shoes: https://www.salomon.com/en-gb/shop-emea/men/shoes.html
Conclusion
Composite toe shoes are ideal for professionals who work in high-risk job sites. They come with different safety ratings that serve as the basis of their certifications.
To choose the right composite toe shoe, you must consider several factors including fit, material, price, and so on. It is also essential to know what kind of certification your job site requires.
There are many reputable manufacturers of composite toe shoes in the market today. You can also take advantage of online shopping to find the best deals for this product.
AIMBOO is one of the rising names in the footwear industry. We’re offering the best Composite Toe Shoes to our customers. All of our product is carefully crafted, quality checked, and packed before it’s delivered to your doorstep!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Composite Toe Shoes
What is the difference between a safety shoe and a composite toe shoe?
A safety shoe can be used as personal protective equipment for workers. They are designed specifically to provide specific protection where it is needed. These shoes should also have slip-resistant outsoles and electrical hazard protection.
On the other hand, a Composite Toe Shoe has a steel or plastic cap toe that has been fitted into the upper of the shoes. They can provide better protection than a safety shoe and provide electrical hazard protection and enhanced slip resistance.
What safety certifications do Composite Toe Shoes have?
Composite Toe Shoes vary in safety features depending on their design and purpose. However, most Composite Toe Shoes have been tested and certified to adhere to certain safety standards including:
– ASTM F 2412-05 I/75 C/75 Protective Toe Classification for Footwear. This ensures that the shoes provide adequate protection from crushing, puncture, compression, and electrical dangers.
– EN ISO 20345:2011 S1 – SRC Protective footwear. The shoes are tested to ensure that they protect against specific dangers, including impact, compression, and electrical hazards.
– EN ISO 20347:2012 S1/P SRC Protective footwear for special work situations (acidic environments).
– ASTM F 2413-11 SE C/75 EH Electrical Hazard Standard for Footwear.
– ASTM F 2413-11 SE C/75 EH Electrical Hazard Standard for Footwear (for home use).
– CAN/CSA Z195 19 Safety Standards. These standards ensure that the shoes meet specific requirements to protect against puncture, electrical danger, and compression.
Do Composite Toe Shoes come with safety ratings?
Yes, most Composite Toe Shoes have been tested and meet safety requirements in certain areas. They also come with a specific type of certification that indicates which standards they meet. The certifications should be clearly marked on packaging or product description pages online.
What kinds of Composite Toe Shoes are available?
There are dozens of different types of Composite Toe Shoes for a wide range of purposes and work environments. Some common categories include:
Industrial shoes – These have been designed to offer protection from specific dangers including sharp debris, puncture, shock, impact, freezing temperatures, and fire hazards. They also feature slip-resistant outsoles for safety in wet working conditions.
Police shoes – These are designed to meet specific requirements of law enforcement personnel. They provide protection against high-heat conditions, sharp objects, electrical currents, puncture, compression, and abrasion. Other features include nonconductive construction, steel toes, puncture-resistant leather uppers, slip resistance outsoles, and more.
Military boots – These provide extremely high levels of abrasion protection against sharp objects and puncture hazards.
Outdoor work boots – Offering protection from the elements, these shoes are usually waterproof with breathable mesh or leather uppers. They feature slip-resistant outsoles and toe caps for impact protection.
Sports shoes – Designed specifically with sports in mind, these Composite Toe Shoes provide a high level of shock absorption and ankle stability.
How can I tell if a pair of shoes is properly certified?
The certification marking should be clearly labeled on the shoe or product description page. A label that simply states “Composite Toe” without any specific mark is not official certification information and you cannot be sure of its abilities in terms of safety.
