Where there is work, there is a possibility of an accident. This is why having the right safety protocols and proper gear is important. A pair of safety boots can save your toes from a heavy object or they can save your back because they offer proper support for your feet. Both steel capped and non-steel capped boots are better protection than regular non-protective boots, but which ones you ought to choose is more in line with the kind of work you need them for.
Read on to find out how to choose the pair that is right for you.
Outdoors
Though both models are quite reliable indoors, working outdoors is quite a different matter. As steel capped boots are commonly made from metal, they can be extremely uncomfortable if not impossible to wear outside. When they are worn in hot weather, the temperature in the boots gets even higher. Likewise, in the cold weather, the temperature is even lower than the temperature outside. In this case, opting for non-metallic cap boots might be more suitable.
Movement
If you tend to stay in the same place most of the time while working, you can choose non-steel capped boots but steel capped would do the job just as well. However, if you need to walk considerably than non-steel is a better option for you. They are not only more comfortable but won’t be as heavy to walk in and create additional strain on your legs and joints.
Protection from crushing and punctuation
Though comfort and mobility are important, safety is still the main concern of proper work boots. Steel capped boots in Sydney and NY alike are still the primary choice where there is a possibility of heavy objects falling on one’s feet. Both in the category of crushing and punctuation injuries, steel toe seems a more sound choice. Non-steel caps can also have good impact resistance, depending on the exact materials used, but they just can’t outperform the steel ones.
Also, the myth that steel capped boots could amputate your toe from a fall of a particularly heavy object is just that, a myth. MythBusters, a popular TV show, actually proved that in most normal circumstances steel caps would protect you just fine. In extreme cases, the toe might be crushed, not amputated, and even then it would sustain less damage than in non-protective footwear.
Electric conductivity
Though it might seem steel toe cap boots as relatively safer in comparison to non-steel caps, which are more comfortable and mobile, that is not always the case. As far as protection from electrical power goes, non-steel caps are a safer bet. As they aren’t made of metal, they are better at protecting you from an electrical shock. Thus for those who deal with a lot of electrical work or work in electrical hazard surroundings, non-metallic toes are a sure thing.
Price tag
Steel toe cap boots have been around for some time now and people are relatively comfortable buying them. This also means that their price is lower than the price of non-steel boots. The higher price of the non-steel caps is also determined by the price of the combination of the materials used such as fibreglass, plastic, carbon fiber and many more.
Non-steels also need to be replaced if they suffer an impact, so they aren’t necessarily a long-term investment.
There is no one true answer whether you should opt for steel caps or non-steel ones. The answer depends on your particular needs and job requirements. By weighing out pros and cons, you will be able to find a pair that has more to offer to you in particular. Apart from the job-related requirements, like the typical types of safety hazards, also consider your job surroundings and the weather. It is always best to make an informed decision, especially when it comes to safety gear.
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Liam Smith is a young and aspiring blogger with a passion for everything related to home improvement, design, and style. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader. https://twitter.com/LiamSmith2034
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