Can You Put Your Work Boots In The Dryer? (What To Know First)

When it comes to pretty much every type of footwear out there, work boots included, drying things the good old-fashioned way is the only way to go.

Work boots can handle many scenarios. However, they can NOT take going into the dryer or washing machine.

Putting your work boots through the dryer will decrease the work boot’s lifespan, ultimately ruining them. 

But why? Before we explain why, if your work boots are already inside a dryer, take them out ASAP and set them aside.

All set? Alright, let’s get down to it.

What you should consider before putting your work boots in the dryer

The heat from a dryer can arguably be the worst thing you can do to your work boots.

Depending on the material your work boots are made out of, the damage from such extreme heat levels can do anything from aging the work boot’s material rapidly to outright melting off the glue holding the outsoles.

When it comes to cleaning, most work boot manufacturers recommend only using cold water and letting the wind do the drying.

Why?

To give you an idea about how hot a dryer is, the average dryer’s temperature ranges from 125 Fahrenheit/51.2 Celsius to 135 Fahrenheit/57.2 Celsius, which is enough to make most human beings suffer from hypothermia.

Simply put, your work boots won’t stand a chance against such extreme heat unless they’re firefighter work boots, and even then, there’s no guarantee that they’d come out intact. 

Can you put steel toe work boots in the dryer?

Short answer, definitely not.

Remember that the upper part of a steel toe work boot is generally made out of leather. Leather shrinks when it’s up against extreme heat or starts to fall apart due to the leather fibers drying from dehydration. 

However, there’s an even greater risk to consider: the weight of the boots.

Chances are, the steel in your work boots will damage or dent the steel of the dryer after slamming the inside of the dryer repeatedly as it spins.

Can you put composite toe work boots in the dryer?

Like steel toe work boots, composite toe work boots won’t fare any better in a dryer.

Depending on the material used in the safety toe cap, the heat could outright melt the composite cap (especially if it’s made out of low-quality plastic).

5 Alternatives to dry your work boots fast

We know how important it is to keep your work gear dry, especially after stepping in a pile of muck or getting rid of built-up humidity from wearing your boots after a long and tiring day.

Luckily, there’s a whole bunch of ways to dry them up safely.

Next time your work boots feel a bit damp or are drenched, try these methods:

1. Dry them naturally

It might sound cliché, but keeping your work boots outside in a sunny or well-ventilated place overnight is one of the best ways to get rid of moisture.

Keep your work boots in a diagonal position with the opening facing the sun for the best results. Avoid keeping your work boots under direct sunlight to avoid damaging the leather.

2. Use rice

Rice absorbs moisture well, and if you have a bucket and a lot of rice to spare, you have everything you need to dry up your work boots.

Just fill up a bucket with rice and submerge your work boots to let the rice do its magic.

This method might not work very well if your work boots are soaked, but if they’re just a bit damp, the rice will get the job done in a few hours.

3. Use a fan

If it’s not windy or very sunny to dry your boots, a fan will do the trick. For the best results, tie your work boots with the shoelaces safely to the fan’s cage.

You can even keep your work boots in the sun while placing a fan in front of them to get even faster results.

3. Use a towel

If your work boots are soaked, remove the laces and insoles to dry separately. Then place a towel inside your work boots and wrap them up entirely with another towel.

For faster results, keep your work boots while wrapped up in front of a fan.

4. Use paper towels

For this method, ball up paper towels and place them inside your work boots to absorb the moisture.

This method can work with any paper; however, using newspapers might not be the best option since newspaper ink can stain the insides of your work boots.

5. Use a boot dryer

Boot dryers are electronic devices specifically meant to do what their name implies: to dry up boots.

There are different types of dryers available that use everything from heat to UV light; the good news, though, is unlike using a hairdryer that can roast the material of a work boot, boot dryers are specifically designed to care for boots.

What’s the worst thing that can happen if you dry work boots in a dryer?

If you’re feeling brave and are curious about the worst-case scenarios that can happen to your work boots, expect one or more of the following things to happen when you dry your work boots in a dryer:

• Scenario 1: Your work boots shrink from the heat

• Scenario 2: The outsoles curl up

• Scenario 3: The glue holding the work boots together melts off

• Scenario 4: The leather on your work boots starts to crack and eventually comes apart. 

• Scenario 5: Your work boots survive, but their integrity takes a hit, which ultimately risks your foot’s safety

• Scenario 6: Your dryer gets damaged or badly dented
  

Putting your work boots in the dryer: The takeaway

No matter how tempting it is to throw your work boots into the dryer and hope for the best, we urge you not to unless you intend on testing the limits of your dryer and throwing away your work boots.

Regardless of the setting you put your dryer on, it’s only a matter of time until your work boots hit the dust soon after, or if you’re lucky, they’ll come out worse than they were before you put them in.

The rule of thumb when it comes to drying your boots is never to use an artificial source of heat.

Long story short, to save yourself from the headache of having to get new comfortable work boots, follow a few DIY work boot cleaning methods and stick to the safe options we listed earlier to dry them up.

Learn more about this topic from this sources:

• https://www.livescience.com/34128-limits-human-survival.html
• https://www.keenfootwear.com/faq/?id=205468867&pageTitle=Use%20and%20Care

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Team Members Working On This Page

Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher

Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!

Adrian – Editor / Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/can-you-put-work-boots-in-the-dryer/

Ariat Versus Justin Work Boots (Which One Is Best For You?)

Whether you’re looking to buy your first cowboy style work boots or get yourself a new pair of work boots these two brands are always coming up. So if you want to know what’s the difference between Ariat and Justin’s work boots this is the place to be.

I’ve done in-depth research to see what people are saying about Justin and Ariat work boots, which one is better, how they fit, where to buy them, and much more.

It took me 21 hours of hard work reading hundreds of reviews and customer feedback on 14 websites to come up with this helpful information for you. So let’s get into it because there’s a lot of good stuff in here.

What type of boots do they produce?

Both Ariat and Justin are known for making country/western-style work boots. They do try to create different models of boots here and there, but they stick mostly to what each knows how to do best. 

And that is creating cowboy-style work boots.

Here’s a table of the type of work boots each produces:

Type of Boot	Ariat Work Boots	Justin Work Boots
Square toe pull-on boot	Groundbreaker	Stampede
Round steel toe pull-on boot	Groundbreaker	Original Work
Lace-up square steel toe boot	Cascade 8”	Worker Two 8”
Lace-up round steel toe boot	Overdrive XTR 8”	Wyoming 8”
Composite toe Wellington	WorkHog	Trekker
Wedge sole pull-on boot	Rambler Recon	Premium WK
Slip-on Chelsea boot	Groundbreaker 6”	–
6” wedge sole	Rambler Recon	–
6” lace-up	Groundbreaker	Laborer
6” tradesman work boot	Treadfast	–

As you can see they produce all sorts of work boots, lace-up, pull-on, slip-on, etc. But whare the differences betweens some of these? If you’re new to boots check out these articles to learn more:

• The differences between Lace-up and Pull-on work boots
• Cowboy boots versus work boots: Are there any differences?

What industries are they good for?

Both Justin and Ariat work boots are known in the western cowboy culture. Usually, people looking into buying Ariat or Justin work boots are working on the farm.

So these boots are great if you’re working with animals and if you’re in the agriculture sector.

Why are they good for that type of industry? 

Well, it’s not only a matter of how cool these boots look but having a higher shaft they’re also protecting you from the different hazards whilst working in the field.

That could be fertilizers, animal waste, water, dirt coming into the boot, etc.

But Justin and especially Ariat work boots are also good for other industries such as construction, warehouse workers, drivers, and more. I said especially Ariat because they have a wider range of work boots that are not only cowboy western style. 

Do Justin and Ariat boots fit the same?

This is one of the most complicated things to achieve as a manufacturer. I don’t think any brand can really achieve a perfect fit for everybody since our feet are not the same.

After checking hundreds of customer feedback and reviews on a few different online stores, here’s what I found:

It’s very hard to check all the boots these two brands have and see how they fit, so instead what I did is I looked at their most rated work boots (Original Stampede from Justin and Groundbreaker from Ariat)  and look at what people have said regarding how these two boots fit on them.

How do Justin work boots fit?

Out of 1445 people who bought the Justin Original Stampede boot on Amazon, 1110 of them decided to take a minute and leave some feedback regarding the size and fit.

791 of them said the boot fit perfectly. So it’s true to size. 

Very few people mentioned that the boot was a bit small and about 250 customers said the boot is large or too large.

This is the breakdown of people’s feedback on that particular work boot size and how it fits.

Too Small	30
Somewhat small	36
True To Size	791
Somewhat large	167
Too large	86

How do Ariat work boots fit?

For Ariat, I’ve looked at the Groundbreaker model since it has a whopping 5600+ reviews on Amazon alone.

Of course, not everybody will take the time to leave feedback, but almost 1500 of them left a note about how their new Ariat boots fit them.

So out of 1441 customers who gave feedback, 989 of those said their Ariat work boots fit them perfectly. They were true to size.

A small portion of those said their boots were somewhat small and almost 300 said the boots were somewhat large or large.

This is the breakdown of people’s feedback on that particular work boot size and how it fits.

Too Small	70
Somewhat small	101
True To Size	989
Somewhat large	176
Too large	105

When you buy work boots online getting the right size and fit is the most challenging part of the buying process. You never know what you’re going to get.

Some people were saying that they bought the same pair of boots for years from both brands, however, the last one they bought was either too small or too tight or large…

The good thing about buying comfortable work boots on Amazon is that they have the Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try on the work boots and you won’t pay for them until you’re happy with the product.

OF COURSE … keep in mind that there’s a limited time for this.

You can’t wear them for 2 months and then say: “Hey, these boots are no good” You have 7 days to check out the boots before you send them back!

It’s worth checking it out before buying your boots. It’s quite handy and it’s free if you have an Amazon Prime membership.

Anyway, it seems that both Justin and Ariat work boots fit the same way if you’re looking at the numbers. In both cases

• Most people said the work boots were true to size
• Some people said the boots were a bit large
• And a small minority said the boots run small

Justin vs Ariat: Where are they made?

Now let’s have a look at where these work boots are manufactured. Unfortunately, this is a piece of information that many work boots manufacturers don’t like to share, or at least they don’t make it easy to find. 

But that’s the good thing about reading reviews and customer feedback. You can ask and see what people are saying about a specific product.

All work boots have a label where you can find where those specific models have been manufactured.

So according to the reviews I’ve seen online, here’s where Justin and Ariat are made:

Justin work boots

Model	Specific feature	Where it’s made
Justin Stampede	Square toe	China
Justin Worker Two	Lace-up steel toe	China
Justin Original	Wedge sole	China
Justin Premium Work	Wellington	China
Justin Wyoming Worker	Round steel toe	China
Justin Transcontinental	Electrical hazard rated	USA
Justin Conductor	Lace-up steel toe	USA
Justin Cargo	Soft toe pull-on	USA
Justin Balusters	Waterproof pull-on	USA

All boots made in China have received great feedback from customers. Their only downside is that they’re not made in the US so the quality is NOT as high as it could be. On the positive side, not being made in the US they are selling a bit cheaper. 

Ariat work boots

Model	Specific feature	Where it’s made
Ariat Cascade 8”	Oil & Slip resistant	Vietnam
Ariat Hermosa 8”	Lace-up soft toe	China
Ariat Groundbreaker	Square toe	China
Ariat Groundbreaker	Round toe	China
Ariat Groundbreaker	Chelsea slip-on	China
Ariat Workhog	Square steel toe	Vietnam
Ariat Catalyst	Composite toe	China
Ariat Rambler Recon	Wedge sole	China
Ariat Midtown Rambler	Slip-on square toe	Vietnam

I wasn’t expecting this. I remember seeing a few Ariat work boots made in the US but I could not find them to include them in this article.

And what’s strange to me is that the price tag is quite high for a pair of work boots made overseas. Nevertheless, from the hundreds of reviews I’ve read I can say the majority of buyers are very happy with their Ariat work boots.

Ariat vs Justin: Differences in price

Even though I was expecting to see some differences in prices, at least I was expecting to see the Justin made in the US models to be very expensive. They’re not that expensive.

The most expensive model Justin has at the time I’m writing these lines is the Casement Steel Toe boot that’s available on their website for $274.95. Again, this model is made in the USA.

You can get your hands on a pair of Justin work boots for just a little bit over $70 and you can go as high as a couple of hundred bucks.

Ariat on the other hand have a higher price tag on some of their boots such as this Ariat Linesman 10” work boot that you can get for almost $400.

On the affordable side, you can buy a pair of decent Ariat work boots for as little as $60 depending on the size that you’re choosing. Most of the time the bigger the size you need, the bigger the price tag.

If we compare Ariat and Justin’s most sold work boots on Amazon (at least based on the amount of reviews each one has) … then Justin are cheaper work boots than Ariat just by a few bucks.

The models I’ve compared are Ariat Groundbreaker and Justin Original Work.

Most boots from these brands are priced quite similarly. So at this point it’s a matter of taste or preference which one you’re going to choose: Ariat or Justin.

What do the reviews say about them?

These two combined have a lot of reviews. Thousands upon thousands of good feedback from owners. So let’s quickly check if workers are happy with their boots from these brands or not.

What do people say about Justin boots?

Most people mentioned that their Justin work boots look great and fit them well. And most importantly that they are comfortable. 

It depends on what model you buy but it seems that some users have had some issues with the interior rubbing their calf quite a bit. Of course this was a miniscule percentage of buyers but it’s a good thing to know. 

Some users are disappointed that many of the Justin work boots are made overseas nowadays whilst others don’t mind it since they can afford a good cowboy style work boot without breaking the bank.

Justin are great work boots for riding horses, riding motorcycles, work on the farm, in construction and more.

What do people say about Ariat boots?

Ariat work boots are very comfortable as well and they’re great for both heavy duty work around the ranch or construction and also great for lighter jobs.

Most people buying Ariat work boots are using these boots for both work and as a casual work boot. So users are pleased with how cool the boots are (especially the cowboy style boots). 

As with many other work boots brands, whenever you buy online you will have issues with the size and width of the boot. If you remember from the previous section, the majority of the buyers felt happy with how their Ariat boots fit them…

…but you’ll find many reviewers mentioning that the boots run a bit large. Especially the western style boots.

The quality of the boots is quite good (even though Ariat is manufacturing their work boots overseas) and they seem to be quite durable. As always, it depends on how much work you put them through. 

Justin’s & Ariat’s most popular work boots models

I just wanted to make your life easier by selecting here the top 5 best sold models from each one of these brands. Feel free to keep doing your own research though.

The models are listed in no particular order.

Justin’s top 5 most sold boots

Model	Features	Price
Stampede	Square soft toe Steel shank Removable insoles	Check in store
Premium WK	Wedge sole Soft toe Pull-on	Check in store
Stampede Lace-up	Square steel toe Lace-up Stylish Water resistant	Check in store
J-max Pull on	Made in the US Dri lex lining Waterproof Round steel toe	Check in store
Stampede Rugged Tan	Square Composite toe Rubber sole Oil resistant Removable insole	Check in store

Justin’s top 5 most sold boots

Model	Features	Price
Groundbreaker	Square soft toe Oil & slip resistant Comfortable insole Pull on	Check in store
Groundbreaker	Round soft toe Water resistant Non slip outsole Pull-on	Check in store
Workhog	Square steel toe Shock absorption midsole Rubber outsole Pull on	Check in store
Catalyst	Round composite toe Electric Hazard rated Waterproof Pull on	Check in store
Groundbreaker 6”	Round steel toe Rubber sole Oil & slip resistant Lace up	Check in store

What alternatives are to Justin and Ariat brands?

We’re getting to the end of this Justin vs Ariat comparison and I hope the information I’ve put together was helpful in some way.

It’s possible that even after reading this comparison you still want to know what other options you have. 

Here are a few alternative to Ariat and Justin western style work boots

• Wolverine
• Irish Setter
• Durango
• Dan Post
• Tony Lama

Ariat or Justin work boots: Which one is best for you?

As you could see, I could not find Ariat work boots made in the US but I could find a few from Justin.

So if that’s something that’s important to you, then Justin is better than Ariat in that respect.

One thing Ariat wins over Justin is that they have many more options to choose from. Ariat work boots can satisfy a bigger pool of buyers since they have a wider range of work boots models and styles.

Keep in mind that if you want to buy Ariat or Justin work boots to ride horses you should avoid the boots with rubber outsole.

That’s because rubber is used in work boots to give you extra grip. When you ride horses though, you do not want that extra grip. You want a smooth sole in case you fall or for whatever reason you need to quickly jump off the horse.

You do not want your foot getting stuck and potentially cause you some serious injuries.

In terms of price, comfort, durability, I can’t say I’ve seen a huge difference between them. So if you have to choose between Ariat or Justin, it all comes down to your taste and preference! Based on my research you can’t go wrong with either of them!

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Team Members Working On This Page

Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher

Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!

Adrian – Editor / Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Theo Cox / Researcher, Writer

I’m an MA student currently working on a research project for King’s College London Museum of Life Sciences alongside my MA dissertation. I have been published in my student newspaper, The Spectator, and the Adam Smith Institute. I’m doing part of the research and writing of the content you’ll read on BestForMyFeet.com Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/ariat-vs-justin-work-boots/

How Long Do Work Boots Last? (1-year | 2-years | A Lifetime!?)

Workers tend to get attached to their boots mainly because they spend a lot of time on their feet and get comfortable in a pair of work boots that never let them down. (Also because some of you spend a lot of money on your work boots)

But for how long will a pair of work boots be able to keep up with the pace of your job and keep you safe?

A pair of work boots usually last for around 1 to 3 years before you need to replace them. This isn’t the golden rule, though, since many factors come into play and affect the lifespan of work boots.

But based on my research and my own experience using safety footwear for decades, also based on what my work colleagues commented on this topic it seems that the 1 to 3 years of lifespan of a work boot it’s pretty much the standard if you want.

Keep scrolling to find out the best ways to let your work boots keep on walkin’ and more.

How long should a pair of work boots last?

I’ve seen people saying they’re looking for a pair of work boots that will last them for a decade. But in my experience, that’s not always a good thing. You might save money over the long run. But the sole will wear out, the inside of the boot will start to stink, and other things that will make the boot uncomfortable (at least to me).

In theory, work boots can last for more than five years, and if they’re made to be repaired or rebuilt, you can even go all the way to 10 and 20 years if you used them in lightweight work and regularly alternate between work boots.

However, most manufacturers don’t recommend wearing a pair of work boots for more than two years.

The reason is that even though manufacturers make work boots to last, eventually, they will wear out and start to break down.

Simply put, it all comes down to the type of work you do and your work environment:

Heavy-duty use

If you work in labor-intensive fields such as firefighting or a job that involve a lot of weight carrying and rough surfaces with the occasional heavy object dropping on your feet, expect your safety boots to last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years.

Light duty use

If you work in non-intensive jobs such as operating yards, truck driving, or working as a lineman, expect your work boots to last anywhere between 1 to 2 years on average. 

The material they’re made of

Work boots made out of durable materials such as leather and some include steel toe caps or composite toe caps, tend to last longer than work boots made out of other materials, and if taken care of, can last anywhere between 2 to 5 years.

Where they are made

While this isn’t exactly a rule of thumb, it’s generally a good idea to wear work boots from reputable brands instead of cheap unknown work boots.

The reason is that reputable brands make sure to keep quality and durability in mind.

Do work boots last longer if they are made in the US?

Yes and no!

Some brands like Red Wing and Thorogood and others design their work boots to be repairable by professional cobblers or even provide repair services to restore the lifespan of a pair of work boots. Read our Thorogood work boots reviews page for more interesting details!

While several USA work boot manufacturers emphasize repairability, keep in mind that not every work boot is repairable, especially if they’ve seen hell and back and are falling apart.

But in general, work boots made in the US do tend to last longer. That’s usually due to the quality of the materials used in producing the work boots being higher and also that the professionals making the boots have better training and more experience in what they’re doing.

How to make work boots last longer?

No matter what kind of work boots you have or your job type, the lifespan of your work boots depends on how well you take care of them, after all, they take care of your feet, so it’s only fair to take care of your investment in foot safety to make them last for as long as possible.

Just as cleaning your teeth makes them last longer, the same logic applies to the lifespan of work boots, so if you’re asking yourself

“Can cleaning my work boots make them last longer?”

The answer is an absolute yes, especially if your work boots are made out of leather.

Without further ado, here are the best ways to make work boots last longer:

Brush your work boots regularly

Dirt, mud might seem pretty harmless, but they’re also acidic and eat into the leather of your work boots if left to dry up.

Things get worse if you store your muddy boots in a humid area that only accelerates the leather’s deterioration.

Whenever you can, a simple brushing to remove stuck stuff on your leather work boots will do wonders to make them last even longer.

Resole your work boots

The soles of your work boots go head-to-head with rough surfaces every time to walk in them, and over time, they’ll start to show the signs of taking a beating and begin to wear out or even fall off.

If your work boots are designed to be rebuilt or resolved, make sure to get them done by a professional cobbler or your work boot’s manufacturer ASAP.

Wear more than one pair of work boots

If you find yourself buying new work boots every couple of months, chances are it’s because you’re wearing them too often, if not every day.

Consider alternating between different work boots each day to maximize the lifespan of each pair.

Avoid wearing work boots when you’re not at work

The longer you wear your work boots and use them even after working hours, you’re essentially just increasing their mileage.

While work boots are comfortable and great for casual outings, consider that more usage = more damage.

Clean your work boots

A work boot can only go so far if you don’t take care of them and give them a proper clean-up.

Different types of material used in work boots such as leather, nubuck, and suede each have their ways and tools to keep them in top shape; luckily, it’s pretty easy to do it with a few household items and go the DIY route. Here are some ideas on cleaning your dirty work boots with items you might have at home.

Air out your work boots

Feet can produce around 2 cups of sweat per day. Yes, you read that right. The good news is that quality work boots are breathable and let the sweat dry out.

However, it’s still a good idea to leave your boots to dry (far from direct sunlight) to make sure no moisture is left in them, which could wear out the interior of your work boots.

Replace the insoles

Insoles bear the weight of your foot and all the movement that comes with it, making them one of the first parts of a work boot to wear out, especially if they’re not made out of quality materials.

The good news is that insoles can be easily swapped out for new ones that often provide even more comfort than those that came with your work boots. 

The takeaway: should your work boots last a lifetime? 

Taking care of your work boots plays a significant role in making them last longer, and if your work boots are repairable by design, even once your work boots show signs of age, you can get them rebuilt to live and see another day.

At the end of the day, though, even the toughest work boot that’s never let you down eventually has to get replaced. 

Think of it this way; your work boots are to your feet what tires are to a vehicle. You can patch them up and take care of them to extend their life, but the more you drive around on rough tracks and carry heavy weights with your vehicle, the sooner they’ll call it quits or fall apart.

Personally, I’ve never had a pair of work boots lasting me more than 2 years. I’ve been working in the construction industry for over a decade in different positions (some light-duty and other heavy-duty) and I don’t remember having a pair of work boots to last me more than two years.

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Team Members Working On This Page

Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher

Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!

Adrian – Editor / Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/how-long-should-work-boots-last/

What Are Composite Toe Work Boots? (Explained + Examples)

With footwear technology constantly advancing, work boot manufacturers have unleashed a new kid on the block to overcome the issues workers have had to deal with from traditional work boots to protect their feet: composite toe work boots.

But what is a composite toe work boot?

Composite toe work boots are safety footwear that offers workers the same protection level as steel toe work boots without the extra weight, discomfort, and electric conductivity that steel is notorious for. Check out some of the best composite toe work boots on the market here.

What is a composite toe, and what is it for?

Generally speaking, composite toe work boots are a type of safety boot with a protective toe box that isn’t made out of metallic materials. However, other elements of a work boot’s supportive parts, such as the shanks, are composite materials. 

Workers that need to keep their toes safe wear composite work boots. Composite work boots keep them safe from the daily risks of their job without dealing with the dangers that steel itself poses (think electrical jobs).

But are they right for you? To break it down, here are the main pros and cons of composite toe work boots:

Benefits of composite toe work boots

• It does not get dented from heavy impacts

• Softer than toe caps made out of steel or alloy materials

• It does not trigger metal detectors.

• Lighter than steel toe caps

• Great for hot summers or cold weather

• It can be worn in job sites with electrical hazards

Cons of composite toe cap

• Durability reduces after several impacts

• The entire work boot usually needs to be replaced if the toe cap breaks

• Not recommended for heavy-duty jobs

What is a composite toe made of?

Composite toe caps are made out of a composition of materials such as aramid fiber (Kevlar), fiberglass, graphite fiber, carbon fiber, and plastic molded into a material that becomes stronger than each material on its own.

You might think that nothing matches steel when it comes to safety.

However, consider that composite materials are also used in other heavy-duty applications such as the exterior of cars, yachts, space equipment, grenades (yes) you read that right), and even bulletproof vests.

Composite work boots are also tough because the base material used to make the toe cap is carbon. To put that into perspective carbon is also what diamonds are made out of – aka the hardest natural substance out there. 

Are composite toe work boots OSHA approved?

Yes and no!

Composite toe work boots from reputable manufacturers are rated and tested to meet several ATSM and OSHA standards. So, whether a work boot has a steel toe or composite toe if it’s ATSM rated, a quality pair of work boots will offer a worker the safety and protection they need on the job against impacts and compression.

On the other hand, cheap composite toe work boots are a completely different story.

More often than not, their manufacturers do not assess cheap work boots to handle the real-life conditions that workers face, making them more of a safety risk than anything else.

An easy way to tell whether or not your composite toe work boots will keep you safe from the hazards of your domain is to check their ATSM rating. It would help if you then compared that against the safety requirements of your job.

What other toe protection options are available?

We’ve written a lot about work boots and the different types of materials that go into them. But, as workers ourselves, we recommend only two types of protective toe caps if you want what’s best for your feet to keep your toes intact: 

Steel toe

Practically synonymous with work boots, steel-toed work boots are, well, made out of steel, and they’ve been around for a long time. Steel offers workers in risky jobs a reliable and durable way of keeping their feet safe.

Yet, steel isn’t the most lightweight material out there, and in some jobs, it’s not a viable option.

Alloy toe

Alloy toe caps are made from lightweight metals such as military-grade aluminum, titanium, or other lightweight metals. Compared to steel, they can be anywhere between 30 to 50% lighter.

Safety-wise, alloy toe caps can withstand more weights and impacts than composite alternatives. But they’re more expensive than composite and steel-toed work boots.

Do composite toes get cold?

If you’ve ever had to work in a cold climate while wearing a pair of steel-toed work boots, you’re bound to have felt your toes get a little too chilly. That’s because steel conducts outside temperatures.

The good news is that composites do not conduct cold or heat. And that makes them ideal for workers who have to work in extreme weather conditions.

Can you remove a composite toe from a work boot?

Yes, you can pull out the toe cap of a composite work boot. All you need is some pliers, razor blades, a hammer, shoe glue, and a hard surface to work on.

Note: if you’re trying to DIY repair your composite toe work boots with a broken cap, we recommend leaving that task to a professional cobbler. Or check if your work boot’s manufacturer can do it for you.

Any mistake made while fixing things yourself can compromise your foot’s safety or possibly damage your work boots even more.

Is composite toe stronger than steel toe?

Composite toe work boots are highly durable and can handle a lot of weight and pressure. In some cases, depending on the material used, they can even be much more robust than steel.

One of the main advantages of composite toe caps is that, unlike steel which can become dented when impacted by a heavy object, a composite toe cap will pop back into shape.

Over time though, a composite toe work boot’s durability will start to take a hit from repeated impacts and will not offer the same level of protection. Once your composite work boot has had one too many encounters with heavy blows, there’s a good chance that the toe cap can break.

Is a composite toe lighter than a steel toe?

Composite toe work boots are lighter than steel-toed work boots since the very nature of the material used to make them is lightweight.

When it comes to comfort, the reduced weight of a work boot also helps in reducing fatigue from having to work all day.

But while a composite toe does make a work boot lighter, only a fraction of a boot’s weight comes from the toe cap. So, if the weight of your boot is an issue, we recommend checking out our list of work boots that are all about comfort to let you work without tiring your feet.

Where can you buy composite toe work boots?

Composite work boots are pretty standard and worn in many fields these days. So, you can find them in outlets specializing in selling safety footwear.

Some manufacturers sell their safety footwear directly on their websites. Amazon is a great place to check out reviews and buy a pair of quality work boots right from the comfort of your seat. 

If you’re not keen on diving through endless searches and reviews, we’ve covered many work boots that we’ve tested out on our blog. 

Alternatively, scroll down to check out some of our top picks!

Examples of popular composite toe work boots

These boots have been selected in no particular order. All of them have been produced by well-known manufacturers.

1. Wolverine Overpass CarbonMAX 6″ Boot

Wolverine Composite Toe Boot

Wolverine’s composite toe Overpass work boots blend in the best of safety, quality, and premium looks all at once.

A lightweight option that lets you focus on work instead of having a sore foot. These bad boys meet several safety standards and provide all-day comfort. They also have the added benefit of being water, oil, slip, and chemical resistant for complete peace of mind while you’re on the clock.

2. Carhartt Rugged Flex 6″ Composite Toe Work Boot

Carhartt Composite Toe Boot

When hardworking men and women need foot protection they can count on, Carhartt never fails to deliver. 

While designed to handle a long day’s workload, these boots also double as everyday boots. Carhartt boots keep feet dry and comfortable. The midsole is reinforced with Carhartt’s signature cement construction.

3. Ariat Rebar Flex 6″ Composite Toe Work Boot

Ariat Composite Toe Work Boot

Engineered for best foot flexibility. These work boots from Ariat will work as hard as you do no matter how many times you have to lift, bend or kneel at work. 

In addition, these work boots are very breathable and offer the best support. The support and comfort make them perfect for heading out from work and wearing them as casual boots.

4. Timberland PRO Drivetrain Composite Toe Work Boot

Timberland PRO Composite Toe

We wouldn’t blame you for mistaking these work boots as running shoes. Because they really look like that.

These work boots from Timberland are built to focus on being lightweight while protecting you from work hazards.

In addition, these boots give a modern spin on the look of a classical work boot while staying true to Timberland’s history of making comfortable and durable work boots with everything from shock resistance to anti-fatigue outsoles.

5. Caterpillar Hauler 6″ Composite Toe Work Boot 

Caterpillar Composite Toe Boot

These boots are for workers who have to tough it through the harshest conditions. 

Caterpillar once again lives up to its history of heavy-duty equipment with the Hauler work boots. The Hauler is engineered to be functional and protective without compromise.

The work boots feature everything from foot stability support to full waterproofing. In addition, Caterpillar’s Hauler work boots will provide you with reliable protection. 

The protection will let you go from job to job without having to worry about whether or not your boots can keep up with your pace.

The takeaway: Are composite toe work boots worth it?

Some skeptics cast doubts about composite toe work boots. 

While some scenarios validate choosing steel over composite, the main thing to always remember is that just as with any work boot, it all comes down to how you intend to use them and what the nature of your job is.

The bottom line is that unless you work with heavy machinery or a place with objects falling around left and right. 

A good pair of composite toe work boots will stand their ground against steel-toed work boots any day, especially if your job site’s work hazards make the presence of steel a risk itself. 

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More related content and resources on the topic

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramid
• https://www.grainger.com/know-how/safety/ppe-in-the-workplace/foot-protection/kh-protective-footwear-standards-qt-252?cm_sp=CM-Shop-_-inline-text-_-composite-toe-vs-steel-toe-_-2019-11
• https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/composite-toe-vs.-steel-toe/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9088d3139f
• https://www.integraboot.com/blog/2016/november/steel-vs-composite-toe-caps-what-is-the-difference/

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Team Members Working On This Page

Adrian – Editor / Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experiences in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher

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