Difference Between Steel Toe Shoes & Safety Shoe
There is increasing awareness regarding the need to use proper Steel Toe Safety Shoes in various industrial environments and workplaces. Steel Toe Boots are the most recognizable footwear whenever people talk about safety worker shoes. Most conventional safety shoes have steel toes as a standardized base feature. Yet, this technology has also gone through rapid evolution in recent times.
So are Safety Shoes and Steel Toe Shoes the same? If not, what are their differences? Read on to know more!
Steel Toe Safety Shoes
A Steel Toe Safety Shoe is a widely used form of safety or protective footwear for workers at various sites and industries.
Key Features of Steel Toe Safety Shoes:
- These shoes have an internal toe that is crafted from durable and rugged steel. It ensures adequate safety for the feet and toes, which are scientifically referred to as the phalange bones.
- Steel Toe Boots have an interior steel cap which is the game-changer.
Steel toe footwear ensures heightened safety from the heavy impact of things falling on one’s feet or knocks and bumps. Compression and punctures are two other things that are avoided with these kinds of shoes.
Working at industrial or construction sites means heavy risks for personnel. OSHA standards also mandate properly rated industrial safety footwear such as Steel Toe Shoes for both women and men.
Non-Steel Safety Boots
All Steel Toe Boots come under the safety toe category as well. However, not all safety industrial shoes are Steel Toe Shoes.
Key features of non-steel safety boots:
- All non-steel safety boots function similarly to the method mentioned above, i.e. rugged materials are positioned within the shoe’s toe box while making it look relatively conventional externally.
- However, safety shoes have hardened materials for protection such as carbon fiber, hard plastics, fiberglass, and alloy as well.
Based on their resistant strength, these non-steel safety shoes ensure protection from various risks.
Are these Two Types the Same?
From a functionality standpoint, the answer will be a resounding yes since Steel Toe Shoes are like regular industrial worker shoes.
Here are some differences worth noting:
- Safety shoes (non-steel) and Steel Toe Shoes are used for varying shoe types. Some shoe versions and models are more suitable for boxes that do not use steel. Many safety shoes are crafted from lighter materials, and safety shoes function suitably for hybrid options like sneakers for work such as safety shoes.
- Safety shoes may be heavy-duty options, while many additional facets have been integrated by leading companies for ensuring more comfortable shoes with steel toes that do not end up hurting one’s feet and ensure their protection as well. The non-steel safety shoes may offer superior insulation and more agility at times.
- Non-steel safety shoes are mostly lighter choices, and non-safety shoes may be more flexible and agile while ensuring protection. At the same time, durability may be higher for Steel Toe Shoes as per experts.
- Non-steel shoes, with superior insulation, may also be better options in extreme or fluctuating weather conditions.
- Various workplaces also necessitate steel toe worker boots, while some require other kinds of safety boots. Hence, this is another aspect worth noting in this regard.
Several kinds of safety shoes are available online at L&T-SUFIN. These include several varieties of safety footwear suitable for workers across diverse industries.
Top 5 Points to Remember while Buying Safety Shoes
Introduction to Safety Shoes
Most industries require their personnel to buy safety shoes. Safety shoes are specifically designed to be durable. These have heavy-duty materials, like steel, positioned within the toe box to protect them from damage. These shoes also protect the toes from sharp objects that may penetrate normal shoes, electric shocks, welding sprays, corrosive liquids, and more. The industries where employees must buy safety boots include construction, mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and other manufacturing/production sites.
Top 5 Factors to Consider while Buying Safety Shoes
Here are four things to keep in mind while you buy safety shoes online or in person:
Safety Shoes Fitting
Comfort is the key criterion when purchasing safety shoes. This is imperative since workers wear these shoes for long hours daily! These shoes should offer a snug fitting. It should also have moisture-absorbing material to prevent excessive sweating.
Safety Shoes Budget
One should ensure that they are getting adequate features for the price point of the safety shoe. Safety shoes should fulfill the requirements like ability to protect the feet to overall comfort. Therefore, while costlier, branded safety shoes are a better choice as they offer better quality.
Safety Shoes Exposure
Safety shoes must suit the specific industry-based requirements of the buyer. Make sure the shoes can withstand exposure to materials such as chemicals and other corrosive substances. PVC soles offer high durability and can withstand high temperatures. On the other hand, PU soles offer superior grip. Rubber outsoles can resist different chemicals. Hence, based on the industry requirement, one must select the material.
Safety assurance and standards
One should look for safety shoes that meet industry safety standards as mandated by regulatory bodies.
Replacement of Safety Shoes
While safety shoes typically have a long shelf life, it is important to be able to spot when it is time to buy a new pair. Worn-out safety shoes might expose the worker to the same risks that wearing regular shoes would. Replace the Safety shoes once the pair has started showing signs of wear and tear.
Safety is non-negotiable, which is why it is important to be careful while buying safety shoes. One must spot fakes or low-quality shoes that come without certifications. Find the best safety shoes at L&T-SUFIN, a one-stop solution for safety footwear!
Understand What Are Safety Shoes In Detail
Introduction to Safety Shoes
Safety shoes are one of the most crucial safety equipment for various high-risk industries. Safety shoes not only protect against slips and falls on uneven surfaces but also protect against corrosive chemicals. Hence, safety shoes for men and women come with tough internal materials and cover for heavy objects falling on the toes and other damages that often occur in industrial environments. They are often mandatory equipment for workers in many industries.
Types of Safety Shoes
Now that you know what are safety shoes, you should check out their diverse types. Worker shoes come in various shapes and sizes. Traditional safety boots have steel toes, while the more modern ones are made of several kinds of materials, including thermoplastics and aluminium. The prime criterion for choosing safety boots, however, is comfort.
The top three kinds of industrial safety boots available in the market are the following:
- Steel toe safety shoes
- Aluminum worker shoes
- Composite Toe shoes
Steel toe safety shoe:
Traditional safety boots come in steel. They are the most popular kind of industrial shoes. They offer durable protection, although they may transfer cold or heat.
Aluminium Safety Shoe:
Aluminium shoes are a more modern creation. Several new industries have adopted aluminium shoes for their workers. They are lighter but are also costlier in turn.
Composite Toe Safety Shoe:
Industrial boots made of composite and carbon fibers are the newest kind of safety shoe. They come with a string of benefits and maybe just the right option for the right type of industry. They are lighter and more flexible, non-magnetic, and can be adaptable to extreme temperatures. However, they are often bulkier than other types.
Types of outer soles used in safety shoes
There are many kinds of outsoles for work boots. Some of them include the following:
- Rubber offers good resistance to slippage and to oils and fuels of various kinds. It provides a good grip and comes with temperature resistance features.
- PU is lightweight and more comfortable while resisting chemical agents. However, this does not pertain to stronger acids. Yet, these shoes offer superior grip and protection from slippage.
- PVC can resist extreme cold temperatures, acids, and other chemical agents.
Risks associated with working in industrial setups
There are multiple risks arising from industrial environments and similar workplaces. Some of them are listed below:
- Industrial and chemical hazards
- Electric shocks
- Heavy objects dropping on the feet
- Extreme cold, water, and heat
- Punctures and cuts
- Stones, trunks, pipes, wheels, and other items roll over on the toes.
- Hazardous materials and sharper tools like axes, knives, nails, glasses, and others may lead to punctures and severe damages.
- Dead or live electrical cables or floors which may generate static electricity
Types of safety boots for each risk
Different worker shoes help people deal with different risks, such as:
- Heavy objects falling on the feet: Steel toe safety boots
- Punctures by sharp objects: Steel toe or aluminium safety boots
- Electrical shocks: Steel-toe safety boots
- Temperature fluctuations: Composite toe and carbon-fibre shoes
To access the best safety shoes across categories, check out safety shoes online at L&T-SuFin, a one-stop solution for all safety equipment across industries. This is the best place to find safety boots that suit your requirements and work environment.