Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.
If you are employed in an environment where there is a risk of being injured from electrical hazards, rolling machinery/equipment, crushing or penetrating objects, or corrosive/hot substances, then by law you are required to wear safety shoes or boots while at work.
3 Best Composite Toes and Shoes for 2023:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that all personnel wear safety footwear where there is a risk of injury from puncture, impact, or electrocution on the job site, and it is the responsibility of the employer to determine the correct type of footwear for the workplace.
Any safety footwear approved by OSHA must also be certified as compression and impact resistant by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. To meet the standards of ASTM safety shoes and boots must have built-in toe caps.
What does composite toe mean in a shoe?
If the shoe you are considering buying states it has a composite toe, then you need to know what that means. They are manufactured using a mixture of materials including carbon fiber, plastic, fiberglass, aramid fibers, and Kevlar® all combined to give better protection to your toes. The two most important materials in a composite toe cap, are aramid and Kevlar®. Aramid fibers do not have a melting point, are non-combustible, and have exceptional electrical current resistance. Kevlar®, a form of aramid, is five times stronger than steel while being only one-fifth of the weight of steel.
What is composite toe vs soft toe?
As we have stated above, a composite toe gives you the best protection from workplace hazards, but unlike a composite toe, a soft toe boot or shoe is not considered safety footwear because of the absence of a protective toe cap. As such, they will not give any protection to your feet from falling objects impacting, compressing, or puncturing the boot. Soft toe boots and shoes are, however, extremely lightweight and more comfortable than protective footwear because of the absence of any reinforcing materials.
If you are just looking for good quality work shoes without composite toes then be sure to look at what we think are the best men's skechers shoes for work and best work socks.
Is composite toe OSHA approved?
Composite toe safety boots and shoes are approved by OSHA providing they meet the ASTM safety constraints of ASTM F2413-18. According to the ASTM;
“The standard contains basic requirements to assess footwear including:
• Impact (I) resistance for the toe area
• Compression (C) resistance for the toe area
• Metatarsal (Mt) protection
• Conductive (Cd) properties to reduce static electricity buildup
• Electric hazard (EH) protection
• Static dissipative (SD 10, 35, or 100) properties
• Puncture resistance (PR)”
When shopping for composite safety boots or shoes, examine the label on the product to see if passes the ASTM requirements. For example, it could show the following:
ASTM 2413-18
M I/75 C/75
EH PR
The first line shows ASTM 2413 – followed by two digits representing the year of the standard
Next will be either an M (Male) or an F (Female) plus I/ and C/ followed by a number signifying the impact and compression protection.
EH signifies Electrical Hazard protection and PR shows the Puncture Resistance protection.
If a safety boot or shoe does not have such a label, then it has not met the standards.
Read on to see what we think are the very best composite toe shoes and boots on the market by analyzing the latest consumer sentiment data and finding out from our community of metallurgists which boots stood up to the test in the professional environment:
1. WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite-Toe Boot
The Overpass work boot from Wolverine features their Contour Welt® technology that provides you with the best in comfort and flexibility and is our number 1 choice of composite toe boot. In addition to being flexible, it has a lightweight rubber lug outsole with shock-absorbing properties that give added protection without any added weight.
They are made from premium waterproof leather with rubber, abrasion-resistant toe, and side protection. A nylon shank gives you extra strength where you need it, and the dual compound rubber and PU outsole ensures they grip the ground.
They come in sizes 7 to 14, regular and extra wide fitting, plus half sizes. These boots are rated for electrical hazard protection as well as impact and compression rated to give you all the protection you need. Plus, the soles are oil, slip, abrasion, water, and chemical-resistant, and for added comfort, there is a removable cushioned footbed.
Features:
Material of toe: Composite
Weight: 1.75lbs
ASTM rating: F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH
What we love:
They are comfortable, fit well, and the oversized sole gives an excellent balance.
The rubber toe cap adds protection to the boot from scuffs and scrapes.
These boots are well-made, durable, and give good ankle support.
We don’t like this as much:
Users report the lace holders break off very easily when lacing up the boot.
They are not breathable, so your feet may tend to sweat.
- Flexible, athletic Contour Welt construction moves with you by bending and flexing at essential points
- Premium waterproof leather with abrasion resistant toe
- Removable Orth Olite cushioned footbed for all-day comfort
- Slip, oil, water, abrasion, and chemical-resistant outsole for added protection on the job site
- Composite Toe ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH
2. Reebok Men’s Sublite Cushion Athletic Work Shoe
These work shoes from Reebok look more like running shoes than safety work shoes. The low-cut design gives them an attractive, athletic look with ample ankle mobility. The outsoles have Sublite EVA cushioned midsoles plus rubber pads on the forefoot and heels for added traction.
There are removable “MemoryTech” massage cushioned insoles that adapt to the contours of your feet for extra comfort. The uppers are a combination of mesh and webbing, allowing your feet to breathe and transfer moisture, keeping your feet cool throughout the day.
The XTR® Brand Alloy protective toe cap is rated for impact protection, and there are no metal parts exposed on the uppers, which gives these shoes the added electrical hazard (EH) rating.
Although they are predominantly men’s work shoes, they can be worn by women. The sizes available are listed for men, but for women, it is a simple matter of dropping down two sizes.
Features:
Material of toe: Alloy
Weight: 1lb
ASTM rating: 2413-18
What we love:
They are very light for a safety shoe and look like a normal running shoe.
The alloy toe is lightweight making them comfortable to wear all day.
Plenty of room in the toe box, you don’t know you’re wearing a safety shoe.
We don’t like this as much:
Having an alloy safety toe means they won’t pass a metal detector.
Not slip resistant on a wet floor.
- Full-foot flex grooves for improved mobility and flex with every step
- Low-cut design for a sleek, athletic look and easy ankle mobility
- MemoryTech Massage footbed adapts to the contours of your foot and provides immediate cushioning
- Sublite foam midsole for lightweight cushioning and soft support
- Alloy toe reduces weight while maintaining impact protection (meets or exceeds ASTM F2413)
3. Timberland PRO Men’s Drivetrain Athletic Work Boot
The Timberland PRO Drivetrain work boot is all metal-free which makes them ideal for electricians and other tradesmen who require this type of protection. The safety toe is made using “CarbonShield” technology and meets the standards for impact and compression resistance, as well as electrical hazards. They also have ESD (Electrical static dissipating) properties designed to minimize static electricity build-up in the workplace.
They are one of the most lightweight boots on the market today, but still provide the ultimate in performance and overall protection. The uppers are made with breathable, ripstop nylon fabric, and the all-weather synthetic TPU soles are oil, heat, slip, and abrasion resistant.
They have a fiberglass shank, a breathable, moisture-wicking lining, and have cement construction for added flexibility.
They come in both medium and wide fitting sizes from 7 to 15, with half sizes up to size 11.
Features:
Material of toe: Carbon fiber
Weight: 1.14lbs
ASTM rating: F2412-18a and ASTM F2413-18 I and C
What we love:
These boots are extremely lightweight and as comfortable as running shoes.
Very flexible and the anti-fatigue feature means no more foot pain.
They have great slip resistance, and good ankle protection/support.
We don’t like this as much:
After a few months of wearing, the soles become almost smooth.
The inside stitching can be felt on the top of the boot and around the toes.
- Anti-Fatigue footbed
- Rubber Outsole
- Durable, rugged exterior
The other following options were good but not enough to make our top 3 list:
4. Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock Industrial Work Boot
Timberland PRO brings you their men’s Boondock 6-inch waterproof industrial work boot that is made with 100% full-grain leather uppers and a TPU all-weather outsole. The outsole has deep lugs to give traction on all surfaces and is rated to be slip, oil, and abrasive resistant. Extra layers of leather cover the heel and toe extending the life of these boots.
The composite safety toe gives you protection from impact and compression incidents, and the boots are rated to give electrical hazard protection against live electrical dangers. The footbed utilizes Timberland’s anti-fatigue technology that has an inverted cone system to absorb shocks and return energy as you walk. They are waterproof and have a breathable, moisture-wicking inner lining for added comfort.
Available in sizes 7 to 15, standard and wide fitting in all sizes, with half sizes in sizes 7 to 11.
Features:
Material of toe: Composite
Weight: 2.25lb
ASTM rating: F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH
What we love:
There are extra layers all over and the toe is light but strong.
The comfort sole is fantastic, even when you’re on your feet all day.
These boots look good, and it’s hard to find good-looking work boots.
We don’t like this as much:
The shoelace eyelets can get sharp over time and cut through the laces.
The soles are super soft, but they wear out far too quickly.
- RELIABLE DURABILITY: We reinforce our Boondock men's waterproof work boots with Ever-Guard leather and rubber toe protectors for abrasion-resistant performance. TPU outsole features deep lugs for traction and is slip-, oil- and abrasion-resistant.
- ANTI-FATIGUE TECHNOLOGY: A comfort system designed with shock-absorbing, geometrical technology that returns energy back to the foot to deliver all-day support and comfort.
- A SOURCE OF PRIDE: We know you take pride in your work, so our soft-toed shoes and boots and steel-toe boots and shoes are designed to provide you with enhanced job performance day in and day out. Wear them at work well as at home with comfort & style.
- QUALITY WORKWEAR: Timberland PRO assesses the unmet needs of those who work in the most demanding environments and then develops solutions that deliver ultimate comfort, durability & protection—all day long—from work boots & shoes to anti-fatigue insoles.
- Premium waterproof leather with waterproof membrane
5. Skechers Men’s Cankton-U Industrial Shoe
A work shoe that not only affords you the safety of a steel toe cap but looks good enough to wear to a casual night out, these Men’s Cankton-U Industrial Shoes from Skechers are the ones you have been looking for.
They have a steel safety toe that meets the standard of ASTM F2413-2011, 1/75 C/75, for impact and compression plus electrical hazard protection, slip-resistant outsoles, and they have an abundance of padding around the collar and tongues giving increased cushioning to your ankles. There are full-length memory foam insoles, a breathable soft lining, and a shock-absorbing midsole for stability.
The outsoles have a unique tread pattern for extra grip while the extra layers of protective, highly durable, textured leather panels on the uppers, help dispel debris and dirt.
Sizes available are 7 to 14 standard and wide fitting, half sizes up to 11, plus X-wide in sizes 8.5, 10, and 14.
Features:
Material of toe: Steel
Weight: 1lbs
ASTM rating: F2413-2011, 1/75 C/75, ASTM F2412-2011 (EH)
What we love:
These shoes are more comfortable than boots and there is no break-in period.
They look just like regular shoes so you can wear them after work as well.
The sole has great traction on wet floors.
We don’t like this as much:
Some users report the foam insole breaks down and goes flat.
The warranty offered with these boots is only 45 days, not long enough.
6. Carhartt Men’s 8” Energy Industrial Boot
These industrial work boots from Carhartt feature their “Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection”. They are waterproof and are designed to keep your feet dry while a breathable inner membrane allows air circulation.
The composite toe provides protection from compression, impact, and electrical hazards. The boots have a unique “tetrapod” design that distributes compression in all directions yet maintains its shape.
The rubber outsole has a deep tread that gives excellent grip and traction over most work terrains. Rated as being chemical, oil, and slip resistant these boots are sure to give you confidence against any mishaps while on the job. Foot fatigue is reduced by the use of an “Insight Technology” footbed which is engineered to give maximum support to the arch of your foot.
You can select from size 8 medium to 15 wide fitting with half sizes available in sizes 8 to 11 medium and wide fitting. Sizes 12 to 15 are offered in medium and wide fitting only.
Features:
Material of toe: Composite
Weight: 2.1lbs
ASTM rating: F2413-18 EH
What we love:
They are so comfortable it feels like walking on air.
Lightweight, well-constructed, durable and the sole has a good grip.
The extra leather around the toe stops a lot of wear and tear.
We don’t like this as much:
Users report some separation where the sole and the ankle parts meet.
The stitching around the heel is cosmetic only, not true stitching to hold the parts together.
- Composite Safety Toe. Identifies protection against impact and compression hazards with a composite (non-metallic) safety toe. Composite toes meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- Electrical Hazard (Safety Toe). Identifies secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions. Safety Toe EH styles meet ASTM F2413-18 EH standards.
- Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection. These shoes are designed to be completely waterproof and to keep your feet dry in most types of wet conditions. A waterproof and breathable membrane is used to keep your feet dry but promote air flow and circulation.
- Insite Technology Footbed. Carhartt footbed made with Insite technology is engineered to create maximum arch support to reduce foot fatigue during long days on the job.
- Lightweight proprietary EVA midsole provides energy recovery and absorbs foot strike impact.
7. Timberland PRO Ridgework Mid Workboot
These composite safety toe work boots from Timberland are part of their PRO Ridgewood collection. Not only do they give you the protection you need for your toes, but they have added electrical hazard protection, and they are waterproof.
Made with leather and fabric they have Timberland Ever-Guard waterproofed leather uppers. The linings are made from breathable mesh fabric treated for odor control, and the Anti-Fatigue cushioned footbed absorbs energy while walking, so you don’t get foot fatigue.
The rubber, deep-treaded, outsole is oil, slip, non-marking, and abrasion-resistant. They are also heat resistant up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. The boot is made using cement construction giving you the best in flexibility and durability. For added comfort there is a padded collar and tongue.
Choose from sizes 7 to 15 in standard and wide fitting, with half sizes in 7 to 11.
Features:
Material of toe: Composite (CarbonShield Technology)
Weight: 1.5lbs
ASTM rating: F2412-11, ASTM F2413-11 I/75, C/75. ASTM F2892-11 (EH)
What we love:
They are stylish, very comfortable, and they are waterproof.
Very light boots, plenty of room in the toe area.
They fit true to size, and they don’t feel like work boots because of the non-metal toe cap.
We don’t like this as much:
The abrasion-resistant leather on the toe doesn’t live up to its name.
The supplied laces aren’t long enough to tie in a secure knot.
- Anti-Fatigue footbed
- Rubber Outsole
- Durable, rugged exterior
8. Carhartt Men’s 6″ Rugged Flex Work Boot
If your job requires you to be on the move all day and you need a pair of safety work boots that are flexible, waterproof and protect your feet, then these boots from Carhartt may just be what you are looking for.
Built with wheat oil-tanned leather, they have a composite toe to protect you against compression and impact hazards, meeting the standards of ASTM 2413-18. They also give you additional protection against electrical hazards complying with ASTM 2413-18 EH. The flexible rubber outsole has self-cleaning rugged lugs. They are rated non-slip, oil-resistant, non-marking, and have excellent grip plus hard-wearing cushioning to maintain comfort throughout the day.
They feature Carhartt’s Storm Defender® waterproof membrane designed to keep your feet dry yet allow them to breathe. Sizes available are 8 to 15, with wide and half sizes up to size 11. Sizes 12 to 14 are available in standard and wide fitting. Size 15 is wide fitting only.
Features:
Material of toe: Composite
Weight: 1.3lbs
ASTM rating: 2413-18 EH
What we love:
There’s enough room in the toe box to wear two pairs of socks in the winter.
Amazing quality, great support for the ankles, and they fit well.
Extremely comfortable boots and they are waterproof.
We don’t like this as much:
Users are reporting the lower lace holes have sharp edges and cut through the laces.
Some stitched parts have been reported to come apart after very little use.
- Composite Safety Toe. Identifies protection against impact and compression hazards with a composite (non-metallic) safety toe. Composite toes meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- Electrical Hazard (Safety Toe). Identifies secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions. Safety Toe EH styles meet ASTM F2413-18 EH standards.
- Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection. These shoes are designed to be completely waterproof and to keep your feet dry in most types of wet conditions. A waterproof and breathable membrane is used to keep your feet dry but promote air flow and circulation.
- FastDry Technology Lining. FastDry lining wicks away sweat for comfort.
- EVA midsole with PU strobel pad.
Related Buying Guide:
