Steel cap boots vs Composite cap boots:
What's the difference?
she wear - 30th June 2022
The term "steel cap" is one that has been about for some time. It is often associated with safety boots and work shoes used for industries that involve heavy machinery, tools, packaging and materials. Women's steel cap boots have increased in popularity as more women are entering into the trade, construction, mining, engineering and transport industries, and women have, for too long, been subjected to wearing ill fitting and uncomfortable men's safety footwear.
At she wear, we get asked quite a bit about the difference between a composite cap safety boot and a steel cap safety boot. To assist our customers with understanding the difference we have put together this article on the topic.
Key differences between steel cap and composite cap boots
Here's a quick recap on steel cap versus composite cap (haha, see what we did there)....
At she wear, we offer both steel toe caps and composite toe caps. Both are fully tested and certified to Australian and American standards by BSI, a third party authentication company. There are 2 formal tests that both safety caps must perform to - impact testing to 200 joules, and compression testing 15kn pressure at a set speed - making both caps an extremely safe option.
Outside of the certified safety features^, there are a few key features that distinguish a composite toe cap from a steel cap:
Key features of a composite toe cap:
- lightweight - significantly lighter than steel
- metal free
- airport friendly
- electrically non conductive (more suited for electrical use)
- extreme temperature resistant - insulative against heat and cold
Key features of a steel toe cap:
- increased puncture resistance (eg. nail gun)*
- increased cut resistant (eg. power saw)*
* Both composite cap and steel cap boots are puncture and cut resistant, however steel caps provide added protection beyond the minimum safety requirements.
^ For more detailed specs, visit the "specifications" tab on the product page
Women's steel cap boot range
Our steel cap boot range includes the Inspires, a Chelsea style pull on boot made with water resistant leather and high quality elastic, and the Does range, a hiker style safety shoe.
Available in sizes 5/36 -12/43 and come in a range of colours including black, vintage brown and pink.
Women's composite cap safety boot range
Our composite cap boot range includes the Achieves (zip lace up), the Excels (Penetration Resistant safety boot), Pursues (zip lace up), and the Considers (vegan zip lace up).
All styles are available in sizes 5/36 -12/43 (and Pursues is also available in a 13/44). We have a range of colours available including wheat, pink, green, purple, black, vintage brown and pink.