Steel toe boots have become the premier choice of workers for protection from various elements such as heavier and falling objects, piercing elements, workplace hazards, etc. So, undoubtedly, most workers love to have a pair of steel toe boots in their shoe rack.
However, steel toe work boots have also experienced a few myths with their popularity. If you are a worker and using these boots, you might have heard myths about steel toe boots. The myths include that steel toe boots are made to amputate your toes; these work boots are uncomfortable, restrictions on steel toe work boots in airplanes, etc.
Thus, we will show the reality of these legends of work boots in today’s myth-busting article. If you plan to get a new pair of safety toe work boots and hesitating due to these realities, it’s time to reveal the truth. It will help you know and eliminate multiple false myths about work boots and show you the safest way to use them.
So, don’t stop reading.
Myths About Steel Toe Boots:
Like all popular things worldwide, steel toe boots also face some weird beliefs. Many people think steel toe boots can cut off their toes. Like this false conception, many steel toe boot myths are half true. On the contrary, some legends are outright baseless.
Myth 1: Steel toe boots will amputate your toe
Previously thousands or even millions of workers believed that the steel toe of work boots would amputate their toes. Although this myth has faded away with time due to awareness spreading among workers, there’re still a few people who believe it to be true. It means steel toe boots amputation believers aren’t negligible.
So, we would like to suggest to them that there’s no base on the point that steel toe will cut your toes and you need to amputate it.
However, to understand the root of this myth, we need to go deep and show you why it’s not true. When you look at the steel toe design, you will see a heavy metal or composite material at the toe end that protects your feet from falling and piercing objects. The myth is that when any heavy object falls from a height with increased velocity, it will force the steel toe to move inwards.
It will cut through your toes as the toe moves inwards or bleed it, at least. Some people even go further to say that steel toe work boots are designed to work like this. They say that manufacturers have designed the steel toe boot so that when any heavy objects fall on it, the toe will surely go backward. Thereby, it will cut through your toes. It can crush the worker’s foot.
Mythbusters say on work boots:
Nonetheless, we didn’t find any truth behind this myth. As the Mythbusters investigated, they found only one worker who had faced a deep cut on his toe due to sufficiently heavier objects falling on his toes. In the MythBusters Episode 42, there was a thorough investigation and found the myth to be baseless. Given that millions of workers wear the steel toe boots each day and we have only found one incident regarding the myth, it shows the vagueness of the legend.
Yes, when too heavy objects fall on your feet, they can still crush your feet despite the steel toes on your feet. But, it’s simply unrealistic and impossible when it comes to amputation of your toes.
Myth 2: It is possible to stretch steel toe boots
One of the most popular and widespread myths about steel toe boots is their stretchiness. Yes, millions of people believe that they can stretch their steel toe boots, and you will see thousands of articles on ways to stretch the steel toe boots. However, Mythbusters steel toe boots have investigated it and found a result.
This myth has two sections; one is true, and another one is baseless. The two parts are:
- You can stretch the steel toe section of your work boot. It’s not possible at all
- You may, however, stretch the leather upper of your work boots with a few tricks
Of course, you can ask a cobbler or professional shoemaker to stretch your steel toe work boots. They can easily break in and stretch the leather to give you a good and snug feel. With a lot of effort and different tools, they may even stretch the steel toe.
But, here’s a suggestion:
If you really need to stretch your work boots, you have bought the wrong pair of work boots. It has the wrong size, and you should replace it instead of trying to make it bigger and comfier. You must understand that choosing the right size for a steel toe work boot is the primary requirement to get proper safety and comfort from these high-end work boots.
Myth 3: Steel toe boots are uncomfortable:
Many workers think that steel toe work boots will snatch their comfort during the long working hours. In fact, comfort is considered the true Achilles heel of the work boots with steel toes. The safety toe, no doubt, offers maximum safety from heavier objects. So, you will enjoy maximum safety in different workplaces wearing steel toe boots every day.
However, steel toe is a thicker metal and heavier. Thus, the extra piece of stainless steel will provide less space inside the boot. Also, often the steel toe room is compact, which has led many people to think that steel toe isn’t comfortable due to its lack of spacious room.
What’s more, many workers refuse to choose steel toe boots for this reason even without trying the boots. Thus, this myth of uncomfortable steel toe boots is ever so prevailing.
Sadly, like most myths about steel toes, this legend isn’t true either. Steel toe work boots also have a spacious room for ample comfort. Nonetheless, we suggest you look for other safety toe work boots options for increased comfort.
Comfier composite toe boot suggestions:
For instance, you can choose composite toe work boots instead of steel toes. The composite toe is safe enough for maximum workplace and offers better comfort with a softer feel inside. If you plan to get a comfy pair of composite toe work boots, you can try the following suggestions.
- WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite-Toe Boot: This 6″ work boot is 100% waterproof and lightweight. It will keep your feet warm during cold days and control humidity to offer you greater safety and comfort.
- Timberland PRO Ridgework Composite Safety Toe Waterproof: If you want a comfy, safe, and good-looking pair of composite toe work boots, Timberland Pro Ridge must be your top choice. It is also waterproof, lightweight, and super-reliable for extreme conditions.
- Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot: If you want a high-top and comfortable work boot, the Carhartt 10” work boot will surely be your top choice. It has a safety toe with electric hazards. So, mechanical and electrical workers will find it incredibly suitable for their profession.
Alternatively, you may also look for how to make steel toe work boots more comfortable.
Myth 4: OSHA requires steel toe work boots in the workplace
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration; many people believe that the authority has made it mandatory to steel toe boots in the workplace. Although OSHA has multiple rules and regulations for workplace safety and health conditions, wearing steel toe work boots isn’t one of them. They only suggest that workers choose the right pair of protective tools and equipment in their workplace.
OSHA suggests that workers should wear protective footwear if their workplace is dangerous to injure their feet due to rolling, falling, or heavier objects. Also, workers with electric hazards danger should wear protective footwear.
So, here’s the nutshell. OSHA requires you to wear protective footwear in workplaces for safety purposes. However, they don’t specifically suggest or force you to particularly wear steel toe work boots. Depending on your workplace requirements, it’s your choice to pick the most comfortable and reliable safety toes.
You can visit OSHA’s protective footwear page to learn more about workplace safety and its requirements.
Myth 5: You can’t enter the airport with steel toes
Undoubtedly, airport and airplane rules are somewhat weird and unusual. One such strict rule is that you can’t bypass the security check with metal elements in your baggage or accessories except for the smartphone. The metal detector will scan your baggage and body to find any metal presence. If it detects any presence of metal, you will need to keep it away before entering the airport and airplane.
Naturally, many people believe that they can’t wear steel toe work boots in airports and airplanes. Following the strict rules of the airport authority, this myth appears to be true.
Nonetheless, this myth about steel toe work boots is also not true. As the Transportation Security Administration website suggests, you can carry the steel toe work boots in checked and carry-on bags. However, the authority suggests that you choose a bag with neat layers so that the security officer can see your steel toe boots.
You are also fine to wear steel toes like you carry a smartphone and laptops. So, the next time you go to any airport, you don’t need to leave away from your favorite pair of steel toe work boots. You can explain it to the security officer and get into your airplane without removing the steel toe safety boots.
Myth 6: All steel toe boots are safe
People commonly believe that all steel toe work boot is safe. But, this myth isn’t true at all. You must choose steel toe boots with ANSI and OSHA requirements fulfilled to enjoy maximum safety in your workplace.
Work boots that have failed to pass the ANSI or OSHA safety standards and tests aren’t reliable and safe. Thus, you must always choose steel toe work boots with ANSI or OSHA standards for maximum protection.
Myth 7: Steel toe work boots are only for safety
Another popular myth about these boots is that workers should wear steel toe boots only for safety purposes. However, this legend of work boot is far from the truth. These days, work boots with steel toes are truly stylish. So, you can wear them on different occasions too.
You may still choose the best stylish work boots and enjoy a fashionable look. For instance, the Cat Footwear Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe comes in four attractive colors and looks amazing. You can pair it with pieces of denim and polo shirts to look trendy and awesome. It also offers brilliant safety and comfort to your feet.
Last but not least, when you don’t wear safety toe work boots and face any injury, you may be deprived of the following benefits.
- No compensation due to injury
- No insurance coverage
- You might lose the job for not wearing the safety toe work boots
Thus, you must follow your workplace requirements to wear the right protective footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the actual purpose of steel toe boots?
The main purpose of the steel toe boots is to offer you maximum safety from falling, heavier and rolling objects in the workplace. It also protects your feet from cuts, punctures, burns, and injuries from slips on wet floors.
Are steel toe boots legal?
Yes, steel toe work boots are 100% legal, and in many workplaces, it is mandatory to wear steel toe work boots. However, it still needs to be punctures and wear-resistant to be worth it for the workplace.
Which is better, steel toe or composite?
Steel toe boots with a better toe design offer more protection than composite toe boots. But, composite work boots are slightly comfier than the steel toe ones. So, you must compare these work boot types to finalize your decision.
Conclusion
We have discussed and explained the top 7 myths about steel toe boots. Now, you should realize that these myths aren’t true. Although a few of these legends have a good ground, these myths don’t stand too long. Thus, you don’t need to hesitate to choose steel toe work boots and enjoy maximum protection and peace of mind in your workplace. Also, it is essential to ensure that your working requirements are fulfilled.
