--- title: Are Composite Toecaps as Safe as Steel in Safety Boots? description: Are composite toecaps as safe as steel toecaps? An article with optional download discussing the advantages and disadvantages of toecaps. image: https://blog.v12footwear.com/hubfs/toecaps%202-1.jpg --- - [Distributor Support Centre](https://info.v12footwear.com/v12-training-centre) - [Blog](https://blog.v12footwear.com/) - [Contact Us](https://v12footwear.com/pages/contact-us) [![v12-logo-1](https://blog.v12footwear.com/hubfs/v12-logo-1.png)](https://v12footwear.com/) - products - Mens - [boots](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-boots) - [Shoes](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-shoes) - [Men's Trainers & Hikers](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-trainers-hikers) - [Men's Dealer Boots](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-dealer-boots) - [Men's Rigger Boots](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-rigger-boots) - [Men's Hi-Leg Boots](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-hi-leg-boots) - [Men's Wellingtons & Waders](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-wellingtons-waders) - [Men's Waterproof](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-waterproof) - [Men's Metal-Free Stylers](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mens-metal-free-boots) - [Band of Builders Charity Boot](https://v12footwear.com/products/v2150-bob) - Womens - [Shop All Women's](https://v12footwear.com/collections/womens) - [Boots](https://v12footwear.com/collections/womens-boots) - [Shoes](https://v12footwear.com/collections/womens-shoes) - [Trainers & Hikers](https://v12footwear.com/collections/womens-trainers-hikers) - [Metal Free Styles](https://v12footwear.com/collections/womens-metal-free-boots) - [Wellingtons](https://v12footwear.com/collections/womens-wellingtons-waders) - Accessories - [Shop All Accessories](https://v12footwear.com/collections/acessories) - [MukGuard](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mukguard) - [Insoles](https://v12footwear.com/collections/insoles) - [Socks](https://v12footwear.com/collections/socks) - [Laces](https://v12footwear.com/collections/laces) - [Shoe Care](https://v12footwear.com/collections/shoe-care) - Brands - [V12](https://v12footwear.com/collections/all/?constraint=v12) - [VITAL](https://v12footwear.com/collections/all/?constraint=vital) - [MukGuard](https://v12footwear.com/collections/mukguard) - [Boot Finder](https://v12footwear.com/pages/boot-finder) - [Innovations](https://v12footwear.com/pages/innovations) - About Us - [Contact Us](https://v12footwear.com/pages/contact-us) - [Become a Distributor](https://info.v12footwear.com/become-a-v12-distributor) - [Who We Are](https://v12footwear.com/pages/about-us) - [Meet The Team](https://info.v12footwear.com/v12-meet-the-team) - [FAQs](https://info.v12footwear.com/safetyfootwearfaqs) - [Blogs](https://blog.v12footwear.com/) - [Careers](https://v12footwear.com/pages/careers) - [Sustainability](https://info.v12footwear.com/sustainability) - FREE UK MAINLAND DELIVERY - 200-DAY PRODUCT WARRANTY - [STUDENT DISCOUNT](https://info.v12footwear.com/studentdiscount) [Home](https://v12footwear.com/) [Learning Hub](https://blog.v12footwear.com/) Blog ## Are Composite Toecaps as Safe as Steel in Safety Boots? - blog - Safety - Ask an Expert ![featured image](https://blog.v12footwear.com/hubfs/toecaps%202-1.jpg) We often get asked the question: what is better, steel or composite toecaps when it comes to safety footwear?  We've written a whole [academic paper](https://info.v12footwear.com/get-toe-cap-paper) on the subject, but to summarise, the answer is... both meet the required standards for safety footwear and both are safe when made with the correct skills.  What it comes down to is your preferences.  ### Steel toecaps Steel toecaps have been in use since around the 1930s, and are still very popular in the safety footwear market today. As steel is naturally stronger than composite materials, a thinner layer can be used to reach the same strength, so it can look less bulky in a boot. It is also cheaper to manufacture, and this cost saving is passed onto the purchaser. ### Composite toecaps On the other hand, composite toecaps are quickly becoming the standard in safety boots; and at V12, we use them in most of our footwear. As these toecaps are made from non-metal materials such as plastic, carbon fibre or fiberglass, they are more comfortable when working in extreme outdoor conditions where steel can conduct the cold. Composites are also lighter than steel, meaning reduced fatigue when the boots are worn for long periods of time. In addition, unlike their steel counterpart, they do not conduct electricity. ### A comparison You can use the table below to choose the footwear for you based, on your priorities.   ![Steel/composite comparison table](https://blog.v12footwear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Composite%20table.png?width=978&height=160&name=Composite%20table.png)   Both steel and non-metallic toecaps are tested in exactly the same way, under European standard EN 20345:2011, and both are absolutely fit for purpose if made to the right specification using the correct shoemaking skills. Whatever you choose, you can be assured that all of our toecaps exceed the required standards by a wide margin, and at V12 we go beyond standard requirements, by testing the components and made up footwear from each and every batch for impact and compression. We retain all these records for your complete peace of mind. ### Further actions You can find out more about steel and composite toecaps, by [downloading our academic paper](https://info.v12footwear.com/get-toe-cap-paper) on the subject. Or browse [our footwear range](https://www.v12footwear.com/footwear.html) to select the boots for you. 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