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Top Picks for 2024: The Best Non-Steel Safety Footwear for Every Industry
- by Mike Johnson
Top Picks for 2024: The Best Non-Steel Safety Footwear for Every Industry
Safety at the workplace is paramount. Consequently, having the right protective gear is essential, especially when it comes to footwear. While steel-toe boots have been the standard for many years, non-steel safety footwear has gained popularity for offering a similar level of protection with added comfort. In this article, we delve into non-steel safety footwear, offering our top picks for 2024 across various industries.
Features of Non-Steel Safety Footwear
Non-steel safety footwear incorporates various features to ensure safety, comfort, and durability. Key features include:
Toe Protection
Instead of using steel, the toe protection in non-steel safety footwear is made from materials such as Kevlar, carbon fibre, or hard plastics. These materials offer robust protection against falling objects and crushing hazards in the workplace.
Water Resistance
Numerous safety shoes that don't contain steel offer the benefit of being water-resistant. This keeps your feet dry and comfortable. It also helps to prevent any foot problems that could occur from wet environments.
Superior Insulation
Non-steel safety footwear often comes with excellent heat retention and insulation features. This ensures that they are comfortable and safe for use in low-temperature environments.
Lightweight
One of the main advantages of non-steel safety footwear is its lightweight nature. The absence of a heavy steel toe cap makes these boots significantly lighter, reducing fatigue and enhancing comfort for the wearer.
Our Top Picks for Non-Steel Safety Footwear in 2024
1. POLAR GTX GORETEX S3 COMPOSITE SAFETY BOOT BOA CLOSURE
The Polar GTX safety boot by Solid Gear is a unique type of protective footwear. It's made with high-quality Nubuck leather and a sturdy Cordura Ripstop fabric. It also has a waterproof but breathable GORE-TEX® lining.
This superior boot has a synthetic wool lining to keep your feet warm, a BOA Closure system for a secure fit, and an oil- and slip-resistant Vibram outsole for added safety.
The boot's top is made of Nubuck leather, Cordura, and has a Boa closure, while its lining is a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® membrane with synthetic wool. The outsole is a heat and oil-resistant anti-slip Vibram rubber.
Its midsole features high-performance EVA with a TPU shank, and the footbed has a breathable, antibacterial EVA insole with Poron pads for comfort.
This safety boot meets the EN 20345 S3, SRC, WR and HRO safety standards. It protects your feet using composite plates and fibreglass materials in the toe cap.
2. HYDRA GTX S3 COMPOSITE GORE-TEX BOA FASTENING SAFETY SHOE
Solid Gear's Hydra GTX safety shoes are specially designed with an eye for contemporary styling and made from high-quality materials for durability, water resistance, and a sporty appearance. They feature a GORE-TEX® lining, and these shoes have a dual waterproof and breathable feature, which ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable. The sturdy Vibram outsole and Cordura ripstop fabric contribute to the shoes' durability and protection. The unique BOA Closure System provides balanced pressure distribution, resulting in a secure fit that feels like a glove.
The top part of the shoes is made from Cordura ripstop leather and features the Boa System. The lining is a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® membrane. The outsole is made from oil- and heat-resistant anti-slip Vibram rubber, adding extra safety.
The midsole has a high-performance EVA with a TPU shank, and the footbed features a breathable, antibacterial EVA insole with Poron pads for comfort.
These safety shoes meet the EN 20345 S3, SRC, HRO, and WR safety standards and provide protection with a composite plate and a fiberglass toecap.
3. PHOENIX GTX GORE-TEX COMPOSITE S3 SAFETY BOOT BOA FASTENING
The Phoenix GTX from Solid Gear are modern, stylish safety boots crafted from the finest materials. They ensure water resistance, durability, and a sporty appearance. These boots feature a GORE-TEX® lining that keeps your feet dry, fresh, and cosy. They also have a robust Vibram outsole and Cordura ripstop fabric for superior protection and durability.
What makes these boots unique is the BOA Closure System, which gives an even pressure distribution across your feet, providing a fit as comfortable as a glove.
The upper part is made of Cordura ripstop and leather and has an embedded Boa System.
The lining contains a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® membrane.
The outsole features oil and heat-resistant anti-slip Vibram Rubber for added safety.
The midsole is made from high-performance EVA with a TPU shank.
The footbed is packed with breathable, antibacterial EVA insole alongside Poron pads for comfort.
These boots comply with the EN 20345 S3, SRC, HRO, WR safety standards and have a composite plate and fiberglass toecap as an added protective feature.
4. HELLY HANSEN MAGNI S3 BOA FASTENER WINTER LINED COMPOSITE SAFETY BOOT
The Helly Hansen Magni Winter Boot is a reliable companion for challenging environments. Regarded as Helly Hansen's best winter boot, it is crafted to aid you in the harshest conditions. The BOA closure system facilitates quick and easy access to the boots. Meanwhile, Helly Tech and Primaloft insulation ensure your feet stay dry and warm, even in temperatures as low as minus 50°C.
Adding to your safety, the boot touts a Vibram Fire and Ice rubber outsole to prevent slips, while a composite plate and toecap protect your feet. For long-lasting comfort, this durable boot features a dri blaze lining and an ortholite sock liner.
It features a Helly Tech waterproof membrane, Dri Blaze lining for added warmth and comfort, 600g Primaloft insulation, and the BOA Fit System for a firm fit. It provides safety with a composite toe and metal-free nail penetration protection.
The upper comprises a Cordura ripstop, leather, and a Boa closure system. The lining contains a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® membrane. The outsole is made of oil and heat-resistant anti-slip Vibram Rubber. It has a high-performance EVA midsole with a TPU shank, and the footbed features a breathable, antibacterial EVA insole with Poron pads.
The boot is compliant with the EN 20345 S3, SRC, HRO, WR safety standards and offers good protection with a composite plate and a fiberglass toecap.
5. SOLID GEAR VENTURE COMPOSITE S3 BOA SAFETY TRAINER SHOE
The Venture is a sturdy, sporty, and lightweight safety shoe from Solid Gear.
The shoe has an innovative ETPU technology in the midsole that provides unlimited cushioning and comfort. The more energy you exert, the more comfort you receive in return, and this exciting technology now comes in a sleek black variant as well.
The top-notch full-grain leather upper is covered with TPU reinforcement, and the shoe also includes a BOA Fit System for an excellent fit and enhanced protection.
Solid gear continues to use the NANO toe cap in this shoe design, which is 40% more robust than fibreglass, and also lighter and slimmer than other non-metallic toe caps. With PU foam Sock Technology, these shoes offer top-tier comfort.
The shoe is designed with slip resistance class SRC, ensuring good traction on varied surfaces. The upper part of the shoe is full leather with TPU reinforcements.
The outsole is designed with anti-slip and oil-resistant rubber. The shoe features an ETPU midsole and a secondary EVA midsole. The footbed is created from a highly breathable, moisture-wicking PU foam.
The shoe comes in sizes 36 - 48, adheres to the EN ISO 20345:2011 S3, SRC safety standards, and offers protection through a NANO toe cap and soft nail protection.
Key features include an ETPU midsole for endless cushioning, a BOA Fit System, a metal-free design, a NANO toe cap, and a full leather upper with TPU reinforcements.
Choosing the Right Non-Steel Safety Footwear
When choosing non-steel safety footwear, it's essential to consider your work environment and the type of safety features you need. If you're working in a wet environment, a waterproof boot is a good choice. If you're on your feet all day, a lightweight boot will be more comfortable. Always read reviews and recommendations to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Non-steel safety footwear offers excellent protection without the weight and discomfort of steel-toe boots. With our top choices for 2024, you can discover the finest safety shoes without steel. These shoes strike the perfect balance between safety, comfort, and wear resistance, thereby improving your work experience.
Frequently answer questions about Non-Steel Safety Footwear.
What are non-metallic boots?
Non-metallic boots are footwear that do not contain any metal parts. Instead, they use composite materials for parts that could generally be metal, such as the toe cap or the midsole plate. They are often used in working environments where metal is not suitable or safe, such as airports for security reasons, electrical industries due to conductivity, or construction sites to avoid detection by metal detectors. They are also lighter and provide more insulation than their metallic counterparts.
What is the difference between steel toe and non-metallic toe?
Steel toe boots come with a steel cap over the toe section to safeguard your feet from heavy objects falling, piercing hazards, or squeezing in the work environment. They are typically sturdy and long-lasting but can be heavy and might trigger metal detectors.
Non-metallic toe boots, on the other hand, have a composite material, like plastic, carbon fiber, or Kevlar, as the protective cap. They are usually lighter than steel-toe boots and provide better insulation, staying cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold. They also don't conduct electricity and won't set off metal detectors, making them ideal for specific work environments.
When it comes to protection, both steel-toe and non-metallic-toe boots can satisfy the same safety criteria. Still, the optimal choice largely depends on the unique needs and demands of your work environment.
What is a non-metallic toe made of?
A non-metallic toe in safety shoes is typically made of composite materials like Kevlar, carbon fibre, plastic or a fibreglass composite. These materials have the advantage of being lighter than steel while still providing strong protection against impact and compression. Additionally, they don't conduct heat or cold as much as steel, making them more comfortable in extreme weather conditions. They also don't conduct electricity, which can be safer for specific industries.
Are non-metallic boots good?
Yes, non-metallic boots can be perfect, depending on what you need them for. They have several advantages:
1. Lightweight: Non-metallic boots are typically lighter than steel-toe boots, making them more comfortable for long periods.
2. Don't Conduct Electricity: They're safer to wear in jobs where electrical hazards are present, as they don't conduct electricity.
3. Weather Resistant: They offer better insulation and are less affected by temperature changes.
4. Flexibility: They're often more flexible and provide better mobility than their steel alternatives.
5. Metal Detector Friendly: They won't set off metal detectors, so they're good for workers who frequently have to go through security checks.
However, they might offer less overall toughness or impact resistance than steel-toe boots, although enough to meet safety standards. In the end, the choice between non-metallic and steel-toe boots would depend on the specific job requirements and personal preferences.
Why metal-free safety boots?
Metal-free safety boots are ideal for several reasons:
1. Lighter Weight: Without metal, these boots are often lighter, making them more comfortable for those who wear them for extended periods.
2. Insulation: Non-metallic materials offer better insulation, protecting feet from extreme temperatures.
3. Electrical Safety: They do not conduct electricity, so they are safer for workers in locations with electrical hazards.
4. Security Checkpoints: Metal-free boots will not set off metal detectors, which is beneficial for workers in areas of high security, including airports and nuclear facilities.
5. Corrosion Resistance: They resist corrosion in environments where the footwear may be exposed to chemicals or moisture.
6. Convenience: They are often more flexible, offering a more fantastic range of movement.
These factors can increase safety and comfort for workers across various industries.
