Cowboy boots nowadays are not only used for horseback riding, but can also appear on the catwalk, offices, yard work, and even construction sites.
Steel toe cowboy boots are no longer strange in recent years. But, “Are steel toe cowboy boots good?”
Today, let me show you the pros, cons, why, when, and where you should use steel toe cowboy boots.
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Can cowboy boots be steel toe?
Definitely yes! Today, many cowboy boots are reinforced with steel, especially in the shank and heel.
Because most cowboy boots nowadays are not only used on horseback, they also appear more in heavy-duty work.
Construction sites are one of the common workplaces where cowboy boots with steel toes perform their function.
Some construction sites require workers to have steel toe boots to enhance safety. And cowboy work boots with steel toes are one of the good choices for them.
Steel toe cowboy boots can protect the worker from falling objects. Those who have to work on construction sites at least once in their lives know that the feet are one of the most potentially risky places.
Cowboy boots with steel toes are not only outstanding for safety. They also come with a structure that is quite different from other traditional cowboy boots.
What is that structure? Let’s scroll down to know!
Are steel toe cowboy boots comfortable?
Those who work on the sites all know steel toe boots can’t provide comfort as normal boots, and steel toe cowboy boots are the same.
The first obvious reason is the weight of steel-toe cowboy boots.
Original cowboy boots are often heavier than other types of boots such as work boots, tactical boots or hiking boots (if they don’t have steel in the structure).
Obviously, steel toe cowboy boots weigh more than other steel toe boots. Their weight is the biggest obstacle for workers.
Another drawback is that they are super stiff at the toe box. This is understandable since they are reinforced with steel.
So, if your steel toe cowboy boots do not fit well, there is no way you can fix them.
Besides, their stiff construction will not provide you with good flexibility.
In hot weather, the steel toe can conduct heat, making your feet hot. So, wearing steel-toe boots for working in the desert terrain can discomfort you a lot.
But, don’t get disappointed, I have good news for you!
Cowboy boots with steel toes can be more comfortable than other steel toe boots! Especially when used for construction sites.
Why do I say that? Here is the answer.
In fact, there are many benefits that steel toe cowboy boots can bring to you other than their cons:
- Steel-toe cowboy boots are laceless
This is the greatest feature that I love in cowboy boots with steel toes when working on construction sites.
With steel-toe cowboy boots, you have the perfect neatness. No worries about shoelaces being stranded in the machines or anything else.
I hate every time I have to bend down to remove the laces tucked in the machine. It’s very uncomfortable and unsafe.
After working on the construction sites, you have to clean your boots frequently to get rid of dust, mud, dirt, etc.
With a laceless system, you don’t need to spend too much time cleaning your cowboy boots. No need to tie, untie or clean the laces anymore!
Besides, most steel toe cowboy boots have a waterproof structure. Just spray water directly on the surface of the boots, and it’s done.
I used to work at a lumber mill for a while, and I had to clean my boot laces almost every day because of the wood dust sticking on them. But that won’t happen when wearing cowboy boots.
- Steel-toe cowboy boots have great structure to enhance balance, protection, comfort
When it comes to cowboy boots, many people often think about the high heel, slippery sole, pointed toe, and they will yell: “How can you use cowboy boots for working at dangerous places like the construction site?”
Don’t mistake, cowboy boots with steel toes are often called cowboy work boots or western work boots.
Also, they don’t have high heels nor pointed toes and often come with a structure that can support your work very well.
For instance, steel toe cowboy boots have short heels to enhance balance and stability while standing on the scaffolding or working on the concrete.
The soles of steel toe cowboy boots are not made of leather. Instead, they are made from thick rubber or synthetic. This will provide better traction and stability for the wearer.
Besides, this type of cowboy boot often comes with round toe or square toe, which means your toes will have more room – no more constraints.
In addition, one important thing when it comes to steel-toe cowboy boots is the tall shaft. 11 inches to 14 inches of the shaft is a great height to protect your leg from debris.
As I said above, when working at a lumber mill, wood dust can creep into my work boots, but it won’t happen when wearing cowboy boots.
Another benefit of the tall shafts for metal cutting jobs is that they can protect your legs from the engine’s heat very well.
Lastly, the tall construction of steel toe cowboy boots is perfect for keeping your feet warm in cool, cold weather and winter.
Three important things above can help you work comfortably!
- Many brands produce steel toe cowboy boots with advanced technologies
Growing up over time, cowboy boots nowadays have added many advanced technologies.
For instance, Ariat cowboy boots have 4LR (Four Layer Rebound) technology, or Durango has Cushion Flex insoles.
These advanced technologies have one common point: they provide great cushioning for feet. It means they offer the wearers very good comfort.
If you still don’t believe it, try a pair of Durango, then come back to let me know the result!
Are Steel Toe Cowboy Boots Good?
Yes, steel toe cowboy boots are suitable for many types of work, especially heavy-duty work on construction sites.
But, along with many benefits, I will also summarize for you some disadvantages.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of steel toe cowboy boots:
Benefits
- Safety/protection
The most outstanding feature of steel toe cowboy boots is their protection, they are invincible for sure.
Many steel toe cowboy boots meet the ASTM standard, which is the most important proof of their perfect protection.
Based on ASTM Footwear Standards, good steel toe boots can withstand an impact of 75-foot pounds and compression loads of 2500 pounds.
Now you know your feet are safe, no more worries on construction sites.
The electrical conductivity of steel is also a concern for many. But it’s an old story! Nowadays, steel toe is more advanced, and most steel toe cowboy boots meet ASTM F2413-11 (electrical hazard resistance).
Under dry conditions, they can bear 18,000 V at 60 Hz for one minute without current flow or leakage current beyond 1 mA.
Many steel toe cowboy boots have steel shank or composite shank to enhance safety for the wearers. No more worry about the scattered nails on your road.
Many people on construction sites are saved by steel toe cowboy boots. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
- Convenience
For me, I love laceless systems of cowboy boots while working on the sites.
Why? Because I don’t have to bend down and waste time untying or loosening shoelaces like when wearing other work boots.
I could have 10 more minutes for lunch and a cup of coffee.
- Durability
The sturdy construction of steel toe cowboy boots can crush sharp objects easily. They are not afraid of any enemy.
Vice versa, the enemy on the sites will get scared of them!
No doubt, normal cowboy boots are durable, but steel toe cowboy boots are more than that.
A pair of steel toe cowboy boots can last more than 3 years for heavy use. But the lifespan of other work boots can be no more than 2 years.
- Comfort
I won’t compare the comfort of steel-toe cowboy boots with normal cowboy boots. Because that’s unfair.
But, I will make a comparison between steel toe cowboy boots and other steel toe work boots.
As I mentioned above, steel toe cowboy boots don’t really stand out more than other steel toe work boots. That is the truth.
The construction of modern steel toe cowboy boots (short heel, tall shaft, thick and non-slip rubber outsole, cushion, etc.) can provide enough comfort for you.
Steel toe cowboy boots can bring you a good balance with short heels and non-slip rubber outsoles.
Besides, their tall shafts make you warm in cold weather. Thick rubber outsoles also have good shock absorption ability.
Not to mention that the great protection that steel toe cowboy boots provide will bring peace of comfortable to your mind.
Overall, you will have good comfort when wearing steel-toe cowboy boots for heavy use. Not as normal cowboy boots, but it’s enough.
Drawbacks
- Stiff and do not provide good flexibility
One of the biggest disadvantages that we can easily recognize is that steel toe boots are very very stiff. No doubt!
Listen, when you buy cowboy boots that are uncomfortable from the beginning, don’t try to break in them! Exchange them.
Besides, stiff boots will affect your flexibility.
So, if you are not working at the construction sites or any jobs like that. Steel toe cowboy boots are not a good choice!
- Heavy
Cowboy boots are heavier than other boots, and steel toe cowboy boots are heavier than other steel toe boots.
And once again, heavy weight will make you less flexible, and affect your comfort.
- Not suitable for hot weather
Many people have the question: Does the army use steel-toe boots? Usually, the answer is No.
Because the military often uses boots on many different terrains, including deserts. With heat conduction ability, steel toe will make the feet of soldiers very hot.
The same happens to steel toe cowboy boots. Some people work in the city, while others work for construction sites in the desert. And steel toe is one of the big challenges for them.
Tips: Many bootmakers nowadays produce cowboy boots with safety toes – they are not steel toes, but composite toes.
If you are working in the desert or anywhere in hot weather, composite toe boots may be the better choice.
Conclusion
Cowboy boots can have steel toes, no doubt. But cowboy boots with steel toes have a slight difference in their structure from regular cowboy boots.
The construction of steel toe cowboy boots aims to provide enough protection for the wearers. They don’t have the best style like traditional cowboy boots.
Overall, if you need boots that can be used for construction sites, cowboy work boots with steel toes are a better choice than other work boots.
Howdy y’all, and welcome to From The Guest Room, your ultimate guide to all things Western! I’m Jay Gatz, a lifelong cowboy boot enthusiast with over 5 years of experience in the Western style world. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and help you discover the perfect cowboy boots and western gear to elevate your style. Let’s explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!