Introduction
Lightweight work boots are, as the name indicates, lighter than the normal traditional “steel toe boots.” In steel toe boots, the toe box is made from steel in order to protect the phalanges from falling objects.
However, due to this steel element, these types of boots tend to be a little on the heavier side, and they can be a bit uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
The average weight of a steel toe work boot is around 1.4 kilograms to 2 kilograms. For people who cannot wear these types of heavy boots all day long, there are other lightweight alternatives available.
What Makes Lightweight Work Boots Lighter?
Essentially, the construction of the toe box is more or less the main component that decides whether the boot is ‘lightweight’ or heavy.
True, some boots can have a light and metallic midsole as well, due to which they can be classified as ‘lightweight.’
Similarly, the thickness of the outsole can also vary from boot to boot, which can contribute to their overall heaviness.
However, the difference in weight caused by these components is not as drastic as the difference caused by the construction of the toe box.
What Are Some Types of Lightweight Work Shoes?
There are two main broad types in which lightweight work boots can be divided:
- Composite Work Boots
- Alloy Work Boots
Composite Work Boots
In composite work boots, the toe box is made using non-metallic (yet tough) materials such as Kevlar and carbon fiber. Compared to steel toes, these types of boots are significantly lighter.
In fact, safety toes made from carbon nanofiber (which is also a kind of composite material) are ranked as the most lightweight toes in the market.
However, these types of boots do come with a major downside as well. While they are lightweight owing to the non-metallic construction, they are not as tough and hardy as steel toe boots.
If someone happens to be wearing the latter, they could drop all sorts of heavy objects on their toes and not feel anything. But with composite boots, the toe box can give away if the dropped object is exceedingly heavy. Materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass can ‘shatter,’ which can be very dangerous for your feet.
Alloy Work Boots
Alloy work boots are yet another excellent alternative to traditional steel boots. As the name says, these types of boots have an alloy construction in the toe box, which makes them notably lighter than their steel counterparts.
And unlike composite work boots, alloy work boots also do not compromise durability. They are light, yet they offer the same toughness as steel work boots.
But they do have a downside.
Alloy boots can be very expensive, especially if you are looking to buy some made from stuff like aluminum or titanium.
What are the Advantages of Wearing Lightweight Work Boots?
Comfort
The first benefit of wearing lightweight shoes is that you don’t have to constantly deal with a lot of weight on your feet. If you were to wear steel boots, it would mean 1.4 – 2 kilograms of mass continually attached to your feet.
This could get very uncomfortable after some time, and you could start having trouble walking around.
Airy and Breathy
The other benefit of wearing lightweight shoes is that you get an airier and lighter sensation around your feet, and they don’t sweat as much. This consequently means that you won’t get as many urges to get your feet out of your boots.
Protection from Joint Pains
Hard and heavy boots can take their toll on your joints. Keeping them on for a long time can hurt your ankles, knees, and lower back.
But, with lightweight boots, you won’t have to deal with this problem.
Conclusion
If you habitually keep your work boots on for hours on end, you should make sure that you wear some that are comfortable and light on your feet.
Lightweight work boots, unlike heavier products, are easier to wear, and they can save you ankle, knee, and back pains. They can also keep your feet relatively airier and less likely to sweat a lot. Remember, there are two main types of lightweight boots that you can buy: composite and alloy.
