On a weighing scale, a pair of work boots will weigh more than any pair of regular boots.
But, do you know what makes the work boots so hefty and how much they weigh?
If not, then you will find out in this article.
I discovered the approximate weight of the work boots after long hours of research and decided to share them with you all.
So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty; how much do work boots weigh?
Keep on reading to know more about the weight of work boots.
How Much Do Work Boots Weigh?
Work boots are necessary for people who work in construction sites with risks of falling objects, slips, and fall, cut, burn, and many more.
Work boots act as a shield by keeping the feet safe from injuries.
As a result, to protect against all these odds, your work boots should be strong enough.
And unlike regular boots, work boots are not made only from a leather upper, a sole, and a heel. Instead, steel toe caps or shanks are incorporated in the work boots to make them tough and durable.
The addition of all these metal caps or shanks automatically adds extra weight to the boots.
On average, a pair of work boots can weigh up to 2-3 pounds. But this value is likely to fluctuate depending upon several factors. Everything from the construction to the material decides the weight of the work boots.
Additionally, the weight of the work boots is also determined by how small or large they are. More oversized work boots might weigh up to 6 pounds, while smaller ones as little as 3-4 pounds.
Also, check out our separate post: Are Work Boots Considered PPE.
How Much Do Steel Toe Boots Weigh?
Among all safety boots, steel toe boots are the heaviest. That’s because the boots have a built-in steel toe cap in them.
I admit steel toe boots are heavy, but the protection they give to your feet is unrivaled.
I understand that wearing a pair of 1.8kg work boots is rather taxing on the feet. Luckily, not all steel toe boots include steel in their toe box. Some of them build the box area out of composite, leather, or plastic. As a result, the boots weigh much less than a steel toe boot.
But the drawback of a leather or plastic toe box is, they won’t provide you with adequate safety.
Follow our guide to know Why Do Ironworkers Wear Wedge Boots.
How Much Do Composite Toe Boots Weigh?
Even though composite toe boots are lighter, but their durability is still commendable. The mixture of more than one non-metal makes the composite toe boots a very sturdy one.
There is a myth that the sole may not bear pressure because the composite toe doesn’t have steel in its toe box.
But the truth is, the composite toe can withstand as much weight over them as the steel toe.
Composite toes are so strong that they can bear as much weight as 1.1 metric tons.
Not to mention, the lightweight composite toe lengthens the duration of walking or moving. Furthermore, the increased mobility and flexibility make the boots comfortable to wear.
Also, follow our guide on How Much Do Steel Toe Work Boots Weigh.
Are Steel Toe Boots Heavier Than Composite Toe?
The toe cap is what made the difference in their weight. Steel toe boots use steel toe caps whereas composite toes use non-metal items like Kelvar, plastic, or fiberglass. However, both boots have unbeatable durability.
Both steel toe and composite toe boots offer multiple advantages in work sites.
The heavier steel toe boots act as a buffer and prevent injuries to the feet. The lighter in weight composite toe boots don’t make the feet too heavy. Instead, they keep them quite comfortable.
Check out our separate post: Does Waterproof Shoe Spray Work.
How Much Weight Can Steel Toe Boots Take?
Only knowing the weight of steel toe boots will not be helpful. Since you are buying the boots for your feet protection, you want to know how much weight they are rated for.
No, I am not talking about the weight of your steel-toe boots.
It is the weight of a falling item that the steel toe box can resist without collapsing.
Most steel toe boots can bear a weight of 6000 pounds. However, it’s not wise to put your boots under such pressure.
Generally, regular boots with no steel toe box can only sustain a weight of 1200 pounds. If the weight exceeds more than 1200 pounds, the boots will tear apart and put your toes in danger.
In some construction sites, it is mandatory to wear steel toe boots because no other boots can ensure the safety of your feet other than steel toe boots.
Why Are Work Boots Heavy?
Work boots are heavy for multiple reasons. The addition of various features is what makes the work boots a heavy one.
So, let’s see what the things that make work boots heavier are:
The upper: Work boots have a thicker upper than any other boots. So, the thicker the upper, the heavier the boots get. The premium quality leather is used to make work boots so that they can sustain cuts or punctures.
The outsole: The outsole made of different materials is also responsible for the heaviness of the work boots.
Leather, rubber, wedge, and commando are some of the many outsoles with different densities. Each of them adds different weights to the work boots.
Padding: Workboots have padding to provide extra cushioning. Some boots also include shock-absorbing or anti-fatigue footbeds, which increases the padding. And increased padding means adding more weight to the boots.
Boot’s size: The larger the size of the boots, the heavier they will be and vice versa. Such as, pull-on boots are larger and heavier than ankle boots.
The toe cap: The toe cap also determines the weight of the boots. Steel, aluminum, composite, and leather toe caps are used in work boots; all weigh different.
For example, boots with steel toe caps are much heavier in comparison with leather toe caps.
Shank: Shank is used between the midsole and outsole of the boots to offer more support and stability.
Shanks are made of a variety of materials. Such as steel, wood, composite, fiberglass, and leather. So, the weight of the boots is determined by the type of shank your work boots have.
But before that, check out what is a Steel Shank In A Work Boot.
The Final Countdown
Yes, work boots are heavier than any regular boots. But with these extra weights, you are ensuring your safety. So choose the proper work boots according to your work preference.
If you find this article helpful, don’t forget to share your opinion with me in the comment section.
Stay safe!
