The toe is the most vulnerable part of the entire foot, and accidents at work such as hitting or falling objects from above may occur, which can cause damage to the toe.
Labor accidents are among the major causes of damage to the toe. This is why the US government passed several important safety standards such as ASTM, OSHA, and ANSI to ensure maximum protection to workers’ toes.
Composite toe is widely used to produce composite toe tactical boots that meet the ASTM/OSHA/ANSI standards for safety toe Footwear. The composite toe is seen as a breakthrough in manufacturing protective tactical boots to replace the traditional steel toe boots with more light, flexible, and wear to social functions.
Composite toe tactical boots provide the best toe protection while being more lightweight and comfortable than steel toe boots.
In this article, we will take a look at what composite toe is, the best tactical boots with a composite toe that meets ASTM standards, and answer frequently asked questions about the best tactical boots with a composite toe.
So let’s dive in.
What is a Composite Toe Cap?
The term composite toe is derived from “composition” while toe caps are a mixture of plastics, carbon fiber, aramid, fiberglass, and kevlar materials.
Composite toe caps are harder, lighter, and more comfortable than steel toe caps which can often cause harm to the toe.
The composite toe caps provide sturdy, lightweight protection from industrial and electrical hazards, resist heat and cold while making the boots friendly and comfortable.
The composite toe is 100% metal-free, therefore non-magnetic, and does not set up metal detectors when going through security in the factory and airport entrances.
Composite toe tactical boots that pass ASTM standards mean that they have passed through impact and compression resistance.
This means that they can withstand the impact of up to 75-foot pounds and a compression load of up to 2,500 pounds.
These ASTM standards ensure that workers receive adequate toe protection in most of today’s working conditions.
The Top 10 Best Tactical Boots With Composite Toe
Below is our list of the ten best composite toe tactical boots that meet the ASTM standards:
1) Reebok Work Men’s 8″ Rapid Response RB Rb8874
The Reebok Work Men’s Rapid Response RB tactical boot is number one on our list of the best tactical boots with the composite toe.
These boots come with an XTR brand extra wide ASTM F2413-12 rated composite toe cap, foot force footbed, and electrical hazard protection.
The boot is made with cattle hind leather and ballistic nylon and features aggressive mountain trail rubber outsoles for grip and traction.
It also comes with a side zipper and removable foot force polyurethane (PU) cushion inserts with shock absorption heel cushion for all-day comfort.
These boots are ready for the challenge as they are athletically inspired, lightweight, and battle-tested to withstand and endure a tough PT workout.
These Reebok Men’s Rapid Response RB tactical boots have been tested worldwide by military and law enforcement elites to withstand the most extreme conditions.
They will provide positive traction, superior comfort, and protection.
2) Bates Men’s GX-8 Composite Toe Side Zip Work Boot
Made with durable suede leather and performance nylon uppers, these Bates Men’s GX-8 tactical boots are among the most popular tactical boots in the Bates series.
These boots will give you safety and tactical integrity from Bates durable side zippers and non-metallic ASTM F2413-15 composite toe protection.
The breathable moisture-wicking lining of these boots will keep your feet warm and dry through all excursions and their lightweight cushioned EVA midsoles. Removable cushioned inserts will offer superior comfort and stability.
Their cement construction ensures durability and performance, while their slip-resistant rubber outsoles will ensure superior grip and traction on any terrain.
3) Rocky Alphaforce Comp Toe Waterproof Duty Boot
If you are looking for the best waterproof and composite toe tactical boots, these Rocky Alphaforce comp toe waterproof duty boot has it all.
The boot is insulated and made with 100% and features Rocky guaranteed waterproof construction, a non-metallic stabilizer, and ASTM F2413 rated composite toe cap.
They come with slip and oil-resistant molded EVA/rubber outsoles for superior grip and traction on any terrain.
Their removable polyurethane (PU) cushioned insoles which are extra thick in the heel contact area, will provide you with direct underfoot comfort.
These Rocky Alphaforce tactical boots are lightweight and come with insulating bottoms to provide electrical hazard protection to those dealing with the open circuit under dry conditions.
4) Bates Men’s 11″ Paratrooper Side Zip Military and Tactical Boots
Bates ‘ other best composite toe tactical boots are the Bates Men’s Paratrooper tactical boots. These boots are made with a whole grain waterproof nubuck leather and 1680 Denier ballistic nylon.
The boots feature a non-metallic ASTM F2413-11 rated composite toe cap for maximum protection on the job and slip-resistant rubber outsoles for grip and traction.
The cement construction and the EVA midsoles of these boots make them lightweight to deliver flexibility and performance.
They also come with Bates DRYGuard waterproof membrane to deliver full waterproof technology to keep your feet cool and comfortable, while their breathable moisture-wicking lining will provide ventilation.
5) Bates Men’s Ranger li Hot Weather Composite Toe Military and Tactical Boots
If you are looking for the best composite toe tactical boots for hot weather, these Bates Men’s Ranger hot weather tactical boots would be a good choice.
The boot is made with cattle hind leather and comes with a breathable moisture-wicking lining to provide ventilation to your feet. Their ASTM F2413-11 rated composite toe cap will protect you from industrial and electrical hazards.
These boots are durable for hot weather with their abrasion-resistant flesh-out cattle hind leather and breathable moisture-wicking linings.
The Bates Men’s Ranger hot weather tactical boots also come with a durable, long-lasting rubber outsole for superior grip and traction on any terrain and a cushioned EVA midsole for extra comfort.
6) Thorogood Men’s Deuce Series 8″ Waterproof Side-Zip Composite Safety Toe Tactical Boot
Light, sturdy, and comfortable, the Thorogood Men’s Deuce tactical boots are made with a full-grain leather/400g air mesh, comes with BBP X-stream waterproof barrier, and an ASTM 2923-11 rated composite toe protection.
The boots come with rugged lug dual-density outsoles to give you direction and a BBP X-stream waterproof barrier to keep your feet warm and safe from dangerous fluids.
They also come with a composite toe shank to give your arches extra reinforcement and removable shock absorption insoles for comfort and to keep you from harming your feet.
These Thorogood Men’s Deuce tactical boots are lightweight, comfortable, and initiate many of the significant safety and job-fitted design elements that are common today.
7) Battle OPS by BD Protective Equipment Men’s BDPE8 inch Waterproof Side-Zip Tactical Boot Comp Toe
These Battle OPS tactical boots are another best tactical boots with a composite toe designed to meet the exact specification of professionals around the world.
The boots are lightweight and flexible and made with breathable and waterproof leather.
They come with an ASTM F2413-18 EH and APMA approved composite toe for protection against electrical and industrial hazards.
These Battle OPS tactical boots also come with EVA midsoles to provide shock-absorbing comfort and a fiberglass shank to offer support and rigidity.
The boots also come with slip-resistant rubber outsoles for superior grip and traction on various surfaces and a removable custom-fit footbed for all-day comfort.
8) Reebok Men’s Rapid Response RB Rb8694-m
Made with suede leather and ballistic nylon uppers, these Reebok Men’s Rapid Response tactical boots are designed for durability and comfort while providing you with maximum safety.
The boots feature an adjustable circumference and an ASTM-rated composite toe with electrical hazard protection to keep you safe from industrial and electrical hazards.
The boots are very light, secure, comfortable, and easy on & off. They are super comfortable to wear with good support from the insoles, and their composite toe protection makes them lighter than normal boots.
They have a breathable moisture-wicking lining to provide ventilation to your feet and removable polyurethane cushioned inserts with shock elimination heel cushion to keep you comfortable all day.
9) Merrel Men’s 2 8″ Defense Composite Toe Tactical Hiking Boot
Another best tactical boot with the composite toe is the Merrel Men’s Defense Composite Toe Tactical Boots.
This boot is made with 100% cotton and is designed for tough environment. These tactical boots feature non-metallic lacing hardware below the tongue to keep debris out and an ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 rated non-metallic composite toe to protect you from industrial and electrical hazards.
These boots are multi-purpose tactical boots, suitable for outdoor sports, army tactical, or desert hikes. They come with a heavy-duty YKK medial side zipper for easy on and off and Merrel’s air cushioning in the heels for shock absorption and to add stability.
These boots also come with slip-resistant rubber outsoles for superior grip, traction, and heat resistance.
10) Bates Men’s 5″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Composite Toe
Another best tactical boot with the composite toe is the Bates Men’s 5″ Ultralite sport composite toe tactical boots.
These boots are made with 70% leather and 30% nylon and come with non-metallic ASTM F2413 rated composite toe and electrical hazard protection to protect you against industrial hazards and open circuits.
The boot is classic lightweight and comes with a breathable moisture-wicking lining to provide ventilation to your feet for all-day comfort.
These Bates Men’s five tactical boots also come with removable cushioned inserts that provide additional comfort. A slip-resistant rubber outsole will provide grip and traction on various surfaces.
Their composite toe cap is non-metallic and will pass through metal detectors when going through security entrances at the airport or factory.
FAQ about the best tactical boots with composite toe
Who Makes the Best Composite Toe Tactical Boots?
We have seen from this article that Reebok and Bates Footwear have some of the best ASTM-rated composite toe tactical boots.
Are Composite Toe Tactical Boots Comfortable?
Yes, composite toe tactical boots are lightweight, flexible, and much more comfortable than steel toe boots but are less comfortable than non-composite toe boots.
Can Composite Toe Boots Pass Metal Detectors?
Yes, the composite toe is 100% metal-free and non-metallic. It does not set up metal detectors.
Jesse is the main author of Tactical Angle. He’s also an avid survivalist, backpacker, and fishkeeper. He spends time setting up/maintaining my fish tanks, hiking, hunting, and climbing mountains.
