Steel-toe boots, on the other hand, are heavier and typically do not breathe as well as composite-toe boots, making them less pleasant to wear for extended periods of time. Composite toes are made of plastic or rubber and are much lighter than steel toes. They also tend to be more flexible which helps prevent injuries due to tripping over objects in low-light conditions. The weight difference between steel-toe and composite-toe boots is negligible. In fact, most experts will tell you that it isn't so much what type of toe your boots have but rather how long they've been worn down that determines their protective ability. That being said, steel-toe boots are generally considered by experts to be more effective at protecting against falls from heights. Composite toes are much safer than steel toes. Not only are they lighter, but they also bend more easily which allows your foot more freedom of movement. This is important because without proper movement, you risk developing pain patterns in your feet caused by all the tight muscles building up around them. Additionally, steel toes can cause problems for those who wear high-heeled shoes or have diabetes. Because of the weight of the boot, the extra pressure that compresses the nerve endings in your foot's bottom layer.