Composite toe work boots and shoes are lighter than steel toe shoes and have non-metallic safety toe caps. Composites are an excellent alternative for people who undertake work where safety is critical. Examples include work at heights or in hazardous environments where metal toes would be damaged or destroyed. Metal toe caps on shoes provide greater protection against sharp objects that might damage wooden floors or stairs. The metal cap acts as a protective covering for the wood beneath it. They are made of steel or zinc. Sometimes they are called industrial boots because they were originally designed for use by workers in factories or mines. Wooden floors are very susceptible to damage from heavy loads being carried by shoe heels. If you carry items such as boxes or packages down stairs, try using a hand rail or installing stair-step pads under each step. This will help prevent damage to your flooring. If you work at a warehouse or distribution center and need to transport products in plastic totes, forklifts are not recommended because their deep forks can cause damage to wood flooring. Instead, use pallet jacks or lift trucks to elevate the containers off the ground. In conclusion, composite toe work boots and shoes with metal or industrial toe caps are safer alternatives to traditional steel toed footwear.