steel toe is metal all around the toes, steel toe cap is just in the front
EDIT:
Both are the same. The right terminology is "Safety boots, safety shoes or safety footwear". It doesn't matter what the toe cap is made of, as long as it meets the specifications set forward by the government (in Europe EN-20345)
To the above answer - i've never heard of or seen a shoe that has metal all around the toes.
In order to protect from penetration a safety midplate can be added. To protect from impact/compression above the toes a metatarsal guard can be added to the shoes.
A steel toe shoe is one kind of safety toe shoe.
Both steel toe and aluminum toe shoes meet or exceed the ASTM standards for impact and compression testing of I-75/C75. The main difference between steel toe and aluminum toe shoes is the weight. Aluminum toe shoes are lighter than steel toe shoes.
Composit toe shoes or boots will feel lighter than their steel toe counterparts.
The only difference between ASTM composite toe and ASTM steel toe footwear is the material they are made from. They both meet the same performance specification.
Composite toe shoes are made up of composite materials, such as plastic and carbon fiber. A steel toe shoe is made up of only steel.
yes
You cannot get inserts for steel toe shoes. Look for steel toe safety guards. They attach outside your shoe, and are removable. That is your only option beside buying a real safety-toe shoe.
The most notable difference is that composite toe shoes don't set off metal detectors and are generally lighter than steel toe shoes. A steel toe shoe has a piece of steel inside the tip (about 2 1/2 inches) to protect the toes from being crushed if a heavy object falls on the foot. A composite toe shoe has similar toe-protecting reinforcement that is made of a "composite" material like kevlar, carbon fiber, or plastic. Also, while composite shoes can be made as impact resistant (dropping things) they aren't as resistant to shear (chainsaws, grinders etc.) Most of the Composite toe caps are thicker than steel toe caps, only some very advanced composite toe caps are as thin as steel toe caps, but price is very high, so for most of the plastic toe cap safety shoes, the producing shoes lasts are different from the steel toe cap safety shoes lasts. Same standard Pplastic safety shoes price is higher than steel toe safety shoes price. For more info of safety shoes, please refer to our web: www.credsafetyshoes.com
Both are the same. The right terminology is "Safety boots, safety shoes or safety footwear". It doesn't matter what the toe cap is made of, as long as it meets the specifications set forward by the government (in Europe EN-20345) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Steel caps are worn on the outside of the shoe, and can be purchased separately. Steel toes are built into the shoe so that the steel isn't showing. For safety shoes both must meet or exceed standards in the U.S. under ANSI Z41.1-1967. see link below for a few examples of toe caps.
Composite toe and steel toe safety shoes have the same function and meet the same standards, so they are interchangeable in most circumstances. Composite might be preferred to steel if you are working around electricity or in cold environments.
Steel toe capped shoes don't always have steel at the cap, but it's always durable metal. This is essential as the shoes need to be hard wearing for work.
The answer depends on your needs. A composite toe cap is lighter, and does not conduct heat or cold as much as steel, but it can more expensive, smaller then steel toe caps. Both type meet the same safety standards, so are equally protective.