SAFETY TOE WORK BOOTS- Steel, Composite or Carbon?!?

Safe and reliable work boots are essential to our trade… So let's cut em’ open!
Thanks to ARIAT for supplying some awesome boots to both wear and chop up!
Link for 10% off ARIAT purchases: bit.ly/32zzHrW
Link to Dustin's favorite boots: bit.ly/32BN23a
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PRODUCTS USED IN VIDEO
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General break down of Safety toes and their material
Steel: The most common toe cap, steel-toed boots are classic, tough as nails and very reliable. With today's manufacturing technology they can use less and less steel to provide the same level of protection as before, with less material and ease of production, these boots are one of the more affordable options. Ultra- Durable, If you need some extreme protection on a reasonable budget, these are the boots for you. The downsides will be their thermal conductivity (tend to carry heat in the summer and cold in the winter), and that their heavy weight can lead to quicker fatigue.
Alloys: A mixture of different metals other than steel, aluminum or titanium alloys allow for the strength of metal without the additional weight. These boots are rarer and can be more expensive than the average steel-toed option.
Composite: A toe cap made from a mixture of different, non-metallic materials that can include plastics, rubber, Kevlar, fiberglass, carbon fiber etc. This light-weight material has taken over the industry, popular for its quick production and low material costs. There are multiple benefits to composite toe caps including low thermal conductivity, meaning they won't heat up in the summertime or carry the winter chill in the colder months. These boots are generally more affordable than your Carbon fibers or alloys, so are a good boot if you don't have much spending cash but want to avoid the weight of steel. One downside to keep in mind is that composites become weaker after each impact, it is recommended to replace your boots after a major impact or compression event.
Carbon Fiber: Not to be confused with Carbon Nanofiber, Carbon toe caps are composite toe caps with the majority of the material made of strong, durable carbon fiber. These boots can be a bit more expensive because while the carbon fiber material is exceptionally tough, it is also very light so these toe caps add much less weight to your boot than the metals or other composites. These extremely light toe caps cut down on fatigue, and have the same weather-friendly low thermal conductivity as standard composites. A very good option for the professional electrician/wireman.
Carbon Nanotube: These space age toe caps are coated in Carbon Nanotubes or “CNTs”, which are (in extremely simplified terms) tiny strands of carbon atoms joined together to create a hexagonal “tube”. These tubes are woven into a mesh, creating a Carbon Nano material that is both super strong and versatile. Layer this with other composite material and you’ve got the future right in your shoe! You should give CNT’s a google, it’s fascinating stuff… Anyhoo, these toe caps are super strong, thin and lightweight but can be pricey. If you're the type to go for the best of the best, put these on your list.
Look out for a future deep dive on all the different types of safety boots and which to buy specifically for your professional needs.
Stay safe out there, Love from the ATX
--
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[@glenjamindle]

LMAO how high were you while editing this?? I can just imagine you sitting in the dark giggling haha.

[@MasterShiFu714]

Gayyyy

[@ryancduff]

You really had fun editing this one didn't you, Dustin? 😂

[@MasterShiFu714]

Gayyyy

[@larryalan3078]

instaBlaster...

[@lgninjalo]

When do we get the episode on how to develop alcoholism and get divorced? I'm fixing to get my master's license and need to meet this requirement asap.

[@timothysoup7098]

Always tell the rookies "you'll use your boots more than any tool you have, don't be cheap"!!!

[@martinbeirne7621]

I am a electrician as well. I agree with getting good boots. I am in my boots from 5:00a.m. till 6:00 p.m. every day. Something that you use 12 hours a day for your whole career best to spend money to get the right boots. At one point I couldn’t turn my neck all the way. I went to a chiropractor she said it was probably my boots throwing off my alignment in my back and it showed up in my neck. Anytime my neck starts bothering me my wife says time for new boots. She ends up being right. They wear down a little at a time and you don’t feel it till you put on new boots.

[@PedroGarcia-zf8zg]

If you can try to buy 3 or 4 pairs and get you some good gel insoles and wear a different pair everyday. Your feet and knees would thank you later in the future.

[@Ressy66]

some states in some countries also have codes about ppe, here an electrician can not wear steel cap, its comp or carb

[@trekman98]

I am an electrician I always love your videos but you don’t really need to put in all the effects... your videos are wonderful on their own...

[@ElectricianU]

I appreciate it, I have fun making them goofy - I think it's part of why some people enjoy it because I'm putting my personality into it rather than just straight information the whole time. I appreciate the feedback though

[@rocksmashergames5476]

@@ElectricianU keep the effects I am an electrician and love you vids as they are but I have a funny sense of humor and this is by far the funniest vid. Keep it up man 👍🏻😂

[@KenKaneki-xh7by]

We love the effects. It's makes the videos even more interesting.

[@steve-o6413]

Finding the right balance is important...

[@JMjayesim]

I liked some of the subtitles you put in as well as transitions. 4:05 and 6:47

[@pcfabris]

it's true. The first best tool you can get is a comfortable and durable pair of shoes. If you work for a living you buy work shoes. If you loot for a living you take the sneakers.

[@jasongillean44]

Awesome video man! I’m currently rocking the Ariat lace up composite toe with EH rating. Super light and comfortable boots. Definitely my favorite so far. By the way don’t worry about the comments about editing. You had me and my 3 year old cracking up!

[@michaelschmitz8028]

These new edits are annoying. Kudos for trying something new. But, you don't need them.

[@ohlookitsbryan]

Nah they’re funny.

[@tonycoke123]

Hella annoying

[@adampembrooksr6863]

Bro, you're awesome! You made a boot video informative and fun to watch.

[@andrewthomas5374]

Thanks for all the great videos, its helping me a ton! 32 year old apprentice and I'm loving it.

[@justintimeelectric3956]

Thanks for the informative video! I’ve had a journeyman tell me that he spends a premium on 2 things: his mattress and his boots. Mattress because that’s when his body can rest after a hard day of work and his boots because we spend the entire day on our feet. I wear the Red Wings Supersole 2.0, they’re extremely durable, tough, and they’re steel toe. They’re about $250 but well worth the price.

[@lukesnyder3293]

This dude got high and said “what can I do with my editing tools” 😂😂

[@ricker76er]

My dad always told me to never skimp on boots. As many have already expressed, you are in them all day. I put comfort above all else in my footwear, whether that’s work boots, sneakers, or dress shoes. My ex wife hated looking for shoes with me because I would take forever to find something that met my comfort standards and, in her words, I would never pick anything “cute.”

[@mindovermatter3988]

I was the guy who used to buy $50 boots from Walmart and think that yeah they were good. I bought my first pair Red Wing boots for $280 with an electrical safe rating. They are steel toe and a bit heavy but they saved my foot from being crushed from a hydraulic cart that carries concrete block. Invest in protection for yourself. I can guarantee you my $50 pair of Dickie boots would not have saved my foot. I'm at least able to walk now, my foot was crushed very badly but I believe without those boots I had on I would have lost my foot. Take this very seriously

[@stevehitchcock7617]

Always such great quality videos. I have been a electrician for 3 years and your videos have been very helpful. Thank you

[@monkeyfoot5377]

🤣🤣 bruh the swinging your legs around part had me dying I felt that 🤣🤣

[@elc2k385]

Sparky Channel described cutting through an old iron drain pipe. He said start the cut with a larger tooth blade, then once the blade is deep enough into the pipe, switch out to a smaller tooth blade.

[@ElectricianU]

That's an old guy trick for saving crappy blades back before carbide was a thing. That's not what Diablo or Milwaukee recommend. They both make specific blades for specific thicknesses of material, with the full intent of completing the cut without having to switch out blades. This may be true when using cheap bi-metal blades that are not designed for cutting through thick drain pipe, as a tactic to get your cheap blades to last longer, but dude these Carbide blades these days don't need to be treated so gently. They're built for the abuse. Now still, always keep in mind that heat and vibration destroys blades/bits so when you're not getting through a material, definitely back off and let it cool back down before continuing. But the entire purpose of Carbide and Cermet blades is to handle cutting quickly through extremely tough/thick materials in one shot.

[@elc2k385]

@@ElectricianU thanks for the tips

[@ethanvanzee964]

Thanks for cutting up boots for us, good video. I personally have never noticed a weight difference between steel and composite toe boots. One thing I have noticed, my last 4 pairs of work boots, 2 were steel toe and 2 were composite toe. My feet stayed warmer in both steel toe pairs. All were non insulated leather work boots. In theory it does make sense that the steel toe would be colder. From my experience though that may not always be the case. I tend to lean towards steel toe now because their is no risk for cracking and the steel toes tend to be a little less bulky since they are thinner as you mentioned in the video.

[@bigdanny9721]

Happy new year to all electricians!!!

[@moshkid1627]

Good video on boots. I’m in the market for a pair right now. Was thinking about the redwing king toe, but I’ll take a peak at ariats now. Side note, your electrical videos helped me finish my basement earlier this year, so for that I thank you!

[@aaronmcclain1279]

I own a pair on Ariat rebar 6 " lace up . There light weight . I work in machine shop great boot or shoe . Wear slip resistant. They do make your feet sweat . I have been wearing same pair 2 years . Love them .

[@darionisland4133]

Dude the lil memes u put in are rad

[@RonyTomo420]

damn dustin the editing in the video is awesome

[@johnstancliff7328]

Dustin, you need to do a video on "Shared Neutral" and the pros and cons of it. I was watching a video about it and think you should talk about it too! (14-3, 12-3 Dual circuits, seperate breakers)

[@captainhowdy3104]

The timpro composite, weather proof membrane, anti fatigue. If you are around alot of moisture and electricity.....that's the one, zero metal parts...even the lace eyelets. 3 years in a row wearing em..even tho they still solid, I need new for the rating for site whenever below par. They impressed me...not sure what the non conductive toe material made from but it test out on industrial ap.

[@alexandertudon3675]

Are lace ups better then pull on? Are they lighter?

[@andrewthomas5374]

Great point about buying tools, I bought a HF pair of Linemans and my boss gave me a pair of Kleins, totally understand now.

[@steve-o6413]

Back when I started Red Wings Boots were the brand to buy. I still get a kick out of using brand names like Saws-all blades when its actual name is reciprocating saw blade...

[@sheran6819]

🤣Fun learning. Thank you much.

[@jimm6339]

Based upon your video title , i was hoping to show me that all other things being equal. Which toe material is best. Luckily i lasted to the end to find that you will cover that in another video !

[@mattrob15]

ElectricianU can you please do a quick video on power packs for occupancy sensors?

[@engdominicnyaboga8684]

Watching from Kenya Africa 3:16am morning

[@ElectricianU]

Holy crap, that's awesome! That's also sooo early my guy!

[@tedundercarriage8183]

that sucks, sorry bro :(

[@zafarsyed6437]

So, you've been testing new editing teams?

[@athome6270]

Hey man where’d you get your safety glasses?

[@calebelectric1]

Hi are you tried the Wolverine boots of carbon? I love this boots

[@nickdubeau8541]

I can’t find the video where you talk features and specs you look for when buying safety boots. Is it still in the plans?

[@watchyourtonex6989]

I stear clear of steet toe, I would rather my toes crushed then cut off. I've seen someone lose toes because of it and if you lose your big toe you have to learn to walk again

[@garbo8962]

Worked at a large company where all the sparkies complained about hazardous steel toe work boots due to they often got wet. If you were stuck working 10 to 16 hours in hot cooking room mostly standing on hot steel cat walks when you took your socks off skin looked sunburned. Talked them in to purchading electrical rated composite tip work boots. The holes for shoe laces did not contain any metal like a lot of other boots. Best thing in most states if your company insist that you wear steel oe composite tip work boots they must pay for them. First company that I worked for only purchased bump caps that looked like a hard hat but probably a third of the price. Anyway mine split at seam and they wanted me to pay for it. Gave them the phone # of largest law in our area that sued for everything under the sun. Next day they gave me a replacement bump cap. Complained to union and they made cheap shakes purchase approved hard hats for entite maitenance department.

[@MGPackers]

Can anyone recommend a good brand of boots for field engineering work? I am currently wearing Carhartt steel-toe boots. The boots are great but super heavy. Thanks!

[@jonathandjing1065]

I found this brand from Italy called FTG , they have some wonderful composite toe caps boots

[@tedundercarriage8183]

stop with the editsss!!! PLEASE

[@ramirorosiles7448]

Greeeeeaaaat video

[@Mr.DanielMiyagi]

No wonder I had some pieces digging into my right toes. Composite toe broke over the past year. 😢

[@laysstandard]

jumping on that rose anvil bandwagon, glorious!

[@amelsogorovic3075]

Second on the steel toe. My composite toe Georgia boots failed after a 180lb piece of square tube fell on them. My big toe is not happy.

[@epicjosh0]

Former workboot salesman. Fantastic video. Ariat really is the best around when it comes to safety and comfort. The real big difference between the types of toes is the weight, thermal, and safety. The weight difference isn’t much, but at the end of a 12+ hour day, the 1-2 ounce difference from steel to carbon is definitely noticeable. As far as thermal, yes the steel will definitely heat and cool a lost whereas carbon and composite do not. And really the most important is the safety. Yes steel can be electrical hazard rated, but if you wear down the leather to the steel, you are now a walking lightning rod. Also the composites are designed to take an impact and dissipate the blow across the entire toe and do a controlled shatter. Like how a windshield works. That way after impact you can remove your foot from the boot. With steel, if something heavy enough falls on your foot, you’re foot can get trapped in the boot, or get your toes chopped of by the steel toe. You do get some more room in a steel toe because the steel is thinner. But that’s mostly mitigated by the fact that most good boot companies make the toe room on a composite or carbon toe bigger to compensate

[@tallr264]

Hey, what about black widow? That very expensive and nice... my grandpa have one for work wherehouse

[@Sc650rider]

In my opinion you over edited this one, please calm down on that front. Overall great video and info thanks for taking the time to put this together 🙏🏻

[@firsttaylor4607]

Is that Milwaukee tool box worth it ? I like em I just can’t justify the price

[@bn3764]

I got thorogoods boots and they are pretty good

[@andygalindo8978]

Where can one find ariad boots?

[@appreciatizer5911]

I'm sure you know the old saying. Don't cheap out on ur boots or ur bed. If you aren't in one you're in the other.

[@sylvesterstewart868]

"Let me show you somthin"--Fire Marshal Bill.

[@timlabarr6131]

I have to agree with terkman98... other then that it was a good education video as always

[@wjerame]

You kind of want it to shatter and not bend, if it bends you lose your toes, I worked in a tooling shop where steel toes were banned due to crushed toes being better than no toes haha

[@MatroixRocksXD]

The bend is intentional, it’s easier to reattach a clean cut than a mangled cut

[@daves1474]

love the new switch ups with transitions... but i find that you have too many of those glitch effects... annoyed by that... 😅😅 other than that... great info on the boots... thats why i like ur channel

[@matthewr209]

I wear a pair of thorogoods every day, steel toe, all leather. My feet never feel sore or fatigued.

[@zacbass1636]

Thorogood all day everyday! I've tried many other brands and end up returning, lesson learned, I can only wear the goods!

[@hectorrodriguez8486]

Thorogoods are the best boots I’ve ever had

[@joeshearer1247]

Have you ever heard of horror stories about the metal toe plate cutting off toes or causing more damage?

[@timskiff9422]

I would thought you would have said something about non conductive soles and high viltage?

[@ElectricianU]

This video was safety toe only, not entire boot - I'll get into that as well as EH, PR, SD, CD, and MT type boots, nylon vs leather, and all that goodness. This was just comparing toe materials

[@AustraliaScenary]

Good video

[@ElectricianU]

Thanks

[@bloodsongsToolreviews]

What happened to the x wizardry spoken here " go?

[@whippy9235]

Tbh I don’t think there that heavy I wear about 10 pounds of stuff in my normal day so I’ve probably just gotten use to it

[@MrEpsilonZero]

Steel toe won`t crack but will bend and trap your toes... Hmm. Hopefully I won`t need to find out. It is the thermal aspect that is annoying.

[@brandonfranklin1410]

Dustin got a new video editing program lol

[@juanlara4127]

Yeah and it probably wasn’t free either Cough* cough* DAVINCI RESOLVE is free and works great! Thanks for the videos hope I could help with my aforementioned suggestion of the editing software^ you helped me decide my career path and also I don’t like your intro it’s too long on a side note the “here’s Jonny” bit was awesome! In all honesty it didn’t need to be so long that we saw the woman scream thank you again

[@InzaneMcNazty]

Red wings nano toe is much thinner that

[@timskiff9422]

Wolverine durashoks fer ever

[@bloodsongsToolreviews]

Craftsman drills are 124 dollars Habit freight ha s the 40 dollar boot

[@stopatredlights]

I AINT GOTS FEETS so what should I wear on my nubs on ladder? None these boots will stay on me

[@251Trioxin]

Crocs

[@edwardmenice8604]

Should you not want steel toe as an electrician because of conductivity?

[@Jason_Van_Stone]

As long as it's not exposed. I'm in the Industrial/commercial trade in California, and it's required.

[@NoahPARK82]

how about welding?

[@mrsmiley631]

If something very heavy lands on your steel toed boot it could amputate your toes.

[@patrickthenomad]

If it's heavy enough to crush the steel, your toes would be amputated anyway.

[@mrsmiley631]

@@patrickthenomad Dustin should do a crush test on those boots. See what king of force is needed.

[@InzaneMcNazty]

The difference in weight from steel toe to non metallic toe is next to nothing. I work at a safety toe boot store and we cut the toes out of old boots just so we could show people the difference. Cuz every one thinks a steel toe is made of lead lol

[@yunosub1234]

Hell yea bubba

[@benperez8424]

Composite toe is good but theyre too big

[@mattmclaughlin7338]

WHY DONT YOU USE YOUR OTHER CHANNEL ANYMORE?

[@benjamintoms-lucy9339]

The editing on this bad

[@ElectricianU]

exactly =) thanks for the support

[@tedundercarriage8183]

it's like 20% too much, take it down just a notch...

[@gilrodriguez2282]

Drop the effects. Could barely get through this.

[@notsure7874]

Steel and carbon fiber both conduct electricity.

[@paln2893]

Anyone use westernboots?

[@251Trioxin]

Yes… Ariat composite toe workhog … the heels slip a bit but that’s too be expected

[@jdman561]

Really not going to get a better result from the carbon fibre toe than you can from a fibreglass toe. Don’t cheap out on boats either. Your feet are life.

[@declanfarber]

I like to kick! I like to kick stuff to the curb. Maybe you could kick, too, if you spent more of this vid telling peeps what would be more comfortable to wear all freakin’ day long.

[@MrYummynomnoms]

If your a young electrical apprentice like me. I highly recommend you go for the cheaper steel toe boot options. You will be doing grunt work, so damage some trash boots and not some expensive ones. I recommend Caterpillar in the $50-80 range they've held up really well for my first 2 years in the trade. If you start in or do residential work get easy to slip off ones because no one wants you to walk through their house in boots. IF YOU ARE WORKING LIVE(which i don't recommend)WEAR YOUR BOOTS REGARDLESS and maybe get boot covers as another option.

[@heightskings6693]

Mmmmm not to sure about that ... MAYBE for residential . When I started Industrial 3 years ago I had Walmart steel toes and then timberland anti fatigue ... and they both sucked for under $100... 2nd year I wore wolverine I-90 durashock composite toe and they were super comfy and light but I ride a motorcycle so riding everywhere tore up the cheap leather . But for work , SOLID.... now 2020 being my 3rd year I got thorogoods for $220 and my feet and pains are gone .. yes they are pricy but even when I’m not busting ass all day they hold their own while using a broom or organizing material .... your feet are tools apprentice or not , put money into them so they last forever .

[@benmichaux1707]

POV: the first video above this didn't help you so you're here.

[@timothywhieldon1971]

metal conducts cold really well???? WHAT. you might want to go back to 3rd grade science class lol

[@sanozatsho]

Enjoyed the content but way way too much production in this video

[@DonkeyLipsDA3rd]

I saw a few code violations.

[@watermelonhead6525]

Please lower the number of edits...

[@jorgemacias5834]

Número uno!

[@ScarecrowMagic]

How drunk were you when you added all the weird editing and emojis haha Edit: you're getting weirder, and not in a good way. Is it April fool's day already?

[@juanlara4127]

I agree hope he simply doesn’t take this the wrong way I know we want him to do good I think he needs to watch some great KZbin videos and take tips from them

[@woodlandburl6648]

Wondering if someone were to tie your hands. Would you be able to talk?

[@ike8962]

Nah man. You need real boots. Get you some ariats steel toe

[@therapinape9757]

I don’t wear safety toe boots even when they are required. I wear them in the morning then take them off when I get in the building 😂😂😂😂 safety toes are a fuckin joke lol

[@matthewr209]

Why would you even bother putting them on in the first place if you’re just gonna take them off?

[@therapinape9757]

@@matthewr209 cause they check at the door duh

[@glenjamindle]

Same. I refuse to wear them.

[@robertgreen9150]

Yada yada...good luck in condensing your videos...

[@ERnexgomez]

Just get to the point , your not making the video any better by adding little effects

[@nilomyki]

The comedic edits were unnecessary.

[@jasonsantana9244]

What about Tim’s

[@juanlara4127]

Idk what the fuck you are talking about! I know about timberland boots aka “TIMB’S” sorry not personal I hate when people say Tim’s I can get over it though have a nice day

[@jasonsantana9244]

@@juanlara4127 you pressed bro I’m 17 ma niggab 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jasonsantana9244]

@@juanlara4127 I wear Tim’s they go great with the drip

[@juanlara4127]

@@jasonsantana9244 yeah I was buggin lol good shit bro learn that trade!

[@xYouveBeenShotx]

Fire your editor, your good content is lost!

[@clc-gl4jn]

Your interruptions in the vid were unbearable and will get a thumbs down from me for it

[@oglapras]

So much unnecessary edits

[@brianmonroe488]

I can’t watch this crap. The freezing and replaying is annoying.

[@Murphsmurf40]

Quit with the editing bruh it’s annoying