We all know how metal detectors at airports, malls, railway stations, banks, and entrances to every important building are sensitive to even the smallest metallic objects.
So, you have to be very careful while carrying things that contain even the slightest amount of metal. Things such as small knives or pins, coins, keys and steel toe boots can set off metal detectors at the airport security.
Now, if you have recently bought steel toe boots or are thinking of buying a pair because they look stylish and are the best choice for protective footwear to avoid unanticipated foot injury, it is only logical to wonder about your choice’s practicality.
So, to help clear your doubts and/or make an informed decision, we have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions about steel toe boots. Let’s dive into these facts about steel toe boots without any further ado:
Do Steel Toe Boots Set Off Metal Detectors?
Yes, steel toe boots set off metal detectors. So, if you are planning to go to a high-security place, such as, an airport wearing steel toe boots, be prepared to remove your shoes during the security check.
It is a general threat preventive procedure to ensure maximum safety of the airport staff and passengers present in the airport.
What Causes Metal Detectors to Go Off?
As the name suggests, metal detectors are meant to detect metals and hence are quite sensitive to the presence of metals.
So, every time a person wearing anything that contains even traces of metal walks through the metal detector, the alarm goes off. This includes dental implants placed inside your mouth and orthopedic implants used in knee or hip replacement. (Best Orthopedic Work Boots)
Other than that, external items, such as key chains, steel-toed shoes, belt buckles, etc. may also cause these metal detectors to go off.
Why Do Steel Toe Boots Set Off Metal Detectors?
Steel toe boots are engineered with a steel plate toe, which is welded inside the shoe. Since steel is an alloy that is partially composed of a metal, iron, it gets detected by metal detectors and causes them to go off.
How Do You Prevent Steel Toe Boots from Setting off Metal Detectors?
If you walk through a metal detector wearing a genuine steel toe boot, there is nothing you can do to prevent it from going off. However, you can remove the shoes and check them in separately. This way the security guards will know that the boots contain metal and will scan them in another appropriate manner.
An alternative is to wear safety boots that are made of materials other than steel. Yes, it is a misconception that steel toe boots are the only kind of safety boots.
In fact, a lot of safety boots are not made of actual steel, but rather a hard plastic called TPU. TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane is generally used in inexpensive pairs of steel toed boots. It is a bit more flexible than steel and has better mobility capabilities.
Other different types of safety boots and shoes utilize hard plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, kevlar, and other alloys to fabricate toe-caps for foot safety purposes. All of these different types of safety boots are meant to protect you against lacerations, chemicals or falling objects.
Are You Allowed to Wear Steel Toe Boots on a Plane?
You can wear steel toe boots on the plane, but it is always good to check the airline’s policies first.
Are You Allowed to Wear Steel Toe Boots during Security Checks?
You can wear your steel toe boots to the airport and on the plane. but you cannot wear steel toe boots during security checks.
As much as you may enjoy the great comfort and warmth that your protective steel toe boots give you, nothing can be done if the airport security realized that your shoes have steel secured in it.
Since steel is one of the most commonly used metals everywhere, the airport security would always ask you to undergo the procedure of removing your footwear for scanning to check its authenticity.
How to Travel with Steel Toe Boots?
In case you go to the airport wearing pure steel toe boots, you would absolutely set the metal detectors off. And, when the alarm goes off, the security will approach you to take off the shoes.
The only problem is that it is not as simple or easy to take off the shoes. This is because the steel toe boots are stiff so it is very challenging to loosen them and slip them off your feet. So, you are likely to spend more time than usual at the security checkpoint and cause the people behind you to wait for a longer time, which can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient.
With that in mind, it is best if you can wear the usual sport shoes or other formal footwear while going to high security places like an airport. However, if it is especially necessary for you to wear steel toe boots or even if it is a fashion choice, you would be better off carrying them in the luggage.
Then again, the security faculty may ask you to remove the items from your luggage bag if they cannot recognize what exactly is making the scanner go off. So, it is best to pack all your items in clear and neat layers such that all items are easily recognizable even through the scanner. Doing this can save you a good amount of time when you are getting your carry-on luggage checked.
However, you should know that some airlines do limit the weight of the bag and some also require you to carry your boots with your carry-on baggage. So, pack your boots with other items accordingly – in such a way that your boots can be easily removed from the carry-on luggage bag.
To be safe, we recommend that you check the airline’s regulations before booking online and then packing your luggage in compliance with those regulations.
An Additional Tip: Be ready for a tedious security check and longer waiting hours due to longer time at each checkpoint in case there are multiple scanners at an airport or during a situation of high alert if you are wearing boots containing steel toe caps.
Is it Better to Wear Steel Toe Boots or Pack them while Catching a Flight?
Whether you want to wear your steel-toed beauties while catching a flight or pack them in luggage is really a personal choice. If you are okay with the long wait at security checkpoints and do not mind removing and wearing them over and over again at each checkpoint, and prioritize fashion more than comfort (not that steel toe cap boots are uncomfortable, we are talking about the comfort of faster security checks), then by all means, wear your steel toe boots.
Another reason to wear your steel toe boots rather than packing them is that these boots are usually heavy and will take up most of the space in your bag.
But, if you are the kind of person who gets easily frustrated or someone who hates waiting (or making others wait), then you would be better off packing your steel toe boots with your carry-on luggage.
What are the Best Alternatives to Steel Toe Boots?
Whether you like steel toe boots because of the rustic fashion statement that they make or wish to buy them because of the safety standards and guidelines at your workplace, but hate the fact that they may cause inconvenience during security checks, then know that there are equally good alternatives.
Here are some of the best alternatives to steel toe boots:
Slip-ons: Slip-on shoes are functional and comfortable. Made with waterproof materials, the outer layer of these boots offers a stylish look while remaining durable and they mostly have a slip resistance sole. Best of all, slip-ons are TSA friendly, so you can easily take them on flights and through airport security.
Composite Toe Boots: Composite toe boots offer you the same level of protection as a steel toe boot, but without the added weight and bulkiness. A composite toe boot will help to prevent injuries to your feet in the workplace and will also add extra comfort while on duty.
There are many great options out there that offer this type of boot, so it is important to do your homework and make sure you purchase a quality pair.
Other Safety Boots: Another alternative is to choose safety boots with toe caps made of material other than steel, such as, hard plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or kevlar. However, if these are for work purposes, then make sure that the pair you choose meets the safety standards set by your management.
FAQs
What are Steel Toe Boots?
Steel toe boots are a common choice of footwear for many working men and women who might be exposed to slip/trip hazards or falling objects.
Steel toe boots are tougher and more durable than your average work boots, which means they can handle harmful debris and materials without compromising safety.
Are Steel Toe Boots a Good Fashion Choice?
Steel toe boots are sometimes used as a fashion statement, but they are still primarily needed for the same purpose that they were in the early 20th century, i.e. to protect feet from injury.
Built to last and designed with a casual style to transition easily from work to after-hours, steel toe boots might just be the toughest pair you have in your closet.
How do Steel Toe Boots protect your Feet?
The steel toe boots are fitted with a steel toe cap made from sturdy materials sewn into the internal part of the footwear; this is intended to protect your toes from injury when working on a site.
This can help avoid serious pain and suffering which could otherwise be caused by having something heavy dropped on your toes.
Summary
Steel toe boots are very fashionable, the best option for those with dangerous jobs like those on the construction sites, and at the same time, make for a great pair of travel boots because they are very protective. Since they have metal toe caps in the forefront section, your feet are protected from dust, stampede, or any heavy or sharp objects falling on the feet.
The presence of metal can cause metal detectors at various security checks to go off. However, there are different options as to what you can do if you want to travel with these boots and want to successfully pass through the security. For example, you can take off your shoes during the security check and wear them again afterwards or you can carry them in your luggage.
So, while you may cause metal detectors to go off and consequently face minor inconvenience at security checks, wearing steel toe boots is not really an issue, even at high security places like airports.
