Are you out there searching for a safety toe shoe? Well you are bound to come across a wide array of safety toe shoes with safety toe caps made of diverse materials which are designed for unique requirements. One such variant is the TPU Toe cap.
If you are wondering what exactly is this TPU Toe cap and what are its pros and cons, we are happy to help you. Read on if you want to make a well informed purchase.
What does TPU Toe cap mean?
TPU stands for Thermoplastic polyurethane. An option that provides the user with all the benefits that rubber and plastic could provide, this family of plastics is quite a desirable one because of its adaptability.
TPU has great flexibility, is waterproof and is used to manufacture a wide variety of products such as insoles, outsoles, soles and toe caps of shoes, wire casings of cables, adhesives, trays, handled etc. A utilitarian material with myriad benefits, TPU is quite the stud among plastics.
TPU toe caps are well equipped to protect your toes from danger. TPU toe caps are extremely hard and can withstand high impact hits as well.
They are OSHA approved and can handle the ASTM F2413 compression and impact tests just as well as steel or alloys.
Pros and cons of TPU Toe caps
PROS
1) Lightweight
TPU toe caps are much lighter than steel or alloy toe caps. They provide the same level of protection as steel and alloy toe caps without the extra weight.
They are suitable to walk in or work in for long hours without getting exhausted by dragging around the weight of the shoes.
2) Do not conduct electricity
TPU toe caps are non-conductive in nature. They won’t permit thermal or electrical conduction. Being a high quality plastic, TPU is a perfect insulator. It will prevent electrocution and would not conduct temperature as well.
3) Do not conduct heat or cold
Even in extremely high temperatures or low temperatures, TPU toe caps will help maintain a moderate temperature that is fit for your feet. You won’t get a frost bite or a burn when you are wearing a TPU toe cap.
4) Greater ventilation to keep feet cool
Even though TPU toe caps are non-conductive, they provide a great amount of ventilation that helps to reduce the heat.
Hence, TPU toe caps will prevent your feet from getting overly sweaty or swelling up because of extreme heat.
5) Will not set off the metal detector
Yet another benefit of wearing TPU toe caps is that they won’t set off metal detectors. It will not turn checking in and out of work a cumbersome task.
TPU Toe caps provide all the protection that steel and alloy toe caps can provide without most of the cons the others have.
See also: Do Steel Toe Boots Set Off Metal Detectors?
CONS
1) Expensive
Even though TPU toe caps comes with all these desirable qualities, they do come at a hefty price. They are much more expensive than steel or alloy toe caps as they are looked upon as a much more modern and advanced technological creation.
2) Will have to be replaced after substantial impact
It should also be noted that multiple impacts can push in the toe cap, ie, TPU toe caps shoes will have to be replaced after it has endured a substantial impact.
3) Gross weight they can take on is lower
Even though TPU toe caps meet all the OSHA requirements as steel or alloy toe caps, the gross weight they can take on is lower.
4) Toe cap alone cannot be replaced
Once the toe cap is damaged, the entire shoe has to be thrown out as it is not possible to replace toe cap alone.
Hence TPU toe caps are not such a great option in working environments where there is a high risk of falling or rolling objects.
When to use TPU Toe caps?
Since TPU toe caps are non-conductive and lightweight, they are a perfect fit for people working in the electrical industry. They are well equipped to provide safety and comfort to linemen and electricians.
Since the are thermal insulators and provide greater ventilation, TPU toe caps are also well suited for working in extremely hot or cold environments.
As the heat nor cold can seep into the shoes, the feet can remain at a comfortable temperature and the wearer won’t have to worry about frost bite or burns or swelling post work.
The lightweight nature of TPU toe caps is indeed a boon for workers who have to do a lot of climbing or walking to do.
TPU toe cap boots will not tire your feet out even after hours of walking, climbing or working, so it’s bye bye to sprains and pins and needles.
TPU Toe caps vs other composite toe caps
TPU toe caps are probably the most popular composite Toe caps available in the market right now. Strong, utilitarian and desirable, TPU toe caps technically rules the composite toe section.
It is a given that if the exact type of composite toe is not mentioned it would probably be a TPU toe cap.
The other common types of composite toe caps are- fiberglass, kevlar and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is lightweight and possess great tensile tensile strength and can withstand heavy weights, but it is thermally and electrically conductive and can break when extreme pressure is applied.
Kevlar is one of the lightest among composite toe caps and responds well to substantial impacts and weights, but it is very expensive and absorbs water.
Fiberglass is much more affordable than the rest and has good tensile strength and insulation but it has the lowest strength to weight ratio.
When compared to the three other options TPU toe shoes emerge as a clear winner in the safety boots section, as it provides protection from impact, electricity, high and low temperatures while ensuring comfort and ease of use.
TPU toe caps vs steel toe caps
TPU toe caps are non-conductive, but steel toe caps conducts heat and electricity. Therefore, TPU toe caps are a much better fit while working in high or low temperatures or in areas prone to electrical accidents.
TPU toes are much lighter than steel toes, so the prior is preferable in working conditions that warrant a lot of walking or climbing.
The greater amount of ventilation, lightweight and non-conductive nature makes TPU toe cap shoes more comfortable to wear than steel toe shoes.
In working environments there is a high risk of falling objects, steel toe shoes are a better option that TPU toe shoes as the latter has a lower weight/ impact handling capability.
Steel Toe Shoes are a more economical option but the benefits of TPU toe shoes definitely outshines it’s price.
Top 3 TPU Toe cap boots/shoes
1.) HANDMEN Work Boots for Men, 6” Composite Toe Waterproof Mens Work Boots
This lightweight and breathable TPU Toe Boot comes with an anti-fatigue technology midsole that adds to the comfort and protection levels.
This ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated composite toe provides safety, greater grip, cool and non-sweaty feet and comfort and is a must have for every laborer out there.
- Unlike heavy steel toe footwear, these non-metallic composite toe boots are built streamlined for greater comfort in the toe box and maximum mobility.
- The slip resistant work boots are convenient to wear on and off with lace-up design.
- The crazy horse full grain leather and mesh lining remain extremely breathable, resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2.) Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot
This affordable yet sleek and comfortable safety toe boot ensures your safety and the happiness of your feet .
- TPU outsole features deep lugs for traction and is slip-, oil- and abrasion-resistant.
- A comfort system designed with shock-absorbing, geometrical technology that returns energy back to the foot to deliver all-day support and comfort.
- Premium waterproof leather with waterproof membrane
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3.) Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
This EH safety toe shoe is lightweight, has great grip, comes with a wide range of desirable features and an even desirable look.
- Carhartts unique Rugged Flex technology moves and stretches with you throughout the day so that whatever youre doing, its easier to do because you need gear that helps you move not gear that holds you back
- Rubber Sole - shock absorbing traction In any environment. Perfect for indoors or outdoors.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
