# Best metatarsal guard work boots: internal and external met guards Source: https://toecapandlace.com/best/best-metatarsal-guard-boots Publisher: Toecap & Lace. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://toecapandlace.com/how-we-pick A safety toe protects the toes. It does nothing for the long bones on top of the foot, and that is where a dropped bar, casting or pipe usually lands. A metatarsal guard covers that zone. Internal guards sit under the leather and bend with the foot, so they feel like a normal boot. External guards are a hinged shield over the laces, which is bulkier but easy to see and inspect. If your employer requires met protection, look for an Mt marking under ASTM F2413. Several listings below state it outright, while others only say the boot has a met guard, and those you should confirm before buying. This guide compares each pick on guard type, the toe cap, the ratings the listing states, EH protection, height and waterproofing, using only what each Amazon listing says. ## Picks ### 1. KEEN Utility Men's Louisville 6" Steel Toe Internal Metatarsal Guard Waterproof Work Boot, Slate Black/Slate Black, 10.5 Medium US Met guard: Internal; Safety toe: Steel, asymmetrical; Met rating in listing: ASTM F2413 Mt/75; EH: Yes, stated; Height: 6 in.; Waterproof: Yes, KEEN.Dry A 6 in. steel toe boot with a flexible internal met guard that hardens on impact. The listing states ASTM F2413 I/75, C/75, Mt/75 and EH, plus a heat resistant outsole. What the listing offers: - The listing states the full rating set: ASTM F2413 I/75, C/75, Mt/75 and EH, so the met protection is clearly spelled out. - Heat resistant rubber outsole rated up to 572 F per the listing, useful near hot floors and slag. - Asymmetrical steel toe gives a roomier toe box, and KEEN.Dry membrane keeps the boot waterproof. Limits to know: - Steel toe and 6 in. shaft only; there is no taller or composite option in this listing. - The listing does not describe the shank, so check it if you stand on ladder rungs all day. ### 2. ARIAT Men's WorkHog MetGuard CSA Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot, Midnight Blue/Dark Copper, 11.5 Wide Met guard: Met protection, type not stated; Safety toe: Composite; Met rating in listing: ASTM F2413 Mt, CSA Z195-14; EH: Yes, stated; Height: Not stated; Waterproof: Yes A composite toe WorkHog with ASTM F2413 Mt, PR and EH ratings plus CSA Z195-14 certification. A fit for crews that cross the border or need puncture protection too. What the listing offers: - The listing states ASTM F2413 M/I/C, Mt, PR and EH, one of the most complete rating sets in this guide. - Also certified to CSA Z195-14 with Grade 1 toe, sole, metatarsal and ESR protection. - Non-metallic composite toe keeps weight down compared with steel. Limits to know: - The listing does not say whether the met guard is internal or external. - Shaft height is not stated, and it is one of the pricier picks here. ### 3. Carolina Men’s Foundry 8” Steel Toe Met Guard Work Boot, Heavy Duty, Vibram Heat-Resistant Outsole, Dark Brown - 10.5 D Safety toe: Steel, ASTM F2413-18 I/C; Metatarsal guard: Internal; Heat-resistant outsole: Yes, Vibram heat-resisting; EH rated: Yes; Shaft height: 8 in A heavy 8 in. foundry boot with an internal met guard, steel toe, steel shank and a heat resisting Vibram outsole. Built for hot floors and molten metal areas. What the listing offers: - Heat resisting Vibram outsole is listed specifically for hot surfaces, which suits foundry and mill floors. - Internal metatarsal guard plus a steel toe tested to ASTM F2413-18 impact and compression standards. - Electrical hazard rated with a steel shank for support, and a memory foam cushion insole. Limits to know: - The listing does not state an Mt rating number for the met guard, so confirm it meets your site rule. - Waterproofing is not mentioned, so plan on a leather treatment in wet plants. ### 4. KEEN Utility Men's Camden 6" Composite Toe Waterproof Internal Metatarsal Guard Heavy Duty Work Boots, Leather Brown/Black, 13 EE Met guard: Internal, ASTM/CSA certified; Safety toe: Carbon fiber composite; Met rating in listing: Met guard ASTM/CSA certified; EH: Yes, stated; Height: 6 in.; Waterproof: Yes, KEEN.DRY A 6 in. carbon toe boot with an internal met guard the listing calls ASTM/CSA certified, Goodyear welt construction and barnyard resistant leather. What the listing offers: - Internal met guard is described as ASTM/CSA certified, flexible, and hardening on impact. - Carbon fiber toe is listed as 15% lighter than steel and meets ASTM F2413 I/75, C/75 EH. - 360 degree Goodyear welt and a KEEN.ToughSole outsole point to a long service life. Limits to know: - At $240 it costs more than the Louisville, which states a numbered Mt/75 rating. - The listing does not mention heat resistance for the outsole, which matters near furnaces. ### 5. Timberland PRO Men's Rigmaster Internal Met Guard 8 Inch Alloy Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Brown/Black-2024 NEW, 9 M US Met guard: Internal; Safety toe: Alloy, asymmetrical; Met rating in listing: ASTM F2413-18 and CSA Z195-14 met impact; EH: Not stated; Height: 8 in.; Waterproof: Yes, ASTM F1671-07 membrane An 8 in. waterproof boot with an internal met guard that the listing says meets ASTM F2413-18 and CSA metatarsal impact standards, plus an alloy toe. What the listing offers: - Met guard meets ASTM F2413-18 and CAN/CSA-Z195-14 metatarsal impact standards, per the listing. - Alloy toe is lighter than steel and meets ASTM I and C plus CSA Grade 1. - Anti-Fatigue Technology footbed and a waterproof membrane for long, wet shifts. Limits to know: - EH protection is not listed, so look elsewhere if your site requires it. - The polyurethane outsole is not described as heat resistant. ### 6. Carolina Metpro 6" Wide Steel Toe External Met Guard Men's Work Boot, EH Protection, Heat Resistant Sole, Leather, Steel Shank, Medium Brown - 10.5 D Safety toe: Steel; Metatarsal guard: External; Heat-resistant outsole: Yes, heat resistant sole; EH rated: Yes; Shaft height: 6 in A wide fit steel toe boot with an external met shield, EH protection, a heat resistant sole and a steel shank. A practical pick for wide feet in hot work. What the listing offers: - Wide toe construction is called out in the listing, useful for feet that find most met boots tight. - Heat resistant outsole and a steel shank support stable footing on hot, rough floors. - EH rated for secondary protection around live circuits. Limits to know: - No Mt rating number is stated, so confirm it meets your employer's requirement. - The listing says nothing about waterproofing or lining. ### 7. Timberland PRO Men's External Metguard 6 Inch Steel Safety Toe Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10.5 M Met guard: External, hinged ABS; Safety toe: Steel, asymmetrical; Met rating in listing: Not stated; EH: Yes, stated; Height: 6 in.; Waterproof: MetGuard flap is waterproof An external met guard boot with a hinged ABS shield that flexes when you squat. Good for workers who want visible, easy to inspect protection. What the listing offers: - Hinged external ABS guard is described as comfortable even when squatting. - Electrical hazard protection and an asymmetrical steel safety toe are listed. - Waterproof MetGuard flap covers the lace front. Limits to know: - The listing gives no ASTM numbers for the toe or met guard, so verify the Mt marking. - Only four short bullets, so details like footbed and outsole compound are not stated. ### 8. Ariat Groundbreaker Wide Square Toe MetGuard Steel Toe Work Boots - Men’s Safety Toe Western Boot Met guard: MetGuard, type not stated; Safety toe: Steel, wide square; Met rating in listing: ASTM F2413-11 Mt 75; EH: Not stated; Height: Not stated; Waterproof: Not stated (mesh lining) A western style square toe boot with a steel toe and an Mt 75 metatarsal rating, made for warehouse, factory and farm workers who prefer a cowboy profile. What the listing offers: - ASTM F2413-11 Mt 75 metatarsal protection is stated in the listing. - Oil and slip resistant Duratread outsole for floors with oil or residue. - 4LR footbed technology is listed for cushioning and stability. Limits to know: - EH protection and waterproofing are not stated in this listing. - The western build and mesh lining may not suit hot metal or wet process areas. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.