They are made both ways. Both are buit to meet the same ASTM safety standard. Magnum Boots makes composite toe with composite (not steel) shank insert and plastic hardware boots that are advertised as ""Metal detector safe" so TSOs can wear them and not trip the WTMD when they walk through. Safety toes = no workmans comp for injuries when TSOs drop stolen laptops on their toesies.

I take boots when going to slush and snow country in the winter. I wear them because boots take up too much room in a carry on. The Magnum side zip boots are great. They go on and off faster than a regular shoe at the checkpoint. No problems with the TSA.