How many Steel Toe Boots does it take to stop a bullet?

Published on January 20, 2018
Duration: 14:23

This video features Edwin Sarkissian conducting an experimental test to determine how many steel toe boots are required to stop various calibers of bullets, from .22 LR to .500 S&W Magnum and 12 Gauge slugs. The experiment demonstrates the surprising effectiveness of steel toe boots in stopping handgun rounds, though higher-powered rifle and shotgun slugs require multiple boots for complete penetration. The testing highlights the importance of protective footwear in certain environments and provides a visual demonstration of ballistic performance.

Quick Summary

Steel toe boots can stop lower-caliber handgun rounds like .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP with a single boot. However, more powerful firearms such as .50 AE handguns, .500 S&W Magnum revolvers, and 12 Gauge slugs require multiple boots for penetration to be stopped, with slugs penetrating up to three boots.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 00:51.22 LR Ballistic Test
  3. 01:389mm Ballistic Test
  4. 02:38.45 ACP Ballistic Test
  5. 03:38.50 AE Ballistic Test
  6. 05:25.500 S&W Magnum Test
  7. 07:28Damage Inspection
  8. 10:1612 Gauge Birdshot Test
  9. 12:0712 Gauge Slug Test

Frequently Asked Questions

Can steel toe boots stop bullets?

Yes, steel toe boots can stop certain bullets, particularly lower-caliber handgun rounds like .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP. However, more powerful firearms such as .50 AE handguns, .500 S&W Magnum revolvers, and 12 Gauge slugs can penetrate one or more pairs of boots.

How many boots does it take to stop a 9mm bullet?

Based on the test, a single steel toe boot was sufficient to stop a 9mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) round, although it caused significant internal deformation of the boot's steel toe plate.

What is the most powerful round tested against steel toe boots?

The most powerful round tested was the .500 S&W Magnum, fired from a Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum revolver. This round penetrated the first boot and was stopped by the second boot, demonstrating its immense power.

Do steel toe boots offer ballistic protection?

Steel toe boots offer some limited ballistic resistance, primarily against handgun calibers. They are not designed or rated as ballistic armor and will be penetrated by rifle rounds or high-velocity projectiles. Their primary purpose is impact and crush protection.

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