Metatarsal steel toe work boots have an appliance added to the footwear designed to provide additional protection to the instep area. Metboots,steel toe metatarsal work boots are used in areas where there is a higher risk of falling objects. Steel toes with metatarsal guards are also used in areas where objects may roll onto the instep of the worker's foot. Flex-Mat and "XRD" metatarsals have greatly improved the comfort and flexibility of metatarsal steel toe boots.