Orthofeet Onyx vs Graphite: Which Work Shoe

Our very first online order was a pair of Onyx in an 8 X-Wide, shipped to Florida. The buyer had searched the model name, landed on the product page and bought. That tells me people already know what the Onyx is and are trying to decide between it and its taller sibling, the Graphite. Here is how I make that call in the store.

What they share

Both are Orthofeet safety footwear. Orthofeet lists both as F2413-24 safety-rated, with a composite toe guard rather than steel, a crush-resistant upper and a slip-resistant tread. Composite matters if you work near metal detectors or in the cold, because it does not conduct heat away from your toes the way steel does. Both use the Ortho-Cushion sole with a mild rocker, a seam-free padded interior and a wide toe box on an extra-depth last. The orthotic insole comes out, so a custom orthotic drops in with room to spare. And both have the hands-free heel: you step down on the heel counter, it gives, then springs back around your heel, so the shoe goes on without bending or tying. Set the laces once and leave them.

Where they differ

Who needs the ankle coverage

A boot does not stop you rolling an ankle, whatever the catalog says. What it does is keep debris, water and cold out, and it gives a little lateral support on gravel, mud or a ladder rung. If you spend the day on uneven ground, or your site rules say boots, the Graphite is the one. Its leather is waterproof, which the Onyx is not. If you are on a flat warehouse or shop floor, in a truck cab, or behind a counter in a kitchen, the boot is weight you do not need and heat you do not want. The Onyx is roughly three ounces lighter per foot, and over a ten-hour shift that adds up.

Widths and fit

Both run Medium, Wide and X-Wide in sizes 7 to 14, half sizes to 12. Orthofeet labels those D, 2E and 4E. Most work shoes stop at Wide, so X-Wide is the reason a lot of people end up here. If your current work shoe leaves a red line across the top of your foot or your small toe is folded under, go up a width before you go up a size. Both models ship with fitting spacers and an arch booster from Orthofeet, so you can fine-tune the volume inside. If you have doubts, the width guide covers how to measure at home, or call me at (704) 846-0301.

Who should not buy either

If your job requires a steel toe by name, or an electrical hazard rating, or a metatarsal guard, neither of these is listed with those ratings and you should buy the shoe your safety officer specifies. If you want a stiff, locked-in fit around the heel, the hands-free counter is firm but it is designed to give, and some people never trust it. And if you need a boot taller than the ankle, look at a traditional lace-up. I would rather you buy the right boot somewhere else than the wrong one here.

Questions people ask

Is the Onyx a steel toe?

No. Both the Onyx and Graphite have a composite toe guard, and Orthofeet lists them as F2413-24 safety-rated. Composite is lighter and does not conduct cold. Check whether your employer accepts composite before ordering.

Is the Onyx waterproof?

Orthofeet does not list the Onyx as waterproof. The Graphite is listed as waterproof leather. If you are outside in rain, that is the one.

Do they come in X-Wide?

Yes, both. Medium, Wide and X-Wide, sizes 7 to 14. The Graphite comes in Black and Brown, the Onyx in Black only.

Will a custom orthotic fit?

Yes. The insole comes out and the last is extra depth, which is what a custom orthotic needs. If you have a thick or rigid device, call before ordering and describe it.

How does shipping work?

Orthofeet orders ship free direct from Orthofeet and we email tracking when they leave. Wear them at home on carpet, and if the size or width is wrong call (704) 846-0301 and we will exchange or refund under our Comfort Guarantee. You can see the full range in our Orthofeet collection.