I had both....

any day I knew I was going to be lifting anything at all I wore the steel toe boots.... most of the time I didn't because non-steel toe are so much more comfortable... at least to me.

I love wearing boots... I think it's just what you're used to. As a farmer a pair of sneakers would have lasted me a day, maybe less.

Currently I wear Redwing Work Boots.... amazingly comfortable. I do not wear lace ups for work boots; I wear slip-ons... I have no patience for lace-ups although I do admit they fit great.

My hunting, (mountain), boots are Danner's.... and they are lace up. I'm definitely a Danner man when it comes to hunting boots.