In winter I don’t wear steel-toes, I wear insulated rubber barn boots that provide substantial protection. Once mud season is over in May, I always wear steel-toed work boots around horses. I don’t ride, so I don’t have to think about wearing the same boots on the ground and in the saddle. Another advantage to work boots is protection to the ankle and achilles tendon. I was accidentally struck in the ankle by a hoof and my padded work boots saved me from a broken ankle.