I only bought these because I thought I was going to have to use them for work, but then I didn't need them.  I wore them once to break them in and they were stiff and I was aware of the steel toe, but I suppose that's what work boots feel like when you first wear them.  They didn't make my feet look long or bulky, so I like that.  The leather is good.  They look great in my closet. lol.  The design is so classic, that if I ever need to wear steel toes, I wouldn't hesitate to put them on.