I spent a long time looking for a decently priced pair of boots with zippers for work and hard or steel toes.  Ideally, I wanted a pair which could be worn for an extended period of time and resoled when necessary, without having to buy another new pair of boots.  Prior to this purchase, I had been wearing Red Wing boots, the standard uniform type with the zipper in the front.  As great as they were, buying a new pair was going to prove to be quite expensive, and I just couldn't see the quality in the Red Wings price anymore.

Beware of the differences between these boots and the other ones which are an "oblique toe"... more of a straight line in the toe of the boot, as opposed to the rounded edge found normally in a boot.

Took a day or two to break them in to be comfortable.  Also, having some current difficulty in obtaining a tight enough fit with the laced in zippers, but I am sure with time it will prove to be more comfortable.