I have had non steel toe Red Wings for about 18 years now (not the same pair) with no problems. Last year work decided we needed steel toe boots and I was a bit leary,but they feel about the same as the non-steel toes. The only time my feet hurt are when I take my boots off.

 

I too wear steel toe boots every day at work. I wear redwing because they fit and feel great. they only last about 3 years because of the conditions we work in. These boots have saved my feet a couple of times when i dropped something heavy and i wasn't quick enough to move.
I took an old pair of boots and put them in the press at work and it took 40 ton to break the steel toe. it did not bend, it took all the pressure till it finally snapped. I would say a steel toe is alot more likely to save a foot the cause damage.