Steel-toed boots for hiking?

Q. Dear Gear Guy, Is it a good idea to wear steel-toed boots for hiking?
—Curious Jason, Midlothian, Texas

A. So, Jason, steel-toed boots for hiking? Nah, not the best idea. Steel-toed boots are required when working on a job site (to help protect your toes from getting crushed by an errant hammer or some such) but they are going to be overkill for the trail, heavier weight, and not as comfortable as traditional hiking boots.