Do you "need" them?

I don't really think anyone here can answer that question. It may boil down to where/whom you will actually work for.
In construction - whether it be home, office of plant - I have never been required to have them. Now mining - that's an area where I have no experience.
Where ever you land, the company will have a rule about steel tips:
a) Mandatory
b) Optional
c) Not allowed
d) Not addresssed.

I will also put in a vote for Red Wings(RW) ~ and also Irish Setter. If you do goto the RW store, be sure to check out their "clearance" area. I bought a pair of RW boots 3 years ago for $200+, they needed re-soling (yes, RW does that). Last re-sole cost me $40 which seemed like a bargin to me. This time they wanted $70.. WOW...copper isn't the only thing going up! Out of the corner of my eye I saw the clearance pile. My $200+ boots were now "discontinued" and for sale for $90...hmm $90 new or $70 for re-sole? I bought 2 pairs...LOL.

...and don't forget to get the American flags for the laces. [Linked Image]

~~ CELTIC ~~
...-= NJ =-...