While I am a HUGE Redwing fan, and have been for well over 25 years, I'm going to try a pair of Whites http://www.whitesboots.com
they also are in the $300.00 range, but custom made to your feet. Danners may be a great boot, but they do NOT make narrows

As far as Mythbusters go, they can sell that to the steamfitter whose steel cap I cut off before the ambulance got there, he lost 3 of the toes. I've not been a steel toe fan ever since then.

There's also the problem of using them for tools by setting things on them, you tend to wear out the leather over the top that way, but if they're required, they're required, I just don't like them much.

I injured all joints up to my hips in a motorcycle accident years ago, if I wanna walk, I pretty much wear boots so I try to keep them fair looking.

Good luck, good shoes can make a LOT of difference in your attitude.