I dont work for the railroad, except when I was asked for pictures by a certain one.
I wear Converse 9-inch Desert Pursuit boots with the steel reinforced Kevlar toe, shank, and heal. Mine are also side-zipper. I like them because they are very lightweight, they exceed OSHA/ANSI standards, my feet dont get cold or hot in the varied climates, and they are just easy one/off. They are marketed for military, police, PMC, and as I am in the firearms industry I found out about them from a RRSA.
I've had the same pair for 5 years now. They look like duece, but they work and still feel great. I wear them all day, everyday. Best $100 I ever spent. LA Police Gear has good deal on them in khaki and black (caveat: I DO NOT work for them or shill for them)