My preferred boot in dry country, with lots of rocks and cactus, is either the Russell Birdhunter or the Red Wing "20-mile". These are 10", lace-up. (Not recommended for snowy country, or wetlands.) I usually have a saddle-shop add a leather patch above the sole at the instep, as extra protection against rock-bruising.
I like a soft sole, preferably with no cleats or lugs. Most of the country I've hunted has been quite rocky, and the rocks are sharp-edged. The soft sole gives lots of friction against sliding off a mountain...
I've commonly done 12 to 15 miles a day in really rough country with these boots...
Steel toes? No way, for me. I want as light a weight as possible.
Art