Not unlike the motox boots I wore in the 70's when I was a kid...not as much steel protection.
That being said, I started using Sidi cross fires back in 2006... A hinged heal makes a very comfortable boot, and a more pointed toe (about the only way I can describe it), as opposed to the round toe, is a lot easier for shifting I find.
Each to there own of course, and Icon does make very good stuff I think...