Iron Toe shoes are for protecting your toes and feet from Injury in the event something falls on it.
For example if a piece of steel falls on your foot then the steel toe shoes or steel toe boots will protect you from injury as there's actually a piece of steel in the steel toe shoe over your toes.
A steel-toe boot (also known as a safety boot, steel-capped boot, steel toecaps or safety shoe) is a durable boot or shoe that has a protective reinforcement in the toe which protects the foot from falling objects or compression.
Steel-toed boots help prevent a wide range of injuries, not just injuries from falling objects.
They can also help prevent injuries due to slips and falls, cuts/lacerations and burns, and punctures.
A sturdy safety shoe or boot makes it more difficult for injuries such as these to occur.