I know some companies make allowances for boots, but what does everyone perfer to wear? Comfort or wear or something of the such.
Depends on what service you're in . I'm in train service and after all, they're my feet so I spare no expense. I'm partial to either Red Wing or Mason boots. All the stuff on the company shoe truck are steel toed and I can't stand them so I pay retail. And I have a rotation of three pairs so I don't have to worry if a pair gets soaked. For winter, I have a pair of pack boots I did get off the shoe truck but they have a polycarbonate toe and are warm and comfy. And waterproof.
Two things a railroader can't skimp on: boots and tires.