I’m curious if you tried the Chota STL? I think it looks more like a hiking boot, does not have the rubber baby bumper around the sole, has plenty of toe wiggle room, at least for me and I agree that’s a major issue, and last but not least, the sole flexes with a good intersole for cushion. Only had mine for a few months, and they do take some getting used to over the stiff side, stiff sole pair I had before, but I think I like them a good bit, particularly on the hike in and out.
The same narrowness around the toe area kept em away from these and get the Simms Freestone again. I hate the feeling of my toes all squized together and damn they hurt!