The Ultimate CAT Boot Reviews: Best of the Iconic Brand

The Caterpillar (CAT) brand positions itself as a genuine American icon alongside other big brands.

What makes CAT work boots revered in the industry? This brand creates the toughest boots for most physical jobs. CAT models are engineered with 360-degree protection. The company features some of the best technologies in the work boot industry, including patented iTechnology construction, ERGO technology, and Goodyear welt.

But! Do you know which CAT model is best for you? Probably not, especially if it is your first time to buy from the CAT brand. So, in my top four CAT boots review, I have considered all the important features you would want your Caterpillar work boots to have.

Here are Our Best Caterpillar Boot Reviews:

Product	Details
1. Caterpillar Second Shift Steel-Toe Work Boot	Top Pick	Steel toe design Goodyear welt construction Leather upper T3 rubber outsole Removable PU sock liner	Check Current Price
2. Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot		Leather upper Steel toe design Flexible ERGO midsole Slip-resistant outsole Electric hazard protection	Check Current Price
3. Caterpillar Women’s Ellie Work Boot		Full-grain leather upper Soft toe design Shock absorbing midsole Electrical hazard protection Slip-resistant rubber outsole	Check Current Price
4. Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot		Waterproof leather upper ERGO design Nylon mesh lining SRX slip-resistant outsole Steel toe design	Check Current Price

1. Caterpillar Second Shift Steel-Toe Work Boot — The Best-Selling Shoe

This shoe offers technical safety features and steel toe construction in a classic work boot style. You will hardly go wrong with this incredible model from CAT.

The Second Shift is a classic iconic 6-inch work boot. It comes with proper Goodyear welt construction for extreme durability and longevity.

The premium nubuck leather is long-lasting and it is oiled for superior protection against the elements. You’ve also got two sets of speed hooks for speed lacing.

The boot rides on a classic T3 full rubber outsole, which is great because it has deep cleats that give you superior footing on a variety of surfaces. The outsole was inspired by the caterpillar tracks themselves, making for a very strong and durable rubber platform. The sole flexes with your foot for the best performance. The shoe’s protection and support capabilities are enhanced with the inclusion of a steel toe cap and steel shank.

My main concern when it comes to the Second Shift is quality control, which seems to differ from one model to another.

Verdict

This ankle-cut work boot from CAT guarantees the best protection and performance with its steel toe cap, a padded ankle, and an oil-resistant outsole.

Overall Rating: 4.5

2. Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot — Best Construction Design

Men’s Threshold from CAT is the waterproof steel toe work boot you need for a very demanding job site.

This heavy-duty industrial design comes with a leather upper that is abrasion-resistant, protective, and very durable. The upper is also integrated with a seam-sealed waterproof lining for the best waterproof performance. But water tends to stick on the upper, you may have to wipe it out.

I truly appreciate the flexible ERGO midsole, considering that it is more shock absorbing and lighter compared to conventional EVA. There is a steel toe on the front for maximum impact and compression protection at a construction site. The tongue and collar are cushioned to improve fit and comfort. The speed hooks; on the other hand, allow for quick lace-up.

Thumbs up for the T1260 rubber outsole that exceeds ASTM standards for superior grip performance on low traction surfaces. The sole also offers great electrical hazard protection.

What I don’t like about this CAT boot is the inconsistent quality control. Possible to come across models with different performance and wear.

Verdict

The Threshold from CAT is a good all-around shoe for tough job sites. But make sure you get a pair that doesn’t have quality issues.

Overall Rating: 4.5

3. Caterpillar Women’s Ellie Work Boot — The Best CAT Boots for Women

Get the job done stylishly and easily with Women’s Ellie from CAT. This unique work boot is engineered to offer support, protection, and comfort all day long.

This soft toe work boot comes with a full-grain leather upper that is strong and incredible at resisting moisture. The upper also requires low maintenance. There’s a traditional D-ring lacing system to provide an adjustable and secure fit. The extra set of punched eyelets on the tongue allow you to customize the lace lock to prevent heel-slipping.

There’s a mesh lining on the inside for a great next-to-skin feel. It comes with a nylon mesh footbed that provides the much-needed support and comfort at a worksite.

Down at the bottom, there is a durable T1230 rubber outsole that provides excellent slip and oil resistance. The heeled sole design is also great for ladder climbing.

But here is the thing, the boot tends to run large.

Verdict

The cement construction of this boot ensures you get superior performance and durability. But you may have to size down to get a size that fits snugly.

Overall Rating: 4.5

4. Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot — Best Insulated CAT Work Boot

Have you been looking for a tough, insulated, 6-inch work boot for the most physical heavy-duty jobs? Men’s Diagnostic from CAT fits the description.

The Men’s Diagnostic is based on the ERGO design, which means it is built around the idea of enhancing the natural movement of your foot. So, you get more flexibility and comfort. The padded tongue and collar provide cushioning that feels great, especially when the boot is fully laced-up.

There’s a heel pad built into the insole that absorbs shock from moving, walking, and when carrying heavy objects. The sole tread pattern mimics the shape of your foot to provide better grip and cushioning as you walk.

What’s a bit disappointing about this boot is the fact that it isn’t a great choice for long-term use.

Verdict

The Men’s Diagnostic from CAT is built to perform irrespective of the weather because it features a waterproof lining, thermal insulation, and a breathable lining.

Overall Rating: 4.4

About Caterpillar

A Brief History

It all began almost a century ago (1925) when two men combined forces. Benjamin Holt and C.L. Best merged their manufacturing companies to create the Caterpillar Tractor Co. Together, the two manufacturing giants transformed the world with their unique equipment and products. More than nine decades later, CAT has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the shoe business, particularly the work boot industry.

How CAT Distinguishes Itself in the Market

CAT has managed to make itself into a respected brand well beyond its industrial customer segment.

Caterpillar managed to make itself recognizable even to the common person by producing high-quality products, such as shoes and work boots, along with the clothing line.

Frequently Asked Questions (CAT Footwear)

1. Are CAT work boots made in the USA?

Most Caterpillar work boots are imported. But the brand has recently announced its first-ever American assembled work boot (Liberty ST). According to the company, all the parts of this boot are sourced in the United States.

2. What do D(M) and C(D) mean?

In the American shoe sizing, each letter refers to a specific shoe width. For example, D means standard, C means narrow, and E refers to extra wide. In men’s shoes, D(M) refers to medium width.

3. Are all leather Caterpillar work boots waterproof?

Almost all leather work boots from Caterpillar are said to be water-resistant. But some models are marketed as waterproof. So, CAT work boots with high-quality treated leather have superior waterproofness.

4. Do CAT boots have electrical hazard protection?

Yes, Caterpillar work boots are ASTM F2413-05 1/75 EH rated. This means you are protected from open circuits of up to eighteen thousand volts. The sole and heel of the boots have nonconductive material.

Final Thoughts

The CAT brand has proven to be one of the most reliable work boots manufacturers. Why? It creates work boots that meet the day-to-day requirements of a worksite or construction site. CAT safety footwear is all about protection, support, comfort, and durability. Not to mention that the brand continues to build on its current technologies to improve future performance.

CAT’s innovativeness doesn’t start and stop with work boots or safety footwear. It is also seen in pull-on shoes and workwear. The company’s flagship work boot is Caterpillar Second Shift Steel-Toe Work Boot, a true expression of Caterpillar’s innovation in footwear safety and performance.