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In this article we discuss how Caterpillar boots fit. In general, expect most Caterpillar boots to run true-to-size, but there are a few exceptions that we will discuss below.
I’ve worn the Caterpillar Second Shift Boots (pictured below in article) for several years, and have always ordered my normal sizing. There are some Caterpillar styles that run bigger than normal shoe sizing.
- UPDATE: Click here to see Caterpillar’s official sizing resource page which might give you some additional help (affiliate link takes you to Caterpillar’s website).
Caterpillar offers a wide range of work boots in both traditional and modern styles. Let’s take a closer look at Caterpillar boot sizing.
Which Boot to Choose?
These are the Caterpillar boots I would personally choose for each scenario (affiliate links take you to Amazon.com):
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- Best Value Boot – Caterpillar Second Shift Boots – Click here to view at Amazon.
- Best Outdoor Boot – Caterpillar Diagnostic Waterproof Boot – Click here to view at Amazon.
- Best Indoor Boot – Caterpillar Woodward – Click here to view at Amazon
- Best Steel Toe Boot – Caterpillar Second Shift Boots – Click here to view at Amazon.
- Best Construction Boots – Caterpillar Threshold Boots – Click here to view at Amazon.
Caterpillar Boot Sizing
Caterpillar is the world’s foremost manufacturer of heavy equipment, but in recent decades Caterpillar has also become a reliable supplier of industrial and casual footwear for America’s workers (source).
Here’s my Cat Second Shift Steel Toe boots:
How Do Caterpillar Boots Fit?
In general, expect most Caterpillar boots to run true-to-size, but there are a few exceptions that we will discuss below.
It is not uncommon for heavy-duty work boots to have a little extra room built-in, especially in the toe box area. Some Caterpillar boots run a bit bigger than normal sneakers.
Do Caterpillar Boots Run Narrow?
The function of a boot can affect how it fits. For example, a heavy-duty steel-toe boot might have a little extra room built-in because having a snug fit can easily irritate the foot.
A more modern-style boot, or a sneakerboot, that looks like a hybrid between a hiking shoe and a work boot might have a truer fit, built to fit snug against the foot.
Most Caterpillar work boots do not run narrow, and fit (in general) true-to-size. If you have wide feet, Caterpillar does offer wide sizing.
Let’s take a specific look at some of Caterpillar’s most popular work boots so that you can have a better understanding of their functionality and fit.
Caterpillar Second Shift Boots
The Caterpillar Second Shift boots are Caterpillar’s most popular boot. Many workers like the value that the Caterpillar Second Shift boots present.
They are more comfortable and built stronger than cheap boots, but priced less than many of their premium competitors. Click here to view these boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
This unique positioning in the market makes these boots a good choice for workers who need something heavy-duty, but don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for premium boots.
The Second Shift boots give you something tough and durable that can protect your feet on the job.
These boots are 6″ boots that will fit right above the ankle. They have a steel shank.
A shank is a supportive piece between the outsole and insole of a boot, that helps provide support and structure to the boot. A steel shank is the most durable shank a boot can have.
Goodyear welt construction. Slip-resistant outsoles. These boots have that classic work-boot style and come in both a steel-toe and soft-toe version.
How Do Caterpillar Second Shift Boots Fit?
Like many types of heavy-duty work boots, the Caterpillar Second Shift boots run just a bit big, but it’s also important to remember that with heavy-duty boots, sometimes a little extra space in the toe box can be a good thing. If you are between sizes, I would size down.
Where to Buy the Caterpillar Second Shift Boots?
Click here to buy the Caterpillar Second Shift boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, you can buy the Caterpillar Second Shift boots in both plain-toe and safety-toe versions.
Caterpillar Threshold Waterproof Boots
The Caterpillar Threshold boots are a more modern-day take on heavy duty boots. Not everyone likes a traditional, old-school work boot. They can be a bit bulky and heavy at times.
These Caterpillar Threshold boots are more of a modern boot; a sort of hybrid style between a hiking boot and heavy-duty boot. Click here to view these boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
The Caterpillar Threshold boots do not have the classic stitch-down style that is so familiar for big, bulky work boots. Instead, these boots have a little bit of a sleeker design, with increased flexibility.
Again, your stance on these boots is likely to come down to whether or not you prefer the toughness of a traditional boot, or if you wish to sacrifice a bit of that toughness for a bit more flexibility and comfort.
Although these Caterpillar Threshold boots have a more modern design, they still have industrial toughness that can protect your foot. They are offered in both a steel-toe and a plain-toe version.
They have slip-resistant outsoles and a waterproof lining. These make for good construction boots for those of you wanting something a bit more flexible than a classic work boot.
How Do Caterpillar Threshold Boots Fit?
Expect the Caterpillar Threshold boots to run true-to-size. These boots fit up near the ankle and measure 5.25″ from arch. Wide sizing is available for those of you who have wide feet.
Where to Buy the Caterpillar Threshold Boots?
Click here to buy the Caterpillar Threshold boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, these boots have more of a modern look than traditional work boots, and offer a balance between comfort and toughness.
Caterpillar Silverton Lace-to-Toe Boots
The Caterpillar Silverton work boots are lace-to-toe boots. That means you can expect the laces to drive down closer to the toe than a normal, traditional work boot. Click here to view these boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Why is a lace-to-toe design important? The lace-to-toe design maximizes the amount of lace coverage on the boot. Lace coverage is important because the more coverage you have, the more control is passed over to your foot. This design maximizes that amount of control, and helps add stability to your foot and boot.
The Caterpillar Silverton boots are steel-toe boots, with classic stitch-down style. Goodyear welt construction. Slip-resistant outsoles. Odor-resistant lining.
How Do Caterpillar Silverton Boots Fit?
Like most other types of traditional work boots, you can expect these boots to run a slight bit bigger than your normal sneaker size. Wide sizing is available. These boots fit up just past the ankle.
Where to Buy the Caterpillar Silverton Boots?
Click here to buy the Caterpillar Silverton boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, these boots have a lace-to-toe design that will push the laces down farther near the toe of the boot.
Caterpillar Diagnostic Insulated Work Boots
The Caterpillar Diagnostic Insulated Steel-Toe boots are possibly the most heavy-duty boot that Caterpillar makes. Not only do they have a steel-toe, they also have the rubber toe cap to help protect the front of the boot from consistent wear and tear. Click here to view these boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
These boots are not indoor boots. They are insulated boots built to take on harsh outdoor conditions. They have 200g Thinsulate insulation. This boot is also waterproof. This is a great winter work boot.
These boots are built with a steel shank. As we discussed earlier, a shank is a supportive piece between the outsole and insole of a boot.
A steel shank is the most durable type of shank you can have, and provides dependable support to the bottom of the boot.
How Do Caterpillar Diagnostic Insulated Work Boots Boots Fit?
Like most other types of traditional work boots, you can expect these boots to run a slight bit bigger than your normal sneaker size. Wide sizing is available. These boots fit up just past the ankle.
Where to Buy the Caterpillar Diagnostic Insulated Work Boots?
Click here to buy the Caterpillar Diagnostic Insulated Work boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, these boots are built for outdoor winter conditions. If you work inside, there’s a better boot for you.
Caterpillar Brode Steel-Toe Work Shoe
Caterpillar also makes several types of industrial work shoes. For some people, it is just much more comfortable to wear a industrial shoe around instead of a boot.
One of Caterpillar’s most popular work shoes is the Caterpillar Brode steel-toe work shoe. Click here to view these shoes at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
This is a low top shoe, which helps keep the overall weight of the shoe down even though it is a steel-toe shoe. Now, the fact that this sits low below the ankle also reduces the amount of ankle support you get in comparison to a boot. This is not what you want to wear if you will be working outdoors on uneven terrain.
But if you are working indoors, and need something that protects your toes, but you don’t want to have to wear a heavy boot to work everday, then this Caterpillar Brode work shoe gives you a nice substitute. This shoe is made with a nylon shank, so not only will this shoe weigh a bit less than heavy-duty boots, it will also have a bit more flexibility. Steel-toe; slip-resistant.
This shoe will give you a casual look on the job, and also help takes some of the stress off your feet in comparison to heavy-duty work boots.
How Do Caterpillar Brode Steel-Toe Work Shoes Fit?
These work shoes don’t fit like work boots. As we have mentioned throughout the article, many types of heavy-duty boots (including Caterpillar boots) run big. These shoes will have a much more snug fit than a pair of boots, and will fit more like your regular casual shoes.
Where to Buy the Caterpillar Brode Steel-Toe Work Shoes?
Click here to buy the Caterpillar Brode Steel-Toe Work Shoes at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, these are low-top industrial shoes that are best for indoor work environments where you don’t need as much ankle and foot support as you do on harsh outdoor terrain.