The CAT Second Shift Steel Toe is a 6-inch leather work boot with an ASTM F2413 steel toe and electrical hazard protection, listed at $124.95 by Cat Footwear and often discounted. It has been in CAT's lineup for years, and it's one of the most common first work boots for people starting in construction, warehousing or maintenance.
This review uses Cat Footwear's published specs and the Amazon listing. We haven't worn this pair on a job site, so you won't find invented shift diaries below. You'll get what the boot is, what it isn't, and who should buy a different one.
Quick Verdict
Buy it if your job requires a safety toe and EH protection, you work mostly in dry conditions, and you want a classic leather lace-up without spending $200.
Skip it if you work in rain, mud or snow. The standard Second Shift is not waterproof. CAT sells a separate Second Shift Waterproof Steel Toe. Also skip it if you pass through metal detectors often, since a composite toe is lighter and won't set them off.
Check the current price of the CAT Second Shift Steel Toe on Amazon
CAT Second Shift Steel Toe Specs
| Spec | CAT Second Shift Steel Toe |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 inches |
| Upper | Oiled full-grain leather or nubuck, depending on color |
| Safety toe | Steel, ASTM F2413-18 impact and compression |
| Electrical hazard | ASTM F2413-18 EH, up to 600 volts in dry conditions |
| Outsole | Slip resistant (the Amazon listing also says oil resistant) |
| Support | Steel shank |
| Insole | Removable PU sock liner |
| Lining | Nylon mesh |
| Waterproof | No (a waterproof version is sold separately) |
| Widths and sizes | Medium and Wide, men's 7 to 14 |
| Price | $124.95 list (Cat Footwear, retrieved 2026-09-24). Verify the current Amazon price. |
What the Second Shift Does Well
Meets the safety standards most employers ask for
The steel toe is rated to ASTM F2413-18 for impact and compression, and the boot carries an EH rating. That combination covers the safety-toe and electrical hazard requirements on most construction and maintenance sites. Always check your employer's exact requirements, but this boot ticks the common boxes.
Removable PU insole
Polyurethane footbeds hold their shape longer than basic foam ones. Because it's removable, you can also swap it for an aftermarket insole if you need more arch support. Our best insoles for work boots guide covers the options.
Wide widths are easy to find
CAT offers the Second Shift in Medium and Wide in men's 7 to 14. For broad feet, that's more useful than sizing up in a medium width, which usually leaves the heel loose.
Mesh lining for dry-weather comfort
Without a waterproof membrane, the Second Shift breathes better than most waterproof boots. In warm, dry conditions, that means less sweat trapped inside the boot.
Where It Falls Short
Not waterproof
The standard Second Shift has no waterproof membrane. Oiled leather sheds light rain for a while, but standing water, wet grass and slush will soak through. If you work outside in wet weather, get the Second Shift Waterproof Steel Toe instead.
Steel toe adds weight
Steel toes are heavier than composite or nano toes. Over a long day, especially if you climb stairs or ladders, you'll feel that extra weight. Our steel toe vs composite toe guide explains the trade-offs.
Construction isn't listed as resoleable
Cat Footwear doesn't list a Goodyear welt for this boot. Plan on replacing it when the outsole wears down, rather than resoling it the way you would a welted boot.
Leather needs a break-in
Full-grain leather is stiff when new. Wear the boots for shorter periods during the first week before a full shift to avoid heel blisters.
Sizing
Order your normal boot size and choose Wide if you usually buy wide shoes. Steel toe caps don't stretch, so make sure your toes have room to wiggle and don't touch the cap when you stand. Cat Footwear offers free exchanges on its own store if the size is wrong. On Amazon, check the return terms on the listing.
How It Compares
| CAT Second Shift Steel Toe | CAT Second Shift Waterproof Steel Toe | |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Best for | Dry sites, warehouses, indoor maintenance | Outdoor work in rain and mud |
| Breathability | Better, mesh lining | Lower, sealed membrane |
If you want to spend less, CAT's cheaper Striver Steel Toe has the same steel toe and EH ratings for about $30 less at list price. If you want a lighter safety toe boot, see our best composite toe work boots. If you're comparing more steel toe boots across price points, our best work boots for men roundup ranks them by job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CAT Second Shift waterproof?
No. The standard Second Shift Steel Toe is not waterproof. CAT sells a separate Second Shift Waterproof Steel Toe.
Is the CAT Second Shift ASTM rated?
Yes. Cat Footwear lists ASTM F2413-18 for the steel toe (impact and compression) and for electrical hazard protection.
Does the CAT Second Shift come in wide?
Yes, in men's sizes 7 to 14.
Can you resole the CAT Second Shift?
Cat Footwear doesn't list Goodyear welt construction for this model, so treat it as a boot you replace, not resole.
Is the CAT Second Shift good for concrete?
It works for concrete floors, but a heavier steel toe boot with a heeled outsole isn't the most comfortable option for 12 hours on flat concrete. See our best work boots for standing on concrete.
The Bottom Line
The CAT Second Shift Steel Toe is a straightforward, affordable leather safety boot with the ratings most sites ask for and a wide width option. It isn't waterproof, it's heavier than composite-toe boots, and it isn't listed as resoleable.
If you work mostly in dry conditions and need a steel toe on a budget, buy the CAT Second Shift on Amazon. If you work outside in the wet, get the waterproof version.
