With Caterpillar being an established brand in top-performing construction equipment, it is no surprise that the quality of its footwear line is in lock-step with that reputation.
Last May, IRONPROS announced the September launch of a new CAT Footwear product: the Invader Mid Vent Shoe. While it is technically called a shoe, the Invader Mid Vent functions in many respects serves as a boot.
It provides yet another option in the CAT footwear collection, including the Invader Steel Toe, the Invader Hi Steel Toe, and the Invader Hiker Waterproof Boot.
The Invader Mid Vent features a ReViveTech engineered comfort footbed; 100 percent post-industrial recycled lining with an NXT footbed cover; an EVA midsole for cushioning, support, and stability; a nylon shank; an industrial-grade rubber outsole, and a composite toe.
Its new design provides traction from an aggressive lug pattern inspired by the Cat machine. Caterpillar describes its Invader Mid Vent Men's Composite Toe work shoe as being inspired by hiking boots. Its performance most certainly would provide the person wearing it as much comfort and protection hiking a trail as it would on a construction worksite.
Strobel construction of the shoe enables a lightweight feel and foot flexibility.
My Experience with the Work Boot
I recently put the shoes to a test on a hot day, exposing it to elements such as dirt, sand and 1.5 inches of water. By the end of the day, the shoes still provided comfort and were easily cleaned. The water did not infiltrate the shoe, indicating one could still wear them while working in mild precipitation events. That goes a long way in sustaining job productivity.
IRONPROS
The support this shoe provides through its industrial-grade rubber outsole cannot be understated. The lug pattern provides significant traction and grip for slip resistance. Ankle support also is remarkable.
Slip-Resistant (SR) soles are designed to reduce risk of slips on the job. That is key, given that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health notes that slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are the third most common type of non-fatal work-related injuries in the United States.
Slip-resistant footwear differs from other types in that it has rubber soles and deep treads which improve the grip on the floor. Rubber enables more friction between the shoe and the floor, decreasing the chances of a slip or fall.
Its non-metallic composite toe is undetectable in electronic security environments and ideal for working environments requiring passing through metal detectors.
Ultimately, wearing slip-resistant footwear helps contractors maintain their footing and balance when working on challenging surfaces where stability, traction and safety are essential and may entail slick or wet surfaces.
Heavy Duty for Construction Sites
IRONPROS
With myriad tasks performed throughout the day while testing out the shoes, the mid vent proved to enhance breathability while preventing stones or other objects from passing into the footwear.
While the downside of composite toe boots is that they are not typically as impact resistant as metal options, the upside is they do not conduct heat, cold, and electricity, it makes them ideal for those who work around sources of electricity, fire, and extreme hot or cold weather conditions.
With studies showing more consumers are wearing their work/safety products indoors and outdoors, the Invader Mid Vent helps to deliver with style and traction.
