Considering Caterpillar Diagnostic Boots? Updated Review 2023

The most popular and trusted work boot by Caterpillar after the 2nd Shift is Diagnostic. CAT made it clear and simple. Affordable solution for troubled feet. You can pick more premium boots from our list of all category best ones.

Update 2019: Slightly better recommendations from users this year. Still popular, no doubt.

‘Diagnostic’ and a Little Pinch of History

We are getting more and more subject oriented. If we go 400 years from now, back then boots were just boots, period. Then it all started when students and scholars from Oxford started wearing a significant build which eventually got the name, Oxford Shoe. Cowboys in the wild west used to wear specialized boots. Mostly pull-ons.

If you look just 100 years back, there were no such thing called work boots except the pull-ons. People used to wear the same boots or shoes for military services, jaw dropping hard jobs, dwelling around in the abundance of nature or to meet others in the new built town streets and pubs.

Then came work boots, they branched out and we almost lost track of the right properties we need.

Caterpillar came to inherit the legacy. They designed a pair of boots that focus only on comfort and anatomical safety of the feet. That’s all because we are gaining weight on an average by generations if not by decades. We have the chance to focus on less life threatening issues like foot deformities, we are now bound to work mostly on unnatural surfaces like oddly plain floors. Concerns like plantar fasciitis are rising at an alarming rate.

Specific Issues of CAT Diagnostic and ERGO

So, why’s the name Diagnostic boot here, again?

By the name and stature, these boots mean to provide:

• Extra comfort,
• Lightweight attached to the legs,
• Right balance of the feet and
• A prevention to presumed ongoing deformities or foot-hurdles like flat foot issues.

As Cat Footwear claims, their “ERGO Collection boots are anatomically accurate to enhance stability, flexibility and maximum comfort.” :

Types Decoded

There are three Diagnostic boots

Diagnostic HI S3 Boots

We do not exactly recommend this particular product. Why?

The cheapest (a fraction of difference to be honest) one with less features. To simply put, you should not go for it even if you do not need the features. What it lacks? Slip resistance, waterproofing, gel insert and maybe insulation too!

All down only for five bucks?

We think this Hi S3 is not meant to be sold. This is nothing but a bait which would make you feet, “I’m winning! I’m getting so much more by going for the next upbeat model which is the one named `Diagnostic Hi Waterproof” type of stuff.

We do not think it’s a good idea to cut so many features. It does not make sense.

Diagnostic HI Waterproof Work Boots

Roughly for about five more dollars, significant number of integrated values.

This one is the boot you may want to purchase if you do not need electrical hazard and steel toe as well as the ASTM measures.

Diagnostic HI Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots

Five more and BAM! You’ve got everything the Diagnostic can offer.

The last two are worth buying. And we are going to talk about the later ones, not the first pair.

Let’s dig down deeper to see whether they really do something extra for us or not:

In-Depth Review and Analysis of Caterpillar Diagnostic Boots

ShoeAsk points: 85 out of 100

Editorial Recommendation: Very high, mostly for the price, features and popularity

Remarks and Suggestions

We’re lucky at last! Not another pair shipped out of China. These are from a bay nearby though; Vietnam.

Let us ensure you at first- the boots perform more or less as advertised. They are comfortable, affordable and lightweight. You can go for them if this is your budget range. Otherwise, yes, there are better boots around at a higher steak. You can read about our process of recommendations.

But hey! It’s better to go through the specs first:

Better for

People feel comfortable wearing them at work during the summer and winter. Yes, Diagnostic is not the best option if it is freezing out there. That’s when you will need more insulation because they are 200g.

User, Expert and Trade Recognition

Points 4/5

Caterpillar Diagnostic created a crowd of fans as did other trusted boots:

“The boots are great in any weather. The best boots I have ever owned. Going to buy another pair.”

Experts and old crews would tell you to stay with Timberland, Wolverine, Danner, Red Wing or Keen. People do know CAT and recognize them well, even feel better wearing CAT on their boots but it will take time and enhanced durability to get on the list of elites for Caterpillar boots.

Let us get it right, those brands are better and costing higher than CAT (it depends on the brands and features).On the other hand, CAT is not bad, not at least like the crappy ones falling apart after one or two couples of months. Let’s go through a user evaluation:

“I have owned 2 pairs of Craftsman steel toed boots and one pair of Timberland steel toed boots (each pair cost about the same as these boots) and each pair lasted several years without any issues until I simple wore out the soles of the boots. For the price of these boots I expected the same quality.”

Price vs Durability

Points 4/5

Durability is always a pain for our editors here at ShoeAsk! But somehow we love to get it right for you.

Some of the buyers say they did last for four years. It definitely should not become an example or referral point for you. There are a number of other reports saying that these did not last as little as three to four months.

We would say, they can serve for two years at best:

“I’m on my second pair; the first pair lasted over 2½ years.”

You should expect them to last for a year (not with fingers crossed!).

If you are an abuser, we understand that. Many of us try to take care of the boots but time does not permit. Seven to eight months is good for rough workers lacking the care time.

Is it worth the lifespan?

Yes; things wear out and 7 to 15 month’s comfy service period is better than many. And you can get more for a better budget.

Comfort

Points 5/5

Yes, they are comfy. The best possible comfort out of this pair? Adding a pair of insoles will do the rest of the magic in case you need it.This is something official which we thought would help judge the genre:

“Diagnostic Hi is specifically designed to support the natural movement of your foot, and is anatomically correct to enhance stability, flexibility, and comfort.”

No more concrete-dwelling sore feet. (Further reading on comfort)

Water, Chemical and Spill Proof

Points 5/5

CAT Footwear waterproofing system is good enough.

“This boot delivers what it speaks. Keeps my feet dry even in the wettest muddy conditions.”

There is a non-waterproof version, in case you stumble upon it.

Slip Resistance

Points 5/5

They have a good grip over sloppy surfaces. The outsole resists slip, oil, water, heat, and abrasion.

Toe Box and Safety

Points 5/5

Wide toe box. The toe surface is reinforced by a hardened layer which is either made of rubber or rubber-vinyl composite. A badass abrasion resistance.There are soft and steel toe versions. Steel toe version has all the features and more.

Break-in Time and Fitting

Points 4/5

These seem to run about a half-size larger for men, maybe sometimes one size; but then on hot days when you feet sweat there is a bit of room to minimize that. A small break in time is required, 1-3 days.

Electrical Hazard

Points 5/5

You can have electrical hazard which comes with the steel toe version.

Fashion and Presentable

Points 4/5

They look nicer than the most work boots but surely are not meant to be worn in parties or occasions like that.

Breathable and Insulation

Points 5/5

Nylon mesh lining ensures better breathability. You can get 200 grams of Thinsulate.

Leather, Upper, Lace and Heel

Points 4/5

Waterproof full-grain leather upper keeps feet dry and protected. The leather is high-tech abrasion resistant.

The leather may crack in some points after a certain period of time. Diagnostics have adequate heel support.

Tongue, Collar and Weight

Points 5/5

The padded tongue is not big. Sometimes bigger tongues tend to turn into disturbing elements. The collar is wider, thicker and it looks so comfy!

There is no doubt that it is lightweight. Imagine you’ve just finished a day long work and walking through the isles feeling deadweight on each of your feet- that’s not gonna happen in this case.

Insole, Midsole, Shank and Arch Support

Points 4/5

Removable EVA foam insert with gel technology. There’s good arch support and these are better for flat foot issues as described by a user:

“I’m flat footed and they are really comfortable. I wear them for about 10 to 12 hours a day at work.”

These have steel shanks, ensuring better sturdiness. They did a lot of work in the midsole.

Outsole, Construction and Sewing

Points 4/5

Rubber non slip outsoles are of good quality which are called SRX.

Their flexible cement construction provides enough support and comfort. The upper is sewn pretty well.

Anti-odor and Cleanable

Points 4/5

These are somewhat odor-controlling because of all the extra room you get all around your feet and everything including the gel insole is perforated. Getting good breathability means getting odor a bit controlled. But the boots are not treated for antibacterial properties.

Warranty, Return and Post Purchase Service Policy

Points 4/5

1 month warranty is not much at all. Yes they offer an extensive period of after purchase service. 1 year is a great period of time!

You can return them if unworn within 45 days.

Brand Faith

Points 4/5

People tend to trust Cat Footwear. There are some negative comments on the brand. Reliable goodwill is building up slowly. For more info on brands you can read this bold post.

Special and Uncommon Features

Points 5/5

• These are very good at anatomical comfort.
• Low price.
• High popularity.

Cons

Points 2/5

30 days’ warranty is not much at all. The good-looking shoelace eyes are surface-mounted. They look solid but there are a couple of repeated complains, “just pulled out of the leather.” and, “ Examining the rivet, I see it literally broke off.”

Editor’s Boost

Points 3/5

These boots are up to the mark for most of the requirements but they fall short in a number of prerequisites. So, 3 out of 5 on the house.These boots are good, worth buying as we said earlier, but they could have been better. These are better for somebody with foot difficulties or overweight. For others, these are still good to go.

Close Alternatives

Popular Alternatives

Caterpillar Men’s Hydraulic Mid Cut Steel Toe Boot

(No waterproofing. They’re puncture resistant, electrical hazard and steel toe)

Get it on amazon: Caterpillar Hydraulic Boot

KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe Work Boot

(Steel toe, insulated, waterproof, puncture resistant and electrical hazard)

Explore amazon for KEEN Utility Pittsburgh

Similar Style

Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot

(Steel toe, insulated, waterproof, slip resistant and electrical hazard)

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Different and Uncommon

men’s timberland pro® pit boss 6″ steel toe work boots

( No waterproofing, traction on all surfaces, electrical hazard and steel toe)

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