Women in Construction Week is a moment in time when we can highlight and celebrate the  contributions of Women that work in the construction space.

This year to celebrate Women in Construction Week,  we had the opportunity to speak with Missy Scherber (@Missyscherber) and Sara Bendrick (@SaraBendrick) two groundbreakers in the construction industry to learn more about their experiences and why they decided to pursue a career in the trades.

You can read what they had to say below!

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what motivates you to continue in this field? 
What inspired me to pursue a career in construction is I saw the opportunities for career advancement and how quickly the progression into leadership could be for high performers. What motivates me to continue is definitely our people – the operators, drivers, and laborers that build the world around us in the daily work they do .

Can you share some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the construction industry, and how you overcame them?
Every industry regardless of gender has its challenges but I’ve always been able to navigate them with the support of my peers, mentors and Allie’s. My passion to put people first and to invest in good Relationships with men and women who are leaders in the construction industry have always been my guide.
How do you think the construction industry can attract and retain more women, and what steps have you personally taken to encourage diversity and inclusion? 
There are a few different ways our industry can attract and retain more women. One is more inclusive marketing that is genuine and showcases the women doing the work. They are our greatest stories and that story is our greatest recruiting tool. As business leaders and management it’s so important to have open communication on what women need to make the opportunities in construction work, and take the time to hear what they need to manage their additional responsibilities and commitments.

• I /75 and C/75 – Indicates compression and impact resistance for the toe cap. “I/75” means the boot can withstand an impact of 75 foot-pounds, and “C/75” signifies compression resistance of 2,500 pounds.

• EH –  Electrical Hazard protection indicates that the boot provides a secondary source of electric shock resistance.

• MT/75 –  Metatarsal Protection, safeguarding the metatarsal bones from impact and compression.

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, Cat Footwear is partnering with Helmets to Hardhats in their mission to help transition our military heroes into successful careers in construction.

On November 28th, 2023, for every purchase on Catfootwear.com we will donate a pair of Threshold Work Boots to work to  with Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), a non-profit organization that helps to transition our military heroes into successful careers into construction. H2H has partnered with 15 international construction trade unions that have made a commitment to help our military heroes successfully transition to civilian life and work. Since 2003, they’ve helped over 40,000 military personnel successfully transfer into civilian careers in the construction trades.

If you aren’t familiar with the day, Giving Tuesday is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is known as a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

Happy Giving Tuesday & check our Threshold Work boots here!

*1000 pairs expected to be given away at the minimum.

*Offer void in MA, AL, IL, SC, MS, HI, NH & AR.

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, is a vibrant and meaningful time to honor the rich cultural tapestry of Hispanic and Latino communities. This annual observance provides an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of Hispanics to the United States, spanning fields from art and music to science, politics, and beyond. It’s a time to celebrate the diversity of Latinx cultures, emphasizing the unity that can be found in their shared histories and traditions.

With this in mind, for Hispanic Heritage Month, Cat Footwear has chosen to provide a platform to highlight and celebrate 3  successful Groundbreakers  that have their own businesses and/or work in the construction space: Stalin Lopez, Yahara Vaqquez, and Adriana López.

Stalin Lopez @Stalop who has attracted an audience by sharing his daily life working in construction. From educational content to aspirational projects, Jorge is paving the way for other Hispanic construction professionals to follow. Embracing his culture as part of his work, he inspires others to share their experiences while working in the trades.

Yahara Vasquez @building_by_her is an inspiration to women in construction, sharing her experiences and infusing her unique personality and Hispanic heritage into her projects. Running a business is tough, but Yahara takes it in stride by finding joy in her work and embracing new challenges every day.

Our final Groundbreaker is Adriana Lopez  @TexasDIYmomma and a she is a true inspiration! Despite facing obstacles and a lack of acceptance earlier in life, Adriana has persevered and is now a role model for Hispanic women and girls everywhere. Through her social media presence, she shares her Mexican culture and her experiences as a mother, wife, woodworker, and DIY enthusiast Adriana’s story serves as a testament to the importance of representation and motivates others to follow their dreams. We are proud to celebrate her creativity, talent, and determination as a Cat Groundbreaker!

Check out the recap of all 3 of our Groundbreakers here.

Did you know that the US has over a shortage of over 500k construction workers?

Although construction school enrollment has increased over the past  two years, there is still a huge need for new people to enter the construction industry.

This year, Cat Footwear is taking a different approach with our Back to School efforts. We are using  this time which has historically focused on students going back to traditional schooling, to highlight the individuals who have decided to take a non-traditional route and go into trade school and construction school.

To help us with this endeavor, we partnered with Caterpillar’s ThinkBig Program to share the stories on individuals that have chosen careers in the trades. ThinkBig  is a Caterpillar specific instructional program that pays you to train to become a technician. When students are accepted into the program, they alternate between lab and classroom work and a paid internship  at a sponsoring  Caterpillar  dealership.

This month we had the opportunity to speak to  three current and former Think Big Students that were eager to chat with about us about their experience in the program:

Nick Chesser,  a current student at Owens Community College and Intern at Ohio Cat.

Hanna Burl, a former ThinkBIG Graduate and current technician at Foley Equipment in Dodge City, Kansas.

Juan Ramos – a current student at Mesa Community College and intern at Empire Cat in Mesa, Arizona

Read more about their reasons for pursuing a career in construction below!

What made you decide to pursue a career in construction?

Nick Chesser: I decided to pursue a career in the trades because I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands. I didn’t necessarily do bad in traditional school, but I really excelled when it came to trade school and I’ve enjoyed it with the experiences that I’ve had so far. I got into tractors and stuff with my buddies and I spent my Junior and Senior year [of high school] at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center where I was able to further my interest into engines and working on different pieces of equipment. That’s where I  found that this was something I really wanted to do.

Hanna Burl: I decided to pursue a career in the trade to change careers and just really start something new in life.

Juan Ramos : The reason why I pursued a career in construction is because I think it is vital for societies  to have a thriving construction industry.

Who Inspired you to venture down this career path?

Nick:  My biggest inspiration was probably my dad because he’s always been in the trades and just hearing from his experiences, I always had thoughts on what it would be like if I took the same path. I would often hear about the type of equipment he would run or the type of engine that went into it. That coupled with working on things with him from a  young age lead me down this path.

Hanna: My wife and my dad inspired me to go down this career path into the trades. 

Juan:  There wasn’t one person in particular who inspired me to pursue this career path. but ever since I was young, I’ve always enjoyed building, fixing, creating as well as seeing construction zones and  machinery being used.  I’ve also always enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together.

What do you hope to accomplish in your training?

Nick: The biggest thing I hope to accomplish during my training is  being able to become fluent in not just one machine but every machine as well as  being able to diagnose and troubleshoot

Hanna: Since completing the Think Big program I have been able to further myself and my career as a technician I have also been able to learn things that I did not know before coming into the trades and it’s really paid off and it’s been very rewarding and especially learning a new skill set would suggest the big big program to anyone who want.

Juan: There’s something new everyday to be able to have an answer to any questions in regards to my field. I’ll go with mine through this training is to learn something new everyday that’ll help me in the future and be able to answer any question in regards to my field! I’m going to be a mechanic

What are you looking forward to most after your training is complete?

Nick: After my training is complete I plan on working my way up here  to become a Road Tech or maybe even a resident in one of Cat’s partnered facilities.

Juan: I aspire to be hired here at Empire Cat and be a technician after my training is complete. I aspire to be hired here at Empire cat as a mechanic technician.

Hanna: I recently graduated from the Think Big Program and I’m currently a Level 1 technician at Foley Equipment in Kansas,
Why should others investigate careers in construction?

Nick: I would definitely recommend this career path in the trades to many of the young kids coming out of high school because there’s just so many opportunities out there right now in construction. If you’re just ready to get into the workforce there’s plenty of money to be made and so many opportunities. 

Hanna: Others should explore careers in the trades because it is very rewarding and challenging at times but you learn a lot about yourself and what you’re capable of. You really grow a team with the others working around you. To anyone who wants to get into construction and especially the Think Big Program, do it because it will launch your career and give you a step up over others. 

Juan:  I think people should pursue a career in construction because as I stated previously construction is very vital to our society and our infrastructure. There’s also a shortage of construction workers so that really means  job security and being in high demand.  I’ve had a lot of fun, meeting new people and gaining experience from them as well. 

What is one skill you’ve learned in training so far that you’re proud of or have already benefited from?

 Nick I’ve learned a lot of stuff within trade schools and I did early work release at certain places, but here I’ve gotten to work on the things that I’ve learned about in the books,  but I had never really gotten hands on until now and that’s where the real learning is done. 

Hanna: One skill that I’ve learned from the big big program is engine rebuilding and electrical troubleshooting. It’s kind of the way of the future and it’s very good knowledge to have and it’s something I use almost every single day. yeah I knew that I really had to pay attention and really get a good grasp on it because there are a lot of machines that are electrically driven and that’s definitely the way of the future.
Juan: Through my training and working in the shops I’ve gained a lot of knowledge. I’ve learned how to properly rig heavy iron. I’ve also learned a lot of technical skills such as rebuilding engines, measuring components and inspecting them to see if they’re usable or if they have to be replaced. These are skills that technicians already know and use everyday in the field.

Learn more about the Caterpillar ThinkBig Program here and click  here for the opportunity to enter our Back To [Construction] School giveaway Giveaway

Work boots are a crucial piece of equipment for anyone who works in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or mining. They provide protection for your feet, support for your ankles, and help prevent accidents. However, even the best work boots have a limited lifespan, and you’ll eventually need to replace them. Knowing when to replace your work boots is important to ensure your safety and comfort on the job.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your work boots:

Worn Out Soles

One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your work boots is when the soles are worn out. The soles of your work boots are essential to provide traction, stability, and support. If the soles are worn out, they can’t provide the necessary grip and may even be a hazard on slippery surfaces. When the tread is worn, it’s time to replace your boots. Also, take not of any rips, tears, or delamination – if there are holes or openings in the bottom they might let dirt and water in, and if the soles are starting to separate from the upper of the boots, that can effect safety and protection as well.

Damaged Upper

The upper part of your work boots is the area that surrounds your foot and ankle. If the upper is damaged, torn or has holes, it can reduce the support and protection provided by the boot. If any of the lacing hardware is missing or damaged, and prevents you from securely lacing the boot then this would be an unsafe scenario to keep using it. Lacing itself should and can be replaced when getting worn out. An overly worn out upper can increase the risk of injuries and accidents on the job. A damaged upper is a sign that it’s time to replace your boots.

Discomfort 

Work boots should be comfortable to wear, especially if you’re wearing them for long periods. If your boots are causing pain or discomfort, it’s time to replace them. Worn-out insoles or a poor fit can cause pain, discomfort, or even blisters. If the insole is removable, there is potential to replace with a new one, but make sure that it is the same or a very similar insole to what was initially engineered into your boot. Ignoring discomfort can lead to fatigue and long-term injuries that can affect your overall health and ability to work.

Outdated Safety Features

Safety features in work boots are designed to protect you from hazards on the job. As the industry changes, so do safety standards. If your work boots are outdated and no longer meet safety standards, it’s time to replace them. In some cases, regulations require specific safety features such as steel toes or electrical hazard protection. It’s important to make sure that your boots meet the safety requirements of your job.

Age Of The Boots 

Even if your work boots appear to be in good condition, they have a limited lifespan. Most work boots last between six months to two years, depending on the quality of the boot and the intensity of the work. The age of your boots can affect their durability, support, and protection. When your work boots have been worn for a significant amount of time, it’s time to replace them.

Replacing your work boots is essential to ensure your safety, comfort, and productivity on the job. Worn-out soles, damaged upper, discomfort, outdated safety features, and age are all signs that it’s time to replace your work boots. Investing in a new pair of boots can help prevent accidents, injuries, and long-term foot problems. Take care of your feet and your boots, and they will take care of you!

Click here find your next pair of Cat Work Boots!

On Earth Day, we celebrate our planet and the importance of taking care of it for future generations. One way we can do this is by adopting sustainable practices and using products that are eco-friendly.  We’re happy to share with you the newest shoes in our Eco Collection, the Eco Trespass  and Eco Intruder  made with Piñatex®. A material collaboration on our most loved RePowered styles.

Piñatex is a natural innovative and patented new material, made from pineapple leaf fibers gathered by partner farming cooperatives in the Philippines. Piñatex fibers are the by-product of the pineapple harvest. No extra land water, fertilizer or pesticides are required to produce the material.

At Cat Footwear, we’re committed to enhancing the sustainability of our materials, products and processes. We know we aren’t perfect, but we’re working hard and making strides – and we hope you’ll keep us accountable along the way.

Check out our more consciously engineered products  here.

When it comes to work boots, it’s important to have a reliable and durable pair that can withstand the rigors of your job. However, even the best work boots have a lifespan, and eventually, you will need to replace them. Here are some things to consider when replacing your work boots:

Safety Features

One of the most important factors to consider when replacing your work boots is safety. Depending on your job, you may need boots with specific safety features, such as a steel or composite safety toe, a puncture resistant plate, metatarsal guard, or high-performance rubber sole compounds. These safety features can protect your feet from heavy objects, sharp edges, or electrical hazards. When shopping for new work boots be aware of what safety features you need for your occupation, and make sure to check the safety ratings and certifications to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards.

Comfort and Fit

Your work boots should be comfortable and provide a good fit to avoid discomfort, fatigue or injury on the job. When trying on new work boots, make sure to wear the same socks you would wear on the job and walk around in them for a while to get a feel for their comfort. Move around in them mimicking some of the movements you will do at work; bending, twisting, flexing, even climbing if possible. Make sure that the boots flex comfortably in the forefoot as you move. Check for any pressure points or areas where the boots may rub or chafe. If the boot is Waterproof, check that the tongue gussets lay flat against your foot, and that they do not irritate your ankles in any way. Make sure the boots fit snugly around the ankle and heel, but still allow enough room for your toes to move freely.

Durability and Materials

Your work boots should be made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of your job. Leather is a popular material for work boots as it’s durable, long-lasting and can be water-resistant with proper treatment. Other materials such as synthetic textiles, synthetic sheet goods or rubber can also provide durability and protection. When looking for new work boots, check the quality of the materials used and look for any signs of weakness or wear. Make sure that the material choices align with your occupational needs and the environment you are working in.

Traction and Grip

Depending on your job, you may need work boots with good traction and grip to prevent slips and falls. Look for boots with non-slip soles and a tread pattern that can provide good traction on various surfaces. Consider the type of terrain you’ll be working on. For example, for smoother indoor oriented surfaces, the lugs should be small, densely spaced, and have numerous leading edges and grooves to provide grip while allowing for liquid evacuation, whereas regarding outdoor environments and varied terrain, it’s better to have deeper more spaced out cleat-like lugs that offer maximum traction. Choose boots with a sole that can provide the appropriate level of grip for your occupational environment.

Breathability and Insulation

Depending on your work environment, you may need work boots with either breathability or insulation. Breathable work boots are ideal for hot and humid work environments as they allow air to circulate, keeping your feet cool and dry. Insulated work boots are best for colder climates or outdoor work in the winter, as they can provide warmth and protect your feet from the cold. Waterproof boots offer the added benefit of providing protection from the elements, and because of the treatment of the upper materials are usually easier to clean, even just by hosing them off with water.

Price and Warranty

Finally, consider the price and warranty of your new work boots. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality pair of work boots can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Many times you are paying more for the durability, toughness and longevity of the boots. Check for any warranties or guarantees offered by the manufacturer and make sure you’re getting a good value for your money.

Replacing your work boots may seem like a daunting task, but by considering safety features, comfort and fit, durability and materials, traction and grip, breathability and insulation, price and warranty, you can choose a pair of boots that will keep you safe, comfortable, and productive on the job. Remember to take your time, try on several pairs, make sure they fit you well, and feel comfortable for you, and choose a pair of boots that meet your specific needs and job requirements.

Please feel free to browse through our complete range of work boots available on our website here.

Work boots are an essential part of many jobs, providing safety, comfort, and durability. However, with constant use, they can become dirty and worn out, affecting their overall quality and lifespan. Regular cleaning and maintenance of work boots can help prolong their life and keep them in good condition. In this blog, we will discuss the steps to clean your work boots and keep them looking new.

Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt and Debris

The first step in cleaning your work boots is to remove any loose dirt or debris. Use a stiff-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to scrub away dirt and mud from the sole and the upper part of the boots. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away any surface dirt.

Step 2: Wash The Boots

After removing loose dirt, it’s time to wash the boots. Use warm water and mild soap to wash the boots thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents as they can damage the leather or other materials. For leather boots, use a leather cleaner or conditioner to keep them soft and supple.

Step 3: Dry The Boots

Once you’ve washed the boots, it’s important to dry them properly. Avoid using direct heat sources such as a hairdryer or radiator, as this can cause the leather to crack or warp. Instead, stuff the boots with newspapers or a dry towel to absorb the moisture. Leave them to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Step 4: Polish The Boots

After the boots have dried, it’s time to polish them. Use a shoe polish or wax to restore the shine and protect the leather. Apply a small amount of polish with a soft cloth and rub it in using circular motions. Allow the polish to dry for a few minutes and then buff it off with a clean cloth.

Step 5: Waterproof The Boots

To protect your work boots from water damage and stains, apply a waterproofing spray or wax. This will help to repel water and prevent stains from seeping into the leather. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and reapplication of the waterproofing product.

Step 6: Store The Boots Properly

Proper storage of work boots is important for maintaining their quality and lifespan. Store the boots in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use a shoe tree or crumpled newspaper to help maintain the shape of the boots. Avoid stacking them on top of each other or storing them in a damp or humid environment.

Cleaning and maintaining your work boots is essential for their longevity and quality. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent damage from dirt, water, and other elements. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can keep your work boots looking new and performing their best for years to come.

Check out all of our work boots here