While shopping for high-quality work boots, chances are you’ll come across the Wolverine Floorhand Boot and Caterpillar Second Shift Boot. These are two bestselling and most trusted work boot options for several reasons – which we’ll delve deeper into in this article. If you’re curious about what makes these boots top choices among workers from different trades, you don’t have to look further for the answers. Check out our observations and conclusions after trying these remarkable work boots in various work settings to determine their performance.

Main Similarities

Safety Toe

Toe safety isn’t problematic with these two boots because they have reinforced toe boxes. Steel toe caps are built into the Wolverine Floorhand Boot and the Caterpillar Second Shift Boot. These safety caps protect the toes against crushing injuries in case heavy objects are accidentally dropped or rolled on the feet. The presence of these safety toes makes these two boots suitable for hazardous work environments where there are compression and impact risks.

Winner: The Wolverine Floorhand and Caterpillar Second Shift Boots are winners regarding safety toes. They’re equipped with steel toe caps delivering maximum toe protection for enhanced foot safety in demanding worksites.

Style

These boots look almost the same, with the differences becoming apparent only after taking a closer look at each boot’s details. Both boots have 6-inch lace-up designs with thick rubber outsoles for an undeniably rugged look. However, the Wolverine Floorhand has a sleeker profile and looks more stylish. It’s more versatile and easier to pair with different outfits on and off the job site but doesn’t compromise function. On the other hand, the Caterpillar Second Shift has a more heavy-duty silhouette and looks a bit bulkier than the Floorhand boot. It doesn’t look too industrial, so it can also be used with more casual attire off the clock.

Winner: Both boots are rugged and versatile, but the Wolverine Floorhand Boot comes out on top with a sleeker, more stylish appearance.

Traction

These boots have high-traction rubber outsoles. These soles are designed to have a firm grip on the ground for a safer way of walking. The grippy rubber outsoles on both boots are built with deep treads that help stabilize the steps even while navigating slippery or unstable ground conditions.

Winner: Both the Caterpillar Second Shift and Wolverine Floorhand Boots are winners because they have high-traction outsoles. They feel grippy enough to stabilize steps on challenging surfaces to prevent slipping.

Breathability & Moisture Control

Breathability and moisture control are crucial aspects of foot comfort – both boots have these qualities in good measure. The Caterpillar Second Shift Boot has an exclusive Climasphere insole that keeps the interior properly ventilated, allowing the air to flow freely for an all-day cool feeling. It also has a mesh lining to draw the sweat away from the skin and keep the foot dry for much longer. Meanwhile, the Wolverine Floorhand Boot has a similar mesh lining, wicking away the moisture for a comfortably dry feeling. The lining also promotes continuous air movement to dissipate heat and sweat.

Winner: Wolverine Floorhand and Caterpillar Second Shift Boots are equally good in moisture control and breathability. These boots can keep the feet feeling cool and fresh for longer, even in hot or humid conditions.

Cushioning

Comfortable cushioning is incorporated into these boots. The Wolverine’s Floorhand Boot has a generously cushioned footbed, adding a soft layer that follows the foot’s shape for superior comfort. It also has a padded collar to help stabilize the ankle and prevent uncomfortable chafing while walking for hours. Caterpillar’s Second Shift Boot also has a padded insole to soften the impact of walking. A PU liner boosts the softness surrounding the foot for even better daily comfort. Thick padding on the collar helps improve the snugness and stability of the boot and, at the same time, holds the ankle in a secure position to prevent accidental twisting.

Winner: Both the Caterpillar Second Shift and Wolverine Floorhand Boots are winners with comfortably cushioned interiors that keep the feet comfortable and supported on the job.

Weight

These sturdy work boots both have hefty structures. The Wolverine Floorhand and Caterpillar Second Shift Boots can’t be considered lightweight, but their considerable weight levels have advantages, too. These boots have enough bulk to keep the feet planted firmly on the ground. The added weight and strong traction from the high-traction soles also contribute to improved stability, especially while walking on tricky surfaces. However, the weighty designs can cause discomfort when the boots are used for long periods.

Winner: The Caterpillar Second Shift Boot and Wolverine Floorhand Boot are equally heavy, so they both come out as winners for their solid construction and stability.

Main Differences

Water Resistance

The Wolverine Floorhand Boot has a waterproof design. It uses waterproof leather to effectively seal out rain, mud, and other sources of moisture. The leather is also breathable, so the interior doesn’t heat up easily, even in humid or hot settings. This boot is ideal for wet environments because it can keep the foot dry for long periods.

The Caterpillar Second Shift Bot, on the other hand, isn’t waterproof. The thick leather upper can provide minimal resistance to liquids and stop them from being absorbed instantly. However, it isn’t enough to keep wet elements from entering and soaking the feet, especially with extended exposure to wetness.

Winner: The Wolverine Floorhand Boot wins in water resistance because it has a waterproof design. It’s a great choice for use outdoors in the rain and other work conditions with exposure to wetness.

Durability

These two boots look similar, but their materials and design details distinguish their durability levels. The Caterpillar Second Shift Boot uses top-quality leather from sources certified by the Leather Working Group for responsible manufacturing practices. The robust materials and design keep up with the challenges of daily use in variable work settings, so the boot maintains its superior look and performance for a long time. The boot’s metallic hardware components are built to last through heavy use while resisting obvious signs of wear and tear. Even the thick rubber sole is made for long-lasting use, with an inflexible structure that’s resilient enough to withstand tough activities and conditions. The Goodyear Welt construction elevates the boot’s resilience against damage, ensuring solid durability that can be relied on for the toughest jobs.

The Wolverine Floorhand Boot also uses high-quality leather. However, the material is less strong than the LWG-certified leather in the Second Shift Boot. Even with the waterproof design, the Floorhand’s leather upper doesn’t look like it will hold up well after heavy exposure to wetness. The leather also lacks the heavy-duty thickness that enhances a boot’s overall durability.

Winner: Caterpillar Second Shift Boot wins in durability. Its high-quality leather upper is sturdier than the material used in the Wolverine Floorhand Boot and is expected to last much longer, even with heavy use.

Electrical Hazard Protection

Electrical hazard protection offers a secondary level of protection in areas exposed to open circuits. The Caterpillar Second Shift Boot has this enhancement, greatly lowering the risk of an electric shock if there’s unintended contact with electrically energized objects. This boot is ideal for workers who work around live wires and other items that can cause electrocution risks.

The Wolverine Floorhand Boot, on the other hand, doesn’t have an electrical hazard-safe design. Without this safety enhancement, the boot can’t protect the wearer against electrical shock risks in the workplace.

Winner: The Caterpillar Second Shift Boot is the clear winner for electrical hazard protection. Its electrical hazard-safe design significantly lowers the threat of electric shock when there’s accidental contact with open circuits.

Who’s the Overall Winner?

These boots excel differently, but the Caterpillar Second Shift Boot outperforms the Wolverine Floorhand and emerges as the overall winner. Second Shift wins in durability and electrical hazard protection, while the Floorhand shines through with a waterproof structure.

Recap

Choose the Wolverine Floorhand Boot if you:

• Need waterproof work boots
• Want work boots with a bit more style
• Prefer comfortably cushioned boots

Go for the Caterpillar Second Shift Boot for:

• Reliable durability
• Electrical hazard protection
• A rugged, versatile look

Conclusion

The Caterpillar Second Shift Boot and the Wolverine Floorhand Boot are two remarkable choices with outstanding features. Both have steel safety toes, high-traction outsoles, comfortable cushioning and breathability, and rugged styling. The Second Shift comes out on top, though, because of its enhanced durability and electrical hazard-safe design. However, the Wolverine Floorhand isn’t left in the dust as it excels with a waterproof structure and sleek silhouette.