I picked up a set of Caterpillar brand work boots today. Is there something that might be good to apply to them to keep them in good shape? Like a treatment or something? Anyone had Cat brand work boots before? How did you like them?

I assume they are leather ...

The problem with leather is it will dry out, and loose its natural oils. Get a tin of saddle soap, and use it per the instructions. If they're really stiff and uncomfortable, soak em in Lexol. Either one should be available in a good shoe store, Walmart or Mills Fleet Farm.

I usually try to get them really wet and wear them for a while, usually while working. They seem to break in easier that way and fit your feet really well. Then a little mink oil and you're all set.

I use mink oil on mine (comes in a tin at any shoe store) seems to keep them looking good. As for Cat boots never had them, I always buy Wolverines.

For proper break in use a bottle of GM's E.O.S.!

Oh, wait! That's for a camshaft. Reminds me of a story though.....

After living in Texas for 6 years, I finally broke down and bought a pair of 'boy boots. Very nice ones too.
The salesman at the western wear store (best damned service ever, at any store. Period.) told me to mix a little alcohol with warm water and spray them inside & out, wear them for about four hours and let them dry.

Then he gave some mink oil to put on them after the break-in procedure. It worked great! They fit much better and were nice & soft. I wore them once after that.

Then, one day my dog found my new boots, and chewed them into morsals. The soles were still in good shape though. That mink oil must have done it for her. I just wasn't meant for cowboy boots. Flip Flops are my kharma I guess.
Anyone need some soles?

Well I wore them at work today for the first time and boy are they comfortable. I have never had a pair this comfortable right from the get go before. Not stiff or anything, I just hope they will hold out for many years. Always wanted a pair of Wolverine or Red Wing boots but never really had the money budgeted for just boots. Maybe someday ill try a pair out.

Wwalstrom, thanks for the tip. I didnt think about getting any leather treatment like that while I was at Fleet Farm, but thats were I bought the boots yesterday.:)

I believe Cat boots are made by Wolverine, but I could be wrong. I had a pair years ago. They worked well, I just stopped wearing them because they were white from spraying a lot of paint at work one night. They were relegated to weekend work around the house, and eventually dried up and weren't comfortable anymore. So I never did actually wear them out. Still going on my first pair of Redwings, though. They're over two years old, worn daily, and amazingly still can keep my feet dry in wet conditions.

Always wanted a pair of Wolverine or Red Wing boots but never really had the money budgeted for just boots. Maybe someday ill try a pair out.

That's a common train of thought. I, however, have usually went by the idea that, quite a few of my extremities can be uncomfortable (arms, fingers, legs) ... but if your FEET are uncomfortable, you are usually MISERABLE.

When I buy a new pair of (leather) boots, I'll rub 'em down really good with Lexol and let them sit overnight. Then, they can be worn for break-in. After that, I'll use saddle soap periodically to keep the oils in the leather.

Hey, this reminds me of a joke ...

Does anybody know the difference between Cowboy Boots and Western Boots?

To help keep the train of thought off topic, that reminds me of a story.
I had some Redwings for work. We were installing some equipment at a plant that processes animal fat, for soap, shampoo, etc, it would come in by the tanker load. Between that and the concrete work and the dust, the boots got rather nasty. Then I got a postcard from Redwing for a free cleaning/conditioning. The manager was so friendly, until he saw my boots and realized that he would have to clean them. I almost felt a little bad.
But he did a great job on them. Good boots, but long break-in time.
Anyway, as others have recomended, I use mink oil on my cheaper boots.
Danny

Hey, this reminds me of a joke ...

Does anybody know the difference between Cowboy Boots and Western Boots?
Cowboy Boots have the @#&* on the outside.

"Years to come..."??

Man, I wish I could get ONE year out of a pair of workboots, let alone YEARS!! Granted, my profession is tough on shoes, and I'm typically tough on shoes myself, but I consider them tools and replace them when worn, not "worn-out". I've seen some guys on the job that look like the "Terminator".... the meat totally worn off and the steel toe showing through... but they won't pop for a new pair of boots. (??)

Believe it or not, my last 3 pair have been Target Specials, the "Mack Truck" line of steel toe boots they carry. They are usually "wides" in comparison, and the leather is already somewhat soft & pliable. I wear a size 10, but have wide feet. Two days in these shoes and they're broken in. If I think of it (every 6 months) I'll either treat them with mink oil, or in a bind I'll grab my boys tin of Spaulding Glove Conditioner. My biggest problem with boots is keeping laces on them.

I've done Wolverines, Red Wings, and nearly every brand offered by the "Shoe-Mobile's" that show up at factories or construction sites. The extensive break-in (for me) and $130 a pair for these doesn't outweigh that I can burn up 3 pair of Target specials over 1-1/2 years for the same buck.

The only problem with retail or low-priced boots is they are not (usually) ESD rated (Electro Static Discharge). I have to wear a grounding strap on the heel in certain environments. Small concession IMO.

I have a pair of Cat workboots w/steel toe........nice and comfortable. I'd use the mink oil too..........Mike