CAT FOOTWEAR -Women's Select Fall 2012-Spring 2013

"Forged by Work, Driven by Life"

NYC

words/images Judith Ecochard

A Wolverine World Wide Inc. licensed brand, CAT® FOOTWEAR sets itself apart from its brethren ---well, for one reason AT LEAST--- it's a licensee itself of, believe it or not, the farm equipment, highway trucks, engines and parts maker Catepillar.

Clearly the company's heritage is in OSHA approved work boots-but what we saw at a blogger's night (FUN) was a well made collection of very fashionable, urban style kicks---using the techy know-how acquired from THOSE other items...fused with on trend details- with the added bonus of rugged (but not obvious) outsoles that will stand up to the city pavements we're always pounding.

Available now---this Corinne ($230) of durable canvas/leather boot, canvas lined, T1030 leather outsole, cement construction...part of the Legendary Raw Collection. Love---has that Army/safari influence...

Other Fall 2012 styles ---are all made with really quality leathers like full grain and/ nubuck uppers, canvas lined, EVA sock liners that are cushion=y and supportive, and often---boast Goodyear Welt construction (something we see in pricey men's footwear...a lot, but rare for women).

Several selections are designed with singer SHONTELLE...a talented musician who clearly likes to actually walk around town without twisting an ankle.

Marin $210-rawhide laces. contrast toe cap/heel detail, stitching-hiker style lace-up

Jodi $150 and Caroline $115 (l-r) -a boot version for gals take on a men's chukka

Collaboration with Shontelle- Bajan, Xtreme and Sandy Lane ($200-$260)

Shontelle-Bridgetown Boot $190-multi-straps with a leg cuff over a tie she-well done in nice washed in tones

Rita $170-full grain/nubuck upper.

Rosie $210-equestian style harness boot-Goodyear Welf Construction-tumbled full grain leather upper, nylon mesh _ faytex sock lining, T1033 rubber/leather outsole

Spring styles previewed ...

Microfiber lining and EVA sock lining---comfort and cushioning energy return with each step---also moisture absorbing.

Woven styles in leather and suede...

Marilyn---a flat with an outsole the will last a trip around the world. Pretty-with a back zip easy on/off.

Worksong---oxford style in a pretty washed peacock blue or below-in a neutral sandy beige...with colored, layered outsoles

Lyrical-stiated leather pattern on upper----

Our fans---belonged to the Shontelle group of Victorian style lace-up boots with buckle details- solid hardware ... and sturdy chunk heels for height and easier to walk around---in wood or leather wrapped.