Moon-themed footwear is not necessarily uncharted territory but beyond Apollo-inspired colorways and NASA patches, most products lack the actual lunar connection that, say, the watch world would have. On the other hand, you have Caterpillar, whose ten generators powered the communication systems that kept Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins connected to Earth during humanity’s first Moon landing, making “one small step” possible.
Celebrating CAT’s 100th anniversary, their offshoot CAT Footwear has debuted a pair of Apollo 11 boots that look just like they stepped off the lunar module.
Lightweight Space-Age Construction
While brands love to use their preexisting products to serve as the base model for their special-edition releases, CAT seems to have crafted an entirely new product with the Apollo 11 Boot. Certainly carrying the DNA of a rugged work boot, the shoe also evokes something that Buzz and Neil would’ve strapped on their feet as well.
Striking on a visual level, the boot is also designed to perform well. It features a stacked sole that’s constructed to be lightweight while adding aesthetic appeal. CAT’s designers seemed to have studied actual space gear, translating the puffy, insulated look of astronaut suits into something you can actually wear on Earth. The brushed, dusty finish is a direct nod to the first footprints on lunar soil, giving the boot a deliberately weathered appearance straight out of the box.
The upper construction features that same puffy, insulated design approach, complete with a practical bungee quick-lacing system and velcro strap — both features that are rarities in work boots but often show up in technical or lifestyle shoes. Above the upper, an elastic collar hugs the ankle to further the theming, below which a triangular key ring hangs.
The rubber outsole here is no mere gimmick, featuring thick, grippy treads inspired by CAT’s heavy machinery. Not that you would take these boots out in the field, but the lugs seem like they could easily handle actual terrain. The rubber compound extends up the heel and over the toe cap, adding durability where it’s needed most while reinforcing the space-suit aesthetic.
Lastly, the boots feature a commemorative woven patch, while a removable hang tag dangles in back via a triangular keyring.
More Than Moonwalk Marketing
This Apollo 11 release sits alongside two other historically-inspired models in the Centennial Collection: the Golden Gate Bridge Boot with its overbuilt structural cage mimicking the bridge’s cable system, and the Channel Tunnel Boot featuring actual functioning lights that reference trains speeding through underground passages. Each boot tackles a different engineering marvel where Caterpillar machinery played an integral role, but the Apollo 11 version feels the most personal for the brand.
Spec Sheet
Model: CAT Footwear Centennial Apollo 11 Boot
Upper: Puffy, insulated construction with brushed, dusty finish
Sole: Lightweight stacked construction with heavy machinery-inspired tread
Lacing: Quick bungee system with velcro strap
Details: Commemorative woven patch, removable centennial hangtag
Price: $150
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Pricing & Availability
Limited to an unspecified edition size, the Apollo 11 Boot retails for $150 and is available now through CAT Footwear’s website, though some sizes have already sold out.
Recap
CAT Footwear Centennial Collection Apollo 11 Boot
CAT Footwear honors Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary and its role in the Moon landing with these highly inspired Apollo 11 Boots that look like they were actually worn by Buzz and Neil on the Moon.
