The Gruntz CA3599 is the welted 8" waterproof steel-toe boot — a rubber lug outsole stitched to the upper, which means a cobbler can replace it.
Key Features of the Carolina CA3599
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Steel Safety Toe Cap — Meets ASTM F2413 for impact (I/75) and compression (C/75).
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Brown Leather Upper — Rugged full-leather build with an 8" shaft.
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Waterproof SCUBALINER™ — Carolina's proprietary waterproof lining system.
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Mesh Lining — Breathable against the foot.
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Removable Dual-Density EVA Footbed — Memory-foam top layer with an improved heel cup; comes out for orthotics.
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Electrical Hazard Rated — Tested to withstand up to 18,000 volts at 60Hz for one minute without leakage.
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Steel Shank — Holds the boot's shape under load and torque.
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Welt Construction — Stitched, not bonded; fully resoleable.
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Rubber Lug Outsole — Aggressive tread for loose and uneven ground.
CA3599 or CA3597? The Difference Is Underfoot
Carolina builds two 8" waterproof steel-toe Gruntz boots. The CA3599 is welted with a rubber lug outsole — sturdier underfoot, and resoleable. The CA3597 is cement-constructed with a heavy-duty outsole — lighter, more flexible, and less expensive. It's the same choice the 6" CA3598 and CA3593 offer, one size taller.
What the Extra Two Inches Buy You
An 8" shaft supports the ankle laterally and keeps mud, gravel, and sparks out. It costs you flexibility and a little heat. On broken ground, in a trench, or around hot work, the taller shaft earns its keep.
Why Choose the CA3599?
Waterproof, EH rated, steel-toe protection with real ankle coverage on a resoleable welt — the 8" Gruntz built to be kept.
Similar Styles to Consider
Want the lighter, cement-built 8"? The CA3597. Prefer a 6" welt? The CA3598. Need a pull-on? The CA3600 is the 10" wellington. Browse the full Carolina range at Overlook Boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CA3599 true to size?
Carolina generally runs true to size — order the size you wear in sneakers, unlike Red Wing or Thorogood, which tend to run large. Carolina offers the Gruntz in D and 2E; if you're between widths, take the wider one.
Can it be resoled?
Yes. Welt construction stitches the outsole to the upper rather than bonding it, so a cobbler can replace the lug sole when the tread wears down. This is what separates the CA3599 from the cement-built CA3597.
Why a steel toe over composite?
Both meet the same ASTM impact and compression thresholds. Steel is thinner, so it preserves slightly more room inside the toe box at the same size, and it costs less. Composite weighs less and stays warmer in winter.
Is it insulated?
The CA3599 is waterproof and uninsulated, which makes it comfortable across three seasons. For winter work, Carolina builds insulated models rated by gram weight.
Does the EH rating still apply when the boots are wet?
Treat it as reduced. EH testing is performed under dry conditions; moisture, damp leather, and worn outsoles all degrade insulation. EH footwear is secondary protection — never a substitute for de-energizing a circuit or using primary PPE.
