A cathode having high durability and low hydrogen overvoltage comprising an electrode substrate and an alloy layer formed thereon, characterized in that said alloy layer is made of an alloy comprising Component X selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and a mixture thereof, Component Y selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zinc, magnesium and silicon, and Component Z selected from the group consisting of a noble metal and rhenium, and having a composition of Components X, Y and Z falling within the range defined by the following points A, B, C and D with reference to the diagram of FIG. 1:A: X=99.6 wt. %, Y=0 wt. %, Z=0.4 wt. %B: X=79.6 wt. %, Y=20 wt. %, Z=0.4 wt. %C: X=10 wt. %, Y=20 wt. %, Z=70 wt. %D: X=12.5 wt. %, Y=0 wt. %, Z=87.5 wt. %.