If You Think Sorel Only Does Snow Boots, Think Again — Here Are 5 Boots Worth Trying
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The most popular Sorel boots — or perhaps the most instantly identifiable ones — are the brand’s famous shin-high stompers with their lace-up front and impressive faux-fur cuff, but a few other fan-favorites have emerged that have just as many rave reviews on Amazon. Although the Portland-based brand specializes in winter-worthy pairs, the best Sorel boots now extend beyond winter wear to include ankle boots and even stylish wedge designs that still feature the brand’s legendary craftsmanship.
You’ll know a Sorel boot by its weatherproof design, incredible insulation, and high-quality materials, often partially made by hand. These boots are expensive, yes, but they might be the last pair of boots you’ll need for a decade (or more). Most of the pairs below combine a waterproof full-grain or nubuck leather upper with fully sealed seams for a double layer of protection on extra foul days. Sorel snow boots rely on vulcanized rubber soles for maximum protection. And rest assured every Sorel boot has the traction you need to go the distance, from a herringbone grid to the waffle iron of a lug sole.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sorel boot if it didn’t keep you warm, and each of their bestsellers affords its own degree of insulation. At the bare minimum you’ll have a padded fleece-lined footbed with contoured foam for long-lasting comfort, but their extreme weather boots feature incredibly thick felt liners (a lot like a boot sock), as well as frost plugs to prevent the insulation from collapsing if you happen to be on your feet for a while.
Whether you’re shopping for the best winter boots money can buy or a comfortable ankle boot you can travel with, these are the best Sorel boots that shoppers report are worth the investment.
01The Iconic Tall Snow Boot
With enthusiastic reviews on Amazon, the instantly recognizable Joan of Arctic boot holds first place in the brand's hall of fame. There's a lot to love, including a waterproof suede upper with sealed seams, heavy-duty cord laces that meet a luxe faux-fur trim, and a handcrafted vulcanized rubber sole with grippy herringbone tread to see you through any kind of inclement weather. One fan raved, "They are easy to put on, easy to take off & very comfortable to walk around in." Inside, you'll find a removable felt boot liner that's a full six millimeters thick, plus a frost plug underneath to keep you warm no matter how many hours you're standing. "I've worn them several times for long hours, my feet have been comfortable and warm the whole time," as one Minnesota reviewer vouched.
For a shorter option, try the light-on-your-feet Explorer Joan boot that’s also a top seller. Although there are few reviews on Amazon, it’s a fan favorite with over 1,000 reviews on Sorel's brand site alone.
- Available colors: 13
- Available sizes: 5 — 12
02The Best-Selling Mid-Calf Winter Boot With A Sherpa Cuff
For a less intense boot that's equally hardy, Sorel's best-selling Caribou boot packages the heavy-duty features from the Joan Of Arctic in a mid-calf pair. With more than 4,000 ratings on Amazon, shoppers love these serious snow boots. The mid-calf height can cut through short snowdrifts with a waterproof nubuck leather upper with sealed seams and vulcanized rubber sole. It actually has a thicker removable boot lining than the Joan, with the felt clocking in at 9 millimeters thick, along with frost plugs and a sherpa cuff instead of faux fur. "These boots can tackle anything, from rain, deep puddles to snow, deep snow. They even have some grip on ice and they are warm and very comfortable. I love them and cannot imagine why I spent half my life with Moonboots," one convert raved.
- Available colors: 6
- Available sizes: 5 — 12
03A Cute Wedge Ankle Boot With Epic Traction
The Joan of Arctic wedge boasts the same waterproof full-grain suede or leather uppers of the original, with a foam footbed lined in microfleece and a contoured midsole for serious comfort. This pair also boasts major traction: the heavy lug sole has a waffle iron grid (you can see it impressively in profile) that's guaranteed to be a lifesaver when there's rain or snow. Thick elastic gores and a heel tab make them easy to pull on. You might buy them for their weatherproofing, but you'll keep them for their comfort, as one shopper reported: "They truly are waterproof and warm! I’ve tested that in the coastal climate of south central Alaska. Sometimes 45 degrees and sometimes -10 All in the same week! They clean up nicely after road slush and salt dry on and they don’t stain. I can wear them to a business meeting and out shopping for dinner in a snowstorm and drifts right afterwards and still feel chic and comfortable." Another fan was more blunt: “I'm gonna wear these babies around the house naked they’re that good.”
- Available colors: 17
- Available sizes: 5 — 12 (including select wide)
04The Ultra-Rugged Ankle Boots With Chelsea-Style Inspiration
This good-looking leather boot falls somewhere on the spectrum between a fashion shoe and a hiker. Waterproof full-grain leather and suede is constructed into a stylish Chelsea boot with felt elastic gores and a heel tab so you can get into them easily; then the seams are fully waterproofed so rain can't get in. Inside is a memory EVA foam footbed and a canvas lining for soft, breathable, durable comfort over the angular rubber sole. Wear these with everything from jeans and flannel to a sweater dress — they'll go the distance. "These are so well made, and the leather is such good quality. I love the way they look, and got several compliments on them the first day I wore them. I did experience a little ankle rub that other reviewers mentioned, but after two to three days, it was gone," one shopper attested.
- Available colors: 7
- Available sizes: 5 – 12
05A Fan-Favorite Boot For Everyday Errands
For cold, wet days when you don’t need a full tall boot but still want some extra waterproofing and insulation, the Sorel Out 'N About III duck boots get the job done without weighing you down. They feature a waterproof upper and the same indestructible vulcanized rubber soles as the brand's heftier snow boots, with taped seams to protect the soft lining, plus the thick wedge-like sole keeps you out of puddles. "Theses boots are worth every penny! I wore these hiking on an advanced trail. My feet stayed dry, not a blister, and handled walking over jagged rocks! The best boots I’ve ever purchased,” one fan praised.
- Available colors: 10
- Available sizes: 5 — 12
06Also Nice: These Snow-Worthy Slippers You'll Wear All Year Long
When you slip out of your boots at the end of a long day, slip into these Sorel slippers for some cozy TLC. They're surprisingly sturdy for a slipper — you can even wear them outside to check the mail. Suede combines with a thick faux fur lining for ultimate coziness over the padded EVA foam insole, and the rubber sole has the same herringbone traction pattern you'll find on the Joan Of Arctic boots. "I LOVE these shoes. They’re so comfortable and warm, and are just so cute," one reviewer reported. “These are my new go-to any time I head out. I now want a second pair just to wear at home! The value is also amazing. The quality is great and they look much cuter than most slip-ons,” they added, but these ranked among the best: “I have loved their snow boots, and now these have made me want to try just about all their shoes.”
- Available colors: 10
- Available sizes: 5 — 12
