The best Sorel boots depend on one question: how cold does your winter get? Sorel makes two very different kinds of boots under one name. There are the classic felt-lined pac boots like the Caribou, built for deep snow and brutal cold. And there are lighter insulated boots like the Explorer Next, made for city sidewalks and slushy commutes.
Our top picks are the Sorel Caribou for men and the Sorel Joan of Arctic for women. Below you'll find eight picks, four for men and four for women, plus a warmth ladder, a sizing guide by model, and an honest answer on whether Sorels work as work boots.
Our author Ethan Walker owns a pair of the men's Caribou, and the photo in this guide is his. Everything else comes from Sorel's specs, retailer spec sheets, published tests and owner reviews, each cited where it's used. See how we research boots.
Best Sorel Boots at a Glance
| Boot | Best for | Warmth | Shaft height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Caribou | Best overall (men) | 9 mm felt liner, -40°F rating | Tall pac boot |
| Men's Glacier XT | Extreme cold | 13 mm felt liner + Omni-Heat | 14 in |
| Men's Explorer Next | Everyday winter wear | 100g insulation | 7 in |
| Men's Cheyanne Metro II | Sneaker-style boot | 200g insulation | 6.75 in |
| Women's Joan of Arctic | Best overall (women) | 6 mm felt liner, -25°F rating | 12 in |
| Women's Caribou | Deep snow | 9 mm felt liner, -40°F rating | 9.5 in |
| Women's Explorer Next Joan | City winters | 100g insulation | 6.5 in |
| Women's Tivoli IV | Best value | 100g insulation | 5.5 in |
Best Sorel Boots for Men
1. Sorel Men's Caribou - Best Overall
Ethan's Sorel Caribou boots
The Caribou is the boot most people picture when they hear "Sorel." It's a pac boot: a waterproof rubber shell on the bottom, a waterproof nubuck leather upper, and a thick removable felt liner inside. That design has barely changed in decades, because it works.
The liner is 9 mm felt, and the construction is seam-sealed waterproof (Sorel, retrieved 2026-09-30). Treeline Review lists it at -40°F and 3 lb 6 oz per pair. Their testers call it the gold standard for extreme cold, with outstanding traction on packed snow and decades-long durability (Treeline Review, retrieved 2026-09-30).
The removable liner is the Caribou's quiet advantage. You pull it out at night, and it dries by morning. When it finally packs down after years of use, you replace the liner, not the boot.
Ethan's first impressions
Ethan bought the Caribou this fall and has worn it for a few days so far, before any real winter weather. His take on sizing matches Sorel's own note: the boot runs a little large, so consider sizing down, especially with thin socks. He'll add his winter notes here after the first cold snap.
- Liner: Removable 9 mm felt
- Upper: Waterproof nubuck leather, seam-sealed
- Outsole: Molded rubber with lug tread
- Rating: -40°F (Treeline Review)
- Weight: 3 lb 6 oz per pair (Treeline Review)
- Fit: Runs a little large; Sorel suggests considering sizing down
Pros
- Very warm for standing around in serious cold
- Removable, replaceable liner
- Proven design that lasts for many winters
Cons
- Heavy and bulky, not a hiking boot
- Loose fit, and can be too warm for mild winters (Treeline Review)
Buy it if you get real winters with deep snow and hard cold, and you spend time outside shoveling, doing chores or walking the dog.
Skip it if your winters are mostly slush and wet sidewalks, or you want a light boot you can drive in.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
2. Sorel Men's Glacier XT - Best for Extreme Cold
The Glacier XT is Sorel's answer for people who sit still in extreme cold. Think ice fishing, snowmobile trips or long outdoor waits in northern winters. It uses a 13 mm ThermoPlus felt inner boot with an Omni-Heat reflective lining, inside a 14 in waterproof shell (REI, retrieved 2026-09-30). Some retailers, such as Altitude Sports, list it at -100°F.
All that warmth comes with weight. REI lists the pair at 6 lb 1.9 oz. REI has only two reviews so far, and both mention fit problems: one found the boot narrow, the other wanted more ankle support (REI, retrieved 2026-09-30). This is a boot for standing and sitting, not for walking miles.
- Liner: 13 mm ThermoPlus felt with Omni-Heat reflective lining
- Shell: Polyurethane-coated textile, seam-sealed waterproof
- Shaft height: 14 in
- Weight: 6 lb 1.9 oz per pair (REI)
Pros
- The warmest boot in this guide
- Tall shaft keeps deep snow out
Cons
- Very heavy for walking
- Fit complaints (narrow, loose at the ankle) in early reviews
Buy it if you face extreme cold for hours at a time while standing or sitting.
Skip it if you walk a lot in winter, or your winters rarely bring extreme cold. The Caribou is lighter and warm enough for most people.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
3. Sorel Men's Explorer Next - Best Everyday Winter Boot
Not every winter needs a pac boot. The Explorer Next is a lighter, lace-up boot for commutes, errands and weekend walks. It pairs a waterproof suede upper with 100g insulation, a fleece lining and a cushioned EVA midsole. The shaft is 7 in tall (Coontail spec sheet, retrieved 2026-09-30).
Owners like how warm, light and good-looking it is. The main complaint is fit. On Zappos it averages 4.3 stars across 14 reviews, and most reviewers say it runs narrow in the toe (Zappos, retrieved 2026-09-30). If you have wide feet, try it on first or order a pair you can return.
- Insulation: 100g
- Upper: Waterproof suede, fleece lining
- Midsole: Molded EVA
- Shaft height: 7 in
Pros
- Much lighter than a pac boot
- Looks at home in town
Cons
- Narrow toe box
- Not warm enough for long hours in deep cold
Buy it if you want one waterproof boot for city winters, from the office to the parking lot.
Skip it if you have wide feet or you spend long periods outside in sub-zero cold.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
4. Sorel Men's Cheyanne Metro II - Best Sneaker-Style Boot
The Cheyanne Metro II looks like a high-top sneaker but works like a winter boot. It has a waterproof suede upper with a vulcanized rubber shell around the base, 200g insulation, and rubber traction pods on the outsole. The shaft is 6.75 in (Canadian Footwear spec sheet, retrieved 2026-09-30).
With 200g of insulation, it's warmer than the Explorer Next and still easy to wear all day. There are fewer published owner reviews for this model than for our other picks, so check the latest Amazon reviews on fit before you order.
- Insulation: 200g
- Upper: Waterproof suede with vulcanized rubber shell
- Outsole: Molded rubber with traction pods
- Shaft height: 6.75 in
Pros
- Sneaker comfort and style with real insulation
- Rubber shell guards against slush
Cons
- Low shaft for deep snow
- Less published owner feedback than other Sorels
Buy it if you want a warm, waterproof boot that doesn't look like a snow boot.
Skip it if you regularly walk through snow deeper than your ankles.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
Best Sorel Boots for Women
5. Sorel Women's Joan of Arctic - Best Overall
The Joan of Arctic is Sorel's best-known women's boot, and for good reason. It's a true winter boot with a style people actually want to wear. Inside is a 6 mm washable felt liner. The boot stands 12 in tall and weighs 3 lb 14 oz per pair. Treeline Review lists it at -25°F and says it held up in their testing to -30°F (Treeline Review, retrieved 2026-09-30).
Treeline's testers praise its warmth, durability and grip on packed snow and icy sidewalks. They also note a few trade-offs: it's too warm to wear indoors, the stiff sole makes it hard to pull on and off, and the laces are water-resistant rather than waterproof.
- Liner: 6 mm washable felt
- Shaft height: 12 in
- Weight: 3 lb 14 oz per pair
- Rating: -25°F
- Fit: Size up half a size for thick socks (Treeline Review)
Pros
- Warm, waterproof and stylish
- Washable, replaceable liner
- Great traction on snow and ice
Cons
- Hard to get on and off
- Too warm for indoor wear
Buy it if you want one boot that handles real winter and still looks good in town.
Skip it if you need a quick slip-on boot, or your winters are mild.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
6. Sorel Women's Caribou - Best for Deep Snow
The women's Caribou has the same pac-boot build as the men's: a rubber shell, waterproof nubuck upper and a removable 9 mm felt liner. OutdoorGearLab lists it at -40°F, with a 9.5 in shaft and 4 lb 5 oz per pair in a size 9 (OutdoorGearLab, retrieved 2026-09-30).
OutdoorGearLab rates its warmth, waterproofing and traction highly. They were less happy with the fit. It felt about a size larger than marked, clunky, and awkward for long walks or driving. Their verdict: it's best for standing work in the cold, like shoveling or stacking firewood.
- Liner: Removable 9 mm felt
- Shaft height: 9.5 in
- Weight: 4 lb 5 oz per pair (size 9)
- Rating: -40°F
Pros
- Among the warmest women's boots Sorel makes
- Excellent waterproofing and traction
Cons
- Heavy and clunky
- Loose, roomy fit
Buy it if you face deep snow and extreme cold and care about warmth more than style.
Skip it if you want a boot for walking around town. The Joan of Arctic is the better all-rounder.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
7. Sorel Women's Explorer Next Joan - Best for City Winters
The Explorer Next Joan brings the Joan look to a lighter, lower boot. It has 100g insulation, a waterproof suede upper, a microfleece lining and a cushioned EVA midsole. The shaft is 6.5 in (Coontail spec sheet, retrieved 2026-09-30).
On Zappos it averages 4.2 stars across 103 reviews. Owners like the comfort, the light weight and the style. The common complaint is a narrow fit, tighter than other Sorel styles, and a few reviewers wanted more warmth for extreme cold (Zappos, retrieved 2026-09-30).
- Insulation: 100g
- Upper: Waterproof suede, microfleece lining
- Midsole: Molded EVA
- Shaft height: 6.5 in
Pros
- Light and comfortable for all-day wear
- Stylish enough for work or dinner
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Not built for extreme cold
Buy it if you walk city streets in cold, wet weather and want a boot that looks good all day.
Skip it if you have wide feet or deal with deep snow.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
8. Sorel Women's Tivoli IV - Best Value
The Tivoli IV is one of Sorel's lower-priced winter boots. It's a short, 5.5 in boot with 100g insulation, a seam-sealed waterproof upper and a cozy faux fur or faux shearling collar. Retailers describe it as a boot for light snow (Bob's Sports Chalet spec sheet, retrieved 2026-09-30).
It's popular. On Zappos it averages 4.2 stars across 854 reviews. Owners praise the looks, warmth, waterproofing and light weight. The big warning is sizing: most say it runs small and narrow and recommend going up half to a full size (Zappos, retrieved 2026-09-30).
- Insulation: 100g
- Upper: Waterproof suede, canvas or nylon, depending on color
- Shaft height: 5.5 in
- Fit: Runs small and narrow; size up half to one size
Pros
- Lower price than most Sorels
- Light, warm and easy to wear
Cons
- Runs small and narrow
- Short shaft, made for light snow only
Buy it if you want a cute, warm, waterproof boot for light snow at a lower price.
Skip it if you walk through deep snow or need a roomy toe box.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
Felt Pac Boot vs Insulated Boot: Which Sorel Do You Need?
Sorel boots keep you warm in two different ways.
Felt pac boots (Caribou, Joan of Arctic, Glacier XT) have a thick felt liner you can pull out. The felt traps a lot of warm air, and a rubber shell keeps snow and water out. They're the warmest option, but they're heavy and loose-fitting. The removable liner is a big plus: you can dry it overnight and replace it when it wears out.
Insulated boots (Explorer Next, Cheyanne Metro II, Tivoli IV) have synthetic insulation built into the boot, measured in grams. 100g is light insulation for active use in cool to cold weather. 200g is a step warmer. These boots are lighter, fit closer and are easier to walk and drive in, but they won't match a felt pac boot when you're standing still in deep cold.
Sorel warmth ladder, lightest to warmest:
- Tivoli IV, Explorer Next, Explorer Next Joan: 100g
- Cheyanne Metro II: 200g
- Joan of Arctic: 6 mm felt liner, -25°F
- Caribou (men's and women's): 9 mm felt liner, -40°F
- Glacier XT: 13 mm felt liner with Omni-Heat
Remember that temperature ratings assume you're moving and wearing good socks. If you'll stand still for hours, go one step warmer than you think you need.
How Do Sorel Boots Fit?
Sorel sizing changes from model to model, so check the fit for the exact boot you buy:
- Caribou (men's): runs a little large. Sorel suggests considering sizing down, and Ethan found the same with his pair.
- Caribou (women's): OutdoorGearLab found it felt about a size larger than marked.
- Joan of Arctic: Treeline Review suggests going up half a size to fit thick socks.
- Explorer Next and Explorer Next Joan: reviewers often say they run narrow.
- Tivoli IV: most owners say it runs small and narrow, so go up half to one size.
Whichever size you pick, try the boots on with the socks you'll actually wear in winter.
Are Sorel Boots Good for Work?
For outdoor chores, yes. A Caribou is great for shoveling, feeding animals or clearing a driveway. For a job site, no. Sorel doesn't make safety-toe or ASTM-rated work boots, so none of these boots will meet a site's protective footwear rules.
If you need a winter boot for work, see our best winter work boots guide. For extreme cold, read Ethan's Baffin Impact review, based on more than 40 hours in about -25°C. For wet farm and yard work, the Carhartt Heritage 11" Wellington is another option.
Sorel Caribou vs Joan of Arctic
Both are felt-lined winter boots, but they're built for different days.
- Warmth: The Caribou is warmer (9 mm liner, -40°F) than the Joan of Arctic (6 mm liner, -25°F).
- Style: The Joan of Arctic is slimmer and dressier. The Caribou is a classic, chunky pac boot.
- Height: The Joan of Arctic is taller at 12 in. The women's Caribou is 9.5 in.
- Who it's for: Pick the Caribou for deep cold and outdoor chores. Pick the Joan of Arctic for everyday winter wear in town.
FAQ
Is Sorel a good brand?
Yes. Sorel has made winter boots since 1962, and classics like the Caribou are still reviewer favorites for extreme cold. The quality of lighter models varies more, and fit complaints are common, so read the sizing notes for the model you want.
Who owns Sorel?
Sorel started in 1962 at the Kaufman Rubber Company in Kitchener, Ontario. After Kaufman went bankrupt in 2000, Columbia Sportswear bought the Sorel trademark (Wikipedia, retrieved 2026-09-30).
Where are Sorel boots made?
Today Sorel boots are made in China and Vietnam, not Canada (YourNextShoes, retrieved 2026-09-30). Check the product listing for the exact country of your pair.
Are Sorel boots warm?
The felt-lined models are very warm. The Caribou is listed at -40°F, and the Joan of Arctic at -25°F. The lighter 100g and 200g models are made for cool to cold city days, not long hours in deep cold.
Are Sorel boots waterproof?
Most Sorel winter boots have waterproof, seam-sealed uppers. Sorel notes that laces and zippers are not waterproof, so water can get in at the tongue and lace area if you stand in deep slush. For more options, see our guide to the best waterproof boots.
Can you wash Sorel liners?
The Joan of Arctic's felt liner is washable (Treeline Review), and felt liners in models like the Caribou are removable, so you can dry or replace them. Always check the care label for your model.
How long do Sorel boots last?
Classic pac boots like the Caribou can last many winters. Treeline Review says their testers have worn them for decades. Liners wear out first, and you can replace them.
Bottom Line
- Best overall for men: Sorel Men's Caribou
- Best overall for women: Sorel Women's Joan of Arctic
- Extreme cold: Sorel Glacier XT
- Deep snow (women): Sorel Women's Caribou
- Everyday city wear: Explorer Next (men) or Explorer Next Joan (women)
- Sneaker style: Cheyanne Metro II
- Best value: Tivoli IV
Still comparing brands? See our full guides to the best men's winter boots and best women's winter boots.
