Sorel Boots

Sorel Boots are probably the most popular type of winter boot in Montana. And this is not by accident. Sorels are legendary for their durability It is not at all uncommon to have a pair of Sorel Caribou Boots for 10 years or more, despite heavy day to day use. And, many of their styles can even have their life further extended by putting in new boot liners.

Moreover, Sorel Boots are exceptionally warm. The temperature ratings on Sorel's range from 0 degrees all the way down to a rather frigid -100 degrees. Because of the extreme warmth that Sorel Boots provide, they are very popular among people who work outdoors during the winter months.

There are several styles of Sorel Boots available, with the rubber bottom style of boot being by far the most popular (and useful in my opinion).

Shop & Compare Sorel Boots

Sorel Boots For Men : Sorel has many styles/type of winter boots available for men...including the ever-popular Caribou boot.

Sorel Boots For Women : Sorel has an ever-growing amount of boots for women...many of which are "quite fashionable."

Popular Styles of Sorel Boots

Sorel Caribou Boot : Sorel has many styles of boots available. But the Caribou Boot seems to never go out of style. This boot, has a rubber bottom boot designed for very cold weather. Available in both men's and women's styles.

Sorel Cold Mountain Boot : The Cold Mountain boot is one of my favorite boots by Sorel. The reason? It's essentially a "low-cut" version of the Sorel Caribou Boot. As such, the boot it lighter and doesn't restrict ankle movement. While the boot is not good for deep snow or mud, for many uses the Sorel Cold Mountain boot is ideal. The boot is also less expensive than the Caribou boot, too. Note, this boot is for men only.

Sorel Conquest Boot : This heavy duty boot has long been a Sorel mainstay. This boot is extremely rugged with superb traction and ankle support. Ideal for harsh and extreme uses. Note, this boot is for men only. This is an ideal hunting boot, too.

Sorel Cumberland II Boot : A very popular, warm and lightweight winter boot. The Cumberland II has a rubber bottom and a nylon upper, making the boot very light but not 100% waterproof. But for most day to day uses, this boot is ideal. This boot is for women only.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot : This boot is essentially a stylish and taller version of the Sorel Caribou Boot. This boot is for women only.

Rubber Bottom Sorel Boots

Most styles of Sorel Boots have a rubber bottom on them. The importance of this rubber bottom can not be understated if you spend considerable time outdoors in wet snow, wander through deep puddles or work in thick, wet mud.

You see, what makes the rubber bottom on Sorel Boots so nice is that it is 100% waterproof, no exceptions (unless you somehow poke a hole in it). Moreover, the rubber bottom is especially easy to clean. If you have ever tried to clean up caked on mud off your hiking boots, you know how difficult it can be to fully clean mud off of leather. The rubber bottom on Sorel Boots avoid this problem entirely, as the mud literally washes right off with a stream of water.

And finally, the rubber bottom will always stay dry. Leather that has been waterproofed will indeed keep the foot dry. However, the leather will still get wet. And leather is not a fast drying material. Because of this, if you spend much time in wet conditions on a day to day basis, Sorel Boots with a rubber bottom are far superior to leather boots since they will be dry on a day to day basis, without any special effort being needed to dry them out.

One problem with Rubber Bottom Boots

There is, however, one problem that buyers of rubber bottom Sorel Boots need to be aware of. Unlike your typical Gore-Tex winter boot, which breathes, the rubber bottom found on Sorel Boots does not breathe. What this means is that as your foot perspires, the water is trapped inside the boot. This is not good - as a wet foot equals a cold foot.

Happily, there is a way to combat this problem. It is by using the proper sock combination. If you read the Importance of the Winter Sock article, you know what a terrible idea it is to wear cotton socks in winter boots - and this especially includes rubber bottom Sorel Boots, too.

To avoid the water on the foot problem in Sorel Boots that have a rubber bottom, it is crucial to wear both a sock liner and a thick winter sock, especially if it is very cold. The sock liner will take water off the foot and transfer it to the sock. The sock will then hold and absorb the water. This thus keeps your foot dry - and a dry foot equals a warm foot in the winter months.

A sock liner is not absolutely required if you plan on wearing your Sorels' in warmer weather (say just below freezing). However, if you find yourself out in sub-zero weather for extended periods wearing a Sorel Caribou Boot (rated to -30), it is crucial to wear the sock liner if you want your feet to remain warm. Otherwise, your feet will soon become wet - followed soon after by them becoming cold.

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