Sorel Caribou Winter Boots Review
In-depth review of the Best Boots for Extreme Cold
December 18th, 2024
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Our verdict
We consider the men's and women's Sorel Caribou boots the gold standard of winter boots for their heavy-duty durability, comfort, and warmth. They’ve been helping folks tackle winter weather since the 1960s, and they’re still just as quality as ever.
With their clunky-but-stylish, chore-boot charm, the Caribous have been keeping our feet toasty and dry for years. We even named them Best Overall in our Best Men’s Winter Boots guide, and Best for Extreme Cold in our Best Women’s Winter Boots guide.
Co-author Josette Deschambeault grew up with these boots, as her father has owned his pair of Sorel Caribous since 1992. In fact, many customer reviewers have said family members have owned these boots for 15+ years with the boots still going strong.
Co-author & Treeline editor Becca Downs got these boots after reading Josette’s Best Winter Boots guide. Two winters in, they’re as durable, comfy, and warm as ever.
These boots are so trusty and quality, many Treeline Review writers own and have weighed in on this review. Collectively, we’ve tested the Sorel Caribou boots in snowdrifts along the Canadian border and in Maine, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and more.
With our many winters of experience, this in-depth review will break down the specs and testing notes so you can decide if they’re the boots for you.
Men's
Women's
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Specs
Insulation: 9mm washable felt inner boot with snow cuff
Shaft height: 8.5”
Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz (women’s), 2 lbs 4 oz per boot (men’s size 9)
Temperature rating: -40F
Waterproof: Yes
Footwear closure: Lace
Best for: Extreme cold, around town, working, outdoor chores
Comparison table
Men’s
| MEN'S BOOTS | MSRP* | INSULATION | SHAFT HEIGHT | OUTSOLE | CLOSURE | WATERPROOF? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorel Caribou | $200 | Removable 9 mm washable felt inner boot | 9.25" | -40 F | Lace | Y |
| Oboz Bridger 10" Insulated Waterproof Boots | $220 | 400g synthetic | 10" | Winterized rubber | Lace-up | Y |
| Oboz Bridger 8" Insulated Waterproof Boots | $210 | 200g synthetic | 8" | Winterized rubber | Lace-up | Y |
| L.L. Bean Boots 8" | $149 | Uninsulated | 8" | Chain-tread outsole | Y | Mostly |
| L.L. Bean 8" Flannel-Lined Insulated Boot | $199 | Fleece | 8" | Chain-tread outsole | Y | Mostly |
Women’s
| WOMEN'S BOOT | MSRP* | INSULATION | SHAFT HEIGHT | OUTSOLE | CLOSURE | WATERPROOF? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorel Caribou | $200 | Removable 9 mm washable felt inner boot | 9" | Winterized rubber | Lace-up | Y |
| Oboz Bridger 9" Insulated Waterproof Boots | $220 | 400g synthetic | 9" | Winterized rubber | Lace-up | Y |
| Oboz Bridger 7" Insulated Waterproof Boots | $210 | 200g synthetic | 7" | Winterized rubber | Lace-up | Y |
| Sorel Joan of Arctic Waterproof Boots | $240 | 6mm recycled felt | 12" | Vulcanized rubber | Lace-up | Y |
| L.L.Bean Bean Boots Flannel-Lined Insulated | $199-299 | Fleece or shearling | 7, 8 or 10" | Waterproof rubber | Lace-up, zip, or buckle | Y |
What we liked:
We love that the Sorel Caribou are durable enough to last decades, as this men’s pair still in use since the 1990s.
Very warm and comfortable
Decades-long durability
Sole has incredible traction
Liner is removable for easy cleaning and replacing
What we didn’t like:
Price
Bulky/Heavy
Fit is not as snug due to the way the insulation is on the inside
Can be too warm
Performance in the field
The outsole of the Sorel Caribou is grippy, making for excellent traction on icy, wintery conditions. Photo by Becca Downs.
Insulation and warmth
According to hundreds of customer and media reviewers, there are no warmer boots on the market. These boots are rated by Sorel down to -40°F, and our testers (and the co-author’s father) agree you can comfortably wear these boots down at least -20°F.
Removable felt liner
The felt liners in the Sorel Caribou are removable so you can clean or replace them if needed, as we’ve done with this men’s pair.
The felt liner is removable, which is convenient if you’d like to clean it or even replace it. It’s made from 9mm ThermoPlus insulation, which features four layers of material—polypropylene, foil, polyester, and viscose. This insulation is why the Caribou boots win our award for warmest boots.
Height
Shorter than the Sorel Joan of Arctics, but with many of the same features that made us choose the Joans as our best overall women’s winter boot, the Sorel Caribou Women’s boots come in an 11-inch height and feature a vulcanized rubber sole, removable felt liner, gusseted tongue, and waterproof Nubuck leather upper.
The Caribous are much easier to pull on or take off than the Joan of Artics since they’re 4 inches shorter and have a looser fit.
Fit and Comfort
The biggest gripe with the Caribous is that they are not a spectacular fit. They are highly insulated, and designed to be looser than most boots, allowing for ease of pulling on/off and to grant more room for different types of socks.
Mostly, the fit issues are due to all the insulation. Since that felt liner is so thick, the boot feels like a fluffy casing around your ankle and foot and is not designed with the close-fitting support you may have in a street shoe. Combined with their weight and bulk, your foot might feel loose and move around the boot compared to other winter boots. This is what makes the boot so great for extreme cold, though.
While these boots are heavy and clunky for a multi-mile winter hike, we’ve known folks to trek into the wintry woods sporting their beloved Caribous. The tread on the Sorel Caribous is one of the best grips on packed snow, while the felt cuff and mid-calf shaft keep the snow, slush, and puddles at bay. So while we wouldn’t necessarily recommend these boots for long hikes, they can be comfortable for hiking if you enjoy the fit. You can check out our Best Winter Hiking Boots guide if you plan to be walking around for the full day.
The Caribou’s “clunkiness” may not make them popular with everyone, but for those who need to keep their feet warm and dry, these boots are a must-have.
Sizing
Sorels tend to run a bit large, but we advise sticking with your true shoe size. One of the authors tends to wear thin socks, so she went down a half size and was perfectly content. The other author stuck with her normal size and has been happy regardless of the thickness of the socks she wears.
Weight
One of the biggest complaints we hear about these boots is their bulk and weight. They weigh 3 lb 6 oz for the pair (or more, depending on your size), which can be heavier than some may like.
They’re also pretty chunky. One of the authors was looking for a boot to snowshoe in when she bought these, and was dismayed to realize they did not fit in her snowshoes. She ended up keeping the boots because they were so warm, comfortable, and heavy duty for other outdoor activities; however, she recommends you learn from her mistakes and try on boots with your snowshoes if that’s a priority activity.
What others say about the Sorel Caribou Boots
The removable felt liners on the Sorel Caribou boots are soft and provide excellent insulation.
Our testers have a lot of experience in the Sorel Caribou boots, but other customers and media reviewers can offer perspectives too. Here’s a brief breakdown of what others are saying.
Amazon reviewers ranked towards the middle of the pack, most stating that they docked a star or two because of the “clunkiness” of the boot. However, they also stated that the warmth and waterproofness were well worth it — they just hadn’t anticipated carrying an extra 2 pounds or so on each foot.
Outdoor Gear Lab gave the Caribous their highest warmth score during testing — a perfect 10/10. It’s also one of their Top Picks, for a reason. “It's a perfect compadre for shoveling snow or stacking firewood around the house… They are big and bulky, and you might feel like you are floating in boots, but they are classic! Wear it in the coldest weather or when mother nature truly pukes with all its glory.”
The co-author’s father is a veteran ski patroller, ski racer, and firefighter who’s lived everywhere from the East Coast to the West, and has owned these boots longer than Josette’s been alive. He has only replaced the liners once. “After 20 years,” he says, “they lost a little of their waterproofing, but a quick assist from SnoSeal sealed them right back up to brand-new status.”
Should I buy the Sorel Caribou?
If you're comfortable with the loose fit and bulk of the Sorel Caribous, their warmth, durability, and comfort can last you decades, making them a great investment, as this pair of men’s boots has proven to be.
The Sorel Caribou is a great waterproof, winter boot option for extreme cold. If you want a soft, comfortable, looser fit and don’t mind the bulk, these are hardy, long-lasting boots that will keep your feet warm for decades.
If your winters are mild, or if you’re looking for something to hike in, we might steer you away from these boots, as their insulation and bulk may be overkill. Check out our Best Women’s Winter Boots, Best Men’s Winter Boots, and Best Hiking Boots guides for more suggestions.
Where to buy the Sorel Caribou?
The Sorel Caribou winter boots are some of the most winter shoes available, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year with a dividend for members
Amazon
Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Zappos
365-day easy, free shipping on returns
Backcountry
Free membership gives you access to coupon codes, real-time quality customer service chat, free shipping, give $20, get $20 referral program
Similar boots to consider
Oboz Bridger
Insulation: 200 g 3M Thinsulate (men's 7"), 400 g 3M Thinsulate (all other heights)
Shaft height: 7" and 9” (women's), 8" and 10" (men's)
Weight: 3 lbs 0.3 oz (women's 9" height), 3 lbs 5.8 oz (men's 10" height)
Temperature rating: Not stated
Waterproof: Yes
Footwear closure: Lace
The Oboz Bridger winter boots are durable and offer excellent traction and ankle support, making them great for working outside, winter hiking, or snowshoeing. They aren’t quite as warm as the Sorel Caribou boots, but they’re still well-insulated and adequate for most winter conditions. They're the overall winner in our Best Winter Hiking Boots guide.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Oboz Bridger Insulated Winter Hiking Boots.
Men's
Women's
Sorel Joan of Arctic (women's only)
Insulation: 6mm recycled felt
Shaft height: 12 inches
Weight:
Temperature rating:
Waterproof: yes
Footwear closure: lace-up
Also from Sorel, the Joan of Arctic women’s winter boots are beloved for their versatility and are our pick for Best Overall Women’s Winter Boot. They’re great work boots while also being stylish for wearing around town. These boots are a little shorter than the Sorel Caribou, but they offer similar features and the same incredible durability. The Caribous are also a little easier to slip on and off and offer a higher cuff, while the Joan of Arctics fit more snuggly. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Sorel Joan of Arctic Winter Boots.
L.L.Bean Flannel Lined Insulated Bean Boot
Insulation:
Shaft height:
Weight:
Temperature rating:
Waterproof:
Footwear closure:
The L.L. Bean Bean Boot is a classic. It has a classic look that works in urban settings or on a trail, which is why it’s our pick for best to wear around the city in both our Best Men’s Winter Boots and Best Women’s Winter Boots guide. They’re functional and waterproof, yet stylish (and practical) enough to wear around town, even in foul winter weather. The leather feels soft and buttery while maintaining its waterproof quality, and the chain-like tread offers excellent traction, even on ice.
As for durability, L.L. Bean has promised a sturdy boot for over 100 years, and they continue to deliver. We love how durable and long-lasting this boot is and that they are Made in the USA.
It’s worth noting, we suggest sizing down a half-size (unless you plan to wear expedition-weight wool socks with them) as these boots do run large. Learn more in our in-depth review of the L.L. Bean Boot.
Men's
Women's
Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Boots
Insulation:
Shaft height:
Weight:
Temperature rating:
Waterproof: Yes
Footwear closure: Pull on
The Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Boots are warm, waterproof, durable, and a great pull-on work boot for winter, which is why it won Best Winter Boot for Working Outside in our Best Men’s Winter Boots guide. Since these boots pull on rather than lace up, they’re easy to get on and off. They also have comfortable insoles for arch support and great traction and grip.
The Muck Boot Arctic Sport IIs are also the former winner for best insulated pull-on winter boot in our Best Women’s Winter Boots guide. We like that they’re warm, durable, and easy to slip on, but ultimately after testing them side-by-side against the Bogs Neo-Classic Tall winter boots, we thought the Bogs were warmer and a better deal.
Men's
Women's
About the authors / Why you should trust us
Josette Deschambeault
Cold is no stranger to me. I grew up in Colorado with New York-expat parents and spent winters in Alaska before settling in Maine. I’m no stranger to cold feet. I wouldn’t give up the cold for a sunny beach day, but I prefer to keep my toes warm. And having owned the Joan of Arctic boots for 7 winters, I can safely say that I know how they work in very, very cold weather.
I’ve skied for most of my life, from New England hills to hometown Colorado resorts and backcountry adventures in Japan, Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. Additionally, I’ve been a guide for backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting in Alaska and Colorado; many of my “summer” seasons up north began with snow on the ground and ice blocking my boats from going downriver.
Spending years in volunteer fire departments in Alaska and Maine has sent me out on search-and-rescue calls on frigid winter nights, ambulance calls in 4-foot snowdrifts, and fire calls where water would freeze as soon as it left the hose.
My gear expertise stems from writing gear reviews for outlets like Backpacker Magazine and REI Co-op, 6 years of guiding, 26 years of cold-weather adventures, and many gear-head friends. In addition, I’ve written outdoor lifestyle pieces for REI’s Uncommon Path Magazine and Powder 7 Ski Shop’s Lift Line Blog. (For additional publications and upcoming articles, check out my website.)
You can see all my Treeline Review articles on my author page.
Becca Downs
I love the snow, especially if I’m on snowshoes or in heavy-duty winter boots. Having spent most of my winters in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan growing up, and now living in Colorado, I’m no stranger to cold and snowy weather. My background is mostly in competitive running, and as someone who detests treadmills, I train outside in the winter and appreciate nothing more than slipping my feet into toasty boots after a run.
After years of competitive racing and notching a few small FKTs, I was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channel my passion for running into coaching, writing, creating training plans for my friends, hiking, snowshoeing, and running when my hip allows it.
You can read more on my author page or at my website, and you can find me on Instagram at @beccad___.
