Each winter, we gear up to refresh our beloved boot collection, rummaging through our closets to find which pairs have seen their day and which ones can make it another season. Sorel, which was founded in 1962, offers a plethora of functional boot styles that are made with expert craftsmanship and modern designs, whether you’re in need of an everyday winter boot like these leather Chelsea boots (was $190, now $143) or are searching for a snow boot like the best overall Joan of Artic boots (was $240, now $120) for your upcoming ski trip or honeymoon. Or perhaps you need a hiking boot that has a serious amount of traction to keep you safe on the trail like this leather Lennox style (was $200, now $100). Here’s a list of the best Sorel boots to shop right now for any weather forecast or activity.
The 11 Best Sorel Boots to Shop Right Now for Snow, Rain and Everything in Between
Function meets fashion
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The Best Sorel Boots at a Glance
Best Overall
Sorel Joan of Artic Boots
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Best Hiking Boots for Winter
Sorel Leather Lennox Hiker STKD Boots
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Best Heeled Booties
Sorel Leather Brex Heel Chelsea Booties
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Best Walking Boots
Sorel Joan Now Lace Boots
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Best Wedge Boots
Sorel Leather Evie II Zip Booties
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How We Chose the Best Sorel Boots
While finding the “best” Sorel boots really comes down to the wearer’s preferences and needs (i.e., narrow or wide fit, leather or suede, etc.) at the end of the day, we focused on weighing a few key criteria when considering our curated list of the best of the best: weatherproof and/or waterproof materials, overall warmth and traction capabilities. These were the general benchmarks at which we evaluated from when finding durable and long-lasting boots that you can wear year-round or seasonally. Plus, we tapped PureWow editors for their expert recommendations and took to customer reviews, poring over hundreds of testimonials and weighing the pros and cons for every style. Lastly, we considered various activities you’ll need Sorel boots for, from running errands to hiking to après ski activities.
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Best Overall
What We Like
- removable insulation
- can withstand snowy conditions
What We Don’t Like
- size and width are inconsistent
Sorel
Take it from multiple PureWow editors: If you buy one Sorel boot this season, let it be the Joan of Artic style. PureWow’s director of audience development, Mary Rogers, lives in an area that has unpredictable weather, making these boots a must-have, especially come winter. “They're functional, warm and waterproof, but they're also fun and cute and don’t just look totally utilitarian. They're my go-to for the ski lodge—my husband skis, but I prefer to lounge at the lodge,” says Rogers. We love that it’s constructed with a removable (and machine-washable insulated felt inner, so you have the option to keep your toes toasty while trudging through the snow or forgo it altogether when it starts to warm up outside. And PureWow’s VP of editorial, Candace Davison, attests to its durability, adding, “They got me through a snowstorm in Toronto, all kinds of sludgy ice puddles in New York (without a leak) and they've held up insanely well—I've owned the same pair for more than a decade.”
Fast Facts
- Material: suede, faux fur, felt, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: yes
Best Hiking Boots for Winter
2. Sorel Leather Lennox Hiker STKD Boots
What We Like
- waterproof
- sturdy traction bottom
What We Don’t Like
- may run small
Sorel
If Katie Holmes wears Sorel boots in winter, PureWow fashion editor Abby Hepworth wears Sorel boots in the winter. She raves, “After wearing them for multiple winters now, I can confidently say Holmes was really onto something. They're comfortable and sturdy, with fabulous traction for walking on NYC's icy sidewalks. They're also waterproof, so I don't have to stress if it starts to rain or snow. But most of all, I love that they look incredibly chic—it’s a huge pain in NYC to carry around a second pair of shoes to change into after walking around in winter boots, but with these I don't have to.”
Fast Facts
- Material: leather, suede, EVA, synthetic lining, metal, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: yes
Best Heeled Booties
3. Sorel Leather Brex Heel Chelsea Booties
What We Like
- high tread and grip
- cushioned memory footbed
What We Don’t Like
- narrow toe box
Sorel
Whoever said winter boots can’t look cute clearly hasn’t seen the Brex heel from Sorel. The heeled Chelsea bootie is made with a full grain leather that’s smooth to the touch and can withstand rain or snow, thanks to its water repellent materials. And don’t be fooled by height of the four-inch heel—the bootie has a platform which gives you a half-inch boost, relieving some of the pressure you’ll feel from a high shaft. Even better? It’s engineered with the brand’s reflective webbing and high-traction rubber that boasts good grip on many surfaces, so there’s no slipping ‘n sliding when you’re wearing these. We love that it has a die-cut memory EVA footbed, which provides cushion and relief to your feet, though some reviewers note that it has a narrow toe box, so we suggest sizing up for a comfortable fit.
Fast Facts
- Material: leather, reflective webbing, synthetic lining, EVA, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: water protected
Best Walking Boots
What We Like
- comfortable
- roomy toe box
What We Don’t Like
- prone to water marks and stains
Sorel
When it comes to comfort and fit, Sorel’s Joan Now lace boots take the cake. One person raves that they held up well and caused no discomfort after walking over 10,000 steps. These functional and sophisticated shoes are made from water protected materials, such as leather, suede, canvas and rubber, designed to whisk away moisture. One negative, though, is that many customers find that they aren’t necessarily waterproof: “I'm a suedeaholic, and these boots are very comfortable and stylish. [There’s] plenty of room for a thicker sock [and they have a] roomy toe box [and] sturdy sole—a little heavy, but I love them so much I don't even care. I'll need to waterproof them for rain,” writes one reviewer. We suggest dousing your new boots in a leather and suede waterproofing spay every few months to keep these looking brand-new and protected from harsh conditions.
Fast Facts
- Material: leather, suede, canvas, synthetic lining, EVA footbed, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: water protected
Best Wedge Boots
5. Sorel Leather Evie II Zip Booties
What We Like
- molds to your feet
- height and stability
What We Don’t Like
- zipper can stick
- leather is stiff at first
Sorel
These best-selling Sorel wedge boots are made with waterproof materials and are versatile enough to transition from casual day wear to evening wear with no hiccups. They have a small, two-inch wedge heel for those that love a bit of height but prefer functionality and stability. These run true-to-size, and many reviewers note that they’re durable and fit comfortably, which we assume is largely due to the removable EVA inner that molds to your foot over time. One thing to caution: Buyers say that the zipper and leather are stiff upon first wear, but will loosen over time.
Fast Facts
- Material: leather, EVA, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: water protected
Best Platform Chelsea Boots
6. Sorel Leather Caribou X Chelsea Boots
What We Like
- flexible panel at ankles for mobility
- chunky design
What We Don’t Like
- some break-in period
Sorel
This Chelsea boot offers a modern twist on tradition with its bright, chunky rubber outsole, offering the coolest pop of color to any outfit. The shoes come with flexible gore panels on the sides of the ankles that are designed to move with your foot and flexible enough to make slipping these on a breeze. Plus, that same thick platform contains the high-traction Evertread rubber surface we previously mentioned to provide exertional grip the next time you step outside. And that’s not all…these waterproof stunners contain the brand’s Livelyfoam footbed that’ll keep your feet feeling like they’re wrapped in a soft bedding.
Fast Facts
- Material: leather, EVA, livelyfoam, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: yes
Best Boots for Slush
What We Like
- can withstand snowy, icy and slushy conditions
- no break-in period
What We Don’t Like
- fur lining isn’t waterproof
Sorel
Made for snowy and slushy conditions, the Sorel Snow Angel boots will keep your feet toasty while you build a snowman with your kid or enjoy an après ski cocktail on that upcoming trip to Park City, Utah. The waterproof materials (suede upper and rubber shell) and traction soles are ideal when the snow isn’t too deep or it’s icy out, says one reviewer. They go on to note that “they fit comfortably the first time I wore them, [and there’s] no breaking in required, which is great as I go for long walks with my dog. They’re roomy enough to wear a warm pair of socks, too.” And did we mention that they feature 200 grams of insulation? Enough said.
Fast Facts
- Material: suede, faux fur, microfleece, EVA, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: water protected
Best Sneaker Boots
8. Sorel Explorer Next Joan Boots
What We Like
- lightweight
- long-lasting tread
What We Don’t Like
- runs slightly small
Sorel
Sorel’s top-selling lightweight boots recently got some upgrades that we can’t pass up. For one, the customer favorite style improved its fit and feel to mimic that of a sneaker (but with the warmth of a boot). While many Sorel boots are water protected, meaning they’re made with water repellent materials, the luxurious suede on these Explorer Next Joan boots are 100 percent waterproof. Some reviewers found they ran slightly small, with most sizing up half a size for a comfortable fit, but almost all raved about how lightweight and comfortable they are once they’re on. One writes, “I'm going into my third winter with these boots, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They’re as comfortable as your favorite running shoes. I put a lot of kilometers on mine, as they're my go-to boot for dog walking in the long Ontario winters, and the tread is holding up (so many winter boots have soft rubber tread that wears down in a season or two).”
Fast Facts
- Material: suede, faux fur, PU leather, EVA rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: yes
Best Snow Boots
9. Sorel Kinetic Impact NXT Boots
What We Like
- high insulation
- pull-on, puffy design
What We Don’t Like
- can fit narrow around the ankle
Sorel
ICYDK, puffer boots are one of the hottest (pun intended) cold-weather shoes of the season, so Sorel’s Kinetic Impact NXT boot is a must-have. The waterproof outer shell is constructed with maximum insulation (up to 300 grams) designed to keep your feet warm and dry, plus there’s an adjustable cord at the opening that’ll let you play around with the ventilation and protection, so you can pull them tight before trudging through the snow and loosen ‘em up once you get to the lodge. Speaking of fit, while some customers found them to run true to size, many said they tend to fit slightly narrow, so we suggest you size up if you have a wider foot or want a roomier toe box for thicker socks. What’s more, these contain the brand’s noteworthy Evertread and Livelyfoam features, but it’s the finishing touches that really steal the show. From the rich green outer to the hints of pink at along the soles to the crisscross lacing for optimal fit, no detail went unnoticed in the making of these snow boots. (Don’t worry, there are neutral colors available, too.)
Fast Facts
- Material: puffy textile, rubber, EVA, livelyfoam, evertread rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: yes
Best Everyday Boots
10. Sorel Leather Joan Now Chelsea Boots
What We Like
- expandable gore panels
- pull tab at the heel
What We Don’t Like
- narrow toe box
Sorel
PureWow readers love a Chelsea boot, especially one that’s made with a premium leather, is water-resistant, fits comfortably and is easy to walk in. Case in point? The Joan Now boots that are super sleek in design and functional, making them the ideal pair to dress up any outfit and walk long distances in. They combine the classic comfort fans of the Joan collection know and love with a high-traction heel that provides about two inches of height. From the contrasting piping and the water-resistant leather to the expandable gore detail on the sides to the pull tab at the heel, this is a timeless everyday boot.
Fast Facts
- Material: leather, suede, canvas, synthetic, EVA, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: water protected
Best Streetwear Boots
11. Sorel Caribou X Cozy Boots
What We Like
- easy to clean
- thick, platform sole
What We Don’t Like
- heavy
- runs small
Sorel
If quiet luxury and the utility trend had a baby, these Sorel boots would be it. A stomper boot to the core, this pair is meant to go places with its thick platform sole that’s devolved with the Evertread bottoms for ample grip and Livelyfoam interior cushioning. While it may not be the warmest boot of the bunch, thanks to the waterproof patent leather and cozy faux shearling, you’ll want to slide these on the next time it’s windy or rainy out. Some reviewers found them to run small and feel heavy, though one person does mention that the patent leather is easy to clean.
Fast Facts
- Material: patent leather, faux shearling, leather, EVA, rubber
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Waterproof: yes
Where Can I Buy Sorel Boots?
If you’re in the market for some Sorel boots, you can purchase a pair directly on Sorel’s website or online and in-store at one of the brand’s many retailer partners like Zappos, Nordstrom or Macy’s. Other major retail chains like Anthropologie, Neiman Marcus, REI Co-op, DSW and Saks Fifth Avenue sell select styles of Sorel boots but ultimately didn’t make the cut in our roundup due to limited stock.
Which Sorel Boots Have the Best Arch Support?
While many customers rave about Sorel boots’ comfortability, the styles aren’t traditionally renowned for arch support. However, a few standouts like the Joan of Artic ($240; $120), Snow Angel ($140), Brex Chelsea ($180; $135) and Lennox STKD hiking ($200; $100) boots received excellent marks on arch support and comfort from buyers with high arches, wide feet and plantar fasciitis. Since many of the boots on the list above are made with Sorel’s Livelyfoam cushioning—a lightweight foam that molds to your foot—and removable EVA insole, they offer comfortable support, cushioning and some shock absorption. A few people suggest using an insole in place of the removable footbed, which can help to provide lasting comfort, relief from pain, shock absorption and extra cushioning.
What Are the Best Sorel Boots for Snow?
As the brand notes, Sorel boots are “crafted with an unparalleled balance of construction and protection,” but not all styles pass as snow boots. Select styles like the Joan of Artic ($240; $120), Snow Angel ($140) and the Kinetic Impact NXT ($175) boots are designed for snowy conditions and made with seam-sealed, waterproof materials, offering ample insulation (from 100 to 300 grams of insulation) to protect your feet from blizzards, slush, sleet and fresh snow.
