Sorel Caribou Boots

Monday 27 January 2014


Where is the snow? I want it to snow! I want it to snow so I have total justification for popping these clodhoppers on my feet.




Pretty they are not. Warm they are. And I also have to eat humble pie about saying how I didn't think I needed these fugly ugly snow boots to Miss Sophie. She did a review on these last year and at the time I said I will put on my thick socks and wear my Hunters and be done with. I should also have listened to Fen who claimed these were her best buy of 2012. Well what a difference a year makes. Thick socks and Hunters are not good enough anymore. My circumstances have changed. I became a soccer mom. I stand there on an all weather pitch on Wednesday nights and sometimes it pours and pours and pours. I occasionally stand there on a muddy soggy field on a Saturday too and my feet just get colder and colder and colder. And then I had a lightbulb moment. Admittedly an expensive lightbulb moment, but a lightbulb moment where Sorels appeared to me as the answer. They almost had a lovely hazy angelic glow around them as I envisaged how snuggly my toes would be encased in these monster boots.

I finally settled on these full grain leather Sorel Caribou ones with a wool inner lining (most come with a felt lining) which are designed to cope with temperatures up to minus 40. I hate cold feet. People in North America - I'm thinking of you #PolarVortex


Aubin & Wills jumper, Topshop Jamie Jeans, Zara Parka


Zara parka, Whistles Sweatshirt, Zara Jeans


Did you know these are also known as duck boots. Look at the front of them - they look like duck bills - well actually I've just made that up. The reality is that the top half of these type of boots used to be made from  a waterproof type fabric/canvas called duck cloth. Hence the name duck boots. I personally prefer my reasoning :o)  Quack quack.

And guess what, I even took advice from a fellow soccer dad who had a pair when I sidled up to him and in a reverent whisper asked "Are those Sorels?". He nodded sagely. And I asked him "Are they any good?" and he said "Brilliant. I go to Krakow in Poland each year - it's absolutely freezing and every year my feet suffer but then I got these and my feet are great in them. They are the mutts nuts". Or words to that effect. Sold! Sold! Sold to the impressionable little Chinese lady with the cold feet!

I christened mine last weekend on a walk when Nee-jell & his wife came round with the Border Terriers and we had a stomp through the woods.


The boots weigh about the same as the dogs.


Given that the Sorels are more geared towards snow than muddy fields, they did the job really well. I got a proper workout as I tell you no lie - these boots weigh a tonne. They probably weigh the equivalent of a small dog each. But I love them. You know when you open the box and you don't quite get it? I was a bit like that with the boots. They looked huge. I put them on and then I started to smile and then I started to stomp around like the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) and then I chuckled a bit and then looked around to see there was no one looking who thought I might need possibly locking up. I declared them KEEPERS.

Do you know what's also really superficially good about these? Call me shallow but they make your legs look about 2mm thinner. They are so big and fat, they make everything else look small. Woohoo!

And I hear there is snow a coming? Maybe in the next few days? For once I can't wait :o) I'm prepared, are you?



------------------------------


Last note :

  • The boots are true to size in my opinion. I bought them in a UK 4 and they fit comfortably. There is ample toe wiggle room and I wear these with just thin socks for maximum comfort.
  • Not recommended but it is possible to ride a bike in these - yes I did that. Don't ask.
  • I did my hour all weather pitch duty last week and when I came home, I made the Grumps feel how toasty my feet were to make him fully appreciate my reasoning for the Sorels. I may not have bought them with snow in mind but they suit my purpose and need.
  • Oh - and a little inspiration on how to wear your Sorels .... not so fugly ugly now eh?






41 comments

  1. Sue....you even manage to make snow boots look mega stylish! I am in awe! Need I say anymore?! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well I'm not sure about mega stylish but I do look warm at least. But I do want it to snow just so I can test it out in more appropriate conditions. Just to prove that they are a good buy :o)

      Delete
  2. I think they look fab, Sue. I've been admiring these from far for sometime now. Perfect is the snow ever comes but meanwhile they'll keep you toasty on the football field! Lynne x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lynne. I had them in the back of my mind for some time now as I also really hate having to layer up in about 3 pairs of socks and my Hunters when the snow turns up. Makes it really awkward to get everything off when you come in from the cold where as I can just pop off the boots and I'm done. See more justification ....

      Delete
    2. No justification needed as far as I'm concerned though I'm still waiting for that snow... Have you tried Hunter socks with your wellies? They're so fleecy and warm, I love them in the winter and it allows me to keep wearing my Hunters even when it's really cold!

      Delete
  3. Love them, have been debating the Sorel boot (with myself..in my head..!) for a while..I love them and man, did we need them last year and they just look fabulous on you with 'the parka' I still love it! Am off to stalk sorel websites now..! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to say, I adore the parka and I wear that most days. It's just too cosy and I find it a struggle to get myself in to the other coats when this is just the business for this horrid weather we're having. And you'd look great in some Sorels - it's just whether you need any.

      Delete
  4. Your commentary is hilarious and I want a bed made entirely out of the lining of your boots. It sounds cozy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are cosy! And a bed made of these liners? I'd like to see that.

      Delete
  5. Sorel boots are a must have item here in Canada (windchill factor of -27C today) -- and are originally Canadian, however the company was bought by Columbia (USA). I have the Joan of Arctic model and LOVE them. They are going strong after 3 winters...and replaced an older, much loved pair. They are actually thought to be quite fashionable over here. Popular winter uniform: Sorel boots with fur trim, fur (or faux) trimmed hood parka (Canada Goose - if you have lots of $$), knit toque. Enjoy your great boots!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh nasty. -27C is not for the likes of me and hi to you across the way! I think Sorels have had a bit of a turnaround in the last few years and are now deemed quite fashionable in a fugly way. A bit like Uggs were some years back. And your winter uniform - is the same over there as here. I did have to google what a toque was though. A beanie by any other name!

      Delete
  6. I've actually always kind of loved the way Sorels look! But then again, I'm fairly sure that's my Wisconsin upbringing. Still, whatever it is, I'm a fan. And to be honest, I didn't even know they were so warm! Hilarious, right? But now I love them even more, I love that you have them! If I lived in a cold-weather zone I would get some for sure. But since I only visit those zones now (I was actually IN WI for that polar vortex. It was nasty!), I can't quite justify it. Wear them in good health!

    www.nomadicd.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have you down as a bit of a clompy footwear girl and you would totally rock these, that is, if you had the need for them. And you've had first hand experience of that polar vortex then? Bet you're glad to be back in Spain where the climes are much kinder. I honestly don't think I could handle temperatures like that.

      Delete
    2. So I am predictably clompy, eh? ;) And yes, super happy to be back in Spain where we moan about it being 40°F and rainy, while back home it's so cold that entire universities are shutting down. When polar vortex #1 hit it was at -55° with wind chill! Crazy.

      Delete
  7. Very fugly but only because they are so short - surely the snow (when you jump like a small child) will just go in over the top and make your legs/feet wet?

    I hope the snow comes soon - I bought snow boots (really very fugly) last year and have yet to wear them in the snow! I shall rename them rain boots!

    Fiona

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And they would be even shorter and fuglier on you with your extra long legs. But guess what, they are designed really well because the front of the wool liner is actually elasticated to ensure a snug fit so no errant snow is allowed to enter. Clever eh?

      Delete
  8. Perfect snow boots Sue...all we need now is the snow! Jane xx
    www.mymidlifefashion.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear it's coming Jane. I hope it is. It can melt the day after I've roadtested them but for now I want it to snow :o)

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. Get some! Get some. You know you want to!

      Delete
  10. You know I love them!! I think their fugliness is quite cool and almost charming....I need them today - snow is on the forecast in the deep South - crazy hey?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I see the snow came. And you haven't got some Sorels? You must have just about every boot going under the sun.

      Delete
  11. I love them Sue. I am a big fan of buxom footwear and anything that keeps feet warm is a massive plus. The dogs look a bit wary of them though! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm getting older - ugly fugly footwear which keep your feet warm is suddenly massively appealing... and the fact that Grazia even featured them last week means I'm thinking along the right lines. I love it when fashion and practicality meet.

      Delete
  12. Oh they look so cosy, but not sure I'd get enough wear out of them.I HATE having cold feet though, so they are a good option. Love the Zara parka too, it's nice to see on win black as opposed to khaki!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you sure you wouldn't get the wear out of them? Building sites and everything? Look a treat with a hard hat :o)

      Delete
  13. Sue- you actually make those boors look non ugly- they look especially good with the dark Topshop Jamie jeans. I am all for clodhoppers, nothing worse than cold feet- or falling over on ice...which will come (the ice that is- not the falling over, hopefully!) xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Anna. They do look a bit overkill sometimes but I'm past caring, I'm warm at least. These boots and my parka - bring on the snow!

      Delete
  14. i don't know if i could ever love these shoes, mostly because i've never really lived in a place that required them so they're definitely a bit of a stretch for me. just not used to seeing them on people i think, except in movies and on the internet! BUT i am definitely for the comfort camp in cold weather - and admittedly these are not ugly, especially how you've styled them, and the parkas go well too. i'll get back to you when i have to deal with snow :)

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you are so lucky not to have any requirement for this kind of footwear. I guess I don't really in terms of climate but I do get cold feet and I hate muddy fields so I'm just having them as my alternative to a pair of wellies. They're already earning their keep!

      Delete
  15. These boots saved me during last (long snowy cold) winter. Really saved me. I don't think I was ever that happy to have them in my closet because the prospect of being able to walk without having my heart down my throat, no icy toes and not ruining my regular beloved shoes in the process felt like the angels had come down and created these boots and led me to have them. I'm telling you I felt saved!
    I wouldn't wear them on a regular basis if it's not too cold or snowy but knowing they're there just in case is a relief.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These are going to be my feet saviours too - I just know it. I'm thinking bring on the school run - I can take it in these boots! And thanks for the thumbs up on them. I think all people who have had them think the same.

      Delete
  16. They're far from fugly. As for Uggs? They're truly fugly (says the lady who came from the town that makes these Fuggs for export). I was desperate for the Sorels last year and must've clocked in hundreds of hours trying to find them in my size. ALL sold out. Totally TOTALLY love the parka with furry hood and Sorels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow - all sold out? Or not made in your size? I've seen they do a children's version like this http://www.sorelfootwear.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-Sorel_UK-Site/en_GB/Product-Show?pid=NY1785 which are pretty cool in black. Would look good with what you wear and keep your feet warm. And have you got yourself a parka yet?

      Delete
  17. Oh my gosh, TOTALLY love these boots. I got my husband a pair of LL Bean duck boots a couple of years ago and I'm always so jealous that I don't have my own pair. I love how you've styled them (especially with the light jeans). Completely agree with CC&C's comment above - they aren't ugly at all.

    xx

    http://thestylecrusader.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think they're ugly either actually. Infact my feet think they are indeed a thing of beauty. I quite like lumbering around in them. And you should treat yourself to a pair - they're worth it!

      Delete
  18. Sue, they're fab. I too spend hours watching my son play football and wellies and socks aren't enough sometimes. I love that they're called duck boots! Love Liz xxx

    ReplyDelete
  19. ahh they're so cute! I'd not heard of them until Fen's post about them last year.

    Hannah xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. I haven't heard of these before but they look so warm and I can see why they are called duck boots.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Did you know these are also known as duck boots. ... sorelmensboots.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Did you know these are also known as duck boots. ... isorelwomensboots.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

Susie So So