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Once standard issue for schoolchildren across Canada, Sorel's Caribou snow boots were simultaneously celebrated by parents for their impenetrable sturdiness and scorned by kids for their untrendy appearance.
Boasting a solid rubber base and resilient felt lining, and adorned with a polar bear logo which appeals to the kind of person likely to find themselves lost in the tundra in a middle of a snowstorm, the product quickly became a staple among adventurers.
But recently their reputation has taken a beating. A quick glance at sprawling Reddit forums betrays many explorers' views on the new version of the classic shoe - less reliable, less robust and plummeting down the snow boot pecking order.
Is the mighty Caribou on the decline? Or is the criticism simply down to misty-eyed nostalgia and a longing for the good old days.
To find out once and for all, I gave the boots as stern a test as possible...within the constraints of a short-haul flight from London.
With a metre of snow forecast within the first two days of my arrival in the Swiss Alps, I crammed the hefty Sorel Caribous boots into my checked luggage and hoped they would be a match for the wild conditions.
Sorel Caribous Waterproof Snow Boots
Sorel Caribou Waterproof Snow Boots
Product Specs
- Weight2,3 kg
- MaterialUPPER: Waterproof nubuck leather; INSULATION: Removable 9mm washable felt inner; MIDSOLE: 2.5mm bonded felt frost plug. OUTSOLE: Waterproof vulcanized rubber shell
What we love
What could be better
Our verdict
It did not stop snowing for the entire trip and the weather was bad enough to send the avalanche risk to the highest level and shut every single ski lift - something almost unheard of in this part of the world.
But the boots, raised in the unforgiving tundra of northern Canada, were more than a match.
With a grip capable of clinging on to the iciest of pavements, there were no embarrassing trips and slips on the way to the restaurant.
Most of all, they were cosy. In fact, every time I got back home and changed into my slippers it felt like a downgrade
And at 10 inches tall and boasting a rock solid outer layer, I was able to wade through thick snow drifts which seemed to be growing by the minute.
I'd highly recommend these to anyone who needs a durable and long-lasting pair of boots for snowy trips but just keep sizing in mine, as they are a little loose.
How we test
When testing footwear we try them across multiple real-world settings, including at home, on pavements and in tough conditions. For me, that meant tackling some of the snowiest - and iciest - conditions I've ever seen in the Swiss Alps.
Sorel's Caribou snow boots are comfortable, sturdy and up to the challenge of a snow storm in the Swiss Alps
As well as taking them out in the snowy depths, I also considered things like design, comfort, price and sturdiness.
The boots went through several days of tough, hands-on testing, allowing me to provide you with an in-depth review so you can decide whether these are the right snow boots for you.
Sorel Caribous Waterproof Snow Boots review
Comfort
There was no break-in period which came as a real surprise for boots of this size and stature. I was able to slip into the Caribous and start my snowy adventure right away.
The boots may be large - barely fitting into my checked luggage - but they are by no means heavy, weighing in at 5lb 1oz and far from painful to lug around when you change into your ski boots or trainers.
Most of all, they were cosy. In fact, every time I got back home and changed into my slippers it felt like a downgrade.
With a soft but solid footbed and a 9mm removable felt liner, the Caribous felt like an igloo for your foot.
Best of all there was no break-in period which came as a real surprise for boots of this size and stature. I was able to slip into the Caribous and start my snowy adventure right away
It did not stop snowing for the entire trip and the weather was bad enough to send the avalanche risk to the highest level and shut every single ski lift
Performance
When it comes to long treks, however, I was left wondering whether these boots were quite up to it.
The loose fit creates a great deal of space and comfort but can become a burden when heading out on ambitious walks.
They are also undeniably cumbersome and this starts to grate the longer you wear them.
But for short to medium journeys in anything from thick snow to slippery ice or even just a cold winter's evening, it is difficult to imagine anything more comfortable than the Caribous.
Style
While it's tough to argue that these bulky boots with rubber trim are the height of fashion, the Caribou's look is timeless.
I opted for the Bruno (dark brown) look but they also come in black and buff colours. Each sports a black and white design on the rubber portion of the boot.
Why trust us
While it's tough to argue that these bulky boots with rubber trim are the height of fashion, the Caribou's look is timeless
Sam Lawley is a news reporter for the Daily Mail and has been at the newspaper for two-and-a-half years.
He completed a Master's degree in Newspaper Journalism at City, University of London in 2023 and enjoyed a stint at the Irish Daily Mail before heading to the London newsroom.
Value for money
The Caribous come in at around £180 - not cheap, but there are more expensive options out there.
Catch them on a discount and you have a pair of cosy, sturdy boots capable of coping with most conditions, without breaking the bank.
How do they compare to similar products?
For years, these snow boots reigned supreme but recently a host of big names have dropped similar products on the market.
The North Face's offerings as always come with a good write-up and the Chilkat Lace Waterproofs in particular boast that famous slick black look, with the added bonus of a padded tongue to keep you comfortable and supported.
As a wildcard, I like the LL Bean Beans - boots that many adventurers would have down as the sturdiest and the heirs to the Caribous. Only downside is these unusual items of footwear will leave you looking like you have a duck-billed platypus hanging off each foot.
Sorel also have slightly more budget-friendly offerings of their own as alternatives to the Caribou. Chief among them is the Buxton (£130), but I think it’s worth shelling out for its more impressive, more iconic ancestor.
How do they rate online?
The Caribou's delicious comfort and rugged good looks have been recognised with some online scores as solid as their rubber outer layer.
The boots have bagged an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Google across more than 2,000 reviews.
Fans praise their exceptional ability to keep feet toasty and dry through the worst of conditions, while critics point out their slightly cumbersome nature.
FAQs
Are snow boots worth buying?
They are essential for conditions like those I faced in Switzerland, even in a town accustomed to such snow and boasting dozens of state-of-the art ploughs to clear the pavements.
Trainers could be a recipe for a bad slip and might leave you with damp feet, while walking boots do not provide the toasty comfort of more winter-appropriate footwear.
What brands are best for snow boots?
Sorels have long been regarded as the original and the best but lately popular brands such as The North Face, Timberland and Salomon have entered the fray.
LL Bean, Columbia and Helly Hansen also come with good write-ups.
Should snow boots be a bigger size?
It depends on the model. It is worth trying them out with thick socks (or even two pairs) as this is how you will often wear them while battling the elements.
In the case of the Caribous, my pair came in my normal shoe size but ended up being slightly too big.