Sorel Shoes & Boots
The Boot That Brought the Arctic to the City
Looking for a boot that can handle winter weather without looking like traditional outdoor gear? Sorel combines weather-ready construction with bold, fashion-forward design, creating boots and footwear that can move from snowy conditions to everyday city streets. The brand is especially known for its iconic Caribou boot, with waterproof construction, a protective rubber shell, insulation, and a distinctive lugged outsole. Today, Sorel also offers a broader range of boots, shoes, and sandals that bring the brand's function-first approach into everyday style.
From Arctic Boots to Everyday Icons
Sorel was founded in 1962 by the Kaufman Rubber Company, a Canadian manufacturer with experience producing rubber boots and industrial footwear. The first Sorel winter boot, the Caribou, combined a rugged leather upper with a handcrafted rubber shell, establishing the construction that would become one of the brand's signatures.
The Caribou wasn't designed simply to look like a winter boot. It was created for serious cold-weather conditions, and Sorel's early history includes explorers who wore the boot during Arctic expeditions. Ralph Plaisted and his team famously wore Caribou boots during their 1968 expedition to the North Pole.
Over time, Sorel expanded beyond its original winter boots. The brand now describes its footwear as combining function-first construction with fashion, bringing outdoor-inspired performance into styles designed for everyday life.
Why shop Sorel from Abbadabba's?
- Start with a Winter Icon: The Caribou is one of Sorel's defining designs, combining waterproof construction, insulation, a rubber shell, and its recognizable lugged outsole.
- Find Weather-Ready Construction: Depending on the style, Sorel footwear can include seam-sealed waterproof construction, waterproof leather or nylon uppers, insulation, and protective rubber shells.
- Bring Outdoor Function Into Your Wardrobe: Sorel's current lineup isn't limited to traditional snow boots. The brand combines outdoor-inspired construction with boots and footwear designed for city streets and everyday wear.
- Choose the Protection You Actually Need: Sorel offers different levels of weather protection, insulation, traction, and construction. That makes the specific model important—especially if you're choosing between an everyday waterproof boot and a boot designed for heavy snow.
- Try Sorel in Atlanta: Visit Abbadabba's in Buckhead, East Cobb, or Little Five Points to compare available Sorel styles and find the fit that works for you.
The Details Behind the Sorel Boot
The Sorel Difference
Sorel started with a very practical question: how do you build footwear that can stand up to serious winter conditions?
The answer became part of the brand's identity—a combination of protective rubber construction, weather-resistant uppers, insulation, and traction. But Sorel didn't stop there. Its current footwear brings those functional elements into silhouettes designed to stand out on city streets as much as they do in winter weather.
That's the distinctive Sorel formula: serious weather protection with a strong point of view on style.
SOREL isn’t just about weatherproof footwear—it’s about building a better future:
Who Is Sorel For?
The Cold-Weather Walker
You want a boot that gives you protection when temperatures drop, streets get wet, or snow becomes part of the day.
The City Winter Person
You don't necessarily need expedition gear—you want something that can handle winter weather while still looking right with your everyday wardrobe.
The Caribou Fan
If you like recognizable footwear with a story behind it, the Caribou is one of the most important styles in Sorel's history.
The Person Who Wants Waterproof Boots
Look for Sorel styles specifically marked waterproof and pay attention to the construction and intended conditions of each model.
The Style-Conscious Outdoor Shopper
Sorel is particularly relevant if you want outdoor-inspired function without giving up a distinctive silhouette.
The Person Who Needs Winter Traction
For snowy or slippery conditions, look at the outsole design and the intended use of the specific boot rather than treating every Sorel style as interchangeable.
Finding Your Sorel Fit
Start with the Socks You'll Actually Wear
Winter boots are often worn with thicker socks, so try them with the type of socks you expect to use.
Check the Heel
Your heel should feel secure without excessive lifting as you walk.
Give Your Toes Some Room
Your toes should be able to move without pressing against the front of the boot, particularly in insulated styles.
Don't Confuse Roomy with Oversized
Some Sorel winter boots have generous interiors designed to accommodate warm liners and thicker socks. The current Caribou, for example, is listed by Sorel as running a little large because of its roomy liner.
Check the Ankle and Shaft
Make sure you can comfortably move your ankle and that the boot doesn't create unwanted pressure around your calf or ankle.
Walk on Different Surfaces
Take a few steps and pay attention to how the outsole feels on smooth floors and when your foot rolls naturally through the step.
Not sure about your size? Check our size chart. Already found your pair? Our care guides show you how to keep them going.
