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Sorel Caribou

rated 2 of 5 stars
photo: Sorel Caribou winter boot

Sorel is not what they used to be.

Pros

  • Washable liners
  • Replaceable liners
  • Warm
  • Comfy
  • Good traction

Cons

  • Split at the toes
  • Filled with snow
  • Not a lot of ankle support
  • Split at the sole


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IMG_0632.jpgI will give credit where credit is due. I contacted Sorel and after sending them pictures and later sending them the failed boots. They gave me a 200 credit to use at Sorel or Columbia. 

Once a big corporation starts going "We can make things cheaper" what do you get? After three months they started to crack and split at the toe bend. After talking to other people these boots were not defective. This is a manufacturing flaw. So I broke out my old 20-year-old Sorels that were made by Sorel.

Started looking at the Baffin Evolution for this winter

Lots of positives, but if your liners are getting wet then so are your feet—not good at -20°.

The pics are where I tried to repair them to get me through the season with Gorilla Tape and goop.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: Too much

Growing up in the north and on a horse farm, it was always important to ensure we had good, warm boots to get us through until the spring thaw. Sorel Caribou boots, classic and rugged, have provided me years of loyal trustworthiness that few other boots have offered.

Pros

  • Removable insert to help dry overnight
  • Full leather upper
  • Lug sole that ensures stable traction on snow and ice

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Break-in time is a little longer than synthetic materials

Has the ice fishing bug caught your soul? Do you have endless chores to do even out in the snow or work in frigid temperatures? 

One of the most important things than can save your rear end this time of year is a solid warm pair of boots!

Sorel has for decades been the staple of many households. Whether trapping in the Yukon, mushing that dogsled or going out on the lake for some ice fishing, these boots will not only do the job, but you'll continually go to them for their comfort, warmth and durability when a good winter boot is most needed.

I really enjoy hunting during the late season, when the forest is still, and the only sounds you hear is the wind rustling through the bare branches and the crunching of snow when the critters are out and about. 

The one thing that would keep me indoors during this time of year was the fear of cold feet! So I began my research, and settled on this classic design that has withstood the test of time for many, many years. 

With ample room in the foot to allow your toes to breathe, and enough support that you can stand and walk for many hours without sore feet, you'd be hard pressed to find a better quality winter boot than the Sorel Caribou. 

The only downside to these boots in my opinion is the fact that they are quite stiff brand new and it will take multiple trips outdoors to break them in. I highly recommend these for the person who has serious business to do in snow conditions and the outdoorsmen that refuse to let the cold and wet conditions stop their adventurous nature!

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $120

I had a pair of Sorel pac boots I used hard for over 20 years. At one point I even had a cobbler replace the heel because I had worn the heel flat. After the fore sole was worn bald I finally retired them because they no longer had any traction.

I replaced them with a pair of Caribous a year or so ago and and the rubber has split and cracked at flexing points already exactly as Paul LP lower photos show below.

What a shame for a brand that had made such a great durable boot years ago to now make a boot that falls apart within two winters of light use.

Pros

  • Warm and comfortable

Cons

  • They don't last

Good traction, warm, and comfortable.

The lower rubber section split and cracked.

Background

I had an old pair of Sorel pac boots that lasted over twenty years. These new Sorel Caribous didn't last two years.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: Bought online

Just bought a pair of Caribous from a vendor on eBay, new. They are described as leather, but were treated and are more like suede. Put them in my sink with water and water soaked through the suede. Not waterproof and not leather.

Pros

  • Don't know, haven't had them long enough
  • Fit well and comfortable

Background

Sorrels always seems to fail me. Poor quality.

Source: bought it new

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Specs

Men's
Price MSRP: $130.00
Current Retail: $34.96-$200.00
Historic Range: $21.50-$799.89
Reviewers Paid: $120.00
Women's
Price MSRP: $130.00
Current Retail: $17.50-$365.00
Historic Range: $17.50-$365.00
Boys'
Price Current Retail: $61.83-$74.97
Historic Range: $49.48-$125.00
Product Details from Sorel »

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