Customer Reviews SOREL Caribou™

I have owned Sorel Caribou's for over 30 years. They are comfortable and warm. The problem is in the longevity. My first pair lasted 14 years. My second pair lasted 14 years. 4 years ago I bought my 3rd pair. Lasted 2 years before the rubber started splitting. I bought my 4th pair during the winter of 2012 (Thought I would give it one more shot). They are now starting to split in the rubber also. Two years after purchase. I give up. No more Sorel Caribou's for me. Quality of materials or quality control has failed me.

Let me start out with expressing how excited I was to get these boots for their slip proof dependability... Durability: WOW. Boots are heavier than I imagined. I did not expect to wear these for a night on the town, but also didn't expect them to be AS clunky, where I'd be tripping over my own steps. I am 5'3" so it's easy for me to trip in really clunky footwear. I simply purchased these to be able to walk on ice while walking the dog and to withstand the blistering cold Minnesota weather. If you are looking for that thick soled warm boot (literally thick ALL AROUND) then these are sure to last and do the job intended just by the look of them. They have about an inch in thickness (rubber) all around the sole of the boot. Comparing the soles to my Tofino boots, they are in contrast very different and I know I can trust them on ice. Now if you are like me and want a dependable boot that holds up to its construction description, but still want somewhat of a cute boot on your feet that don't make your feet look like mini tonka trucks, these may not be for you. They are well made in my opinion, but are most definitely a clunky boot and I've seen in some descriptions the term "clown feet" (which maybe a little over exaggerating) but your feet will look like you're wearing a men's size. (Unless you're a size 6 or below, lucky ones!) Fit: *Note: I wear an 8 in flats everyday wear. The most important part, figuring out your size in these hefty things. I ordered a size 7.5 when I normally wear a 7.5 in a boot. Typically, for the narrow boots I stick to my regular size, BUT these are WIDER boots. For me there was a size issue. I unfortunately have to return these. They are very large on me. After removing the liner my husband could fit in them and he is a men's 10... I can't even believe I might get a 6.5 an entire size down... I went to a store nearby that had one size 7 left and they were the older version that had to of been sitting in the back of their warehouse for a while because the lining was old and had a more restricted front so while sliding on the size 7 boot they were a little more snug around the shaft, but once in, I STILL felt I had more room than I needed! *Keep in mind I like a snug boot. Overall, if you want roomy go down a half size, but if you want TRUE to your size and snug go down a whole size. Comfort: Yes comfortable. Very roomy in the heel area and up front to fit plenty of those layered thick socks some of you like to wear. I like the suede shaft, it does not rub or sag on your leg. Overall: I rated a 3 star instead of a 5 star for two reasons. The boot size in my case was not true to size and the fact that I expected clunky, but not as if I was wearing a men's size clunky boot. I thought they'd have a tad more of a woman's fit, but I would still recommend this boot for its functionality. These boots are durable and warm.

I wasn't expecting the boots to be as big as they are- they're pretty large and a little heavy but I absolutely love them (I'm also a size 12, so they're bigger than the picture). While these do run ever so slightly on the big side, that's a good thing. They fit well on my feet whether I'm wearing regular socks/hidey socks for flats on my way to work if I'm trekking around and wearing big thick wool socks. These are intense weather boots that are great for getting to work, walking the dog, or sledding up north in Michigan weather.

I recently bought these boots for what is looking like to be a rather snow heavy winter for Idaho. They are incredibly comfortable, much more so than my last pair of boots. My feet stay dry and warm, even after tromping through snow all day. I have yet to try them on pure ice (no snow covering), but I doubt that they would let me down if I was being careful. I thought the boot fit true to size, and that is with me wearing wool socks. (Note: I like my boots to be snug, but not tight) In any case, I recommend these boots to anyone who wants to keep their feet dry and warm all day long and not have to worry about any nasty spills.

Since I live in Wisconsin I've already had a few chances to try these boots out and so far I've been impressed. The quality is top notch and they are very warm. The thick felt liners are really nice. I'm thinking of getting a pair for my wife, too. They might be a bit on the heavy side for some, but I find clunking around in a big ol' pair of Sorel's very satisfying. Regarding size: I usually wear a 8.5 so I got an 8 in these boots and I find that they fit well with a little bit of extra room for thick socks.

My family loves their sorel boots. I've had good boots from fleet farm for construction but my caribou boots are very warm and extremely comfortable. I do snow shoveling and out reaches for several hours in the mn cold and never had a problem yet with cold feet. PTL for these boots.

We bought a pair of Sorel Caribou boots for the whole family. These boots are stylish and comfortable. They were recently put to the test with temperatures at -14 in Colorado. You won't be disappointed.

I have owed this pair of boots for several years. They have never failed me, Not one time. Great in the snow, and slippery wet areas. The liner of the boots are very easy to wash and keep clean when you need too. I have these on my wishlist this year and I hope I get a new color. Wish me luck. Merry Christmas from a Sorel happy Lady.

I just ordered these on Wednesday and got them on Monday. I usually wear a 7.5 or an 8, so after reading the reviews and seeing that these fit true to size I got a 7.5. I tried them on today and I have about an inch and a half of extra space. They were also much wider than I thought they would be. I seriously thought they accidentally put the men's caribou boot in a women's box. I can't even walk in the boots without feeling like I'm going to trip and fall, it's very disappointing. I want to order a 7 but I'm too nervous it won't fit.

As an outdoor gal, I have tried all different brands of snow boots. This beats all!! Wish I would have purchased sooner. There is enough room in the boots for UGG insoles. The price seemed high, but they are an investment. Very well made and good looking too.

This boot replaces a pair I have had for over 40 years. They are very warm and keep the feet dry. There is no slipping and sliding with the tread. My only problem is I have a wide foot. I normally wear a size 10 but had to go to 12 just to get my foot in and it is still quite snug. I suspect this will cause the liner to wear out prematurely. Nonetheless, you can not beat Sorel for warmth.

I purchased the Caribou-style Sorel boot stamped G083 Manitou around 1989(?). White rubber bottom with white leather upper. Have replaced the liners several times as expected and have polished the upper and have used mink oil on them. These boots are still going strong. Always use them when doing the snowblowing as they have excellent traction. Plenty warm with good liners and wool socks. The rubber bottoms have yellowed with age. Does anyone know how to get them white again??? Mr Clean Magic Eraser seems to work the best so far. Otherwise, no complaints at all. Happy to have such a well-made product that has lasted so long. Thanks Sorel!

I just got these in shale yesterday. First, let me start off by saying the standard shipping was incredibly fast--I ordered these on a Monday and received them Thursday. Next, I think many reviewers over-exaggerated the bulk of these boots. Yes, they're big, but that's what I expect from heavy duty snow boots. As for the weight, the package I received them in weighed in at 5 lb, and when I tried them on and walked around, they were NOT as heavy as people make them out to be. Finally, I was hesitant on the sizing as I am a tried and true size 8, yet many reviewers said to size down. However, I measured my foot as the sizing guide instructs and my foot was indeed a size 8. After trying the boots on with standard socks, they are perfect yet roomy enough to fit thicker socks. Overall very impressed with the boots and can't wait for it to snow!!

I ordered these boots by recommendation. Shipping was exactly on time, almost to the minute. Boots look great. I wear a size 12 in just about everything (dress shoe, sneakers, etc). These boots fit slightly larger which is fine with me. It leaves me room for a heavier pair of socks or an insole insert. Boots are a bit heavier than I'm used to but if it keeps my feet dry, thats fine. Now, all I have to do is wait for some snow to try them out.

perfect, perfect, love them

My mom's had a pair of these boots since forever (and a few duct tape patches, of course). I got mine as a present about 6 years ago, maybe a little more. First things first: we live in central Wisconsin and the UP, respectably. There's a lot of snow and cold, so cuteness isn't really what's most important in boots. Also, we spend a week every year camping in a cabin in the UP in the winter. It's heated with a wood-burning stove, so we spend a lot of time outside collecting wood, hiking and otherwise enjoying nature. A lot of boots can keep you warm in the city, or for short periods of time, but these boots will never let you down. A lot of people seem to be saying that they run small. I couldn't disagree more. I sized up to an 11, when I normally wear a 9.5. I probably could fit my feet into a smaller size, but since warmth is the key component, lots of trapped air is better at insulating than too many socks. This method leaves you with really large, bulky boots that shift a little when you walk, but they don't look silly under snowpants, and actually they're pretty attractive when you consider similarly effective boots. When I get more, I'll definitely stick to the larger size. These boots are way more waterproof than any other "winter" boots I've owned. It seems like manufacturers assume if it's snowing, it'll never get wet. I've forded ice-cold streams more times than I can count w/out worrying that the water would get in. I've spent a good 6 months a year in these boots (every day) for at least 6 years before I had to give up on them. That's longer than any other shoe I've had, much less a specialty shoe like this. The only reason I had to get rid of them was because the tread wore down, and they were slippery on the ice. (Like I said, my mom's are probably 5 years older than mine, and are doing fine with a few duct tape patches here and there to secure the waterproofedness.) They never gave up on keeping me warm, or on being overwhelmingly comfy. They're like the (waterproof, windproof) sweatpants of boots. It's gearing up to be winter again, so I'm checking out some of the other Sorels. There are some that are a little more fashionable, but if you're looking for a hard-working, long-lasting, crazy warm boot, you can't get better. (I tried to add a picture, but they're almost always covered by snowpants and as such, unrecognizable.)

I received my Caribous today, and they are very very large. My foot measures to 6.5/37 on the nail. Without a sock, my foot slipped out of a tightly laced boot without any effort. With a heavy winter sock on, it's only slightly better. I'm hoping that the extra room in the toe box will help retain heat as tight boots = cold feet, but I am concerned about slipping (as slipping boots on heels = painful blisters). That said, there's no real support in the footbed so I'll add arch and/or heel cups to give the footbed some support. If I end up having to constantly apply mole skin/sports tape to avoid blisters, I won't be happy. Fingers crossed that if further investment in this expensive boot doesn't work out that Sorel will stand behind their product. Things that make me want to keep the boot, A) reputation, B) style & design (although full sheep skin inner in addition to the wool (outer) lining would be a great touch - there's room!), C) beefiness - I like a solid step (also protects from buried objects beneath snow), D) the large size might work out when I need to slip something on/off quickly (e.g., mail/trash run). I do not yet have enough information to recommend, but I'll keep you all posted as time will tell if they're too large...frost already this week, so, Winter is Coming!!

Loved these boots, was determined to get them once I bought a similar style that weren't waterproof. Really love the style and living in New Hampshire and having to endure the crazy winters here I thought they'd be a great option. First thing I notice when I receive them in the mail: they're heavy. Heavier than any normal boots I've held or owned. I assumed that was normal though and would take getting used to. But that's not the problem. I realized how extremely huge these boots were when I compared them to every single other boot I own. I ordered a size 10, which I usually do with every shoe, but when I put them on my feet they were about two sizes too big. Not sure if this is a manufacturing problem or if I should've sized myself with the online chart. But when I order a size 10 I kind of expect a size 10.. Really feels like a men's size, and trust me I've double checked, it's a woman's shoe. Highly disappointed now I have to return the boots, plus Sorel doesn't cover shipping costs on what will be a very heavy package due to the weight of the boots and the size of the box. Very unhappy.

These are great looking, practical, study, cold weather boots. The toe box is big enough that toes will not be cramped and get cold. The 9mm felt liner will provide excellent warmth. I ordered the shale/stone color and thought they looked even better than the picture. I returned them with a heavy heart. I'm very picky about boots and there was just one shortcoming I could not live with. Only 4 sets of lacing buckles made it impossible to lace them really snug across the instep. So, I am replacing them with Premium 1964 boots with leather uppers. I had a pair for 30 years and they served me well, although I could have used the added warmth of the Caribou.

after years of using leather hiking boots in the winter such as vasque sundowners and EMS gore tex boots i decided to purchase the caribou last fall and i could not be happier! We had a pretty cold and snowy winter here in the mountains of colorado and these boots got put to the test and passed with flying colors! For starters they are WARM and my feet were never cold in any conditions even at -20 which we had on several mornings this past winter. my feet stayed dry in all but the deepest snows and the boots are thus far showing no signs of wear at all despite fairly regular use last year. I used these boots for walking the dogs, shoveling snow and limited hiking and snowshoeing and was never disappointed. the tread shows no signs of wear, nor do the leather uppers and rubber lowers. they did run a bit big for me and with a thin sock feel too large but with heavier wool socks fit just fine. they are heavy and not sell suited for serious athletic activities but thats not what i bought them for. couldnt be happier with my purchase! highly recommended!