Customer Reviews SOREL Joan of Arctic™ Waterproof

This was my first pair of shoes from this brand, and I couldn't be more pleased. I bought these for my first trip to Chicago and I was so glad to have them. My feet were never cold and it was quite cold/windy while we were there. Super happy with this purchase!

I'll admit I was nervous to order these. Every pair or Sorels I've owned are an 8 but the reviews about the Joans say they're consistently large and wide. I have a normal-narrow foot but wanted to try these anyway since my feet area always cold (and I really had no choice because after years of wear, my old Sorel Tofino's had holes in the soles and leaked in the slush). Anyway, I ordered a 7.5 and an 8. The 7.5 felt good width wise but was too short and hurt my toes. The 8 is definitely wider but with heavy socks (which I would wear anyway because like I said, my feet are always cold), they fit nicely. I've been wearing them all winter (almost every day here in snowy upstate NY) and am so happy with my purchase!

Great boots, very warm, order 1/2 size up

I love these boots!! I spend my weekends on the hockey rinks watching my son play and my feet were always freezing (except for when I wore my uggs, but I only wear those on cold dry days otherwise they get ruined really quickly). Anyway, for snowy, slushy, and wet Boston winter days these are perfect! I was sitting in them for an hour and my feet were nice and warm. I wore them outside to go sledding and my feet were the only ones to stay warm and dry. I walked in a foot of snow and my feet did not get wet and the snow did not get in the boot. Recommend 150%!!!! I did order 1/2 size down and they fit perfectly with a thicker sock and without.

I usually wear 8.5 in most shows but 9 in sneakers and boots. I ended up keeping a 9.5 in these. Here’s why: a lot of reviewers said they are too tight above the heel /hard to get into / not as warm as they are rated. SO I did some research. 1. With winter boots it is important that they are a little bigger because the air around your foot helps insulate and keep you warm. 2. You should wear wool socks in them because they wick away moisture and keep feet warm 3. Don’t put them on when you already have cold feet - they insulate the temp as is, so you want to put them on when you have warm feet and they will stay toasty warm. If you follow these rules, then these Sorel boots are perfect for cold weather. We live in Boston and I wore them during our recent cold spells in the teens and twenties and my feet were perfect. Plus they are cute. Five stars - the one and only con is they’re a little tight to put on so you have to loosen the laces every time which is kind of annoying.

I’m a 7 1/2 and 7 1/2 is perfect, smart wool socks fit comfortable. They go on super easy, not sure why others said they had issue, widen the laces. The fee thus far is comfortable. The fur is removable for cleaning. I love the look. Can’t wait to wear them in Iceland.

Unfortunately, the wrong size was in the box that was delivered and they also do not look brand new. Please issue a full refund. Thank you

Well made snow boot. Very heavy to walk in though.

Adorable boots but the tongue is very low. This boot will not keep out snow that is higher than the 3rd lace tie. The boot does run big. I am a 6 1/2 and it was way too big for me. I would definitely wear these boots (in a different size) for style but I don't feel like they a good winter snow boot option.

So cute! So warm! Don't size down; they're true to size. Boots shouldn't fit tight like tennies or your feet will be cold. You need room for air and movement, and an extra pair of socks, if needed. I've been wearing them here in MN during a -20 week, and have been warm and comfy. Also, I normally use arch supports in my shoes (spenco), and I haven't needed them, so that's a bonus!

I was surprised that a lot of people said to order a size down. I don't recommend it! I felt they were definitely true to size without super thick socks on. At least for my size 10 feet. I'm new to NY from the NW and felt these boots were absolutely needed for the winter weather coming up! I haven't had a chance to wear them in deep snow but they absolutely have kept my feet warm in the cold weather. I didn't give them a 5/5 in comfort because there is a part of the tongue that hits the top of my foot weird and is uncomfortable but I'm hoping that gives with more wearing. Once I get it in some snow I'll update this review.

The 2 main comments I have to add after carefully reading so many reviews before I bought these boots: 1. They are true to size. Don't size down. As a matter of fact, if anything, I'd have gone half size up to accommodate extra socks. Like another reviewer mentioned, if your boots are too tight, your feet will be cold. 2. They didn't bother my heels at all- I have no idea how they could. Can the anatomy of people's feet be that different? I have very thin calves, don't know if that could make a difference. They are adorable. They are high enough to keep the snow out in most conditions. I finally feel like I've embraced my inner Minnesotan. Recommend!

Hi ladies! Loved the look of these boots so much but was scared of negative reviews and price - so I did a little research. According to many skiing and outdoor activity websites, winter boots are supposed to fit loose. In order for feet to stay warm, snow boots should not fit snug like a shoe. So, the felt lining in these should be loose enough for a thick pair of socks and still not be snug. When people order a size down it contributes to their cold feet and complaints of back of boot digging into their heels. Order your real size and don't expect them to fit like a fashion boot. By the way, these boots do run in half-sizes. I own Joan of Arctics in 9.5 The second important thing I learned is that cotton socks make your feet colder! You are better off wearing bare feet in boots rather than cotton (due to the way they retain moisture). Invest in a heavyweight pair of wool socks (which wick away moisture) and never layer your socks. Layering makes your feet colder due to breathability issues. Finally, keep your core warm because when you body is cold, blood leaves the extremities. You do want to layer your body. Thermal underwear or a mesh base layer, a loose fleece layer over that, etc. I received my boots and followed these techniques with great results. My boots are very comfortable. It is a blustery 10 today and I spent many hours outside to test the product. If I was just standing there, my feet were warm! Unless I was just standing there on packed snow for a while. On packed snow or ice, you'll need to move around every once in a while to keep blood circulating. Warmed right back up! Took dog for a walk and my feet felt great. Only boot I've heard of that you can literally just stand there without movement on packed snow or ice without feet getting cold are those "mickey mouse boots." They are not cute but if extreme warmth is your ultimate goal, these are what they wear in Alaska, or what serious ice fishers put on, etc. Hope this helped! By the way...some things I forgot to mention. It is also very important to have warm feet before putting boots on (any boots). So if you have cold feet from walking around on hardwood floor, etc, they are going to stay cold outside. This is particularly true with well-insulated boots/socks. They will actually insulate cold in. And never "clench" your toes in boots. Wiggle them once in a while to stimulate blood circulation, but clenching them up has the opposite effect. It can be hard to find heavyweight wool socks for women in stores (I have only found mid or lightweight wool in stores). I found great heavyweight wool socks for women by Carhartt online. Work great paired with boots! We have had -20 degree weather where I live this winter. & mind you, I am not outside long during this temperature, but when I am for a quick shovel, my feet are the warmest part of me in my Sorels.

Awesome snow boot! My feet do not get wet or cold. It's a little wider in the foot than I expected, but not a big deal. It's so nice to have a good outside boot that gives a little style! I use to shovel the snow, when we are at a ski resort (and I'm not in my ski or snowboard boots), playing out in the snow with my niece and nephew, etc. Have even worn them to work when it was really snowy out. I also like the fact that the laces are not the traditional leather laces, that can get brittle and break. These are great! Expect them to hold up a long time!

Awesome boot - Very, very warm. My daughter uses thin socks or else feet get too hot. Sizing is very generous. The oatmeal color is very fashionable. The best footwear for severe weather!

Great boots! I love this boot! They were hard to get on the very first time, but after I broke them in they fit perfectly (I got a 1/2 size smaller than I normally wear). They are warm and they always keep my dry. They are a bit bulky, but still cute. :)

I love the look of this boot. LOVE. I normally wear a 10 (or less). I tried the 10 and 10.5 and it still felt too short in the left toes. So sad.

Really liked the boot. Went with the camel color instead. I normally wear a 5.5 in a shoe, 6 in boots. I went with the 6. It's roomy, has plenty of room for thicker socks. I'd say if you aren't planning on wearing thick socks, stick with your normal shoe size.

I tried these boots in size 10, my normal size, but they were too tight when I put on my wool socks. So I returned them and got size 11. They work fine w/my thick socks. The heel is a bit too loose - a typical issue for me - but I have time to try out my orthotics and if needed seek other heel adjustments. I confess that I dislike the faux fur. I know fur helps keep snow off my feet but I might just get some gaiters and trim some of the fur away.

These are so uncomfortable! First I couldn’t get my foot in the larger size I bought then it was bizarre walking in them. They’re cute but I’ve never tried on such an uncomfortable boot.

I am 5'11 and wear between a W11 and W12. I purchased the Sorel Joan of Arctic in a Women's size 12. It felt 1/2 a size too large. The Joan of Arctic is very comfortable, and the boot is about an inch taller than the comparable Merrell Thermo Aurora 2. The Joan of Arc has a wider toe box and the boot seems to have plenty of warmth. There is no side zipper, but the boots are easy to cinch up with the laces. For me, picking out snowboots is like picking out snow tires. You need very good tread, especially in super cold temperatures where there may be icy surfaces beneath your feet. This boot did not seem to have enough tread for me to feel confident on all surfaces, and with the wider toe box, they felt a little clunky. If you are buying these to trudge through deep freshly fallen snow and you need to keep your feet warm, these likely are a good choice. These are going back for me as I have more confidence in the fit and Vibram sole of the Merrell.

I think these are very nice boots. My problem is that I have wider feet and these were a bit narrow for me. Probably will not be a problem for others.