Customer Reviews SOREL Joan of Arctic™ Waterproof

I bought these boots for my daughter because she's moving to Chicago. She absolutely loves the style and warmth!

A long review, but a very thorough one! I bought these boots a few months ago, but decided I needed to wait until I REALLY needed them to review them- and since my region just got pounded with a nasty snow storm for the last few days, I've been able to break them in a bit and give a review. Style: I bought these boots because they were practical, but stylish looking. I've fallen under the spell of Uggs and other suede boots for the past few years, but I haven't been able to keep a pair through to the next season- when you wear boots like those consistently through a hard winter, the moisture and demand on the boots is too much. So I decided to purchase Sorel's because the last few generations of my family trust them to no end. They've definitely lived up to the Style standards. They're practical and cute. Ice: The first day of our storm was sleet, that then froze over-night and carried into the next day. I had to walk to a class before 8am, and none of the sidewalks had been salted. I stayed upright the entire time (even though I walked pretty fast, I was running late!) though the majority of the people walking around me were skidding a lot. Every time I skidded, the boots ended up gripping before any tragedy could occur. Snow: The town won't plow the sidewalks until the snow is done- so that means snow piled up on the sidewalks, and what wasn't packed down was just above my ankles- or where the rubber ends on these boots. I was very pleased- no moisture got into my boot, they were very effective in keeping out drifts of snow, even when plodding through. Part of that is due to the felt liner- they've added in a stretchable inset that stretches to fit your leg, instead of the old felt Sorel liners I remember that just had a slit through the middle. A much better design. --Also, Felt liners mean that the liners are replaceable, and if you feel your boots are getting colder again, you can purchase replacement liners instead of replacement boots.-- Warmth: My toes stayed toasty, with and without thick wool socks, and as someone who has suffered frostbite on my feet previously, that's a tough criteria to live up to. Size: I took the advice of other reviewers, and purchased down a size. I purchased a 7 1/2, while I would normally wear a 7 1/2 or an 8, and they're roomy for a 7 1/2, allowing me to wear thick wool socks. I'm not sure that they're really a 1/2 size large, because wearing thick socks is pretty darn tight. Comfort: The boot itself is comfortable, but if you let the felt liner touch your skin, it will rub and be very uncomfortable. I suggest always wearing long socks and perhaps even tucking your pants into your socks. I have some pretty nasty rug-burn like stuff near my ankles now. Over all a great boot for the first storm- I'm guessing they'll be great for many to come!

I want to love these boots, got the black with red laces and they are so incredibly gorgeous. But alas I have wider calves and with the fur and where the top hits my leg they just look ridiculous on me. They also run large, I tried another style of Sorel in a 10.5 and fit was perfect, these in same size were too big.

These boots are fantastic. I'm currently going into my fourth winter with them and they look brand new. They are comfortable right out of the box, and my wimpy feet don't feel a bit of cold, even after wearing them for hours. I bought them strictly for snow, but if you are the kind of person who is looking for something for indoor/outdoor wear, these are not the boots for you. They are very clunky/utilitarian. Not a problem for me, but it's hard to tell from the photo.

So this is a review to the boot's longevity. I've had this boot for about 5 or so years now with heavy use in the winter working at a ski resort. It's super warm and cozy and your feet stay dry (unless you step in snow that goes over the top but that's a given, just cinch 'em up). Traction isn't the best on ice, but better than most. Give the liners a wash before you put them away in the spring to keep them "fluffy" on the inside. Super cute for apres ski, trudging around running errands, etc. They aren't super "sleek" and may feel a bit "clunky" but cute and functional. A win-win for the winter...contemplating which new pair to get just because I love them so much.

An excellent boot. Comfortable and easy to slip on and off. Great style for heading out into the mountain snow.

Let me say that this is the first pair of snow boots that I have ever owned since I was a really little girl. And now this winter I will be buying a pair for my little girl. These boots are fantastic. I get compliments every time I wear them, people have even stopped me in stores just to compliment my boots. Plus they are so warm and comfortable that with thin socks and 3' of snow, my feet were so hot they were sweating. I have wide feet and these fit perfect with wiggle room for thick socks. I am an 8½ and ordered a 9, and highly suggest half a size up if you plan on wearing thick socks or crochet/knit wool leg warmers. Also half size up allows room for arch-support or gel-cushioned insoles (makes these heaven for snow shoveling or winter walks). I only have two complaints: I wish they made these boots with rubber lug soles. And also that the leather strip on the back bent to wear my ankle flexes when I walk, and made the mistake of wearing them without socks outside once like a fool and now have scars on my Achilles because of it. These boots are not cheap, but after one wear in freezing cold weather and deep snow, if you got a pair from a good batch, you will realize that they are worth every single cent. I love these boots, and my two year old likes to pretend she is mommy and walks around in them even though they are super-thigh-highs on her! I will happily purchase again, and am looking forward to buying her a pair to save for when she grows up, and also a pair of Sorel kid's Caribous for her for this winter. Thank you, Zappos, for excellent products, shipping time, and for offering so many snow boots to choose from, especially for carrying quality ones for children! And thanks to Sorel for making sexy, comfortable and warm, durable snow boots.

I LOVE SORELS. I have another pair (original beige with shearling) that is a size too big, and they're pretty heavy. I needed a pair I could walk around in during the deeper parts of winter that wouldn't weigh me down. Found it! Not to mention they look stunning. Remember that Sorels look wide and are a bit more clunky than other boots, but they make up for it in warmth and protection against winter slush. So glad they made a dressier line!

I had debated if I wanted these shoes forever. I finally ordered them and am so happy that I did! I absolutely love them! These photos show gorgeous shoe.s They are much more gorgeous in person. Wow! I am very happy

This boot is cute.... if you're a gorilla! Order at least a size down and be prepared to drag around tug boats. This boot was made by a man, for a man! Returning.

These boots are so big. I have ordered three pairs now, and am going on my fourth which would make them two whole sizes smaller than I would normally wear.

I LOVE the look of these boots but I had to return them because they rubbed a blister on the back of my leg, right above where the rubber and fabric meet. I tried everything, loosening the laces, wearing them around the house to break them in, different socks, but nothing worked. They are beautiful boots but not well designed, so bummed I had to return them. Oh and a friend of mine had the same problem with hers...

Love how warm these boots kept my feet! The front is a little stiff, and kinda felt like walking in a ski boot. But I quickly got used to it. Te warmth and cuteness makes up for it.

These boots are my winter dream come true. I have wide feet at the front, so my toes have always been cold, cold, cold in any pair of winter boots. You need some air space around your feet to keep the warmth in. These boots from Sorel have more than enough space for my wide toes and a pair of heavy wool socks, and I know they will be toasty warm all winter. They are extremely comfortable and unbelievably cute. I love the curry color with the bright blue laces. Because they weren't available in a size 8, which was already a half size up from my usual 7.5, I ordered the 8.5 to see how it worked out. They are fabulous. I put on a pair of padded Smart Wool socks, then the boots, and that seems to be perfect. I still believe I could have managed very well with the 8, but I think the 8.5 was serendipity. I would buy them again in a heartbeat.

I really wanted these boots to be perfect, after seeing all the 5 star reviews I thought these were going to rock. Sadly, the ankle area is far too loose, my heel slips up to the ankle section with every step, even though when standing flat they feel like the right size. I would reorder in a smaller size to see if that would help the fit but as I said, my toe goes right to the end when standing so I think they would be too short if I did that. I am surprised that no one else reported this problem in their reviews. It feels like the foot of the boot has no give which is also a factor into why my heel slips up to the ankle section. Really sad, even though they are super cute, I wish they were made to fit better.

Love these boots! The color is slightly different than the picture shows but only by a little bit. They still have reddish hue to them but they are slightly darker and more brown. I ordered them because I was hoping they were that red color and when I got them, even with the difference, I fell in love. The boot certainly feels high quality and worth the price paid - very warm, well constructed and high quality materials. I love the snap strap over the fur insert. It helps with putting the boot onto your foot easily. My only caveat is that the boot is a little difficult to get off. Worth every penny in my opinion!

LOVE! I have wanted these boots for couple of years, but kept stalling. When I saw the black with the red laces I literally placed on order immediately. I am ECSTATIC! The boots are warm, comfortable and gorgeous! I cannot wait to wear these. I have several Sorel styles, and I continue to be thrilled with their items. I am a 7.5, ordered same, and they are a good fit. I could have gone to an 8 and that would have been fine as well, but there is no way these run large. Premium boots, designer look, what more can you ask for? Worth every penny!

I just got my boots today (curry) and they are even better in person. It is still warm out so I have yet to use them for their purpose. They are true to size and seem very comfortable for now just walking around my house in them, I have not experienced the rubbing on my heel but again I have only wore them for a short time in my house. Very cute and I can't wait to use them this winter.

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!

Best Winter Boot Ever - I live in Vermont and these are by far the best winter boots I have ever owned. I was in search of a cute waterproof boot that was comfortable. I tried about 15 different styles until I found these. I have worn these boots everywhere, from snowshoeing to the inauguration in DC (standing in freezing cold for 15 hours) and have received so many compliments on them. They are rugged, yet stylish. My only small issue with these boots is that they are really wide and I have very narrow feet. I usually wear an 8.5 and I ordered these in 8, could have gotten away with 7.5 but I get cold easily and wanted to be able to wear thick socks with these (although they are so warm, I have never needed thick socks).

Wish I had a different color - The only color available in my size was the oatmeal, which is fine (gets a little dirty), but I really wanted the hawk brown or the black. Not a huge deal. Otherwise, the shoe is a little difficult to get in and out of in a size 10, where I normally wear a size 11, but the 11 felt a little big on me once my foot was in it.

Good for winter - All the reviews said it was larger than marked; but I ordered my normal size. 1) I have large feet. 2) I am pregnant and wasn't sure if my feet had expanded. When I got the shoes, I was very excited and it snowed the next day. Soon, I was agitated because I got blisters and it was painful to walk in the shoes. They did not FEEL larger than marked but measuring my foot against the sole clearly illustrated that yes. The larger width is okay because usually in winter you are wearing thick socks. Eventually the blisters subsided and the shoes stopped hurting. Great for winter, but not if you are looking for something dainty and feminine as well. Get plenty o' compliments on them.

Great boot - We have more snow this year than usual so I wanted a higher boot. Wanted to try these because they are higher, my feet are always cold. Toes have been toasty ever since and no snow has found its way inside my boots. Zappos delivered these sooner than I expected...which also delighted me.

Not all they should be - OK yes, these are cute boots as far as you could call a snow mobile boot cute. I have a large foot and these are huge...I could probably get them on with 3 pairs of socks. I recently moved to the cold and wanted something very warm as I am not used to the cold. Well, when you are moving they are warm but if you stop on wet or cold your feet will get cold (and that was no where near the -40 degrees!!) the top part of the shaft is comfortable but where it connects to the bottom rubber part digs in...perhaps because they are huge...I would have sent these back but I had already worn them before I decided they are not worth the cash...also if you plan on any hills with them- forget it they are clumsy.

Sorel Winter Boot review - These boots are very warm, and I think stylish. I wear a large size for a women and I find these to actually be a little large. Other than that I am very pleased with my purchase and look forward to other women shoe size 11 purchases.