Customer Reviews

Sorel Men's Caribou NM1000 Boot,Black/Tusk,13 M

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

These 10" high winter boots set the standard for basic cold weather boots in snowy conditions. They're probably the boot most commonly worn by locals in snowy Western mountain towns.

But be advised they do not have a lot of lateral stability in the sole of the boot. That is to say, the rubber bottoms tend to twist sideways making them, in my opinion, unsuitable for anything other around town use and possibly some work situations. The twisting motion makes traveling off beaten paths, especially climbing hills or side hilling, more difficult and tiring. My seven year old (Canadian made) Sorel Caribou models have somewhat thicker and probably more water resistant leather uppers, but the current (Chinese made) Sorels seem to have more advanced combination synthetic and wool felt liners and apparently much-needed additional underfoot insulation.

These boots have a cool look with the faux shearling collars but their relatively modest height means you will need to wear gaiters to keep out snow if you leave beaten paths. Felt lined pacs are typically the warmest boots for the bucks and the liners can be taken out to dry. I've washed my Sorel liners on gentle cycle using wool-friendly soap with excellent results and spraying some Armorall (used to perk up rubber and plastic in cars) on the rubber bottoms keeps them looking great as well.

Recommended to anyone who wants a warm, foolproof, traditional looking boot to wear in around-town or to cold weather outdoor events, keep in the car for emergencies and possibly wear to work or riding snow machines in really cold weather.

I love the way they look. They are bulky and heavy, but its what winter boot should be. What i'm really disappointed is that they are not waterproof. In a slushy conditions water gets in and liner becomes damp. Seams are not sealed properly. I would return them back, but these boots have been shipped to europe as a gift. It would be too expensive to ship them back.
Update. I contacted Sorel and they sent me new pair, but the new pair leaks even worse than the first one.

i recently bought this pair of boots, the delivery was on time, the boot are good. Only bad thing was the bottom part of the boot is too soft and when step on a hard surface or a corner it hurts, other than that its a good boot.

Ordered these boots for a 10 day trip to Washington state. They performed well in 20°-30° temps with 10" of snow on the ground and I'd recommend them to anyone. Unfortunately they were lost with the rest of my luggage on the trip home. I'll be replacing them with another pair of the same. Quick note; My feet measure 11-1/2 and I was undecided on the correct size to order (full sizes only) but after reading several reviews stating that the boots ran large I went with the size 11. Perfect fit, with enough room left over for a thick pair of rag socks.

In Minnesota, where winters are brutal, Sorel boots were once the standard boot that every one (men, ladies, kids) wore to ward off frostbite. While still an adequate boot in many respects, they are no longer the standard by which other boots are measured by. While there are some positives about the boot, there are also many negatives. The positives are the relatively lower cost compared to other high-tech boots (much superior to Sorel), the tough leather uppers, the 10" uppers that keep out snow even in deep snow conditions, and the removable pack insulator. The negatives unfortunately now outweigh the positives: the boot is extremely slippery on ice despite the deep tread design, the rubber lowers are subject to cuts and tears from sticks, and the lowers will crease and eventually tear at those crease lines over time. The lowers are rubberized, so they do not wick sweat and keep feet dry. If your feet sweat a lot, this is not the boot for you, as the packs will absorb the sweat, and can actually freeze to the rubber bottoms in below zero conditions. The boot is not water-proof. It can be made nearly water-proof by oiling and greasing the seams and leather uppers. Finally, they are bulky and heavy compared to the high tech counterparts. In the end analysis, this boot cannot match up with the thinsulate high-tech boots offered by other manufacturers. Personally, I'd not buy another set of these boots, but rather save a few extra dollars and get a water-proof 1200 gram thinsulate boot that is light-weight, and wicks sweat. Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Rocky Boots, among others are good places to look. Sorel did not keep up with technology. They once owned the boot business, but no longer. Their failure to make advancements in their boot designs relegated them and their products to second rate.

konedog

I have owned and used Sorel Snow Boots for over 25 years, and consider them the best. When my last pair finally wore out, I ordered the Sorel Men's Caribou Snow Boot in Black/Tusk as a replacement. I was pleased with the initial quality and fit, but after using only one and one-half seasons, the top rubber portion of the left boot split open about 2 inches, deep enough to take in liquid. I plan to patch it back together and try to continue to use it, but am disappointed that the new Sorels do not seem to be of the same quality or have the same longevity as they used to have. Still, they are a good boot for the money as long as the liners are replaced periodically.

These boots are very nice looking boots but its not water proof an they are very uncomfortible . I bought these before going to dutch harbor for work an being on my feet all day these boots became hell for me . Blisters on blisters . I had to buy insoles for comfort an i will be buying new boots with in the coming weeks .

I just checked in to see the price of Sorel winter boots. I bought my first and only pair about 30 years ago. At that time they were ranked as the best winter boot. They cost me about $60 then and were the most expensive item of clothing I had ever bought, I think.

Anyway, after 30 years in the US Air Force (England, Germany, Turkey, Alabama, Virginia, Texas, North Dakota), I have carried them with me and used them whenever needed.

They are still in perfect condition. I'm spending the winter of 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts, (another snowfall last night) and these boots are perfect. I leave them outside on the porch, and when I'm ready to go out in the morning, I simply slip them on in my stocking feet. Big loops for the laces, and big laces, easy to tie, and I'm on my way.

If you want the best winter boot out there, let me know if you think there is one better than the Sorel.

Love these boots! Got a great deal at Amazon! They run at least a half size large.

The Sorel Caribou continues to be the winter boot that all others are compared to. Comfortable, functional, warm and it keeps your feet dry. Good traction and it keeps the snow out if you step in the deep stuff. This is a top quality product.