Caribou
Often imitated, never duplicated—the original Sorel Caribou boot features winter-defying protection and one-of-a-kind look that has been a fan favourite for decades. The shaft is made of high-quality Nubuck leather with a matte, robust appearance and is treated with a water-repellent layer. Due to the seam-locking separation between the leather upper and the foot made of durable rubber, the winter boot is completely waterproof. The 9 mm (removable and washable) ThermoPlus felt liner will keep your feet warm all day long. A 2.5 mm felt midsole and thick rubber outsole protect against cold surfaces. The AeroTrac outsole provides excellent traction on slippery and rough surfaces. Suitable to wear at temperatures as low as -40°C. A powerful model for rougher work in a cold winter.
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends it
9 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 31, 2025
Boots for NYC puddle jumping
My partner and I have had the women's Joan of Arctic and men's Caribou for over ten years now. We used to live in a neighborhood that would get big piles from snow plows and a 20 minute walk to the train in slushed sidewalk from commuting first thing in the morning before anyone shoveled. If you can fit a men's size, get the men's Caribou. If not, at least get the one in women's. The men's Caribou has a more practical sole that keeps you firmly anchored in slippery conditions. The women's has a different sole. The Joan of Arctic is fine in snow, but it's got shallower, more slippery treads so they suck in slush and on wet sidewalks. Also the Joan of Arctic has like this vanity indent in the back of the ankle to make it look like you don't have cankles, but in practicality, it rubs your Achilles raw as you walk. I think those are just for people who are walking to the car, not around the city. Those boots are very heavy so bring a pair of ballet flats or something to change into once you get to work. If you're not used to them, you will get fatigued if you have to walk for a long time. However they are breathable and comfortable. They are meant to be worn without socks. We wore them on a bus ride from NYC to Toronto and around the city in the snow there, too. Feet didn't mind at all. Warm and not sweaty.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 30, 2025
Uggs Women's Adirondack Boot Tall XXV or Sorel CARIBOU™ Women's Waterproof Boot?
Definitely go with the Sorels if you're prioritizing grip - those rubber soles are unreal on ice compared to Uggs. The Adirondacks look way better though so it's kinda a style vs function thing
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 7, 2025
What winter gear do you recommend?
Upstate NY Second the Ariens. I have Sorel Carabou boots that are also about 10 years old and increbible
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Nov 7, 2025
Winter boots with good soles for commuters who walk everywhere in Canada?
Seconding Sorel. I have the Caribous. They're awesome and super warm.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Oct 9, 2025
Looking for a durable winter boots that will truly last
I’ve had a pair of Sorel Caribou’s since 1990
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Oct 5, 2025
Womens winter boots that are warm!!
Sorel Caribou, L.L.Bean Bean Boots, or Columbia Bugaboots. They're warm, waterproof, and built for MN winters.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Oct 2, 2025
What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?
When I was 15, my dad got me a pair of Sorel Caribou winter boots. I was *not* a fan... brown, boring, not the fun colors I wanted. Fast forward 20 years, and these boots have survived everything: brutal Minnesota winters, gross Chicago slush, hikes, snowmobiling, daily commuting… they’re my absolute favorite now! And somehow, they still look brand new. Warmest, driest boots I’ve ever owned. So glad my dad went with “boring”!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Jan 1, 2025
Sorel Boots. Bought in 1985. Changed the felt liners twice. Holding up great. The best snow boots!
I was about to post about these; just got back from my first trip hiking in the mountains with them. Scored a pair exactly like yours (the "Caribou" model) for $15 at the thrift store a couple months ago. I was very impressed how well they kept my toes warm and dry, and how the tread pattern was gnarly enough for excellent grip but easily shed the packed-in snow so you're not tracking too much inside. While the current production ones are Asian-import garbage, there is still a good supply of vintage Canadian-made ones on eBay. Most sellers include a photo of the tag on the liners; the older they are, the higher the percentage of wool, which is much warmer than the polyester they use today. The old ones also use a trim of actual sheep hide at the top rather than polyester fleece - that's not doing too much insulating so material doesn't matter so much, but you do want some kind of fleece trim, as it seals snow from falling down inside. Be sure to work some leather conditioner in to keep them supple - the leather on mine (which must be at least 30 years old) is still softer than my cheap everyday work boots.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Dec 5, 2015
Alternates to LL Bean duck boots?
Yes - they do. It's imported. The reviews on the cabela's site are not favorable. While Cabela's has a "lifetime" guarantee on clothing and footwear, I'm not sure that heading in to replace the boot is worth the time. THAT SAID, Be sure you know that the LL Bean boot is good, but not perfect. It's slippery as a mofo on certain surfaces and you will fall and crack yer frikkin head open if you're not aware of that and comfortable with it. Ice? Forget about it! No. Dear god no. Personally, I'd be looking at a pair of Sorel's. The Caribou is a long time favorite of people who have to hang out in parking lots in teh winter. And people who have to run around through the snow. As good as the bean boot? Ehhhh.... well.... maybe. Warmer, yes, absolutely. As durable and with the same guarantee? No. And not made in the US, AFAIK. They used to havea plant in upper new york state but I'm not sure that's true. Every single LL Bean duck boot is made in Maine. (ended that with a period). Why are LL Bean duck boots unavailable? The people who were wearing Uggs before 2014 decided that LL Bean duck boots are the new Uggs and have bought them all out. It's strictly a fashion trend. While LL Bean has upped their production levels to unprecedented states - they can't keep up. In a couple years, expect used Bean duck boots to be all over the thrift stores and all over ebay for pennies on the dollar. Personally... I have two pair. One needs repair as I drive in them and the threads under the right heel are worn through. They will fix them free. The other pair is an uninsulated pair and are insanely waterproof. Until I go in ABOVE the top of the boot, in which case my socks suck up all the water into my feet and I go "squish squish squish" with every step. I wear wool socks iwth them, so I still stay warm, but it's annoying. Bean boots are good, to a point. But if I were out and about in deeper cold, I'd look at another pair of Sorel Caribou. They really saved my feet when I moved to Colorado. Until the dog decided they were tasty and ate the leather uppers, they were my favorite boot. Hope this helps OP wihtout too much harm on the Cabelas commentor ... Cheers!
View on Redditopen_in_new