Buying guide for Best women’s Sorel boots
Winter boots are much more than an important seasonal purchase. They’re an investment in warmth and protection. Sorel boots offer this and more, not to mention they’re one of the most stylish options in the winter footwear market.
Well-made and reliable, Sorel boots are designed to be rugged enough to withstand wear in harsh weather conditions. Styles for rain and snow are equipped with waterproof uppers to keep feet dry and warm. They also have grippy treads to provide superior traction even on slippery or uneven ground. There are Sorel fashion boots available as well, many of which borrow weatherproof details from the tougher Sorel styles.
Wondering which women’s Sorel boots are best for you? To help you find the right pair, we’ve put together this buying guide covering the brand’s main styles. We provide the essential details to compare, share a few tips on how to get the most out of your new boots, and offer a few of our favorites.
Key considerations
Weather
As is the case when shopping for any boots, it’s important to choose a style based on the weather conditions in which you plan to wear them. Waterproof Sorel rain boots, for example, can trudge through the snow, but they’re nowhere near as warm or protective as Sorel snow boots. Sorel fashion boots are versatile enough to wear with a number of different outfits, but they’re not ideal for wearing in inclement weather.
Shaft
One of the main features to consider when shopping for winter boots is the height of the shaft. A taller shaft means more protection against the elements, especially biting wind and moisture from rain or snow.
The shafts on the vast majority of Sorel boots range from just above the ankle to just below the knee. With that said, many styles feature shafts that are approximately 6 to 8 inches tall. On the average wearer, these Sorel boots come up to about the middle of the shin.
Sizing
Women’s Sorel boots are available in sizes 5 through 12, including half sizes. Unfortunately, the brand doesn’t offer wide widths.
When it comes to choosing a size in Sorel boots, it’s important to keep a couple of details in mind. Some Sorel boots are known to run small, in which case the wearer will need to size up by a half or whole size. Even with Sorel styles that run true to size, many wearers opt to size up anyway. This is often done to accommodate thicker socks, insoles, or custom orthotics.
Closure
Most women’s Sorel boots are available in two types of closure: zipper or lace-up. You’ll see zippers more often on fashion and sneaker boots, and they’re usually chunky and pronounced. You’ll find lace-up closures across all Sorel styles, though they’re a staple feature in the brand’s rain and winter boots. There are some Sorel boots that incorporate both zipper and lace-up closures as well.
Did You Know?
Many Sorel boots are made with durable ripstop nylon, which is known for its high tensile strength. The nylon is less prone to sustaining damage, including punctures or tears.
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Popular styles of Sorel boots
Fashion boots
Sorel fashion boots include heeled and platform styles, as well as sneaker boots. These styles are typically made of leather, suede, wool, or faux leather. They also feature rubber outsoles with well-defined treads for improved traction.
As far as overall style goes, Sorel’s collection of fashion boots is best characterized as “classy rugged.” While many of these boots channel details seen in many of Sorel’s snow or rain boots, they have polished, trim styling. Their clean, simple, modern lines make most of these boots versatile enough for everyday wear.
Sneaker boots: Sorel’s sneaker boots are a rather unique subset of Sorel fashion boots. They’re made with a variety of materials, including real and faux leather, mesh, polyester, and nylon. Sorel’s sneaker boots also feature chunky outsoles.
While Sorel’s sneaker boots aren’t designed to trek through heavy rain and snow, they do offer far more protection than regular sneakers. In fact, the chunky outsoles are designed with tooth-like treads that provide decent traction in mixed weather conditions. Since they often have platform midsoles, Sorel sneaker boots are tall enough to keep feet dry on damp ground or in shallow puddles.
Rain boots
All Sorel rain boots are made with waterproof materials like vulcanized rubber and treated leather to keep feet dry even in heavy rain. Some styles offer superior protection with sealed-seam construction, which means moisture won’t penetrate any of the boot’s panels.
Sorel’s rain boots earn high marks for their fashion-forward designs, which include hiker, Chelsea, and duck boot styles. While they remain highly functional, what they lack in embellishments they make up for in practical details. Many Sorel rain boots have a faux shearling lining for added warmth or adjustable features for a better fit.
Snow boots
Sorel snow boots are waterproof and insulated to keep wearers warm and protected even in plunging temperatures. Many styles are made with the same waterproof materials found in Sorel’s rain boots. They also have insulated linings of faux shearling and microfleece.
Most Sorel snow boot designs are adaptations of traditional hiking or snow boots. They often feature multiple colors and materials to achieve a modern, mixed-textile appearance. Styles are generally available in popular neutral colors like black, white, or taupe, though some snow boots come in trendier colors like red, silver, or gold.
Rather than replace dirty laces, soak them in a gentle detergent to remove the grime.
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Accessories
Boot socks: UGG Women’s Shaye Tall Rain Boot Sock
Stay cozy and warm in your Sorel boots with these 14-inch boot socks by UGG. They’re made from a soft blend of acrylic, nylon, wool, and spandex. Wear them tucked inside the boots or cuffed just above the shaft for a stylish layered look.
Boot tray: Stalwart All-Weather Boot Tray
If you’ve been trekking through mud or snow, make sure to leave your Sorel boots at the door in this sturdy boot tray. It has a 1-inch lip to catch water to keep your floors dry and clean.
Sorel boot prices
Women’s Sorel boots range in price from $90 to $400. The price mostly depends on the quality of the materials and the intricacy of the construction.
Inexpensive: Sorel boots priced between $90 and $125 include select styles that are on sale. The majority of boots in this bracket have shorter shafts, though there are a few outliers with 6- to 8-inch shafts.
Mid-range: These Sorel boots cost between $130 and $200. Most fashion and sneaker boots fall in this range, though there are quite a few rain and snow boots to be found here too. Many of these Sorel styles have longer shafts and some premium features like sealed seams.
Expensive: The most expensive Sorel boots cost between $200 to $400. These styles include some of Sorel’s newest fashion boots with all-leather construction, as well as a few styles of rain and snow boots with all of the best protective features the company has to offer.
Did You Know?
If you’re unsure how to clean your Sorel boots, visit the company’s website. It offers detailed instructions on how to care for boots based on the material, including waterproof leather, oiled leather, and nubuck leather.
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Tips
- Check the care instructions for your boots. For most styles, you can brush off dry dirt or mud and wipe down the boots with a damp cloth. .
- Check the warranty information. Sorel boots come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Note that proof of purchase is typically required for any claims.
- Avoid platform styles if you’re prone to sprained ankles. Many Sorel fashion boots have chunky, platform outsoles. While trendy, they’re not ideal if you’re prone to spraining your ankles.
FAQ
Q. How should I store my Sorel boots in the off-season?
A. Sorel boots made with leather or suede should be stored in a cool, dry area like a closet. It’s recommended that you cover them with a pillowcase or other breathable material. Placing them inside a plastic storage box can cause the leather to dry out due to the lack of ventilation.
Q. Sorel doesn’t offer wide widths. Does that mean I won’t be able to find a boot that fits well?
A. If you wear a wide width, it’s unlikely you’ll be comfortable in regular women’s Sorel sizes. However, one option is to try on some Sorel men’s boots. Men’s boots are typically wider, especially around the toe box, so you might find a better fit with these styles.
Q. Can I wear an ankle brace inside women’s Sorel boots?
A. It depends on the style of brace. Bulky ankle braces, such as those with buckles, might not fit inside most Sorel boots. Thinner neoprene ones, however, are low-profile and often fit inside most boots. If your Sorel boots lace up, another option is to loosen the boot to accommodate the ankle brace.
