SOREL Winter Boots

Last year was our first year stocking SOREL winter boots and it was one of the best decisions we made (not just because it was one of the coldest winters on record!).

"Founded in 1962, SOREL brings the spirit and heritage of expertly crafted boots to the modern world of fashion where they inspire a new generation of doers, builders, and creators."

For those of you that only know SOREL for the photograph of David Beckham and son Brooklyn wearing them in the snow last year here is a brief overview of the company.

SOREL footwear was launched by A.R. Kaufman, whose family business started making boots under various brand names in 1907 in Kitchener Ontario.  Their SOREL boots were the most popular and successful of their collection. The name SOREL was used to invoke images of ruggedness and cold protection as SOREL was a big WWII and post war-time shipbuilder and steel town. In 2000 SOREL became a division of the Columbia Sportswear Company and continues to exist under the same brand name to this day. (sourced from http://www.vieux-sorel.com/sorel-boot-en.php)

"SOREL combines felt, wool, premium leathers, and flawless construction with people who aren’t afraid to get their boots dirty." www.sorelfootwear.co.uk 

Here at Hoads we stock two of their most popular boots Tofino and Caribou in a couple of colours.

The Caribou boot sold as both a men's and women's product has a handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell that is seam-sealed for complete waterproofness. The boots are lined with a removable 9mm ThermoPlus™ felt Inner Boot that traps heat next to your foot - easily washable and helps to keep the boot fresh after wear. Underfoot, a thick rubber midsole insulates the boot from the cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole provides extra grip. Now this boot is rated to minus 40 degrees which although we will not experience in the UK (oh please please let us not experience that level of cold!) the assurance that your feet will definitely not feel the cold is undoubtedly there.

Tofino is just a women's product and we stock two designs of it; the quilted upper and the nylon upper.

The Sorel Tofino boot with the quilted upper (style number NL2029 pictured below) is made of waterproof waxed canvas with a durable leather shell topped with a fab faux fur collar. Inside, a Sherpa Pile lining keeps your feet warm and comfortable and a molded rubber outsole allows for excellent traction.

The other Tofino Sorel (style number NL2013 pictured below, left) boot has a tough, nylon upper and PU coated leather shell that features a waterproof breathable membrane construction so feet stay dry and comfortable. Inside, 100 grams of insulation join forces with

a cozy fleece lining to create a cocoon of warmth around your feet. Made with a removable, molded EVA footbed and molded rubber outsole making the boot incredibly comfortable for those snow days with the kids!

Aside from all of the technology these boots are exactly what you look for in a winter boot - hard wearing, comfortable, supportive, warm and waterproof. SOREL boots get a big thumbs up from Hoads, what about you? Will you be wearing them this winter or sticking to your wellingtons?