When I think of winter boots, I think of Sorel. They are the masters of creating warm, long-lasting boots — the last pair I purchased (a classic Joan of Arctic style) was over seven years ago, and they’re still holding up impeccably!
But seven+ years is a long time, and not only have trends changed, but my personal style has changed. So I began looking for new winter boots…uhm, okay well, about three years ago. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to commit to a new pair, but maybe it’s because it can be a bit overwhelming to find a pair that will not only be comfortable and fit for real winter conditions but also be actually something I love the look of and want to throw on with all of my outfits.
Oh Hey, Sorel! Time For Cute Winter Boots (A Review Of 5 Pairs)
It wasn’t until this year that I figured out what I wanted: something in the brown/tan/beige category and with laces (not a pull-on). Not a tall order, and lucky for me — Sorel came in swinging with multiple options. If you’ve never worn Sorel boots, I would consider them true to size. I range from size 9 to 10 depending on a brand, but always order a 10 with these boots (and boots in general that I would wear thick socks with).
Sorel doesn’t rate their boots based on temperatures, but do score them based on handling light/heavy rain and light/heavy snow. My goal was to try boots with a score of at least handling “light snow” and have insulation built in!
Outfit worn for try-on’s: Side Snap Sweatshirt | Maternity Leggings | Socks (my faves!) | Beanie
Without further ado, I decided to try on five pairs of boots from the brand that hasn’t done me wrong in the past — what I wasn’t prepared for…was falling in love with multiple pairs. Oy vey!
*Disclaimer: Trying on boots at 39 weeks pregnant is, in fact, absolutely hysterical. When I spoke with Shana about doing this post, she burst out laughing at the thought of my pregnant belly and a shoe try-on, but I assured her it would be great. Imagine me rolling around on the floor to get each pair on! It made for some great memories with the husband as he photographed it all.
Sorel Joan of Arctic NEXT Boot
Color I ordered: Ancient Fossil
Shop this boot: Nordstrom | Backcountry | Sorel | Neiman Marcus (black only) | Nordstrom (exclusive pink color!)
This is an updated version of my trusty seven+ year pair. I love that they put a thick sole on this new release for an ever-so-slight modern platform look (but you can still get the regular Joan of Arctic boot without that lift). These are insulated, waterproof, lined with microfleece, and have that great faux fur detail. Not to mention, they’re nice and tall to keep the snow out in Real Deal Winter Wonderlands. I was immediately obsessed with this color and think it would go with just about anything! They weren’t heavy like you might imagine boots with a lift to be, and very comfortable. I LOVE this modern twist on a snow boot classic!
Sorel Joan of Arctic NEXT LITE Boot
Color I ordered: Velvet Tan
Shop This Boot: Backcountry | Sorel | Zappos | Saks Fifth Avenue | Nordstrom (white only)
A shorter version of the previous pair, this Joan of Arctic model is just as comfortable. I’m obsessed with the shearling underneath the laces, and though just a small feature, I also love the red label on the heel of both this boot and the boot above. Sorel rates these being able to handle up to “light snow,” but I’ve noticed they say that when the boot is shorter — only those taller boots get the “heavy snow” rating. These are insulated and come with the microfleece lining for some real-deal comfort!
Sorel Explorer Carnival Boot
Color I ordered: Elk
Shop This Boot: Backcountry | Sorel | Zappos
Though shorter and without a microfleece lining, I still love the look and feel of these. They are extremely light and roomy enough for some heavy duty thick socks to make up for not having the lining. Sorel considers these to handle up to “light snow” and they are insulated just the same as the first two. They would be very easy to slip on and go even with the laces, and I really loved the grey lining against the brown boot!
Sorel Explorer Joan Boot
Color I ordered: Camel Brown
Shop This Boot: Backcountry | Sorel | Shopbop (solid camel + quarry colors)
Ah man, you guys. This one was a favorite style-wise — again with that grey and brown mixture I’m so drawn to — but was bummed to find them a little too snug with my toes a bit too squished at the end! They just work with the lighter socks I’m wearing, but if I were to put on a thicker sock for those real deal Michigan winter days, I would definitely want a half-size up. Good news for any other big footers like me, these come in 10.5 (and 11 + 12)! Described as having the “fit of a sneaker” (ah, that might be why they are snug), they score a light snow rating and are insulated just the same as the others.
Sorel Tivoli IV Boot
Color I ordered: Khaki II
Shop This Boot: Backcountry | Sorel | Shopbop | DSW (black + cognac colors)
This baby has the five-star ratings we’re always looking for (and I mean that literally, on the website people love the “Tivoli” models). This Tivoli IV is an updated version featuring the season’s hit colors and is described as “flurry defying.” I would recommend going up a half-size, especially if you’re in-between sizes (here it is in a tall version, if you prefer). It’s got all the bells and whistles: microfleece lining, insulation, waterproof, and a great no-slip rubber traction sole for the icy days. It’s one of the only short boots (if not the only one I saw) that scores for handling “heavy snow” — hip hip hooray for style AND top functionality!
So which pair won for my next winter boots? Ahhhhh it was hard, but the Joan of Arctic NEXT LITE boot was the best match for everything I was looking for! They are wildly comfortable, warm, and a style I would personally reach for every day. I considered the Joan of Arctic NEXT boot, but in the end, I decided I wanted something not-as-tall this time around.
Okay winter, I’m ready for you!
Find Your New Perfect Snow Boots!
Sorel Boots For A Winter Wonderland
Sorel Boots For A Mild Climate
Sorel Boots W/ A Heel (for that little something extra)
Xx,
Amy
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing my pregnancy journey, professional photo work, a daily dose of optimism + positive affirmations, and the random favorites that fill my days like cats & binging Gilmore Girls. See you there!
 winter boots, we're looking at you, Sorel. We're thinking insulation, comfort & weather, so a review of 5 pairs is in order.){kind=link}
I just got those explorer boots in that colorway, so I’m feeling good about my choice!! I took my regular size. You *might* have some swelling in your feet at 39 weeks. This is such a nice roundup!
Oh! I should have made the note that I had my mom try on all the boots for just that reason – we were the same sizes and she confirmed which ones also felt too snug. I hope yours fit, keep me posted!!
(we wear** the same sizes)
Amy, Thanks to you and your mom for also being a size 10. Boots and shoes look really different on big feet. Good luck with the impending birth!
What socks are you wearing? The color looks cream not white. Thanks.
It’s the sock from the link but just in the color “oatmeal” !
I just got the Sorel Out ‘N About Plus Conquest with the orange laces and I LOVE them. Some review somewhere described them as if Danner hiking boots and ugg slippers had a baby, and that’s about right. Here’s to cute, warm, dry, comfy feet this winter!