Why is There No Positive Reviews of Sorel Caribou Boot? (CUT IN HALF)
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- čas přidán 27. 05. 2024
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Sorel Caribou Boot Review - The Sorel Caribou Boot is rumored to be the best winter boot but all of the reviews of Sorel on CZcams are far from positive so why don't people like the caribou boot? I bought a pair to cut in half to see what's inside and if they really are the best boot for winter for men and women.
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:20 Burned Down Garage
1:03 Boot Info
1:17 3 Main Issues
2:24 Upper Info
3:04 Lining
3:48 Midsole
3:58 Construction
5:32 Outsole
6:00 Fit/Feel/Look
6:51 Cut In Half
9:00 Reveal
12:00 3 Answers
#sorel #winterboots #sorelboots - Jak na to + styl
![Best Winter Boots for Men 2024 [don’t buy one before watching this]](/img/n.gif)
I have a pair that I bought probably 35 years ago - they've had hours and hours and hours of cold hard use and are still great. Sad to see an iconic Canadian brand go downhill.
The brand is no longer Canadian, bought out by Columbia Sportswear years ago.
Same here, I still have mine from 1986! The fur died and fell off but the uppers and soles are still good!
I had a pair as a kid growing up, and with a pair of regular socks, they were comfy down to below -40C. Used to spend a couple hours every Sat trudging through snow delivering papers. Bought a new set about 10 yrs ago so haven't been able (or willing) to test the -40C comfort claim, they were still pricy, and still comfy down to -20C where I live.
@fkujakedmyname such nonsense
I wore out 3 pair over the years, when they were made in Canada they were the best, but one the chinese got their hands on then, they have become junk.
I am a supervisor with a company here in Utah that provides snow removal teams with winter boots. This video has been valuable for helping me evaluate our current practises. I am anxiously awaiting the comparison video!
What is the coldest day there in winter? Baffin has a ton of great boots aroun 150 and the white bunny boots are are waterproof and indestructable, poor grip though
@@jmarth523 I agree on the baffin boots. Much better than my sorrels in comfort and warmth
I work snow removal, winters here get to -50°c base temp. Terra boots hold up the best imo.
Baffin is the shit
Last winter here in Utah, Vernal area I used my Kenetrek hunting boots 400 thinsulatt my feet stayed warm even during 8+ hours of ice fishing. Think last I looked Kenetrek has up to 1000 thinsulatt. But at $450 to $600 the boots ain't cheap.
This is a great review. I was planning on getting a pair, but not now. If Columbia changed the design, they should be ashamed. People DEPEND on good quality in some climates. People can freeze and lose their feet with crappy boots. If those decisions were made for PROFITS those people have no soul.
most shoes are sold on name alone.
Waaaaaaa!
@@infernaldaedra Most shoes are made for fashion, Boots that actually have a purpose are a different case because they can save lives.
Yea I think they're making more and more boots for urban folks who will buy more and more pairs, neglecting those whose lives could depend on their footwear.
I know your comment is from a while ago, but I wanted to mention how I noticed that even Columbia boots have gone downhill in quality and design. I had a pair that I purchased maybe 7 or 8 years ago that were super comfortable, easy to walk in through the snow, and warm enough to keep my feet warm for longer walks in cold Canadian winters. Now they have essentially become fashion boots that are undersized, have a shallow instep in general, and will probably only keep your feet warm long enough to get from the driveway to inside the house. I guess this is what happens when companies take well established brands and cut corners to make a few extra bucks
It would be interesting to see the cross-section of a vintage pair vs newer cost-reduced ones. The thickness of the modern outsole and toe looks ridiculously thin.
Bought a pair in the '70s when I got my first job. Wore them for winter work and play for YEARS, then used them "as needed" when the outside job changed to inside work. Overall, I owned those boots for about 20 years.
The only reason I got rid of them was the stitching between leather and rubber failed.
The wool booty was real wool and about 1/2 inch thick.
I bought my first pair of Sorels on recommendation by my work supervisor in the late 70s when I had to do a work assignment in Montreal in December. I was a snow newbie from Vancouver and after completing the job it was my overkill winter boot in snowless Vancouver for nearly 30 years. It lasted and lasted but finally had to throw it away after the heel had worn through. I was excited recently to buy another, and wow - what a mistake. As your test showed, I remember my 70s pair I could wear it for hours in the freezing -25c working outside in Montreal and my feet never felt cold. This new pair I was standing around in just below zero here in Vancouver and I couldn't keep from shivering. But now after watching your video, totally makes sense the difference of then and now.
Randy, you're quite right. Unfortunately, Sorel isn't the only company who's quality is no longer what it used to be.
They're going for looks and dropped any actual functionality long ago in order to maximize profits.
and they could have been re-soled and lasted you many more years
I've worn my Canadian made Sorels in sub-zero weather many times. I wear my Canadian made wool long Johns at the same time. I tell people that you can sleep in a snow bank with them. Maybe Vietnam should stick to manufacturing sun helmets.
Natural rubber on the original boots is superior to the synthetic lower used today. My 30 y/o boot has no sign of cracking. The 100% wool lining is also better. I would never buy another pair of Sorels. Watched friends boots fall apart over the years. Big question is if Columbia produces a genuinely comparable boot to the original caribou, is the consumer willing to pay $400-500 for the pair. I know I am. It would be the last pair I bought.
Today's disposable society has destroyed most products. Shame.
Check out Schnee. Very pricey but worth it.
My experience is that Columbia products are pure garbage.
Grew up west of Ottawa in the 70's and 80's. If it was going to be -40, these were what you wore that day. The inner bootie used to be quite thick wool felt, which was nice, because even when it got wet, it was still reasonably warm. We'd take out the wet liner, invert if over a heat register, and perfume the house with wet wool smell. Sure would be curious to see what a pair of that vintage were like in comparison.
I definitely want to see an old boot cut in half. My biggest problem with anything made by columbia is that it always feels like it was made for Amazon HQ employees who want to look outdoorsy, and not actually made for outdoorsman. I'd love to see the tangible quality differencein something pre and post Columbia
That would be a shame to cut up an old pair as they're probably better than the current run of Garbage.- although i see your meaning.
@@gewglesux I have a pair from 1994 and they have always been waterproof and warm.
Have a pair of Columbia Fairbanks and they're pretty decent for the price. $160 CAD with 200g thinsulate and a semi-soft sole so it bends similarly to sneakers. They're warm, relatively comfortable and light,, waterproof (but I haven't jumped into puddles to test that point) and after about 150km of hiking they're still holding up like new. Obviously time will tell how durable they really are, but I'm satisfied..
@@_JS96 I'm happy that you like them, but I've always had extremely fast wear on columbia products when put into outdoor usage. Especially compared to my 6 year old Solomon X Ultras that just developed a small tear in the side like two months ago and are still largely waterproof. They're like 40 US dollars more. My quest 3ds have even less wear despite similar usage and age. Theres some minor toe cap separation and that's it. (Not counting sole wear on both obviously).
@@cvn6555 I'm told- just like anything else that when they say" they don't make em like they usta" they mean it. it seems to get what you want you have to spend good Money.
More German or European boots, please! Subscribers from overseas will appreciate!
Totally agree! I'd love to see boots or shoes from The Art Company on this channel. Or Muckboots!
He plans on doing ww2 ones if im correct
@@user-un5xj1wl6p I don't want Nazi boots! Just German craftsmanship reviews for me to buy!
Here here for Meindl!
@@user-zh4vo1kw1z Meindl makes mostly ugly hiking boots, though. Purely functional.
I worked at Columbia when they bought Sorel. For the first few years they were producing Kaufman designs, but the bean counters caught on and started the de-contenting process. I have a pair from around 2002, elk hide uppers and 9mm wool felt liners, thick quality rubber and Vibram soles. I soak the uppers with Huberd's oil every year, the rubber is still pliable.
When Sorel was made in Canada, they were the best winter boots I'd ever worn. Since the sales of the company, they have become just crappy synthetic boots definitely not worth $150.oo. The original Blizzard boots I bought had a steel toe and were still the warmest boots I've ever owned. They also lasted close to 10 yrs of everyday use in winter. I'll never buy another pair now that they aren't made in Canada and don't have half the quality.
I have a pair of Sorel boots when they were made in Sorel, QC. I've had them for 29 years and they're still going strong. They're strictly outdoor boots. I don't wear them on bare pavement.I've worn them ice fishing and on other winter adventures. When I know I'm going to go inside, I'll put a pair of trainers in my backpack and do a swap.
Actually the Blizzards are the Nylon bodies version (Like the SnowBear)... and they are NOT steel toed. (absolutely not) I have 26 pairs of K Sorels, all different, and I just went down to confirm... in fact NONE of the nylon upper'd versions have steel caps. (Which makes sense if you think about it...)
@@GotScout I'm talking longer than 20 years ago. Might even be getting closer to 40 years ago when quality meant something. They didn't know what nubuck leather was because it hadn't been invented yet.
@@bullbars1822 My FIRST pair... I still have... date from... 1981... so what's that... 41 years.
@@bullbars1822 check the link I posted... you can still find killer originals!!
The kitty's thinking: "You think I'm not gonna try and steal your show? Guess again, Charlie."
Happened upon this channel by hearing about Nick's Boots. I am a mid 40's guy with terrible foot pain. I have been buying "running" shoes over the last few years by a company called Hoka. I am going to go back through your videos to see if you have already cut them open. They are the only shoes I can wear at the moment because of the cushion they provide for my extremely high arches, metatarsalgia and plantar fascitis. I would love to wear a pair of great boots but not sure if I will ever be able to do that. I love the videos because it gives me better insight into how some of these shoes and boots are constructed and how they might benefit or hurt my feet. Keep up the good work!
Note about the fire...
Don't let the insurance company get away with a lowball offer. These circumstances can be negotiated even though the insurance company doesnt want you to know that. Go full on hard ball with them. don't sign a check or accept an offer until you get close to what is needed to rebuild!
I love my Hokas for walking. I've had good luck with Merrill winter boots. They differ somewhat by style but the pair I bought this year were comfortable right out of the box. Some of them I've had for 5 years or longer and worn in the rain and snow.
Get orthotics, you can wear any shoe then.
@@hubster4477 I have orthotics and definitely cannot wear “any shoe”.
@@seabee750 sorry to hear that.
Growing up, our basement furnace room had a bunch of 20+ year-old Sorels that we would use regularly for winter chores, snowshoeing or making snow forts. They were indestructible back then and handed down to whichever kid had the right size foot at any given time.
I had owned a pair of Sorels for almost 30 yrs, winters at 6+ months long where I live and I got a lot of use out of them. They were great.
I didn't know Columbia bought them, but 2 years ago when I replaced them I didn't even consider Sorels because when I picked them up in the store I could tell immediately they were cheapo knockoffs of the ones I was replacing. Even though the price tag for them was shocking. I found a pair of store brand boots for 1/3 the price of these Sorels, have actual wool blended liner, a thicker liner, thicker rubber, and a shank. They have kept my feet toasty warm for 2 winters now. I think you hit the nail on the head when you surmised they've become a fashion brand. 100%.
Thank you for this I had a pair of Sorel‘s when I was a kid and they were the best boots ever and then I bought a pair a few years ago and was like “huh”
I have several pair of Sorels of various ages. There is definitely a huge variation in build, warmth, and fit, even in the same line. The Canadian-made are definitely superior to the Chinese-and-elsewhere boots. You can tell quality by the sole thickness. (I wear them as deep-cold outdoor work boots.) I put a layer of Russian wool felt in the bottom. Wool charcoals and fragments into ash. Synthetic melts.
Do you have any problem with the "Burn'N Sniff" method?
I have a pair from 30 years ago I still use. I have replaced the liners a few times but the boot is amazing. Quality has to have gone way down. This video shocked me. They definitely used to be number one winter boot no question.
@@cedricboivin9422 Sometimes smoke smells like smoke and is hard to differentiate, especially if it's a blend. Also, not a good idea to inhale fumes from burning synthetic; some of them make toxic smoke.
@@Reziac I'm just kidding, your solution is clearly better. Also, I would say that all smoke is toxic to different extent
Experts baffled as new boot-sniffing craze hits CZcams!
;)
In the 80’s Sorel made a boot called “snow lion” they did not have a heel, great for snowshoes. A heavy cloth upper was tough. The wool, real wool, inner bootiie was thick and we replaced them 5 times. They were only made for snow! The heavy cloth was waterproofed but snow is NOT water. When they wore out.. Sorel had quit making them. I never bought any more Sorels. The snow lion was a great boot..too bad they quit making it.
Those boots at 1:55 are the boots that made Sorel's reputation. Most pairs of those people wore a whole through the bottom on the ball of the foot because the rest of the boot was invincible.
Both my parents still have vintage ones from the early 90s too that I remember wearing when I fit in them as a teen and they were always phenomenal. Crazy to see how much quality can drop over time.
Nothing ruins a great, tried and true brand like when it’s sold to another company. I’ve seen the quality of many brands drop, yet the price goes up. Looking at you Bass, Nike, Sperry, Adidas, Puma, Converse and Cole Haan.
Yep!
Must agree with you. Being older my friends & I are so sick of seeing our favourite products constantly cheapened & destroyed by greedy company owners,
Everything the chinese make is cheap.
Not with there electonics.
Like our phones.
As a Canadian growing up in the snow belt of Ontario in the 70's and 80's we always had Sorel's, but that was on top of having 1 or maybe 2 other pairs of winter boots. Sorel's had their specific users. It's what you wore when you went snowmobiling, snowshoeing, building snowmen in the yard, shovelling the driveway when you had 6 or more inches of snowfall etc Not for going to the mall, hanging around downtown or commuting to an indoor job. They were meant for standing in the snow, not for when you were standing on pavement, asphalt, concrete etc. Once they became "fashionable" and were spotted regularly on the Toronto subway system (pre-covid) I really questioned the quality of the Vietnam made ones and this video confirms my apprehension about purchasing another pair. The pair I bought in 1997 died last winter (sorry tossed them out last spring) and I am looking forward to your video on what I should replace them with.
I never replaced my ild pair of Sorrl either. The one i had from the 80's gave out. And your statement is 100% correct! The way you describe them. So i dont have a stand in snow heavy duty boot. :(
You are right in the fact they are made for snow. My pair from the 80’s have spent many winters up in northern Washington in snow, they occasionally get used in West Texas maybe 3 months in the year if you include hunting season. They definitely are made for specific task and not all day use. I have occasionally thought about getting rid of them but then again I think what if SHTF? Extreme weather, extreme flooding, a bad Northwind snow, they would be the first thing I reached for.
I've had a pair of Kamiks for 4 winters that I love. Bought them for snowshoeing but wear them for everything but shopping because they fit very well and are incredibly comfortable.
That sounds horrible. I’m glad I grew up in a desert.
Replace ‘em with some Schnees pac boots. Fuckin’ legit, so comfy and warm
I had an original old school pair, they were waterproof, thick heavy duty rubber soles, heavy thick water proof leather as well. The came with thick felted wool liners, and they were 100% wool. And the insoles were about half and inch thick of really dense felted wool. They lasted forever and were super warma dn water proof, back when they were made in Canada. I've also had a pair of new ones that didn't last one winter season, the newer ones are just cheaply made trash.
When doing burn tests, I'd suggest swatching them, so taking a chunk out to test, for wool you're looking for three things:
1) wool won't "catch" so when you take the flame away, it won't continue to burn
2) like you said, smell of burning hair
3) fabric will char and you'll get a chunky ash.
Doing smell tests one after the other without swatching means you're still kind of smelling the other samples, especially with strong smells like burning plastic or burning hair, swatched fabrics you can remove and isolate the samples.
It's pretty obvious there is not much wool in the boot. They added mylar instead and reduced the wool content to 20%.
Thanks for this video. I had no idea they were bought out in the early 2000s. I echo what a lot of others have said: I have my pair from 1993 still. Bought them on my way out to Utah for the winter. They were amazing all winter long and are still in great shape. Although I wear them only a few times a year max. Based on this, I don’t think I can recommend them anymore: build quality isn’t the same. Good to know.
As much as I enjoyed watching an examination of a pair of boots to determine their quality, the noises made by him cutting the boot with his knife was my favorite part.
I worked for Sorel/Columbia in their call center a couple years ago, and those liners were the BANE of my existence. They were always always ALWAYS out of stock online, and basically never restocked. I think we got more maybe once in the 2.5 years I worked there. All year, but especially as winter would get closer, I'd have to field constant and increasingly-irate calls wanting to know:
1. Why they were out of stock (because we literally never restock them)
2. When we'd have more (never, probably)
3. Where else they could buy them (if you figure it out, let me know)
Considering that "I'd like to buy replacement liners for these boots," was definitely in the "Top 5 Most Frequent and Very Reasonable Requests Customers Make that I am Unable to Fulfill for No Good Reason" category, they'd put some urgency on having them at least available for winter, but nope! The issue was very much treated with a ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ whenever we'd try to stress how upset customers were that they couldn't use their boots because they couldn't get replacement liners.
It's so they buy just a new boot.
The green layer of the liner is Minktex. It's a synthetic material trademarked by Texel.
The black midlayer is polypropylene.
The tan outer layer is a blend of polyester and viscose. Both are synthetic. Viscose is a fake silk.
I was considering cutting the Sorel Caribou boots I did a review on in half. I gave them to my brother in law instead. These boots are OK to -10c and not colder than that.
Lars, I think they are selling on past reputation here in Canada. Someone recommended these boots to me once and I thought - nah I remember this viking said they are not that great. Seeing what's inside, I'm not surprised they aren't warm.
@@AverageFolk The Sorel's I had in the 1990's were really warm and much beefier.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Check out Schnees. They're what Sorel used to be before they became a fashion brand.
@@Devin_Stromgren I have found they used poor quality rubber bottoms. The rubber bottoms dry rot and crack before they should. The rubber bottoms are made in Korea Although the upper leather seems to be of good quality.
I have a 22 year old pair of these boots, which I’ve found too heavy for wear in Northern Utah other than 3-5 days a year. My son-in-law is from Jamaica and has found himself very uncomfortable due to the cold here. He loves my 22 year old boots as once his feet are warm, he warms up quickly. I appreciate this review of the new boot, as I will continue looking for a different boot that meets the performance of my old boots. Great information.
I bought several pairs for my family in 1982. We lived in Mammoth Lakes, CA at the 8,000ft elevation. Winters there were brutal. The boots then performed flawlessly. We drove our big snowblower multiple times daily to remove the annual 20-40 feet of snowfall. I still have the same boots in 2021. I replaced the liners and the laces recently and resealed the leather. They work as good as when new and still look pretty good!
Hey... I work'd at Mam and probably hit Grumpies and all the other spots with you... Wild Willies!! I'm still in the area, 100 miles N. of Mammoth now. See this vid... my ORIGINAL pair are still going strong, along with the rest of the collection!
czcams.com/video/-Pa4KekYMUw/video.html
My Sorels are 35 years old (green / black Sorel Kaufman Mark V). I was working as an intern and needed something to wear counting Elk in Colorado. They were the cheapest boots I could find at the time -- got them at a farm store for $28. Best money I ever spent.
I finally replaced the liners about 5 years ago (Kanuk, $75). The laces have been gone forever, but never used them anyway.
We now live in Minnesota and these boots stay by the front door all winter. The whole family shares them for shoveling snow, getting the mail, starting cars and quick errands in bad weather.
Having a pair of Sorels with one pair of extra liners got me through years of blowing snow in central Idaho. Used them in subzero weather and with a good pair of socks that have some wool content never had cold feet. And a pair of 16 inch Grizzlies with air bob soles were the greatest snowmobile boots ever.
I had a pair, & they leaked really badly. I've researched this, & the Canadians refer to their 'Wind River' boots, which actually use a snow tire rubber compound in the outsole tread to prevent slipping. You're just the man to look into these!! Thank you for your great content!!!
I have a pair of Caribous that I bought in about 1985 and they are still going strong. Even then, the Caribou had become somewhat of a fashion boot and there were other Sorel models that were better for work boots. Even in 1985 they had a reputation for being cold from the bottom, so every store that sold them in Montana carried extra thick felt insoles to line the bottom. The rule was to size up the boot by half a size and add one or 2 layers of insoles to the bottom for best warmth.
In 2015, I moved to Winnipeg and my old Sorels served me well. My original liners are still in decent shape, but I picked some of the new ones like you show in the video and they seem to be comparable in terms of warmth. The Winnipeg locals all said that Sorel used to be great, but the new ones were no longer a good boot and they had all switched to Baffin.
In the fall of 1999, I bought my oldest a pair of Sorel childrens boots, he wore them, then other nieces and nephews through the years did, then my two youngest wore them, they are still going, I'm sure my grand kids will love them. It's one purchase as a single mom I didn't regret.
I had a pair of sorels given to me when I was 16, in 1987. They were amazing. Main battle tank of a boot. Never leaked. Never got cold feet. Very dependable. And I was a typical outdoors teenager. Even used them snowboarding. They were bulletproof. I still have them actually. It’s too bad how products almost always end up going downhill. These look absolutely pathetic now.
Seems like nothing is built to last anymore.
I remember the Canadian army's arctic mukluks had a insert made out of a thick plastic mesh, which your felt liner would then go over top of. A pocket of air would be trapped between the sole and the felt liner and no matter how cold it got out, your feet would feel cold but never to the point of injury. Something these 'Sorels' seem to be lacking, basically frozen rubber, then two thin layers of felt. No wonder peoples feet aren't the same since the sale of the company.
I used mine five months out of the year for 30 yrs. as a snow removal contractor (and general resident) of Truckee, California. After time the rubber uppers cracked and the wool liners compressed but, keeping the darn things greased up w/ new liners every five years, they did their job very well. At the end of the day, the liners would be good and damp (assuming condensation inside the boot) but, pulled out each evening to dry in front of the wood stove for toasty feet the next day. Haven't lived in the snow in 10 yrs. but still have a pair in my closet, just in case.
My dad had Sorel Pack boots for plowing when I was a kid. We had the LL Bean Velcro space looking boots from the 80s. Bean Boots worked for me in college however in deep snow they freeze my feet but fine for Boston weather. These days as a dad who lives in snow country. My family wears Bogs, my first pair have lasted for five years with no issues, I bought a pair of workman’s for when I have to mend a fence in sub zero weather. My daughter wears bogs all winter as well as my wife. They are good all around warm winter boots.
Still have mine from back in the 80's. They are great and still look amazing. Well built and warm. One of the best items I've ever bought. I definitely got money's worth with them. It's a shame to hear they aren't as good these days.
I bought a new pair of Sorels "Black Buffalos" back in 1988, I still have them, and they are still a great boot.
I used them for snowmobiling for 20 years and now just snow shoveling.
Replaced laces once.
It is what companies do today.
Buy up a quality brand, milk the loyalty and belief in the brand while simultaneously cutting the quality to increase profits, then blame the customers for turning their backs on an old respected brand.
Just like everything else in the world today, they do not want anything to last too long.
Just keep buying and using the earth's resources to replace what should last longer.
I love the cut center score you have in your video. It always gives me a chuckle as I try to determine what it will be before you reveal it.
I got my dads old sorels that he bought in ‘84. They still are in incredible shape and are great boots!
25 years ago I got a pair and they were great. I bought a pair for my wife and the rubber cracked on them the first winter she had them I got a replacement pair and those cracked also. Yet the rubber on my 25 year old pair is still fine.
Chinese rubber. Same reason I won't buy tires that are made in China. Not properly vulcanized.
Yes I bought mine probably in 1975, I had to replace the liners once because the mice ate them but the rubber is STILL supple & I love mine because they are knee high, so I can wear them in any snow & of course they lace up.
Oh that's interesting. Totally opposite of the (30+ years ago) Sorels that I was loaned to go ice fishing with my Dad. They had to practically duct tape them around my ankles because they were waaaay too big, but with about 3/4" of felt and thick socks, I was toasty and had the very best time. We were sitting out on the ice, too (no shelter).
I got a pair of the old ones at a thrift store that I think was made in Canada. I absolutely treasure them putting vinyl restore polish on the bottoms and beeswax (toilet bowl ring) mix w/ oil on the leather. So far so good, I cut foot pads out of car windshield sun protector with a foil-like surface on both sides and put them under the wool inserts, they works so well keeping the cold out I made them for all my boots.
I've had these for the last 4 winters in the Austrian and Swiss Alps. Very warm and very comfortable they're doing well and looking good. The liner fits perfectly since I downsized 1 size. I don't use them for much other than walking around though. My girlfriend got some as she liked mine and did have an issue with the rubber cracking a bit so got a refund. The only downside for me is how bulky and heavy the boot is - i'd like a much lighter and more nimble alternative. They are also too warm for most uses outside of the winter and minus temperatures. I got them half price so can't complain.
I bought a pair of Caribous in 1990 and I still have them. I used them for years in Montana, Idaho, and Washington and they're still in great shape. I only use them occasionally now when I travel back to Montana (I've been in Texas for the last 10 years), but they're a trusted friend that I'll probably have for the rest of my life. I'd love to see a comparison of the oldies versus these new ones.
I bought Sorel in 1973 when I moved to Edmonton. Never a footchill in any weather.
I still use them.
Made in Quebec. Paid 40$, serious money for me back then.
Those seem like great boots! And I used an inflation calculator, it said that 40 Canadian dollars in 1973 would be the equivalent to 262 cad in 2023.
Good to find a decent no-nonsense video scrutinising these boots - looking forward to watching your other videos.
What a shame, I was so disappointed to find out that they had sold out and went overseas. I went with Kamick.
Kamik is still made in Canada.
I had an issue 2 or 3 years ago with one of their pairs of boots. Sent in an email about it. Didn't hear anything for almost a month and figured they didn't give a lick.
Then I got an email from the president of the company apologizing for the issue and told me they had already put a pair of new boots in my size in the mail and they're on the way!
Customer service with them is great!
Everything is overseas
@@evictioncarpentry2628 Some Kamiks are made in Canada. Most are overseas.
@@BradyBegeman Their overseas stuff is made in India, not China. Huge difference.
Kamick are garbage! Made in CHINA!
I have an old pair of Sorels I bought in the late '90s, and the boot insert is wool, and they have a steel shank. They're still fantastic boots to this day. I had no idea the newer ones had slipped so much in quality, or that they had been sold to Columbia.
The only boots that Sorel have left that can be counted on for cold climate protection are the Glaciers. Much thicker liner (13mm) and an extra foot pad under the liner. I am a bit of a winter boot fan and the best creation I have found is my Sorel inner liners from my Glaciers inside of my Baffin Titan rubber boots. Yes... I know, I'm a little nutty on this stuff. Great channel. Glad I've found it.
I had sorrel back in the day, climbed all of the New Hampshire 4K with them , and never had a problem. I purchased a new pair for my wife 3 years ago and with minimal use, they split on the rubber on the inside.. to bad
I had hunting boots by Meindl (I think that’s an Austrian brand which is where I’m from) which look really similar to those Sorels. I had insoles, wore two pairs of warm socks and my feet still got freezing cold after hunting in winter for a couple of hours 🥲 To replace them (and to save my feet) I recently purchased hunting boots by the Brand Jagdhund in cooperation with Muck Boot and they have been a life saver! They are very warm and insulated rubber boots, which means they are completely waterproof whilst keeping the heat in and cold out. It’s incredible what a good pair of hunting boots can mean for comfort ❄️
My dad has an old pair of sorels, that i'm always taking in the winter. Probably close to 30 years old and are more comfortable and warmer than most of the stuff you can buy now.
Heartbreaking video. I grew up with Sorel boots for winter work and hunting. Even then (late 80's to mid 90's) I wouldn't say they were the "best". But, they darn sure weren't this level of rubbish. Those almost seemed about as easy to cut through as the Uggs you did... and that's just sad. Thanks for the vid!
I have a pair of Sorels that I bought 40 years ago
when I worked on a ranch in snow. The locals said
to wear a plastic shopping bag inside the boot
to hold more heat. I never did it.
I later wore them after 2000 on a job in Idaho
where I never saw temps. above 20°F.
I have monster feet, so I wore the boots, but
could not operate gas and brake pedals easily.
I still use them on the few days a year that it
snows in Texas and Arkansas.
not really sure about the differences between the Caribou, the 1964 (which I own), and the Pac T, but growing up in the 1980s in Canada nothing really competed with Sorel for serious outdoor activity. I have no complaints with my current pair with very light usage, but sad to see these new models don't hold their former standards
From the looks of it, not much. I bought 1964’s 3 years ago and quickly became disappointed for several reasons. Too cold, too flexible, too shallow in the toe box, shoddy construction…and worst of all, the liners pulled out EVERY time I took them off. They are collecting dust in the basement.
I’m deeply sorry to hear about the fire. My wife and I lost everything in a California wildfire in August of this year. It’s a hectic and difficult thing to deal with. My thoughts and prayers go to them.
My 1998 Sorels are still in great condition after years of ice fishing, hiking, and working outdoors. Adding a Dr. Scholl's insole for additional insulation and cushion made them more comfy, too.
What JUNK ! Thank you so much for this review. I bought a pair of REAL Sorel boots in 1976 and they are still serving me well. Also thank you for informing me that
Newbuck is real leather. I always thought it was like Genuine Imitation Naugahide. LOL Sadly, I think LL Bean boots have gone the same rout.
It is so disgusting how almost everything is made these days yet the prices continue to rise & rise and the damn quality goes down hill terribly.
@J Hemphill Very, very true. . . Very unfortunate
As a montrealer born and raised, not enough companies make ACTUAL winter boots. A winter Boot is not just some slab of synthetic and called a day.
I've been recently wearing insulated water proof Carolina loggers and they're doing wonders... Versus my kodiaks which broke and would leak water into the boot in less than one season
I have a pair of the Carolina loggers (not insulated) and they are some of the most uncomfortable boots I've owned (yes they are broke in, probably 600+hours on them). Have you experienced anything similar with your??
After returning my 2 last pairs of Sorel’s that didn’t make it through 1 winter without the rubber cracking or micro fissuring, I called it a day and switched to Baffin. They’re on their 6th winter and still going strong. Even the salesman told me Sorel were having serious quality control issues.
Keep up the good work!
Baffin huh. Thx for the info. Need new boots and want them to last
@@tammcphail1995 There are many models. The model l have and that can be compared to the boots In this video are the Baffin Control Max. Awesome boot.
I have Baffin snow monsters, wear them in Minnesota for all activities to include multi-day winter camping... my feet stay warm, always!!
@@marauderstephen3008 I'm in the market to buy some snow boots and due to the negative criticisms of the Sorels have been looking into alternatives. I took a look at the Baffin control Max boot and apparently it's made in China and features similar issues to the Sorel, specifically the lacing rings tend to break very quickly. It's a shame I can't find a high quality boot that will last me a decade in the $200 price range
Baffin does still have north american manufacturing but many are made in China although very expensive. Even their popular "Canada" boot is made in Cambodia.
I bought my first pair almost 50 years ago. Wore them all winter in up-state NY hunting, ice fishing, trapping, following hounds through frozen swamps etc. Finally wore them out. Bought a second pair but by then they had changed, didn't make to original model anymore. Second pair not near as good. Switched over to Schnee Boots in Montana. Fantastic foot wear. They will replace the rubber bottoms for a reasonable price when they need it and now you have a new pair again.
I've got a pair of Sorels I've had since the mid-80s. Seeing the title of this video made my eyebrows go up. I'm even still using the original liners. Good to know their quality has gone down so much. I'll look elsewhere for my next pair of snow boots, if these ever wear out.
THANK YOU! Thank you for doing this dissection. You have confirmed my beliefs about Sorel not being as good as they once were. As much as I love their styles, I just cannot wear them as someone who commutes by foot/bus in the harsh Canadian winters. They totally copped out because there is no reason why a style like this couldn't also be super warm and insulating. Also Sorels are HORRIBLE on ice. I'm never buying Sorel again... unless they see your video and take it for the constructive criticism that it is and make their stylish boots warmer and more functional.
Yeah, that's another problem with the newer Sorel soles -- they're slippery. Whereas their old thick stiff "waffle stomper" soles were grippy even on glare ice.
Marketplace has a recent video on youtube comparing the effectiveness of winter boots on ice, the results were eye opening. The best were made by Windriver.
czcams.com/video/JhUk7qMtcjI/video.html
Spot-on review. I bought a pair of Sorel Caribous for Winter 2020 and they were terrible. If you are going to spend much time standing on snow or ice, then expect your feet to become uncomfortably cold from the bottom up in an hour or two (as mentioned early in the video in a list of common complaints). The outsole is totally insufficient unless you are running or periodically going indoors to warm up. Also, you feel the lack of shank within the first few days. Nonexistent arch support on hard snow or flat ice.
I bought my wife a pair of Sorel boots over 30 years ago. We live in Oklahoma so we don’t get cold weather very often. However, when we do she uses them in snow and ice. And for several trips to Colorado, including snow shoe trails in Silverton. She loves those boots. They do everything they are advertised and more. They still look great too.
My Sorels are 35+ years old. They have seen several to many hours of use every winter. Mostly clearing snow when it gets deep and it's below zero. I'v also spent many hours at winter full moon partys standing no packed snow around bonfires all night at -5 to -15 farenheit in these boots with good wool socks. My feet never even knew they were out of the house. It's worth spending money and research time on the best socks you can afford if you don't like cold feet !
I grew up in Fairbanks, I remember having sorels until the 3rd grade where my parents started letting me pick my shoes. Honestly I really never noticed a difrence when I was walking through deep snow between any boot. Just double up on socks and try to stay dry.
I had a pair as a child in the early 80's when living in Chibougamau, -30 to -40 Celcius on a regular basis. Never had cold feet, and in those days we had to wait outside school until bell rang, even on cold days. Sad to see how crappy these have become.
I have a pair purchased 35 years ago, replaced the liner 1x around 2000. Best purchase ever.
The loss of quality may well come down to the old Form v Function. Another issue is price and the way we somehow justify a loss of quality with 'well not too bad for the price'. As my old Dad used to say, 'you get what you pay for'.
I'm an Australian living in the subtropics & yet here I am watching an autopsy on a Winter snow boot as it gets cut in 1/2, and I'm loving it. There's obviously something wrong with me. I'm now ducking over to watch your video on 5 boots & water proof efficiency (I believe that's what you said).
Hey, these boots are so poorly made for a Canadian winter they might just be perfect for an Aussie winter. 🤔
I switched to a 6 inch hiking boot for all seasons and hunting all seasons. My accessories are water proof gaiters, merino wool sock layering, and over boot insulators for when I sit in the cold. This kit fits my activities of hiking in for a hunt to sit then hiking out. The non insulated boot dries faster and sock layering increases warmth and reduces friction. If it's wet and cold enough I'll use the gaiters and over boot insulation. One last thought. For some sits I take a piece of 1-2 inch thick Eva foam to place my feet on for extra insulation from the ground when it's needed. I have always had cold feet and I have tried many things. This works pretty well for keeping them dry and warm for high output activities. Thanks for the video
@FrancisXGomes I have grown fond of the Lowa GTX Renegade. I believe that Lowa is making an 8 inch version now as well.
One thing to keep in mind is that feet sweat. And when they sweat the liner absorbs the moisture. If they are not aired and dried everyday then the moisture content builds up and you end up with cold and wet feet. I used to run with 2 sets of inners and alternate them on a daily basis and never had an issue. But again, that was 20 years ago.
It doesn’t matter anymore, my liners dry by the stove after every use now. I’m a 48y/o off grid Eastern Canadian woman, I need a sensible boot and Sorrels just aren’t it anymore.
@@giterdone9013 as a sensible Canadian you should know you can still get the originals on ebay, slightly used, but still kicking ass.
@@GotScout kijiji. She is Canadian,after all! 😉
@@anneonnamouse5496 and... can't spell SOREL... urghhh. No sense.
@@stevebigler probably just an autocorrect error! Sorrel is a plant.
My Canadian made Sorels from the mid90s are still doing great. I have also a great pair of keen snow boots that are awesome.
Grew up in Cascadia and the border woods of Wisconsin and the UP. My parents bought me a pair when my feet stopped growing. I used those boots for 25 years when the rubber finally started to fail. I should have heeded the red flags of a buyout and a factory location change. You could spot the lower quality right out of the box. Sent them back.
Old school Sorels with the thick liners we're the standard here in northern MN/WI until Lacrosse Iceman's came out but were bulky and hard to walk thru the snow in.. Seems like the lighter more flexible dog sled type of boot or snowmobile boot has taken over for those who really get out in the snow.... New Sorels are now for the Christmas light hanger uppers while sipping starbucks
Looks Great in a Catolog eh? The OLDER ones are most definitely better made.
Hoffman boots makes an absolute beast version of this, would love to see it cut in half
I have a pair and love them!
And made close to where I live in Idaho👍👍
I still have the same pair I bought in 1978 and still look (fairly) new. They've had a fair amount of use when needed. Real wool inserts. I believe they'll last 100 years.
I have a pair of the older style boots you flashed on your screen with the white laces that was given to me by my Dad. They look like they've been through everything, heavy, but still keep my feet warm
Great video! I have a pair of Sorel that have a removable felt liner booty. The booties are easily 10 mm thick. They are probably 40 years old. I've never had cold feet or water leaks. Used them many times on lakes in temps below zero in Vermont. NY state, and areas of Quebec. Looks like the new ones suck. It's a shame they are more concerned with profit over quality.
Sorel's "new" owners ruined the books. Got a pair of the old style in 1975, they lasted until about 1992. Used them most of the winter when there was snow. One year they were used for orchard work, other years they were used in my woodlot and other outdoor jobs I had. They never leaked and the sole was firm. The real wool soles were thick and there was a thick removable wool undersole.
I bought a pair of Sorels many years ago probably around 1991 they were super warm and water proof. I can't remember my feet ever getting wet or cold in them. They lasted many many years they were still going strong when I moved to Florida and no longer had a use for them. I don't remember what I did with them.
It's good to know the quality isn't what it used to be since I'm moving to Idaho soon and a pair of Sorels would of been the boot is of chosen.
I’ve had mine for 5 years I love them! Always dry and warm.
I have worked outdoors for close to 40 years now and can say with 100% confidence that the modern Sorel boots are nowhere near the quality or as warm as the old ones. I still have a pair that are close to 30 years old and still going. Once Columbia gets ANY outdoor wear name they ruin it. Columbia is WAY more concerned with style over function. Nothing they touch is worth wearing in the cold for more than 15 minutes.
My wife's Sorels are maybe 10-15 years old, and they totally rock. They are really showing their age, and it's a real bummer because we won't buy these new ones.
At this point she probably go with an insulated bean boot, or waterproof hiking boots with gore-tex gaiters.
When you retire them, you should send them in to get dissected.
Or check out Kamik. A lot are made in canada and the US and can handle brutally cold weather
Try looking on ebay boots "pre-owned"
Look for a Sorel with a thick and stiff 'waffle stomper' sole. They are much better quality than the ones with a smooth or thin "wader" style sole.
I like the kind with the tall nylon top because by the time it's that cold here, the snow is knee-deep.
I still have a pair of caribous that were my father’s growing up. They are still great after over 40 years and we’re always the warmest boots.
I have a pair of SOREL pac boots that are about 40 years old, they have a leather upper with a removable felt/wool pac liner. On the side of the upper it's stamped "superior" with an oak leaf with a large K in the middle with the word "KAUFMAN". These are the best winter/hunting boot I've ever owned. I remember one time I was outside deer hunting with a wind chill of -15 for over 8 hours, (I don't know how I did it) the rest of me got cold, but my feet were nice and toasty. They don't make them like that anymore.
I'd love it if you'd include LL Bean's insulated/Gore-Tex Bean Boot (duck boot) in your snow boot lineup. They are my winter mainstays and I would love your opinion on them!
Bean's ducks are now foreign made too. I went to UNH in the 80's... the Cali kid, with the Sorels... all the locals were in LL's... mine rocked.
The cat was unimpressed, even before you cut the boot open.
More critical input from the cat in future videos, please, he obviously knows his stuff.
Quality control cat!
Cats Rule, dogs drool.
@@pamelah6431 - Quality cat control, also.
I came here to say exactly that
@@dejavu666wampas9 what is this "control" you speak of? 😆
In the 80’s Sorel made a heedless boot called Snow Lion. It was great for snowshoeing. I replaces the felt liners 5 times. It had a very heavy cloth uppers. It was warm and only made for snow! Worked great. Then they quit making it.
I think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that Columbia bought the company and might be pivoting more towards fashion
Mine are (USA made) 45 years old and they are still good. They were a hot item in Alaska back in the 70s. And the shearling is a lot thicker. They were basically made for snow, not trekking creeks. They were really made to wear with thick wool socks.
From the looks of the new ones, I would not buy them. Nothing is made to last anymore!
I've been wearing mine in snow since the 80's barefoot (inside)... and always warm feet.
The small laugh at "thicc booty" 6:04
I owned a pair of these in 1980, wore them continuously, but only in snow, which was every winter day where I lived, for at least 10 years. The soles didn't even wear out and had lots of tread. Eventually I moved to Vancouver and didn't need snow boots and got rid of them, but I walked all day every day for many years in those boots. Probably replaced the inners a half dozen times. They were built.
My brother still uses a pair of that are over 40 yrs old. I bought a pair of Kamiks around the same time $35. The tread started wearing out and I replaced them with Caribous about six years ago. The Caribou's rubber cracked where the boot bends as in 13:50 of your video.
I only wear them for ice fishing and hunting (sitting for hours). No long distant walking and avoid concrete and asphalt surfaces.
Sorel replaced them. While waiting for my replacement boots I wore my 40 yr old Kamiks.
The new Sorels have thinner upper leather and garbage Asian "rubber" bottoms. You nailed it the "rubber" dries our while sitting on the rack for 9 months.
Baffins will be my next purchase.