2.08.2013

review: the heavy-duty snow boots

gearing up for the snowpocalypse this weekend with my Sorel boots

it's that time of year again: the annual NYC snowpocalypse. a few years ago, i finally had it with slippery soles and soggy, cold toes, and got myself a pair of Sorels, a.k.a. The Serious Snow Boots. if you're looking for a pair, read on for my review!

i'll admit, at first i wasn't keen on the looks of the Sorels. but they've grown on me significantly since. the heavy-duty, grippy treads really are designed for confident walking across ice, slush, and snow. they also keep my feet toasty warm and dry when i'm out and about, which is a feat that is accomplished by only two other pairs of shoes in my closet (hint: one of them rhymes with Hugs).

size-wise, i'm usually a 6.5, and went with the size 6. they fit snug, with room for thin/medium socks. if you want room for thicker socks, size up. i was concerned that these would be difficult to walk in, but there's actually quite a bit of cushioning in the insole, and the waterproof leather and rubber-capped uppers aren't stiff. they are weighty in a quality-materials way, but aren't heavy to wear. the boots also mold to your feet well and don't cause unnecessary mid-stride 'clunking', which is a problem i've had with other snow boots in the past.

blizzardy essentials:
Sorel boots // SA mini bag // J Brand jeans // Marant scarf // Spiewak parka

all in all, i love my snow boots. what do you wear  in a snowstorm? let me know if you have these, or are thinking of getting a pair!

P.S.: what is it about blizzards happening during NYFW? hats off to all the people in the industry working even harder right now on deadline in the midst of the blizzard. and to everyone on the east coast, stay safe and warm!

26 comments:

  1. haha this post is extremely timely! people are wearing sorel boots to some shows now - nuts!!

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    1. i'm holding out for Bill Cunningham doing a full page spread on snowboots in NYT...

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  2. I have a very similar pair of Sorels (the sole is a bit different on mine) and they were SO useful while I was living in Calgary. It would ice over and I wouldn't have to worry about slipping and falling on my face; plus I actually find them kind of cute in a rugged, winter way.

    xo, alison*elle

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    1. seconded - SO not down with the hazards of falling while wearing inappropriate footwear during a blizzard.

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  3. indeed! my uggs are my winter house shoes. for that purpose they're perfect!

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  4. Fortunately (but sadly) the West Coast never gets blizzards. We have snow sprinkles and we call it Snowpocalyse PNW style. For the two crazy winters that we actually did get significant snow, I wore a cheap-ish pair of Lands' End snow boots and stayed inside all day. I've been thinking about getting a pair of duck boots but I find them immensely difficult to walk in.

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  5. I've had my Sorel boots for a few years now and while I do love them in the snow I've noticed they're very slippery (when wet with snow) on subway platforms.

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    1. ah yes, the dreaded outdoor-to-indoor slip-and-slide. i've learned from years of this to be extra careful! :P

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  6. I have the waterproof adirondack uggs (tall), and they are amazing. I miles in the snow, and these are lightweight and incredibly warm. The vibram sole is very comfortable, I feel like I could run in these to catch a streetcar. I haven't tried on the Sorels, but they always looked too clunky. Glad to hear they work well in snow!

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  7. I have the short adirondack uggs and I love them. (I am a 8.5/9 and I had to get the 9.5 in the Uggs) I would have gotten the Sorels but I had heard they ran a bit wide. When it snows like this in NYC you eventually have to give in to the snow boot or you end up with frozen wet feet from all the corner slush puddles!! Love that you are rockin the Yuli too! Stay safe and warm! Kim

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    1. thanks Kim! you too if you're on the east coast. good to know on the double votes from you and erica for the adirondacks! :D

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  8. What a timely post! I *just* bought this exact pair (except in black) a few weeks ago for trips to Tahoe. I was wondering how they performed on ice, which is what we have up there right now. Love to hear more from others about walkability, especially on ice. Also I've been contemplating getting the Joan of Arctic to see how they look against the Caribou, but in reviews most agreed that Caribou wins due to its durable sole.

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    1. i prefer the caribous, they just look more old-school cool to me. :)

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    2. I definitely love the old-school ness/look...

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  9. I can't justify spending on a pair of snow boots - we get snow for something like 3 days and that's it. So I stick with the hunters with socks, thermal socks and welly liners (all 3 together). I don't technically have to walk for more than 15 minutes to do a school run and the Hunters tide me over for this.

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  10. When we move to New York, I'm getting these for next winter. Absolutely. I love warm and dry feet!

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  11. I love these! My mom has had a pair ever since I was little (actually, I think they've always been the same pair, they apparently last for years and years) and I used to make fun of her for them. Well I just bit the bullet last year after one too many shoes ruined in the snow, and I completely agree, they are the best! They're also starting to grow on me, I've decided they're actually cute in a sort of practical, sturdy way.

    http://www.erindepew.com/blog

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  12. I love my sorel caribous, especially in freezing Wisconsinland. However, I find it a little hard to take off. The wool liner always comes out of the boots when I try to take them off. Do you have the same problem?

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  13. I've noticed Sorel boots more and more here in Norway as well over the last few years! I've never had a pair myself, as I usually get by just fine with biker boots and a thick pair of socks, but if I ever were to move to a colder part of the country I would definitely consider Sorels. They look ridiculously warm and snuggly :)

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  14. I bought these exact same sorel boots for half price last summer and hid them away for winter. I don't think I've ever made a more sensible purchase - they are AMAZING! totally waterproof and so toasty :) I can't stand having cold/wet feet!

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  15. I have the same ones! I'm short so I look like a dwarf from The Hobbit movie when I wear them, lol. Colette Paris made limited edition ones of these boots a few years ago (I believe blogger Elin Kling has a pair) I wish I had purchased them.

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  16. I've seen Sorels snow boots once in NZ but we'll be lucky to get any hint of snow there. However, now that I'm in the UK, I need a pair - pronto. It's been snowing like crazy since this morning after plenty of sleet over the weekend. Will check it out now. Hopefully, they ship to the UK.

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  17. There's nothing chicer in my opinion than being prepared for the elements. I like how warm the Sorels look, since my feet and heads are perpetually cold. Unfortunately, even with my heavy Wigwam or cashmere socks and insoles my feet are just too narrow for them. The story of my life! I ended up getting Bean Boots with shearling and thinsulate, since they come in such a great range of widths. So far they're working out well.

    What is up with there always being a blizzard during NYFW?

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  18. hey there! love the blog. i'm thinking of getting myself a pair of sorel caribou boots. as a size 6.5 myself (i'm european and my euro size is 37), do you recommend getting the size 6? i'm worried the boots will be too snug... what do you think?

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  19. I'm thinking of buying a pair for this coming winter (it's supposed to be worse than last year). Last year I impulsively bought a pair of moon boots because I have poor circulation and they are warm. They were super warm but took up way too much room on the crowded subway. Did you have any trouble with these in crowded spaces? Thanks!

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