Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot Review

Our Verdict: Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot

A warm, classic thermal pac boot that shines on packed ice but has the weakest grip in this group on loose snow.

The long-running Sorel Caribou pairs a thick 9mm removable felt liner with a rubber-and-leather shell, a proven warm boot for standing on the ice.

So, is it any good?

Thick 9mm removable felt liner puts it among the warmest boots tested.

Sorel rates it to -40F; testers stayed warm in Alaska down around -10F.

The felt liner is genuinely warm and I trust the grip on hard packed ice. Where it lets me down is loose snow, where I slide more than I like, and I once got a damp liner after stepping in slush above the rubber.

James, Top-Notch field tester

Reasons to buy:

• Thick 9mm felt liner is warm
• Decades-proven build
• Solid grip on packed ice
• Removable liner dries out

Reasons to avoid:

• Weakest grip in loose snow here
• Seams can leak above the rubber
• Heavy, over 5 lb per pair

Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results

The Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot scored 84 out of 100 overall.

It is strongest on insulation and weakest on breathability.

Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.

Value for Money

A fair price for a boot with decades of track record and a genuinely warm felt liner.

You are paying for warmth and heritage, not ice grip, so match it to how you fish.

Good years-long value for cold-weather standing and walking on packed surfaces.

Value for Money	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot	7/10
Category average	7.6/10
Worst in test	6/10

Durability

Rubber lower with a stitched leather upper, a design that has lasted owners for years.

A size 11 pair weighs well over 5 lb, so it is a substantial boot.

You might be wondering:

The felt liner packs down with heavy use, though the shell keeps going.

Durability	Rating
Best in test	8/10
Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot	7/10
Category average	7.1/10
Worst in test	5/10

Breathability

Low, like most sealed pac boots; the removable felt liner is how you dry it out.

Felt holds moisture once damp, so pull the liner nightly if you sweat or take on water.

Fine for stationary cold, clammy on a long walk in.

Breathability	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot	5/10
Category average	6/10
Worst in test	5/10

Insulation

Thick 9mm removable felt liner puts it among the warmest boots tested.

Sorel rates it to -40F; testers stayed warm in Alaska down around -10F.

Warmth drops if you size it too big and sloppy, so a snug fit and a good sock matter.

This is a sit-still warmth rating, not a promise for moving around at -40F.

Insulation	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot	9/10
Category average	8.3/10
Worst in test	5/10

Traction

Mostly circular, fairly deep lugs that are not performance-oriented.

Grip is good on sidewalks, packed trails, and lake ice, but suffers in loose snow and powder.

Lowest traction score here at 6, so add cleats for polished or unpredictable ice.

The large sole profile means you need traction devices sized to fit over it.

Traction	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot	6/10
Category average	7.6/10
Worst in test	6/10

Should You Buy the Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot?

A warm, classic thermal pac boot that shines on packed ice but has the weakest grip in this group on loose snow.

It is best suited to anglers wanting classic thermal warmth on packed ice.

Bottom line?

The big win: Thick 9mm felt liner is warm.

The main compromise: Weakest grip in loose snow here.

We scored it 84 out of 100.

What Other Ice Fishing Boots Should You Consider?

Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.

The Kamik Nation Plus Waterproof Winter Boot is our best budget ice fishing boots. The value pick that covers most ice-fishing days, as long as the cold stays moderate and the ice is not polished.

The Baffin Impact Men's Extreme-Cold Boots is our best ice fishing boots for extreme cold weather. The warmest boot here for sitting still on the ice, as long as you accept the bulk and never step in slush.

The Baffin Snow Monster Arctic-Rated Winter Boots is our best ice fishing boots between $200-$250. A tall arctic-rated Baffin that stays surprisingly light for its warmth, a strong pick in the mid-price band.

Specifications

Liner	9mm removable felt
Stated rating	-40F
Weight	over 5 lb per pair (size 11)
Upper	rubber lower, leather upper
Waterproof	seam-sealed
Fit	wide, roomy
Traction devices	need over-sole sizing

Conclusion: Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot

After testing it against the other top ice fishing boots, the Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot earns its place as our best thermal ice fishing boots pick.

Its standout strength: Thick 9mm felt liner is warm.

Still deciding?

The main thing to weigh before you buy: Weakest grip in loose snow here.

If you want anglers wanting classic thermal warmth on packed ice, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Still comparing? See exactly where the Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Ice Fishing Boots guide.

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