Sorel is a line of winter boots, currently a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear. The boot has long been popular in Canada for its high quality and warmth. The Sorel line was introduced in 1962 [1] by Kitchener, Ontario-based Kaufman Rubber Co. (later known as Kaufman Footwear), and became the world's best-selling cold weather boot.[2] In the summer of 2000, Kaufman Footwear went bankrupt, and the Sorel trademark was bought by Columbia Sportswear.[3] Following Columbia's purchase, the Sorel brand was expanded to other products, such as nylon outerwear and other work-related garmets.[4] Prior to Kaufman's bankruptcy, Sorel boots were made only in Canada; today they are produced outside of Canada.
The original and best. Since 1972, the Sorel Caribou has earned its reputation for warmth, durability and comfort the hard way: by protecting the feet of millions of Sorel customers through deep snow, harsh storms and the biting cold of long winters. Rated to -40° below zero, the Caribou is the timeless choice for cold-weather work and recreation. The nubuck leather upper and handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell are seam-sealed for complete waterproofness and lined with a removable 9mm ThermoPlus™ felt InnerBoot that traps heat next to your foot, where it belongs. Underfoot, a thick rubber midsole insulates the boot from cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole provides sure footing. The Caribou is one of the most highly recommended, and respected, winter footwear pieces available. Over the years it has grown to not only include the traditional design, but many reserve editions as well, that utilize rare materials such as shearling, bison, stingray, and ostrich leathers. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]