If you live in a cold climate or face harsh winter weather, you know that finding the right pair of boots isn’t just a style choice—it’s a necessity. SOREL boots have earned a reputation for doing both: delivering dependable warmth and waterproof protection while staying fashion-forward.
Now owned by the global sportswear powerhouse Columbia Sportswear Ltd., SOREL has transformed from a rugged utility brand into a go-to name for stylish, cold-weather footwear.
Founded in 1962, SOREL combines expert craftsmanship and of-the-moment design to create all-season footwear
SOREL boots are a smart and stylish choice for anyone living in or heading north for the winter. A strong competitor to UGG boots, SOREL’s snow boots are built to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable in freezing temperatures.
Curious where SOREL’s popular winter boots are made? You’re in the right place. Below, we list everything you need to know about this iconic cold-weather brand.
The History of SOREL: From Canadian Roots to Global Brand
SOREL was founded in 1962 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. The brand started by creating premium hand-crafted boots made primarily of rubber.
The company was owned by Jacob Ratz Kaufman, owner of the Kaufman Rubber Company. Jacob Kaufman opened his very first rubber factory in 1908 on about 4 acres of land at King and Victoria Streets in Kitchener, Ontario. He soon began creating high-quality rubber boots that were sold around the world.
SOREL challenges the status quo by creating unexpected footwear that pushes the boundaries of function-first fashion
In 1920, the company was handed down to his son, Alvin Ratz, after Jacob Ratz Kaufman passed away earlier that year.
Alvin Ratz did a phenomenal job expanding the Kaufman Rubber Company, but once the SOREL brand was officially launched, he stepped down as President and acted as the chairman for years to come.
SOREL has a rich heritage of crafting durable, high-performance boots designed with functionality at the core. Much like Canada Goose, the brand originally built its reputation on creating products tough enough to endure Canada’s harshest winters.
The SOREL Lennox Hiker boot takes the trails and scenic exits during both good and wet weather seasons
The waterproof rubber boots were designed with fishermen, farmers, and hunters in mind. SOREL boots became increasingly popular over the years, but they struggled financially due to the limited market audience.
SOREL’s financial struggles continued until they finally filed for bankruptcy in 2000.
How Columbia Sportswear Revived and Rebranded SOREL
Columbia Sportswear Ltd. scooped up the SOREL brand after it filed for bankruptcy in 2000. However, Columbia Sportswear did not officially launch the brand as we know it today until 2010.
Columbia, with its talent for designing high-quality, fashionable winter clothing and footwear, redesigned the SOREL boot to meet the needs of a wider global audience.
One of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world, Columbia, took the functionality of SOREL boots and made them fashionable.
The Columbia Sportswear Company operates the brands Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna
They redesigned the boot to be more appropriate for everyday use by both men and women. The retail locations quickly moved from hunting and trade shops to malls, outlets, and independent sellers worldwide.
That said, the rebranding of SOREL boots did not come cheap, and Columbia had to make some tough decisions about where to manufacture the SOREL line moving forward.
Due to the high-quality nature of the boots, they are not cheap to make. Manufacturing the shoes in North America became increasingly costly, making products out of reach for the average consumer.
Where Are SOREL Boots Made Today?
Due to the rising manufacturing costs of SOREL boots, Columbia Sportswear LTD. moved the manufacturing facilities from Canada to China and Vietnam. This move reduced the cost of creation and made the consumer purchase price more affordable.
According to Columbia, most of their footwear products are manufactured in three countries, with most (specifically, SOREL) being manufactured in China and Vietnam.
Columbia does not own manufacturing facilities but maintains contracts with multiple large manufacturing companies worldwide.
Previously, Columbia made all of its products in Portland, Oregon. However, as the company grew in size and began increasing its annual revenue, it decided to contract manufacturing companies overseas to make its products.
The classic SOREL Caribou winter boots provide legendary warmth and protection in cold, snowy conditions
In recent years, Columbia executives have spoken about the tariffs imposed on companies that manufacture overseas products.
Columbia’s CEO, Tim Boyle, was very clear about the company’s overseas manufacturing position in a ‘Mad Money’ interview. According to Boyle, Trump’s imposed tariffs on companies that manufacture products outside the United States are ineffective.
We’re paying additional tariffs on that merchandise, which we’ve been very clear it’s bad for consumers globally, bad specifically for consumers in the United States,” Boyle claims. “We’re free traders. We like the opportunity to sell more merchandise at better prices to consumers.
To this day, Columbia is continuing to manufacture SOREL boots overseas.
Where to Buy SOREL Boots (Online and In-Store)
SOREL boots are available at retail stores in North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. A global brand, many shoe retailers sell these popular boots in their retail stores and online. SOREL also has a website where you can buy various footwear. Most importantly, they ship worldwide.
SOREL boots fit true to size, so ordering them online should be straightforward. Though they come in a wide range of lengths, there are no ‘extra wide’ options.
However, most consumers report that SOREL boots have a roomy fit that comfortably accommodates most feet without additional width. If you are between sizes and plan to wear them with a thick sock, it would be wise to size up to ensure a comfortable fit.
How to Avoid Fake SOREL Websites and Scams
SOREL products are in high demand, which unfortunately means scammers often try to profit by selling counterfeit or non-existent boots through fake websites. If you’re shopping online and wondering whether a website selling SOREL products is legitimate, here are a few key signs to watch out for:
- Check the URL carefully: The official website is www.SOREL.com. SOREL does not operate outlet, discount, or clearance sites under other domains. Be cautious of URLs containing terms like “sale,” “official store,” or “cheap.”
- Use SOREL’s official store locator: Only buy from authorized retailers listed on SOREL’s website. If the store isn’t listed, it may not be trustworthy.
- Check contact information: Legitimate SOREL sites will list the correct customer service number (888-697-6735) and use corporate email addresses—not Gmail, Yahoo, or other free services.
- Look for suspicious copy: Fake sites often use awkward or poorly translated English, especially on pages about shipping, returns, and product descriptions.
- If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is: Extremely low prices on SOREL boots are a red flag. Authentic products are rarely steeply discounted.
If you’re unsure whether a website is legitimate, contact SOREL’s customer service team. It’s always better to double-check than to risk being scammed.
Most Popular SOREL Boot Styles Loved by Shoppers and Celebrities
SOREL boots have seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years. Their fashionable footwear is all over Pinterest, Instagram, and most other social media platforms. Even Selena Gomez has been spotted in their popular rain boots.
1. Joan Uptown Chelsea Boots: Chic, Urban, and Waterproof
The urban-chic wedge boot for an instant style boost
Certain styles seem to be more popular among fashionistas. In particular, the Joan Uptown bootie has been consistently popular over the years, especially after actress Debra Messing was seen wearing a gorgeous pair of wedged Conquest shearling boots at the Sundance Film Festival.
2. Conquest Winter Boots: Rugged Warmth With Style
The SOREL Conquest Wedge Shearling boot pairs cozy fleece lining with a rugged lace-up design and hidden wedge heel for elevated cold-weather style
A fashion-lover’s dream, these boots look incredibly chic and keep feet warm when winter temperatures kick in.
Hilary Swank has been spotted wearing SORELs over the years, and her signature style is the SOREL Explorer Joan boot. These boots are incredibly comfortable, with a comfy footbed and luxurious, insulated microfibre designed to keep your feet warm all day.
3. Explorer Joan Boots: The Sneaker-Inspired Winter Favorite
The warmth of a winter boot meets the fit of a sneaker with this stylish explorer
A winter classic entirely functional for wet, snowy days, the Joan of Arctic Next Boot is one of the most popular styles for fashion lovers living in a colder climate.
This style has become increasingly popular because it is entirely waterproof. This means that when you’re faced with 5 inches of snow on your way to work, you won’t arrive with soaking wet feet.
4. Joan of Arctic Boots: Iconic Cold-Weather Protection
SOREL’s classic Joan of Arctic winter boot is seam-sealed, waterproof, and insulated for warmth and protection
Additionally, the boot is well designed, so despite its functionality, it is still a fashionable winter accessory! The shoe has a slight lift and an adorable fur-trim and lace-up design that looks great paired with almost any outfit.
If you’re not necessarily looking for a full-on winter boot but still want a pair of SORELs, the Emelie Chelsea boots are the most popular booties sold by SOREL.
5. Emelie Chelsea Boots: Sleek and Stylish for Rain or Snow
The luxurious look of the waterproof SOREL Emelie Chelsea boot will keep you in style all season long in all kinds of weather
These boots have a more dressed-up look and are suitable for temperate fall weather. True to the SOREL brand, they are still well insulated and perfectly waterproof. Rainy weather? No problem!
Are SOREL Boots Worth It? Quality, Price, and Longevity Explained
SOREL boots typically range from $80 to $300, placing them above the average price point for winter footwear. While they may seem like an investment, the quality, durability, and style they offer make them well worth the cost.
SOREL boots are fashionable, functional, and, most importantly, built to last. You will get several seasons of wear from their shoes, even when worn in harsh winter weather! SOREL boots are built to last, and their quality has been maintained for years.
Columbia Sportswear is known for its high-quality products. The brand was built on the promise of providing high-quality goods at affordable prices.
Plush fur and fleece lining with sophistication and insulation make SOREL snow boots winter essentials
While their products are not cheap, the cost reflects the quality. Many people claim to have SOREL boots that are nearly a decade old!
SOREL is one of the most popular choices when it comes to winter boots. A company that originated in Canada knows all about winter weather.
Celebrities have been wearing SOREL’s well-designed boots for years. Winter boots are one of the hardest items to shop for because the design is often sacrificed at the expense of functionality. Luckily, there are a few brands out there that do this well, and SOREL is one of them.
With manufacturing in China and Vietnam, Columbia Sportswear strives to price its products competitively. As such, the company continues to make its SOREL footwear line in Asia rather than North America.
How to Spot Fake Boots and Clothing: Expert Guides
Counterfeit products are increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to know how to identify genuine items. Here are some comprehensive guides to help you distinguish real from fake:
1. UGG Boots: Identifying Authenticity
- Key Features: Learn how to examine stitching, labels, and materials to ensure your UGG boots are genuine.
- Read more: How to Identify Real UGG Boots
2. Columbia Jackets: Spotting Counterfeits
- Key Features: Discover the telltale signs of fake Columbia jackets, including logo placement and fabric quality.
- Read more: How to Spot Fake Columbia Clothing and Jackets
3. Timberland Boots: Ensuring Authenticity
- Key Features: Understand how to check logos, stitching, and overall craftsmanship to verify Timberland boots.
- Read more: Real vs. Fake Timberland Boots: 7 Expert Tips
4. The North Face Jackets: Authenticity Checks
- Key Features: Learn how to examine product tags and other details to confirm the authenticity of The North Face jackets.
- Read more: Fake North Face Jackets: 7 Signs to Watch For
5. Hunter Boots: Verifying Genuine Products
- Key Features: Identify the characteristics of authentic Hunter boots, including logo details and material quality.
- Read more: Spotting Fake Hunter Boots: 5 Foolproof Methods
Spotting counterfeit products can be tricky, but arming yourself with the right knowledge makes all the difference. From designer boots to technical outerwear, understanding what to look for—like stitching, labels, and seller legitimacy—can help you shop smarter and avoid scams.
Be sure to browse our site for more brand-specific authenticity tips, and stay informed with our latest footwear and fashion guides.