€Sign in
Contact
Hiking 
Camping 
Trail 
Running 
Mountaineering 
Climbing 
Mountain biking 
Road biking 
Survival 
Canyoning 
Alpine Skiing 
Ski touring 
Snow activities 
Snowboarding 
Cross-country skiing 
Lifestyle 
Sorel Size Guide
.png)
.png)
Sorel Size Guide — Shoes & Boots
Sorel is a Canadian brand founded in 1962 in Kitchener (Ontario). Initially specialized in functional and robust winter boots, Sorel has evolved into a unique fashion-outdoor positioning that combines urban style and winter performance. The Caribou range has become a global icon of winter boots for over 60 years.
Sources: official Sorel charts (sorel.com), The Outfitters NF, specialized guides. Foot lengths are in cm.
Alpinstore Return Prevention Tips
- Sorel sizes according to American sneaker standards, not European boot standards. Sorel boots are slightly smaller than European hiking boots of equivalent size, but fit well with sneakers (Nike, Adidas) of the same US size.
- Caribou: tends to run large — if you wear thick socks, order your usual size. If thin socks or narrow foot, go down half a size.
- Joan of Arctic / Joan Now: true to size. Take your usual size. If you have a wide forefoot, go up half a size.
- Kinetic / Out N About: fits like a sneaker. Take your usual sneaker size.
- Removable insole: many Sorel models (Caribou, 1964 Pac, Tivoli) have a thick removable felt insole. This insole takes up space — if you plan to add a custom orthotic insole, first remove the original insole before trying on.
- Temperatures: always allow room for thick ski socks when choosing size for extreme winter use (−20°C and below).
1. Women's Size Chart
Source: official Sorel grid (sorel.com). The foot length is the length of the foot in cm (not the inside length of the shoe).
| EU | US Women | UK | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 5 | 3 | 21.8 — 22.2 |
| 36.5 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 22.2 — 22.6 |
| 37 | 6 | 4 | 22.6 — 23.1 |
| 37.5 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 23.1 — 23.5 |
| 38 | 7 | 5 | 23.5 — 23.9 |
| 38.5 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 23.9 — 24.3 |
| 39 | 8 | 6 | 24.3 — 24.7 |
| 39.5 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 24.7 — 25.1 |
| 40 | 9 | 7 | 25.1 — 25.6 |
| 40.5 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 25.6 — 26.0 |
| 41 | 10 | 8 | 26.0 — 26.4 |
| 42 | 11 | 9 | 26.9 — 27.3 |
| 43 | 12 | 10 | 27.7 — 28.1 |
2. Men's Size Chart
Source: official Sorel grid (sorel.com). Men's models start at EU 40 and go up to EU 50.
| EU | US Men | UK | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 7 | 6 | 24.3 — 24.7 |
| 40.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 24.7 — 25.1 |
| 41 | 8 | 7 | 25.1 — 25.6 |
| 41.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 25.6 — 26.0 |
| 42 | 9 | 8 | 26.0 — 26.4 |
| 42.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 26.4 — 26.9 |
| 43 | 10 | 9 | 26.9 — 27.3 |
| 43.5 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 27.3 — 27.7 |
| 44 | 11 | 10 | 27.7 — 28.1 |
| 44.5 | 11.5 | 10.5 | 28.1 — 28.5 |
| 45 | 12 | 11 | 28.5 — 29.0 |
| 45.5 | 12.5 | 11.5 | 29.0 — 29.4 |
| 46 | 13 | 12 | 29.4 — 29.8 |
3. Size Advice by Model
| Model / Range | Size Advice | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caribou / Caribou Storm | Tends to run large — go down −0.5 if foot is narrow | Thick felt insole and wide boot box. Usual size if thick socks are expected. |
| Joan of Arctic / Joan Now | True to size | Usual size. Wide foot: +0.5. Narrow forefoot: exact size. |
| Tivoli / Tivoli IV / Tivoli V | Tends to run narrow — go up +0.5 if foot is wide | Narrower profile than Caribou. Standard foot: usual size. Wide forefoot: +0.5. |
| Whitney / Whitney II Plus | True to size, go up +0.5 if thick socks | Good width. Designed for fine to medium socks as standard. |
| Explorer III Joan / Explorer STRT | True to size — like a sneaker | Lifestyle range, close fit to sneaker. Usual sneaker size. |
| Kinetic Impact / Kinetic NXT | Fits like a sneaker — usual size | Sneaker construction. Usual Nike/Adidas size. No adjustment needed. |
| Out N About (III, Plus, Puffy) | True to size — usual size | Good fit consistency. Wide foot: consider +0.5. |
| Torino V / ONA AVE | Tends to run large — go down −0.5 if foot is narrow | Wide boot, designed for thick layers. Similar to Caribou. |
| 1964 Pac / 1964 Lite | Tends to run large — go down −0.5 recommended | Removable felt insole, historical unisex model. Similar to Caribou in fit. |
| Cheyanne / Mac Hill | True to size — usual size | Technical boots, regular fit. Usual size. |
4. Sorel Range — Usage Guide
Winter & Snow
Caribou: the icon. Vulcanized rubber, 9 mm removable felt sole, certified to −40°C. Unisex, robust.
1964 Pac: historical version of the Caribou. Lighter, nylon or leather depending on the model.
Torino V: premium women's boot, synthetic fur, certified to −32°C.
Whitney II Plus: low snow boot, waterproof, −25°C.
Winter Fashion & Lifestyle
Joan of Arctic: mid-high fashion boot + performance. Vulcanized rubber, leather, −25°C. Best-seller for women.
Joan Now: lighter version of the Joan, sneaker-boot profile, Chelsea or lace-up.
Tivoli V: elegant women's boot, EVA sole, −25°C.
Explorer III Joan: leather, Chelsea or lace-up, chic and warm daily wear.
Hybrid Sneaker-Boot
Kinetic Impact: trail running type sole, waterproof, active daily wear. Version Caribou, NXT, Puffy…
Out N About III: waterproof, grippy sole, high sneaker for wet weather and mild cold.
Explorer STRT: leather, Chelsea or lace-up, versatile city-nature, −10°C.
Men
Caribou (M): same model as women's, size range US 7–15.
Cheyanne II / Mac Hill: technical boots, waterproof, EVA or leather.
1964 Pac (M): nylon + felt sole, −40°C. Classic winter boot for men.
Explorer STRT / Ankeny: leather daily-lifestyle boots for men.
5. Sorel Temperature Guide
| Guaranteed Temp. | Usage Type | Representative Models |
|---|---|---|
| −10°C | Mild winter, city, cold rain | Explorer STRT, Out N About III, Kinetic Impact |
| −25°C | Standard winter, snow, active outings | Joan of Arctic, Whitney II Plus, Tivoli V, Tofino II |
| −32°C | Extreme cold, winter hikes, long outings | Torino V, ONA RMX Glacy Plus, some Cheyanne |
| −40°C | Extreme cold, expedition | Caribou, 1964 Pac (9 mm felt sole) |
The indicated temperatures assume moderate activity (walking) and wearing appropriate socks. Cold perception varies according to morphology, activity, and duration of exposure.
6. How to Measure Your Foot for Sorel Boots
Foot Length
Place your foot on a sheet, heel against the wall. Mark the tip of the longest toe. Measure. Do both feet and keep the larger measurement. Refer to the “Foot Length” column of the chart.
With What Socks?
For winter boots (Caribou, Joan of Arctic, Tivoli), consider measuring while wearing mid or thick socks. For Kinetic and Out N About models, measure with fine or normal socks.
Wide Foot
Sorel does not offer a Wide width on most models. If you have a wide forefoot, favor models with a wide fit (Caribou, Joan of Arctic, Torino) and go up half a size. Avoid Tivoli if you have a very wide foot.
7. Sorel Size FAQ
Does Sorel run large or small?
Sorel sizes according to American sneaker standards — which is slightly smaller than traditional European boots (Meindl, Lowa, Hanwag). If you usually wear size 42 in European hiking shoes and size 41 in sneakers, order a size 41 Sorel. The Caribou tends to be slightly wide at the same size — go down half a size if you have a narrow or standard foot without thick socks.
Caribou or Joan of Arctic – which boot to choose?
The Caribou is a classic functional boot, heritage vulcanized rubber construction, low and robust profile. Ideal for extreme cold (−40°C), deep snow outings, winter physical activities. More utilitarian style. The Joan of Arctic is a mid-high boot with a fashion design and distinctly feminine look. Leather and rubber, protection to −25°C, perfect for the city in winter, restaurants, festive outings with snow. Lighter and more stylish than the Caribou, but less suited for prolonged technical outings.
Are Sorel boots really waterproof?
Most Sorel models are waterproof, but the degree varies. Boots made from vulcanized rubber (Caribou, Joan of Arctic, 1964 Pac) are waterproof up to the height of the rubber — generally up to the ankle. The leather or textile upper may be treated with DWR but remains less waterproof at the seams over time. For Kinetic and Out N About models, waterproofing is ensured by a membrane. Refresh the DWR treatment regularly to maintain water-repellent properties.
Can I remove the insole from the Caribou?
Yes, the felt insole of the Caribou (and many other Sorel models) is removable and washable. Remove it after each intensive use to speed up drying and prolong lifespan. If you wish to insert a custom orthotic insole, first remove the felt insole — otherwise, the boot will be too tight. Sorel offers official replacement insoles for the Caribou.
Sorel size charts based on the official grid sorel.com. Foot lengths (cm) correspond to body measurements, not the inside dimensions of the shoe. Sorel uses an American sizing system — the EU correspondences displayed are the official Sorel values, which may differ from standard EU correspondences of other European brands.
