Sorel Joan of Arctic Winter Boots Review
the stylish women’s winter boot with the traction, warmth, insulation and grip of a winter work boot
Published November 11, 2023
The Sorel Joan of Arctic boots are our most recommended women's winter boots because of their versatility: they may have the style of city-slicker boots, but they were made to work. Ultimately, we felt guilty for judging these snow boots based on their looks, even though the phrase “boots with the fur” comes up whenever we look at them. It may be surprising, but a winter snow boot can, in fact, have it all!
To say that we put the Joan of Arctic boot to the most rigorous of tests is a vast understatement. Testing fell just short of a bear gnawing through them in Alaska or wading into the Arctic Ocean while wearing them (but we did get close by wading into the Northern Pacific Ocean, though!).
I spent 7 years wearing the Joan of Arctic in the woods, in the mountains, on the Alaskan and Maine coasts, and in knee-deep snow from the Colorado high country to the Canadian Rockies.
I wore the Joan of Arctic saddling horses in snowstorms, as an emergency responder digging out trucks from roadside snowbanks, hiking across frozen lakes after bounding Alaskan huskies, and trudging through the fresh snow after a full day of skiing. For good measure, I tested my 7-year-old boots side-by-side with a new model we bought in Fall 2022 to see how the newest iteration stacks up.
Check out why we’ve been head-over-heels for the Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots for more than 7 years and how it stacks up against other winter boots by Sorel, L.L.Bean, Columbia, Blundstone, and more in our Best Women's Winter Boots guide.
Looking for men’s winter boots? Best Men’s Winter Boots.
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Sorel Joan of Arctic Quick Facts
● Price: $240
● Waterproof: Yes (but not the laces)
● Weights: 1 pound 15 ounces per boot (3 pounds 14 ounces per pair)
● Height: 12 inches
● Sizes: Women’s US 5-12
● Color options: Black/Quarry, Quarry/Black, Camel Brown/Black, Honest Beige, Khaki II, Fawn/Omega Taupe, Ceramic/Gum, Chrom Grey/Jet
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SOREL JOAN OF ARCTIC
The Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots have excellent traction for urban and backcountry settings.
What we liked
The Sorel Joan of Arctics are warm, waterproof (minus the laces and where the tongue meets the liner), and comfortable boots with the traction and durability of a sturdy work boot with the style of a runway piece.
In essence, the Sorel Joan of Arctic boot is where fashion meets functionality. Plus, the height keeps out below-the-knee snow and mid-street puddles, a major plus for mid-winter walks.
Best for
Believe us when we say that this Sorel boot is meant for winter and the dead of it. If you run warm, be warned — these boots are well-insulated for all but the coldest Arctic winters, and your toes will sweat if you try to break them out too early in the fall.
But for those winter walks, those spontaneous snowshoes, or those fresh snows? These are the boots you want. Below are just a few situations that, over the last 7 years, these boots have served the author well in:
Shoveling or snow-blowing heavy Nor'easter snow
Digging trucks out of snow-filled ditches
Apres ski, on the town or the tailgate
Winter commutes to the office
Winter festivals
Holiday parties in a snowstorm
Short snowshoes to ice-covered, high-country Colorado lakes
Christmas tree gathering
Chasing dogs on the loose through snow-filled woods
Watching the X Games in Aspen, Colorado
De-icing a truck in real feel of -45 F in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, in January (technically, -30F, but who’s counting?)
Trudging across frozen rivers in Southern Alaska
Guarding the starting line at a cross-country ski event in northern British Columbia
The author tested the Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots for seven years in Alaska, Maine, and Colorado doing everything from hiking to watching the X-Games to digging trucks out of snowbanks.
See our most popular winter gear articles in our Snow Gear Guide:
Features
The author's seven year old Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots (left) and this year's model side-by-side. We are impressed by the long-term durability and quality materials in these winter boots that allow the older pair to look so similar to a newer pair.
Construction
Sorel chose well (most likely modeled off their classic and trendy Caribou boots) with their (mostly) waterproof Joan of Arctic boot construction. The upper boot is made from 12 inches of waterproof suede upper. 5 D-rings lace up the boots over the gusseted tongue and are reinforced with durable stitching, while the bottom of the uppers (where the suede meets the rubber outsole) are triple stitched and seam-sealed to keep snow and water out tight.
The midsole contains additional insulation with 2.5 millimeters of bonded felt frost plug. The outsole is nearly the star of the show here; its vulcanized rubber (a treated kind of rubber involving heat and sulfur that hardens and strengthens the rubber, making it more durable) gives you the kind of protection your feet need in heavy, wet snow and slush.
However, the pièce de résistance? The removable, washable, 6-millimeter-thick felt boot liner is made from recycled materials. Most of the options involve a faux fur lining (not our favorite, but it fits the city-slicker looks), but one option is a faux shearling ruff, which is closer to the tried-and-true Sorel Caribou boot (also a winner in our Best Winter Boots guides) — and similar to the felt liner that the author has used in her Joan of Arctics for 7 years.
Take note, however: the laces and the liner boot are only water resistant, not waterproof. It'll hold up to rain, but once the snow gets into the liners, they retain their warmth, but you’ll feel the moisture seeping in.
Keep an eye on how deep the snow is as you trek in this winter boot, and when it gets midway up your boots, we suggest lacing up a little tighter to keep the snow outside where it belongs.
The rubber soles on the Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots. The left is this year's model and the right is from a well-worn model. The soles are so sturdy that they look practically new.
Tread and Traction
The Joan of Arctic boots utilizes a vulcanized rubber sole with a herringbone traction design. Although we wouldn’t suggest taking them out on an Alaskan fishing vessel (the traction isn't that good on an icy boat deck, trust us!), the grip is good on icy, snowy packed sidewalks, parking lots, and trails.
While the Joan of Arctic grip is good, we recommend using a dedicated winter traction device for hiking or walking on sidewalks that are like sheets of ice. The Joan of Arctic will work with Yaktrax or some of the wider-footed recommendations in our The Best Winter Traction Devices guide.
The Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots are our go-to boots for before and after skiing. Here they are sitting on the tailgate of the ski-mobile.
Warmth and Insulation
The Sorel Joan of Arctic is a warm boot that Sorel rates to -25F (we've tested it down to -30F with real feel of -45F but don't recommend it). The midsole contains its own insulation with 2.5 millimeters of bonded felt frost plug, although the thick rubber sole provides good insulation from the cold ground.
However, the real heroes of the Joan of Arctics are the recycled, removable, washable, 6-millimeter-thick felt inner boot liners. When you beat your liners down thin (like the author did after a half-dozen years), you can replace the liners without paying for a new winter boot.
The current inner boot liner option sports a faux-fur ruff along the top, which isn’t exactly our fashion forté but is a modern twist on a classic boot. However, the faux fur cuff still does its job to both insulate the top of your calf and keep snow from falling on the top.
Another option is a faux shearling ruff, closer to the tried-and-true Sorel Caribou boot, but it’s become increasingly more difficult to find, as Sorel doesn’t offer it on their website. We recommend the shearling liner, as it’s insulated, keeps the snow out, and doesn’t get snagged on as many bushes and brambles. But fear not — if your winter plans do involve brambles and you like the faux fur collar, it'll keep you plenty warm.
If the faux fur look is a no-go for you, we recommend the unisex Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal winter boots. They are an upcoming winner in our Best Winter Boots guides. You can read our in-depth review on those Blundstone Boots here.
Close-up of the shearling liners on the Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots.
Sizing & Fit
The toe box can run large but plan to size about a ½ size up to accommodate thick socks. Even if you don’t wear thick socks, the extra room to wiggle your toes will keep you warmer. The laces cinch up tight, which helps with the fit differences between roomy and swimming in extra space. For those hesitant about sizing, Sorel has a helpful size chart on the right-hand side of their webpage — including how to measure your foot accurately. If you aren't sure, we recommend ordering from a retailer like Zappos, which has a 365-day free shipping on returns policy.
Waterproofing
The suede uppers of the Joan of Arctics are waterproof, as is the handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell with herringbone outsole. Where the uppers and soles connect is seam-sealed for additional waterproofing, as is every stitch on the suede uppers. The only parts of this boot that are not waterproof (at least on the exterior, the liner is water-resistant but will hold water if enough snow melts into them) are the laces.
The height on the Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots make them ideal for wearing when snow starts to pile up, such as on the porch after a snowstorm when shoveling snow must happen.
Comfort
In the 7 years that the author has owned these boots personally, all-day comfort has never been an issue. And we mean all-day — a 6 am start to volunteer at the starting line for a cross-country ski race in Canada that wrapped up by 4 pm and then took us all back down to our coastal Alaskan town for dinner and beverages by a bonfire and home by midnight was only possible thanks for the Joan of Arctics keeping her feet warm. (Thick wool socks and a few cups of coffee helped, too.)
While the Joans can be a little stiff to pull on and take off, using the old tried-and-true method of your toes on the heel tab or a bootjack works wonders. Loosening the laces all the way helps out immensely, too. Once they’re on, the Achilles’ area takes a bit to break in (its stiffness helps keep the uppers straight and high on your calf), but medium-thick socks and a little walking break them in easily.
Related: The Best Snowshoes
The Sorel Joan of Arctic is a winter boot with long-term durability. The boot on the left has seen seven years of heavy use from Alaska to Maine. The boot on the right is model we purchased in Fall 2022.
Long term Durability
While the Sorel Joan of Arctic is not a budget winter boot, the author’s 7-year-old pair of Joans look barely used compared to the brand-new 2022 version from Sorel that we pitted them against.
We cannot stress its long-term durability enough. We've hiked and snowshoed in this boot, in addition to living in it.
Although the liner is pretty tamped down on her older pair of Joans, the leather has held up. The stitching is perfect, the original laces are still intact and holding strong, the liner is still warm, and the boots are still waterproof (minus the top of the tongue).
The new pair of Joans fit just like the old ones — comfortable, warm, a little stiff in the Achilles section, but perfect with the right pair of thick socks.
Who Else Likes it
The Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots earned these ratings: Amazon (4.4/5), REI (4.5/5), Outdoor Gear Lab (Top Pick, 69/100), Outside Pursuits (Editor's Choice, Best Snow Boots), Town and Country (Best Stylish Winter Boots), GearJunkie (Best Women's Snow Boots), Chicago Tribune (Best Overall), Travel Gear Zone (4.8/5), Business Insider (Best Tall Winter Boots), Good Housekeeping (warmest winter boots).
REI customers gave these boots more than 1,200 reviews—which may be a record for an item of gear that we’ve considered. The main concerns were ease of use (these boots can be difficult to pull on/kick off, since they’re stiffly insulated and rise to mid-calf), warmth (some were toasty, others had to warm their toes after an hour), and rubbing of heels (some were uncomfortable and had blisters, which generally means that the boots were too big.) All in all, they advised not to size up but to stay at your street shoe size. These boots tend to run roomy, which can cause less warmth and/or heel rubbing. However, many claimed that they were warm and toasty in snowy locations like Idaho, Nebraska, and Mammoth Lakes, California!
Amazon reviewers say that these boots are worth their weight. The price was another ding, but with how long these boots last, it’s worth it, too.
Good Housekeeping raved, “Sorel’s Joan of Arctic Boot features a leather upper and rubber sole with a gusseted tongue to keep your toes totally protected.” They praised the warmth and height of the boot as the perfect footwear for any snow day.
Business Insider called out the versatility of these boots since they’re practical enough to wear to go on a snowy hike, yet fashionable enough to wear around town after skiing. “The Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots are absolutely perfect for stomping through snowbanks and tackling intense winter conditions in style.”
Gear Junkie praised the waterproofness (especially the sealed seams and vulcanized rubber bottoms) and said these boots “make you hope for a blizzard.”
How we tested
The author tested the Sorel Joan of Arctic winter boots for seven years, including on winter cross-country road trips, as seen here.
The author spent 7 years in the woods, in the mountains, on the Alaskan and Downeastern Maine coasts, and in knee-deep snow from the Colorado high country to the Canadian Rockies in these boots.
For good measure, we tested those 7-year-old boots side-by-side with a new model from 2022 to see how they stack up.
The author wore these boots on mid-winter cross-country road trips to dig out trucks from roadside snowbanks, while saddling horses in snowstorms, hiking across frozen lakes after bounding Alaskan huskies, and trudging through the fresh snow after a full day of skiing.
We wanted winter boots that could withstand the range of weather conditions that winter can throw our way. We researched the best boots for icy conditions, wet conditions, snowy winter conditions, and extremely cold conditions that were comfortable, provided good arch support, and were waterproof. We also wanted to find high-quality, durable materials without breaking the bank.
While the Sorel Joan of Arctic is no budget boot, we cannot stress this enough — the author’s 7-year-old pair of Joans look barely used compared to the brand-new 2022 version from Sorel that we pitted them against. Although the liner is pretty tamped down on her older pair of Joans, the leather has held up.
The stitching is perfect, the original laces are still intact and holding strong, the liner is still warm, and the boots are still waterproof (minus the top of the tongue). The new pair of Joans fit just like the old ones — comfortable, warm, a little stiff in the Achilles section, but perfect with the right pair of socks.
The author has kicked ice floes from river banks, tramped through snowdrifts up to her knees, snowshoed, shoveled, run across icy ponds for pond hockey, hauled firewood, and spent hours around a winter bonfire in these boots with minimal impact on them. These are quality boots meant for the long haul.
As we researched, we narrowed our criteria to meet five main themes: warmth, tread, waterproofness, fit, and height. The Joan of Arctic boots excelled in every category, and our own experience wearing them through wet, icy, bone-chilling, and snow-filled winters solidified our research.
What could be better
They run a tad large in the toe box and can be too warm for indoor occasions, but the rubber sole can be colder than a leather outsole/sole in negative temperatures. Sorel claims they’re rated for -25 F.
I wore them on my nightly winter walk with my dog in Skagway, Alaska in -15F with -30F real feel with windchill. I've been up at 4am in -30F in Whitehorse, Canada. While my feet didn’t freeze off, we’d suggest very thick wool socks or a boot with more insulation if you expect that temperature.
The Joans can also be difficult to put on and take off due to the stiff rubber sole, so be ready to use the back tab to help slide your feet into the shoe. However, in our book, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Price: $220
Waterproof: Yes (but not the laces)
Shaft Height: 9.25”
Insulation: 100g
Sizes: Women’s US 5-12
Color options: Velvet tan/chalk, black/fawn, bleached ceramic/sea salt
The Sorel Joan of Arctic Next boot is an excellent around-town option. They deliver incredible warmth for the weight, they’re waterproof, and they have tons of style — perfect for the resort or a football game. The shearling tongue, cuff, and lining provide both cozy warmth and style, while sealed seams ensure waterproofness.
However, while they have good traction in snow and mud, they’re not the best for walking or hiking long distances.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE JOAN OF ARCTIC NEXT BOOT
Price: $155
Waterproof: Yes (but not the laces)
Shaft height: 6.5 inches
Insulation: 100 g
Sizes: Women’s US 5-12
Color options: Tawny buff/moonstone, moonstone/sea salt, stone gree/alpine tundra, black/fawn, grill/fawn, velvet tan/fawn
If you’re looking for cozy insulation, killer tread, and comfort all day long, the Sorel Explorer Next Joan Boot is an excellent around-town option that bridges the gap well into apres-ski and post-snowshoe parking lot warmth. These are great options for above-the-ankle winter boots that are comfortable enough to trek around for hours if your feet run cold all winter long or if you want the warmth of the Joan without the height (and weight) of the shaft — or just want an easier boot to slide into.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SOREL EXPLORER NEXT JOAN WATERPROOF BOOTS
Price: $165
Waterproof: Yes (but not the laces)
Shaft height: 6.5 inches
Insulation: 100 g
Sizes: Women’s US 5-12
Color options: Bleached ceramic/sea salt, black/moonstone
Want a comfier version of the Joan of Arctic? Say no more. With all the same great features of the Sorel Explorer Next Joan boots, the fuzzy addition on the Sorel Explorer Next Joan Cozy keeps you super-cozy in the faux shearling. (It keeps the snow and moisture away from your feet, alright, but it’s mostly just for fashion — there’s not a big benefit to having shearling on the outside of your footwear.) Options include waterproof PU leather or waterproof suede to compliment the oh-so-soft shearling fluff.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SOREL EXPLORER NEXT JOAN COZY BOOTS
About the author/Why you should trust us
Cold is no stranger to me. I grew up in Colorado with New York-expat parents and spent winters in Alaska before settling in Maine. I’m no stranger to cold feet. I wouldn’t give up the cold for a sunny beach day, but I prefer to keep my toes warm. And having owned the Joan of Arctic boots for 7 winters, I can safely say that I know how they work in very, very cold weather.
I’ve skied for most of my life, from New England hills to hometown Colorado resorts and backcountry adventures in Japan, Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. Additionally, I’ve been a guide for backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting in Alaska and Colorado; many of my “summer” seasons up north began with snow on the ground and ice blocking my boats from going downriver.
Spending years in volunteer fire departments in Alaska and Maine has sent me out on Search and Rescue calls on frigid winter nights, ambulance calls in 4’ snowdrifts, and fire calls where water would freeze as soon as it left the hose.
My gear expertise stems from gear reviews for outlets like Backpacker Magazine and REI Co-op, 6 years of guiding, 26 years of cold-weather adventures, and many gear-head friends. In addition, I’ve written outdoor lifestyle pieces for REI’s Uncommon Path Magazine and Powder 7 Ski Shop’s Lift Line Blog. (For additional publications and upcoming articles, check out my website.)
You can see all my Treeline Review articles on my author page.
