photo from reddit
Sorel Classic Snow Boots
by Sorel
17 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jan 2025
Insulated winter snow boots from Sorel's classic lineup, built for cold and wet conditions. Vintage pairs made in Canada before Columbia's 2000 acquisition are widely regarded as the durable version; current production is reported to wear out much faster.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 6, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Owners report 25-40+ year lifespans on pre-2000, Canadian-made pairs (with the tire-tread sole), only needing felt liners and laces replaced periodically and leather conditioner to keep the uppers supple. Redditors say quality declined sharply after Columbia acquired Sorel in 2000 and current production (nubby soles, polyester liners) can fail in as little as 4 years, so buyers are advised to seek out vintage/thrifted pairs.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as March 2025
Show 22 more mentions
- 16r/BuyItForLife comment
I have some from the 90s fantastic. still look almost new. They are bad now
- 12r/BuyItForLife comment
Can confirm these boots are BIFL. My mom had these exact boots my entire childhood and passed them on to me
- 9r/BuyItForLife comment
I have a pair of Caribou boots I purchased in 2015. They're still in great shape but I only wear them 2 or 3 times a year
- 9r/BuyItForLife comment
there is still a good supply of vintage Canadian-made ones on eBay
- 9r/BuyItForLife comment
I've had mine since 1989. They were my original snowboard boots. I've changed the liners twice and laces once.
- 5r/BuyItForLife comment
Sorel has 100% not held up. Got a pair just before the pandemic and was blowing out the inner lining before the first winter was through.
- 4r/BuyItForLife comment
I have the same boots. Going on 25 years. Will most likely last another 25.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
the soles are still the grippiest rubber of any boots I've ever owned.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
Back then, when they were still made in Canada, they were awesome. now they are chip Chinese shit.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
If only they didn't pull your socks off!
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I've got some from the late '90s that are nearly identical.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
Mine are 12 years old and the insides are just as soft and warm as they were when bought them. The outsides look new after just a wipe down.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I have a pair from the early 1990s. I guess I best keep them!
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
My Sorrels are still going strong at 30 year mark. My teens use them now.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
The insole was worn out by the first year, and this season the top became cracked and started leaking, so I decided to replace them with a pair of Baffins.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I had a pair from 2016. They lasted four years before the sole separated from the top.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
If you are actually wearing them for 40 years you'll wear through the sole.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
still my go-to snow boots and have outlasted any I have bought myself.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
I'm a huge fan of the Jane of Artic hidden wedge booties by Sorrell. They're very cute and supportive and extremely light.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Yet another company that has circled the drain.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Bought a pair for $100 in '90 and still wear them today. Threw some sno seal on them at some point.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
I have seen the older versions on the regular at good will and they always seem to be in great shape.
Sorel Boots. Bought in 1985. Changed the felt liners twice. Holding up great. The best snow boots!
I got these as a Xmas gift 20+ years ago and they still look brand new.
The quality went to sh!t when Columbia acquired Sorel in 2000.
I had Sorel's back in the early 2000's as well, I can't speak for them since, but they held up until my son borrowed them, never to be seen again.
expect made-in-Canada Sorel boots to last decades, expect 'modern' Sorels ... to die pretty quickly.
look for the old tire tread versions - the nubby soles on the new ones are garbage.