Gone are the days of having to choose between protection from the elements and a dope pair of kicks. The gorpcore era of footwear has seen other brands coat classic silhouettes in protective layers of weatherproofing material. But if you’re looking for the best in the game, stick with the OGs.
SOREL has been on the functional fashion wave long before the hype train bought in. There’s still nobody who does it better for winter boots, and the new Caribou Horizon GTX—their first boot outfitted with GORE-TEX technology—proves they haven’t lost a step.
With its signature full-grain leather upper, the latest addition to the Horizon™ collection originated as an arctic expedition boot and was worn by the first crew to document a journey to the North Pole. In the years since, it’s remained a reliable tool for explorers and a favorite of fashion-savvy city dwellers alike. The new silhouette blends the classic construction of a Caribou boot with cutting-edge technology across colorways that’ll have you braving the elements while looking your best.
In addition to the genuine leather upper, the Caribou Horizon GTX features a GORE-TEX Membrane to keep your feet dry wherever the day’s adventure takes you. Customers can choose between a genuine shearling collar and a felt one for both an extra pop of visual flair and functional warmth. For the sole, the brand used an injected-rubber shell midsole and an XS Trek Evo Vibram molded outsole for durability, functionality, and comfort. The whole thing is also kitted out in 200g insulation to keep cozy through the winter.
Gorpcore has been the wave for a minute, sure, so it’s not news that something can be equal parts form and function, style and performance. Still, SOREL’s done a bang-up job here, bringing the two worlds together. There’s not a dud amongst the four Caribou GTX colorways—though the Canyon Gold/Honey White mixes rich leather with a creamy off-white in a way that’s pretty tough to beat. The boots are also a rare piece of footwear that transcends aesthetic boundaries. You could just as easily pair these with a #Menswear pair of selvedge denim jeans and a white tee as you could dripped-out sweats and streetwear. And in either case, your toes are gonna stay toasty.
Head to sorel.com to cop the new Sorel Caribou Horizon GTX.
