Some memories are marked by photographs, meaningful mementos frozen in time, or wistful words scrawled across journal pages. But for those who measure time in Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter seasons, memories can also be signified by era-defining trends. In my adolescent years, everyone wanted to get their hands on a pair of Sorel boots. Sporting them was a certified stamp of cool — and their impact is still resonating today.
It’s not always an easy feat to make a winter-ready ensemble feel en vogue — often puffer jackets take on funky proportions and their bulky boot counterparts leave looks feeling bottom heavy or drastically off kilter. But Sorel’s Caribou boots aced the “apres-ski chic” aesthetic before the fad even existed. And now, they’ve carved out a distinct legacy within the realm of all-weather footwear that informs all of the shoe’s successors.
Back then, Sorel boots scuffling down school hallways in lieu of sandals only meant one thing: the seasons were shifting, and it was time to break out our winter’s best. It was the ultimate resilient shoe, protecting us from snow, sleet, and more. Though it wasn’t just seen as a utility boot — it was the aspirational alpine-ready offering.
The Ambler is like the Caribou's more streamlined and stylish younger sibling — it’s a little more subversive (rebellious younger siblings usually are) — but of course, it still steals elements from the Caribou’s proverbial closet. It takes all of the parts of the Caribou that escalated it to household recognition, and translates them through a new lens.
Balancing out a fun form with function, the new clog-shaped offering also equips adventurers with all of the necessary features to withstand even bone-chilling, tundra-like elements. The mule incorporates the same vulcanized rubber that defined the Caribou, but it also forefronts waterproof construction and snug cushioning for support with every step — whether you’re rushing through your morning commute on the 6 train or ascending a summit in the open outdoors.
“While at first glance it looks like a simple proposition, it actually proved to be a painstaking feat in design and development. We took a heavyweight vulcanized rubber boot originally designed for harsh Canadian winters and translated it into a lightweight cushy mule — that still offers category-defying waterproof protection and a level of versatility that our competitors haven’t been able to,” Sorel’s VP, Michael Minter, shared.
And the styling possibilities when it comes to the Ambler really are endless, since it boasts four rugged colorways made for mountain peaks, city streets, and everywhere in between. Some adventures are off the beaten path, awaiting discovery from those bold enough to extract life’s hidden journeys. But in Sorel, adventure finds you anywhere.
Find the adventure right outside your door in the Ambler clog. You can get your hands on the style at sorel.com.
