The Winter Boot That Started It All Is Back
Few winter boots carry Sorel Caribou’s kind of clout. The boot is arguably the OG of DIY snowboarding boots, boasting a heritage that spans over half a century and it just unveiled a slick new upgrade for the upcoming season.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or not, the Caribou is ideal if you’re looking to inject your snug fit with a little luxe piste feel. The silhouette is the boot of choice for those in the know, largely thanks to its timeless design: leather upper, rugged rubber shell, cozy Sherpa cuff, and sturdy rubber sole. It's hardly surprising, then, that Supreme chose the silhouette to hero their new collab with the Canada-born brand. Yet it’s not all about the looks, it’s function where these guys really shine, promising to keep wearers warm and secure on icy ground.
The Caribou’s roots go back to 1962 when Sorel launched its first boot, named after Lake Sorel in honor of the rugged wilderness it was built to conquer. And it didn’t take long for them to secure a cult following in influential sports crowds. Just six years after the unveiling, the Plaisted Expedition became the first team to reach the North Pole overland successfully — all wearing Sorel’s.
Early snowboarding pioneers—from Jake Burton to Tom Sims to Scott Downey—are fans of the style, too. They started bolting the Caribou to their snowboards, recognizing its durability in snowy conditions, long before it became a winter icon. Downey is often credited with revolutionizing the sport when he helped create the Sorel Pro Flex 1, the first-ever purpose-built snowboard boot. His prototype combined the Caribou’s classic leather upper with a Koflach plastic bottom, paving the way for snowboard boots as we know them today.
At a time when the worlds of fashion and sport increasingly collide, the Caribou's impressive heritage is more important than ever. Perhaps that’s also why the style is a firm favorite for A-listers, too: Kim K, Bella Hadid, and Victoria Beckham are amongst the long list of celebs spotted donning a pair in ski resorts around the globe.
First showcased at this year’s 520M , the Horizon Caribou is set to make its debut in Winter 2025, honoring the original’s timeless appeal paired with advanced technical features. Watch this space.
