The classic Caribou style has been a Sorel staple since 1972.

When the snowflakes started to fall in Aspen during my first winter season as a Coloradoan, my girlfriend took one look at my heeled leather boots, and said, “You need to get yourself some Sorels.”

Indeed, Sorels were the rugged winter boot of choice for all of the other 20-something ski-bum types in the mountain resort town, and I fit right in with my classic Caribous. Sixteen years later I still have these timeless boots, and they’ve seen me through oodles of sledding, snow-shoveling and snowman-building adventures.

Although the Caribou boots have kept my feet warm and dry during outdoor winter fun for more than a decade — and still going strong — these boots are hardly cute. In fact, they’ve always been a little clunky and roomy. During a snowstorm in my mountain community, residents pair Sorels with anything, from party skirts to suits, but we may not always look good doing it.

I’m thrilled that Sorel is now making boots for women that are functional and oh-so fashionable. To wit: the killer pair of Cate the Great boots that are now in my possession. The faux-fur peeking out at the top, the hand-stiched suede upper, the slim, tall fit… these boots are just all around stylish and cool. If you’re traveling to any mountain resort town this winter, you can’t go wrong with the Cate the Great boots — great for après ski or playing in the snow.

The new Cate the Great boots by Sorel are stylish and functional.

I’ve been sporting them around town, with jeans or leggings and a long coat. I think they’d look great paired with casual skirts, too. These boots are functional — they were my boot of choice for an evening of tubing at Keystone Resort a few weeks ago, and I’ve worn them through drifts of snow, when I’ve had to retrieve my kids from sledding at the neighbor’s house. They should keep toes warm down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit (Caribous are rated to -40); since I never have any intention of being outside in temperatures colder than that, these boots should serve me well for years to come.

A couple of points to note: Sorel boots run large (at least for me). I’m an 8 or 8.5 typically; both of my pairs of Sorels are a size 8, and they are big. In the Caribou, my foot has plenty of room to move all around; with the Cate the Great, they fit perfectly at the front of my foot, but my heel lifts up unless the boots are tied very, very tightly (admittedly, it is not a perfect fit — I wish they were snugger in the heel). Sorel boots don’t come in half sizes, so if you’re in between sizes, you’ll need to decide if you want roomy or a snug fit. I’d get them large, so you can layer socks.

The Cate the Great boots retail for $200, and can be purchased on many online retail sites, such as Amazon.com, REI.com, and Backcountry.com. Colors available are grey, black and brown.

Get the classic Sorel Caribou for Women.

Free Shipping No Minimum with Promo Code A1P1F1S at Sorel.com

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