This article takes two Canadian boot brands, Sorel and Kamik (even though Sorel is now part of Columbia Sportswear), and breaks each of them down little by little to give you an in-depth look into the companies, the products, and the way the world sees them today.
We give you a rundown of the materials used, the price of each brand, and the company’s history, showing the origin of the brands we love today.
At the end of this article, you should have enough information to decide for yourself which boot brand is better.
So, who is it going to be, Sorel or Kamik? We can’t wait to see what you think.
Contents:
– – – –
* Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases (meaning: we may earn commissions if you buy products recommended/reviewed here, by following the links to Amazon shown here). The availability of products on this page may change at any time. Please check the materials, features, colors, and sizes on the various shops (linked on this page) before buying, because sometimes our articles may contain errors. The product images you see here are for illustration purposes.
1. Sorel
Sorel boots have gone through some ups and downs through the years but never gave up. They started their company based on strong work ethics and quality products, and haven’t looked back.
Although the company may have switched hands over time, the original concept has never swayed, and the boot brand from years ago is still embedded in each pair made to this day.
Don’t miss: 9 Canadian Winter Boots Brands to Try this Year
History of Sorel
Sorel Official Website – Women’s Winter Boots
The Sorel brand was first introduced in 1962 in Ontario, Canada by Arthur Ratz Kaufman. The boot line is for rugged outdoor wear and hard work. And it became popular quickly amongst anyone looking for quality winter or work boots, even by celebrities.
In 2000, the Columbia Sportswear brand bought Sorel. Sorel products continued to fly off the shelf and started to extend their designs and production, offering customers a larger variety of boots, shoes, sneakers, and slippers.
But, before all of this success, we have to go back in time to give you a better idea of how the Sorel company started. Before snow boots and way before Columbia, the Kaufman family was hard at work, creating warm winter boots for Canadians.
More than 50 years later, A.R. Kaufman would design a boot line (the Sorel boots) that threw the family business into the spotlight.
Today, the Sorel brand offers tons of footwear options, including wedges, heels, sandals, and slides. But none of these options compare to the boots that got this company the popularity they deserve.
Read also: 14 Canadian Winter Jackets Brands: Our Favorites
Materials and Manufacturing
A pair of Sorel boots on snow
Sorel boots have always used quality materials and the best technology for the time. In the beginning, these boots were quality and sustainability over style, made from mostly vulcanized rubber.
Once Columbia took over the brand, it updated the designs and adjusted the materials to provide fashionable and functioning boots that would work for anyone and any weather conditions around the world.
These days, most Sorel boots are made from quality leather uppers and a rubber bottom outer sole to keep the insides of your boot warm and dry and also to give them the ability to be colored and designed to keep them looking stylish while working hard to keep you comfortable.
You might also like: 9 Scandinavian Shoes & Boots Brands for Rain and Cold Weather
Popular Designs
The Sorel company has a massive line of amazing options, whether you’re looking for a winter hiking boot, casual boot, or even ice fishing boots. Here are the two Sorel boots we think you are going to love.
Sorel Women’s Joan of Arctic Winter Boot
Image: sorel.com
Check out the “Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot” at Amazon.com (#ad)
Although they are a little pricey, these Joan of Arctic boots are waterproof and insulated, but also stylish, comfortable, and warm. They will go great with just about any outfit you pair them with and come in an array of colors and sizes.
Sorel Men’s Madson™ II Moc Toe Boot
Image: sorel.com
Check out the “Sorel Madson II Boot” at Sorel.com
This Sorel men’s Madson™ II Moc Toe boot has a sleek, classic, neutral look, making them perfect for a night on the town or an eight-hour day in the office. They use waterproof leather and a suede collar and tongue.
Sorel Boots FAQs
We have covered a lot of information in the above sections. However, you may still have some questions. Here are a few commonly asked questions regarding the Sorel brand.
Do Sorel boots fit true to size?
After researching, we have found many customers stating that the Sorel brand is a little snug or has a narrow fit, so you may need to purchase a 1/2 size up. The best option would be to try them on at a physical store.
Where Do Sorel Boots Come From? Where Are Sorels Made?
Although the Sorel brand originated in Canada, their boots are currently made in factories in China and Vietnam. (source)
Are Sorel Boots Worth the Money?
Many of the Sorel boots available today will cost you between $100-$200, a pretty fair price for the quality product you get. These boots are weatherproof, well-crafted, and stylish, making them worth every penny.
2. Kamik
The Kamik boot company has been in business for well over a century, creating many pairs of high-quality, well-constructed, weatherproof boots. This family has been dedicated to giving their customers boots made with compassion and care and continues doing that to this day.
Don’t miss: 8 German Boots Brands for Hiking and Outdoor Activities
History of Kamik
Kamik official website
In 1898, the Cook family began their shoe-making journey in a small plant located in Contrecoeur, Quebec. The goal was to provide quality, comfortable footwear to anyone interested in purchasing their items.
In 1932, William Cook took over the company to focus on modern footwear for the whole family. He travels to Japan to source rubber perfect for his designs, being one of the first Americans to do this.
It was in 1991 when the brand started selling its products in Europe as well as opening a second manufacturing plant in Littleton, New Hampshire.
The plant stayed in the Cook family throughout the years, growing with the times and staying in the public eye. They are now a top-selling boot company worldwide, providing sustainable manufacturing techniques while still creating fashionable, high-quality, affordable footwear.
Read also: 9 Danish Shoes & Boots Brands: Our Top Picks
This video will be loaded from YouTube.com, a third party. If you click "Play", you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
Materials and Manufacturing
Kamik cold weather boots use high-quality, durable, and sustainable leather and suede. The soles are attached to the upper with a waterproof seam seal, keeping your feet warm and dry.
Other boots use quality weather-resistant materials like Nylon, PU-coated synthetic textile, and rubber.
The insoles use Cleansport NXT™ natural odor control technology, which keeps your boots smelling clean and fresh.
This video will be loaded from YouTube.com, a third party. If you click "Play", you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
Popular Designs
Here are two of our favorite pairs of boots designed by the Kamik company. Check out their website for a complete list of all the options available today.
Kamik Men’s Nation Plus Winter Boot
Image: kamik.com
Check out the “Kamik Nation Plus Boot” at Amazon.com (#ad)
These boots are made from 100% leather, are insulated, and have moisture-wicking lining. They have an array of sizes and colors to choose from and are perfect for anyone who spends long days in cold weather.
Kamik Women’s Sienna 2 Winter Boot
Image: kamik.com
Check out the “Kamik Sienna 2 Boot” at Amazon.com (#ad)
We love these Kamik Sienna 2 snow boots. They use durable and warm genuine leather and a lightweight synthetic shell for a stylish look that serves its purpose well.
This video will be loaded from YouTube.com, a third party. If you click "Play", you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
Kamik Boots FAQs
Are you still looking for more information regarding the Kamik boot brand? Here are a few commonly asked questions.
Do Kamik Boots fit true to size?
Most customers feel that the Kamik boots fit true to size, and you do not need to make any adjustments when ordering. As always, try them on at a physical store if possible.
Where Are Kamik Boots Made?
Kamik operates in Canada and has manufacturing plants in Canada and the USA. Consulted sources say that 70% of their boots and other products are made in North America (Montreal, Ontario, New Hampshire).
Are Kamik Boots Worth the Money?
Like the Sorel boots, Kamik uses high-quality materials that provide comfort, support, and style. These boots are priced well for a good pair of winter boots and are definitely worth the money.
Don’t miss: 6 Norwegian Shoes & Boots Brands: Our Favorites
3. Which Brand is Better?
Both the Kamik and Sorel boots have been designed for functionality above all else. Each of these companies has turned a traditional boot brand into a modern creation that provides style and comfort as well as warmth and protection (including waterproof technology).
What separates these two brands are the materials and construction of each pair. While the Kamik is a little lighter and goes up your calf higher on some designs, the Sorel boot offers a little bit more comfort.
There is also a difference when it comes to the way the boots lace up. Depending on the type of boot, Sorel’s laces tend to go all the way up to the top of the boot, allowing you to create a tighter hold. This is great for stability but can make getting the boot on and off a real pain. Kamik’s laces usually only go about 3/4 of the way up, creating a little bit of room to move at the top.
And while both brands are reasonably priced, the Kamik boot is a little more affordable than the options offered through the Sorel brand.
So, who do we vote for? Although these are both great boots, this time we would have to choose the Kamik brand over the Sorel. Overall, this brand is less costly, lighter, and provides more movement and function, making them a little bit more attractive to us.
To learn how we use your data when you comment, read our Privacy Policy.