Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot - Women's

When I first got these it was 85 degrees here. Since it has turned freezing I started to wear them and had the same problems everyone else is complaining about with the rubbing. Especially at the top of the heel or beginning of achilles tendon also the inner and outer ankles. I thought I was going to have to return them. What I figured out is that they DO have a break in time. You can speed up the process by taking out the liner and manipulate the liner and then the leather part where it rubs one at a time. (Like you are rubbing a piece of clothing trying to get a stain out.) It makes the fabric liner and leather part of the boot more pliable; there for no rub! Also, It helps a lot with the Frankenstien walk! Now I LOVE these boots! They keep me dry and warm! And are comfortable. Also, There is enough room in there to put my 3/4 orthotics underneath the liner . I where a 10 and bought a 10. Enough room for thick wool socks too!; without being to big. Thought this might help some of you! By the way, I love the fur! It Is functional too, keeps the snow from getting in your boots!

While I was a little unsure if I could really stand wearing fake fur on my boots, I purchased these a few days ago from our local outdoor outfitters. I clomped around our house in them for a day and a half before deciding to wear them out in public. I immediately felt silly sporting such fluffy furry boots and I felt like everyone was staring at me and not for a good reason. That song "boots with the furrrrrr, everyone was staring at herrrrrr" kept running through my head. I now had worn them outside and had to keep them, so I reluctantly got out my trusty seam ripper and took that darn fur right off the liner. The boots are soooooo cute without the fur, I'm so glad I decided to rip it off. Maybe it's just me and my mostly function over fashion mind set when it comes to things with fake fur, but I've gotten so many compliments on them AFTER taking the fur off. I now love them, and will wear them often. :)

I LOVE THEM !!!
I am going to Poland and im winter ready !!!

I LOVE THEM !!!
I am going to Poland and im winter ready !!!

I LOVE THEM !!!
I am going to Poland and im winter ready !!!

Love the look of these boots! I really like the removable insulated insert - nice touch! They're a bit clunky to walk in but if they keep my feet warm and dry that's fine.

I really, really want to love these boots, wait, i do love the look of these boots. But they just aren't the most comfortable things in the world. I have been having some problems with rubbing on my right ankle and with something jutting into the back of both my heels after i wear them for about an hour or so. I guess the leather starts to rub? I'm hoping its just the initial break in period and that the leather will soften up. There is also barely any arch support, but on the up side, they are so roomy that there is plenty of room to add a gel or air insole for added support, which is what i did, and they are gorgeous with that thick fur snow collar; they just should've used more supple leather. I also have the Sorel Cate the Great's and they are a million times more comfortable than these boots, which i don't understand, cause when i hold them next to each other they have the same rubber bases, and seem very similar on the bottom. Something weird about the leather on the inside i guess....

*Now its a few weeks later and i have gotten them to soften up a bit from trying to wear them around the house whenever i can, but i must say, they didn't hurt me until after prolonged use anyway, so if these hurt you right when you put them on or shortly thereafter, i would say its a lost cause and def send them back to try a different shoe!

I just received these boots today and I have to say that so far I LOVE them! They are super comfy and look cute too! I ordered them in the Oxford Tan/Grenadine in a 9. I typically wear an 8.5 but, I ordered a half size up and I am glad I did. There is plenty of room and I do not feel as if my toes are squished in any way. I also have more of a muscular calf and these boots fit great even with a thicker jean tucked inside. I have only worn them around the house today for a little while and I have not experienced any ankle or heel rub. The liners are soft, and go throughout the boot, and appear to be removable. I have never ordered Sorel before and I think I will be ordering them again in the future! I have had a difficult time finding winter boots that I find comfortable, warm, cute, and worth the money and I think so far these hit a home run for me! I am headed to the mountains this weekend to give them a test run so we will see..

got them about 2 weeks ago, but cos winter was not very strong so far i didn't have a chance to test them. untill yesterday.. it was about -3 and i was waiting for a train for about 30 minutes, my feet were cold. if i compare them to my north face there is nothing to talk about - standing for 3 hours in snow, -20 degrees and i feel ok - not like in sorels, when i start to feel uncomfortable and that my feet are starting to freeze - after 30 mins! second thing is they are not waterproof. i washed them today, it was raining outside so i'm not sure about a reason but after taking shoes off when i came back from outside both my socks had spots of water! this is incredible for shoes costing so much.
third thing is the the lining is rubbing and i guess there's gonna be a hole soon.. and all that after 2 weeks only!!! and last.. after 2 hour in that shoes my toes hurt as hell, don't know why only in left foot but still.
the only good thing about that shoes is that they are cute.. but thats not enough for that kinds of winters we have here in Poland.

summing up.. i'm not recommending them. you'll definitely find warmer, better and cheaper shoes. i'm disappointed.. especially that that's my second pair. i had cate the great model earlier but only for 4 days cos it turned out that the stitch at the back is ripped out and i gave them back. these ones i'm wondering if not gonna end up like that as well.

shame on you sorel.

The boots look great and is warm! No questions. Along with everyone else, rubbing around the heel area is bad. Didn't have them long enough to see if they would break in easily or not because both snaps at the top broke within the first week of owning them.

I knew if I ordered this that it wouldn't snow in Durango.... DRAT! I got to wear them anyway a few times due to arctic cold temps (sorry, I hail from LA). They are super cute and warm, but do take a bit of getting used to (heavy and clunky) but hey, they are giant Sorels!
The fur is a great touch... (Faux of course). I will write more when i get to wear these in Silverton and at the Ouray Ice Fest, which will be a truer test.

This brand's boots are almost regulation issue (along with Carhartts suits) in cold, dark, frozen interior Alaska. Sorel's are successful because they insulate well, are stable with enough room in the foot area for blood to still circulate, and last FOREVER. Sorel's are not successful based solely on their fashion appeal. If you're a woman who wants a good pair of serious boots for serious snow and winter and these look good to you, buy 'em up. If you like the look of these boots for the five days per year that you'll be at a resort or snow dusts your town, save your money, these will be clunky overkill.

I bought the "suede" color with the pink soles- they are so cute and I have gotten a ton of use out of them this snowy winter! Be advised, these are extremely cute SNOW BOOTS, not cute fashion boots designed for winter. These are heavy duty boots, meant for heavy socks and outdoor use. If you are looking for a cute fashion boot that you can wear around during winter, you will probably find these too heavy duty.

Ok, so I have to start by saying. THESE ARE NOT SNOW BUNNY BOOTS! So for all of you reviewers saying they are too clunky or bulky, that's how they are suppose to be. they aren't for wearing around to be cute. They are for function, not fashion, although the fur on top would make them more fashionable than the traditional Sorel, but these seem to be more of a cold weather/rain boot than a snow boot. The traction is not like the traditional Sorel, they are more a rain boot on the bottom for me. I have worn them to wear before/after snowboarding, and they are really slippery on snow/ice conditions, so I have to put on my traditional Sorels for that. They are way better than just a regular old boots, but not as good as the my traditional caribous. I do love them though. They are really warm and snuggly and the only reason I gave them 4 stars is because they can bunch a little in the heel area and rub. I found that if I keep them looser and wear the right socks, I'm fine. i always size down in Sorels too. I am a huge fan of sorels and all around. Being a big lover of winter mountain sports, they are the only cold weather boot for me!

I wear these boots everyday! I have taken these boots everwhere and I get stopped almost everyday to get asked where I got these! The new blue color will be on my feet this year!

Good looking on.
They run true to size therefore I returned them (thinking they ran large) because they were too small. I can not give a review on walking in them. Wish they came in 1/2 sizes.

These are such good looking boots...stylish, warm/cozy and my most favorite feature is that they are waterproof for sloshing through melting snow or puddles on those cold, raw, rainy days. The removable liner is a nice feature and the dark grey is a go-with-everything color for my wardrobe. On the downside, (thus my return), they are so stiff preventing my foot from bending naturally all the way causing my stride to be clumbsy, uncomfortable, and potentially unsafe. I wear a size 6 in boots but these were roomier than most size 6's, adding to the overall problem. Although these were a bigger discount than on other websites (+ free shipping), I did find a pair (sadly "weatherproof" vs. "waterproof") that are a safer choice. If you're looking for a well-made, water-proof, stylish winter/rain boot and you have good strong feet, this is certainly worth a try at this sale price.

I bought those boots for my daughter...the are warm, waterproof and super stylish...

I LOVE my Sorels! This is my second purchase of Sorel, my 1st pair I've had for 10 years and they are still in good shape.
These 'Joan of Arctic' boots I seen at a store and decided to look them up online. I found this website (backcountry.com) and decided to order thru them because shipping was FREE and they had excellent reviews. Backcountry lived up to their image, I had a great experience with them (my boots came to my door step within 8 days-standard, free shipping), and their customer service was good too.
I get MANY compliments on my furry boots, people always ask where I got them :) Some people on here state that they aren't that comfortable but I give them an 8 on scale 1-10. They aren't mall-walking boots! They are for COLD weather!! I can't wait to wear mine at our annual lake party (winterfest) this wknd!! DEFINITELY satisfied!!

I got these boots about 8 days later in the mail after ordering so I think Backcountry.com's shipping is great too, no problems. The boot compfort is about an 8 on a scale of 1-10. I've heard some people complain that they weren't compfortable, I think theses people need to know that it's not a mall-walking boot...its for outside, COLD weather. I can't wait to wear mine out on the lake ice for our annual winterfest party :) I've already gotten MANY compliments, I LOVE Sorel!!!!

I got these boots about 8 days later in the mail after ordering so I think Backcountry.com's shipping is great too, no problems. The boot compfort is about an 8 on a scale of 1-10. I've heard some people complain that they weren't compfortable, I think theses people need to know that it's not a mall-walking boot...its for outside, COLD weather. I can't wait to wear mine out on the lake ice for our annual winterfest party :) I've already gotten MANY compliments, I LOVE Sorel!!!!

I got these boots about 8 days later in the mail after ordering so I think Backcountry.com's shipping is great too, no problems. The boot compfort is about an 8 on a scale of 1-10. I've heard some people complain that they weren't compfortable, I think theses people need to know that it's not a mall-walking boot...its for outside, COLD weather. I can't wait to wear mine out on the lake ice for our annual winterfest party :) I've already gotten MANY compliments, I LOVE Sorel!!!!

Yep, heels just don't fit narrow enough.

When I first received my boots I opened the box to find two left boots. I sent them back and immediately got a new pair. I wore the boots one time and the snap at the top of the boots broke. I have returned them and I am waiting for my third pair. I still think they are really cute, just not sure about the craftsman ship.

Sad to see that you do not have half sizes. I was on the verge of purchasing these, when I realized I couldn't select an 8.5. Bummer...

After giving up on regular rain boots that never completely keep the water out or break before the end of the season, I invested in these. They are sturdy, keep feet always warm and dry. My only complaint is the lack of arch support and the width. I feel a little like a platypus.
Also, they are heavy. But they do the job.

I wear a size 9.5 and have a very wide foot, bought the 9 as I was told by Sorel that this boot runs true to size and it was way too big. Unfortunately, backcountry was out of size 8 in the color I wanted so I had to go elsewhere to find the right boot but when I got the 8 I loved it. It fit like a glove. Also, I was skeptical about the sierra tan, I thought it would be too light but it is the perfect color. It's actually darker than it appears in the pictures online. Backcountry has a great return policy though and their customer service is fantastic, so I'll definitely be back for another purchase again soon!
I've only had my boots for a day and I've already gotten compliments from strangers on the street for how cute they are.
Highly recommended boot from a highly recommended store.
On another note, I do have some heel rubbing pain, but I think that is just a part of breaking the boots in. Just wear really thick socks and some bandaids on the upper part of your heel and you should be fine.

I ordered these boots hoping for a snow boot that is comfortable AND fashionable. While they are fairly snuggly inside, and I'm sure they'll do a good job as a snow boot, they are way too clunky and stiff to be cute and they look somewhat duck-footish from the front because the boots are much wider than I expected.

Order your tennis shoe size or round down 1/2 size - not a full size like reviews said (unless you will only wear them with regular thin socks). I always wear 6 1/2 in dress shoes/loafers and size 7 in tennis shoes/boots. I ordered a size 6. Toe was right at the end though not uncomfortable but it would be a problem if i wore thicker socks or walked around much so I exchanged for size 7. If I was a 6 1/2 tennis shoe, the size 6 would have been perfect.

I need waterproof boots to work outdoors in the snow at ski resorts. Despite Sorel's claims of Joan of Arctic boots being waterproof my boots leak every time I walk in the snow. If I'm out walking around or working for more than an hour, my feet freeze, even with foot warmers. Mind you I am out working five to eight hours. Now I need to buy a different pair of boots, one that is actually waterproof. The boots are cute and comfortable- if the lining is in correctly, but I am very unhappy freezing my toes off!

I bought 2 pairs for gifts and they can't wear them. The leather around the ankle has a crease and we can't fix it. So they are sitting here. I tried to return them but the store said they don't carry them any more. I would love to see what the company has to say. Maybe they know how it fix the problem. I would at this point never by another pair. It's not only us there are a few other people i have talked to also.

I purchased these for my daughter, for the Chicago winters, and she really enjoys them, and is pleased with their appearance as well. I recommended them based on previous personal experience with my Sorel Boots when I lived in Alaska. They do tend to run about 1/2 large, so be aware of this.

I purchased these boots last year for field work throughout the mountains and wind swept open spaces. They are about a half a size too large. I have a mild symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon and they are one of the few boots that keep my feet warm while standing still for 20 minutes. When hiking they keep my feet quite warm. The coldest day I've used them was -14 Fahrenheit. Yesterday I was in temps on average of 18 degrees Fahrenheit with winds gusting to 32 mph. Keep in mind I have Raynaud's and it's not easy to keep my fingers and toes warm. Short of getting electric boot warmers, these are awesome.

I bought them for my sons girl friend. She loves them, my son said she practially sleeps in them!!!

I absolutely LOVE these boots. I chose to write a review because the reiviews that I read really helped me to make the decision to purchase them. I do reccomend going down a half/full size, because they do run a little big. I wear a 6 and 1/2 and I got the size 6....they fit perfectly. I got them in the Suede color, and it is adorable! The sole and the stitching is a bit pink (which I love), I know that some people might be expecting it to be red. They broke in really quickly. They were a little tight, and inflexible in the ankle when I first put them on...but after wearing them for one day they loosened up. High remarks in all categories as far as I am concerned : )

Joan of Arctics look cute on and are probably fine as long as you plan on standing still or sitting in a ski lodge. For actually walking in for more than a few steps, the footbed is surprisingly uncushioned, the "shoe" part is unusually wide and flat at the front and the shaft is stiff and angled slightly back, which makes them uncomfortable. I usually wear an 8.5, but based on reviews ordered an 8. Ordering a 1/2 size down was about right for wearing with thick socks - so size wasn't the issue.

I love my Sorel Caribous (super warm & comfortable, but short), and wanted boots to wear in the Montana deep snow without gaiters. Unfortunately I had to send the Joan of Arctics back for the odd and uncomfortable fit. I'd love it if Sorel could make the Caribou with an alternate longer shaft (set at a better angle, please). I like the faux fur cuff of the Joan of Arctics, and having a wide enough calf to tuck jeans in is also a plus. Just wish they weren't so uncomfortable to wear.

I absolutely love these boots. I wear a size 8 in regular shoes and when I tried an 8 at the wear house, they seamed a little bit too big. So I bought a 7. After wearing them in the snow, while I was sledding, I realized that my feet didn't have enough room to keep them warm. I'm going to exchange them for an 8.
Their a little heavy but you kind of get a workout with them. I like how chunky they are.

I have to agree with many of the other reviews - the boot scrunches up and causes blisters and pain around the back of my ankles. Very unfortunate, I love Sorels and was hoping to getting a prettier pair this season. Looks like I'll be wearing my big old clunky ones instead, while the pretty ones sit in the closet.

I truely love love these boots! I dressed them up and down during this winter season! They looked great and kept my feet warm!

I bought two pairs for both of my college student daughters. Practical, warm, dry feet are key to surviving New England winters! And Sorel's are known to be a quality boot. These boots do not disappoint and they are adorable too!

I loved this boot and was lucky enough to find in the size I thought I needed in sierra tan. The color combination looks great in person. After reading other reviews, I decided to order up to a 9 as I usually wear 8.5. The boot arrived and I wore in the house for a day or so. It ended up being just too big and started rubbing my ankles. It is a little stiff and may have taken a while to break in, but I also think the size 8 would have felt better. I think they're sold out everywhere now in an 8 but I'll be sure to order them early next year if Sorel makes them again. They are extremely warm and stylish to boot - so to speak.

This year the woods of VA are covered with 24 inches of snow. These boots have become my best friend out in the woods. I have been hiking for weeks in the Blue Ridge Mountains in them and my feet are comfortable, dry and warm. Beyond all of that, they look absolutely adorable worn when I am not hiking. Hands down, a fabulous purchase!

I love these boots but the back of my heels are ripped to shreds!!! I wish that it didn't hurt so much to wear them, otherwise I wouldn't be looking for another winter boot =(...These boots are definitely great for the elements, but please be warned that these boots may rub against your heel. Wear them around the house for a couple of days before you go out into snow!!! Be sure that they don't rub against your heel or else you'll be sorry that you didn't return them!...Sorrel - please make this boot pain free for next season!!!

When I first took the boot out of the box,
the first thing that came to mind was I ordered a mans boot! The width was extremely wide

The boot has many of the feactures I wanted, and I'm sorry to return it. I had problems with the Felt Inner Boot. I am alergic to some fabrics, and must be alergic to this lining. My ankles itched and felt scratchy when I had the boots on. I tried extra socks, but this did not help. I couldn't add too thick a sock or the boot would have been too short. I wear 8 1/2 and ordered an 8.

Backcountry is fabulous and one of the best places to do business. The shipping was extremely fast.

These boots are soooo cute but I had to return them. I usually wear a 8.5 or 9 and was told they run really big so I ordered the 8. They were snug and I would have preferred more room and should have ordered the 9. The biggest problem I had was I got terrible blisters in the back of my ankles because the leather strip on the back buckles and rubs at that spot. After walking 1/2 mile in the snow in them, I was in pain and blisters were bleeding by the time I got home. I love Sorels and have owned them for many years but the Joan of Arctic was extremely uncomfortable on my foot. I would not recommend this boot to anyone!

If you want a high performing snow boot which gives a gentle nod towards fashion, look no further. If you want a slim, fashionable boot with a just a nod towards being warm and waterproof then keep looking. These work if you're walking across campus in wintery upstate NY, shoveling another foot of snow in Minnesota or trudging through deep puddles of slush in Chicago or standing outside in Maine watching snow sports. They would probably be a bit too cumbersome for hiking. These boots ended up being overkill for where I live but I'm keeping them. They will last a lifetime and come in handy for the occasional snowstorm or outdoor activity. They are heftier then I expected but they are real snow boots! I'd recommend ordering half size down.

They are really warm and will always keep my feet dry. Have received lots of compliments. The fir trim adds style. Normally wear 8-1/2. Ordered the 9 and it was too big. Returned them for the 8 and they fit great!

Love the joan of arctic! Note....they run big so order a size smaller! I learned the hard way....but easily returned for a smaller pair. So warm and too cute!

Love these boots! I have always trusted Sorel to provide good snow boots and these are no exception. I work as a lift operator at a major Colorado ski resort and wear these every day for work. They keep my feet comfortable, warm and dry even when I'm outside standing in the snow for hours at a time. Plus, I have gotten lots of compliments on how cute they are! They do run big - I normally wear a 7.5, got these in a 7 and still have plenty of room for thick wool socks. I did notice a little bit of rubbing at the heels the first couple of days I wore them, but now that they are broken in (and especially with thick socks on) it's not a problem anymore. I would definitely recommend these to anyone who's looking for a comfortable, practical, and stylish pair of snow boots!

love them. they look good AND keep your feet warm and dry

Beautiful boots. Super warm. Sadly, there were two bad points. There was something odd about the sole, like I was walking on the tread which sounds weird and feels equally so. Also, and this is why I returned them, they push you forward like ski boots do. Would not be comfortable for walking in.

I had to return these cute boots. I found them to be rather weighty.

Though this is my first pair of winter boots...I can honestly say I am addicted to them. These boots are ONLY for people who want warmth and style. The draw back is that they rub against the heals and cause some painfully awesome blisters but it you wear thick winter socks you wont feel a thing other than a tropical party of warmth.

I love these boots. Perfect for walking my dogs when they decide to go into the deep snowdrifts. They are waterproof and can work for casual snowshoeing. I found them to fit true to size and to be very comfortable, they are smaller than the classic caribou sorels, a little slimmer and not as clunky. Both boots are great and very durable.

I read a lot of reviews before purchasing these boots- and most of them recommended buying a size smaller than you would normally wear. I did not find this to be true at all! I ended up getting a 1/2 size bigger than I would normally wear and they fit perfect. I plan on using them this winter when I snowshoe which means that I will wear a thicker sock and there is no way that I could fit in them in a smaller size.

Other than fit, these boots are the best! I feel like I can walk through ANYTHING in them, and still feel like a lady in my pretty boots. I bought the black color and am very happy with them.

not only are these warm, but they are so stylish I get tons of looks. I love these and hope we have a long winter so I can keep wearing them

Okay, first of all the fur on the top has a gap in the middle where the tounge of the boot doesn't meet but the fur doesn't continue... Right front and center. Second of all, no matter how tight I laced the boots my leg had extra space and my heel still slipped. To add to the heinous nature of these boots the actual foot part the boot, the "duck" boot part was massive. Needless to say these went back... I am very happy with backcountry's customer service though!