Sorel Caribou Women's Boot vs Warm Knee High Snow Boots

The Sorel Caribou is the real winter boot here: a seam-sealed waterproof nubuck upper, a removable 9mm felt inner boot, a 2.5mm felt frost plug and a vulcanized rubber shell built for heavy snow. The Warm Knee High boot is a fur-lined pull-on with a rubber outer and textile lining, sold on looks and height rather than weatherproofing. Buy the Caribou if you walk in snow and ice; buy the knee-high boot if you want a tall, casual, fur-lined look for cold dry days. Owners of the Caribou report mixed durability, including cracked rubber at the heel after two winters and insoles that bunch up, so check the fit and the inner boot before relying on it.

• Choose the Sorel Caribou if you need a seam-sealed waterproof boot with a removable felt liner for deep snow, slush and icy sidewalks.
• Choose the Warm Knee High Snow Boots if you want a tall, fur-lined pull-on for cold but mostly dry days and you value the knee-high silhouette over weatherproofing.