From the Arctic to Everyday, the New SOREL Horizon Collection Delivers What Adventurers Want
Decades ago, in 1968, a team of explorers pushed across a frozen world toward the North Pole—becoming the first verified travellers to reach it overland. Their gear was simple by today’s standards, but their determination was not. On their feet, these adventurers wore rugged, rubber-bottomed SOREL boots built for the Canadian winter—and destined for history. They spent 43 days travelling over 800 kilometres, enduring jagged ice fields, whiteout winds and the polar dusk—and, in doing so, forever etched SOREL’s name in the history of cold-weather exploration.
Today, the legacy of that expedition has been rekindled in the new HORIZON™ Collection from SOREL, which was inspired by the historic northern adventure. This modern reimagination is heavy in technical features built for performance, yet designed for everyday adventure as lightweight travel shoes. The collection blends functionality with urban life.
At the heart of the collection lies a mix of cutting-edge materials and thoroughly tested designs. Each boot is built with seam-sealed construction and features a GORE-TEX™ waterproof membrane that locks out moisture without sacrificing breathability. On rough terrain or smooth streets, Vibram™ outsoles deliver confidence and durability with every step—up or down mountains, across icy surfaces and into the wilderness..
What makes the SOREL HORIZON™ collection especially intriguing is how it straddles two worlds. These boots are engineered for every adventure, from frozen expeditions on mountain passes to casual walks in local parks.
So, which boots are best for you?
Shining the Spotlight on Three SOREL Icons For Bold Steps:
- CARIBOU HORIZON™ GTX: The direct heir to the original CARIBOU boot worn by Ralph Plaisted and his fearless crew, but a modern version. With 200 grams of insulation, a GORE-TEX™ upper and a Vibram outsole, this shoe brings warmth, protection and function while honouring the boot’s polar origins.
- DAYSTORM HORIZON™ GTX: A boot that channels expedition-level durability while letting the bulk go. Crafted in waterproof leather with GORE-TEX™ construction and a classic style, it’s built for the mountain trails and a trip to town.
- CALLSIGN HORIZON™ Mid GTX: Half sneaker and half hiking boot, this mid-top silhouette merges the original CARIBOU design with modern performance. It features a micro-ripstop upper, GORE-TEX waterproof fabric, full-grain leather rand and a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole for grip.
Clearly, careful thought and consideration have gone into the construction of this collection. The trio is built using seam-sealed waterproofing, so each step resists the pressures of the elements. The midsoles use LivelyFoam™ to combine lightweight cushioning with lasting responsiveness. In the CARIBOU, the removable O-THERM Ortholite™ footbed with felt top layer provides insulation and comfort while sculpted rubber shells offer structural support.
Why Should SOREL Matter to You?
More than just a brand crafting premium footwear, the HORIZON™ Collection reaffirms SOREL’s identity as a performance-minded heritage brand, rooted in exploration since 1962. Through its authentic connection to the North Pole expedition, SOREL reminds us that adventure isn’t just about conquering terrain—it’s about enduring, evolving and returning better than before.
In a world where style often overtakes substance, SOREL’s HORIZON Collection stands as a testament to both. These new boots bring in lessons from the past and channel them into new adventures for modern explorers.
This article was sponsored by SOREL
Since 1962, SOREL has been a trusted mainstay for those who meet the elements head-on. From summit to street, the brand combines heritage craftsmanship, technical innovation, and modern design to create footwear that performs without compromise.
