Why Choose a Sorel Boot?

I first discovered Sorel boots by accident at a Ski show back in 2008 and was so immediately impressed by the quality of the boot, I put an order in then and there.  As soon as the boots arrived, I tried them out on my children and we have never looked back.  They both live in their Sorel’s as soon as the weather starts to turn, being fully waterproof, they wear them outside constantly; when cycling, playing football, collecting conkers, climbing trees as well as walking to school in the snow.  They are very robust as each pair they have grown out of them rather than the boot wearing out!

Year on year they have been best sellers within Little Skiers and I wanted to find out a little bit more about the technical side and what make Sorel’s stand apart from the competition.

I have spoken at length to Sorel and have discovered really what goes into making a Sorel Snow Boot.  But first, a short background to who Sorel are:

Founded in 1962 on the frozen plains of Canada, Sorel is well regarded in the USA and Canada for their heritage of expert craftsmanship in producing high quality boots that function in extreme weather conditions. Sorel combines felt, wool, premium leather, and flawless construction with people who aren’t afraid to get their boots dirty!  Sorel is relatively new over here in Great Britain, especially the children’s ranges but due to the fact that once you try these boots, you never try anything else; they are growing in popularity and have introduced a fashion line alongside the traditional snow boots.

Sorel boots all have triple stitching and are seam sealed by applying a rubber based adhesive sealant to the inside seams of boots and shoes. This secures all stitched seams and ensures no water can get in.  The materials are all waterproofed before construction (cheaper boots are just sprayed with a waterproofing coating after construction) for example the Super Trooper material has a waterproof thin polyurethane film applied / laminated to the outside textile part. This PU layer stops water getting in through any part of the textile boot so it will not lose it waterproofing as it is an integral part of the boot, unlike a waterproof spayed layer which can wear off.

The rubber boot soles have natural rubber compounds that maintain flexibility and traction even in extremely cold conditions.

Boots also have a Felt Frost Plug. This is a 2.5mm thick felt board placed under the foot. The felt frost plug stops the cold from being transmitted from the ground or snow through the rubber and to the foot. 

Insulation is provided in a number of ways, according to the style.  The Snow Commander for toddlers have 200g of insulation within the boot while the Super Trooper has a removable 9mm ThermoPlus felt InnerBoot. Felt is a non-woven cloth that is produced by matting (clumping together), condensing and pressing woollen fibers together (by heat, moisture and mechanical pressure). Felt is highly resilient, provides superior thermal insulating properties and good wicking capabilities.

Additional features are the traction soles underneath the boot designed to prevent slipping and this has never worn down on any boots I have seen!  In fact Sorel guarantee all boots for 2years.

You can feel all these technical features in the weight of the boot and they are heavier and more substantial than cheaper alternatives but that is why they can withstand temperatures down to minus 32°C.

We have been advised that for men’s and women’s boots you should allow an extra 1/2 size but children’s Sorel boots you should buy their actual UK size or up to a 1/2 size up.  Full sizing guides can be found on our website including a printout sheet to measure yours and your children’s feet at home.  Visit www.littleskiers.co.ukhttp://www.littleskiers.co.uk/shop/124_Sorel_Boots for toddler, children’s, youth and adult Sorel boots. 
By Tess Bradshaw, Little Skiers

What do you need for Lapland?

If you have booked a holiday to Lapland this year, you will no doubt now be starting to think about what you actually need to be taking.  With temperatures that can go as low as a bone aching -30ºC, the correct clothing is a must.

If your holiday company does not provide outer clothing, look for a good quality childrens ski clothing that will provide a waterproof, windproof yet breathable barrier to protect from the cold, snow and windy conditions.  This outer layer does not need to be thick like a duvet, modern insulation materials means you can get great warmth from a reasonably light weight, thin jacket as the warmth has already been generated by the body and the other layers.  Big, thick jackets tend to be too heavy and restrictive and not allow moisture to wick away which in turns actually chills the body.

Thick ski socks are ideal as they are long and provide extra warmth up the legs and also protects them from rubbing on snow boots.  Waterproof, insulated snow boots are essential so do not scrimp on these as cold toes make miserable children.  Snow boots must be waterproof not just resistant and you will need thick insulated soles to ensure there is a thermal barrier between your feet and the snow and ice.  The boots tend to be bigger and heavier but when you are in thick snow you will be grateful you chose them!  Ideally you want 2.5mm frost plugs with a thermal rating from the manufacturer assuring you they have been tested in arctic conditions.

The next important items are the thermals, base layer (next to the skin) and fleece for added warmth.  The base layer is the thermal that is closest to the skin and should be as tight fitting as possible without being restrictive. The next layer should be fleece, if it is really cold a micro fleece (thinner) and then a thicker 200g fleece jacket (in a slightly bigger size) on top will be enough to really keep the warmth in.  The Kozikidz Micro fleece top & bottom set is our best seller for Lapland as it protects the legs too.  Avoid cotton as it simply soaks up moisture rather than wicking it away from the skin and out through the jacket.

Ideally you will have 2 pairs of skiing mittens (mittens are warmer than gloves) and ensure they are again waterproof.  To protect little hands further, a thermal glove liner with provide the thermal barrier that is essential to prevent heat loss.  Chemical hand warmers are great either in the gap between the liner and mitten or in coat pockets.  These stay warm for up to 8 hours, perfect for when you are queueing or on sleigh rides!

Snow sun tan lotion, lip salves and wrap around sunglasses or goggles are also needed for the glare off the snow can be very strong for eyes and also can cause skin burn.

Finally, as we all know, most of our heat is lost through our heads so a thick hat is obvious but feedback from experienced parents tell us that Ear Flap design hats are the best at protecting ears from the cold icy winds.  Balaclavas and neck warmers are perfect in conjunction with hats as these can easily be pulled up over the chin and the nose to prevent early frost bite.

All items can be bought at Little Skiers and a summary packing list can found here

by Tess Bradshaw
Little Skiers