Sorel Conquest Boot - Men's

I go to school in cold Vermont.
One of my first priorities was to purchase a pair of real snow boots for walking around campus. Unfortunately, I failed to make such a purchase until recently. I trudged through snow and over frozen walkways for a season and a half before buying these boots.
I own a pair of Coleman hiking boots (which are decent in cold weather) and plenty of sneakers and dress shoes. When it snows I usually wear the hiking boots. While they provide decent traction, they're nothing compared to these Sorels.
The "Conquest" boots really feel substantial. Just looking at them you can tell they're quality.
I ordered an 8.5 after trying a pair of Sorels on in a store (I'm usually a 9 or 10 (these are big sizes)). The fit is nice and snug and actually reminded me of a sprain in my big toe I had before. After a while though they broke in quite nicely. I've never had a problem with water or snow getting in; the built in gators work very nicely. When I lace them up loosely I can slip them on and off with ease, which is nice for everyday wear. When they're tight they're very snug, and the strap in the back provides extra support.
I'm not worried about wearing them out and in public as they're quite good looking and are very comfortable.
Normally I wouldn't spend so much on a pair of shoes, but I expect these to last many seasons.
Highly Recommended

These boots are excellent. I spent 4 days snow camping in these boots, with freezing temperatures the first night, and was still comfortable the whole time. Great value. Recommended.

Purchased these boots last year and was pleased with their warmth through the winter. When I purchased them they I was under the impression that they were waterproof. During the heart of the winter the boots were fine until the snow started to get wetter in the ladder part of the winter. Where the rubber meets with the leather the seams started to tear and there went the waterproof boot. I liked the boots I just don’t like when products start to fall apart after a few months.

Here in Michigan we've had an awesome winter so far, and I've had a good chance now to check out these boots. I just came in from slogging through over two feet of snow on the lake, half of that journey through 8" of water/slush underneath. Dry. I'd already taken them on a 6 mile trip through Bishop's Bog and it's "floating" walkway. Dry. And after a couple of hours of ice fishing today (19 degrees, w/c near 0), I can report they are warm as well. I'm usually not a review writer, but these boots deserve mention. Yes, they are made in China. True, the liners don't come out. But, even without any waterproofing at all my feet have stayed warm and dry through the worst this winter has had to offer. I am impressed.

these size 11 boots replaced my old conquest boots.... the new ones have stiffer materials... and give good support.
the liner is sewn in... not good for really cold conditions, the ability to change liners over the course of a working day is paramount [helicopter pilot]... the ankle bellows need to be bigger.... harder to get on than my old boots.... i have written to Sorel on these changes.. no reply as yet..... LP

tight at first, took a few trips sledding with the kids before I really got a great fit. I usually wear a 9.5 and ordered a 9.5. they actually felt tight but once they broke in the insulation formed around my foot and now they fit very nice. The toe is a little clumsy cause it is so tall but once I got used to it I didn't notice. The main reason I chose these was 400grams of insulation and they are very light for such a heavy duty boot. got 1 full winter in them with multiple snowshoeing trips and really very pleased. I would by them again.

I bought these for work as I'm outdoors all day in snow and they do let in quite a bit of moisture. They also take a long time to dry out I find myself using a hair dryer and most of the time that's not enough to keep them dry. I'm going to try a different boot next season.

Overall, great boots.

I "formally" tested these boots over the new year weekend in the Adirondacks of northern New York. There was 6" of snow with more in drifts, 5-15 degree F temps, and a good wind. I went on a 5 hour hike on varied terrain, including an unfrozen stream, and these boots performed well. My feet were warm and dry even when submersed in water and snow. The height kept the snow out and the lugs (which are very deep) provide great traction. The design of the boot doesn't leave much for flexibility, the ankle is very stiff although it may flex with time. Per reviews on this site, I ordered a half size down, I'm usually an 11.5 and I ordered an 11. I'd say even the 11 is a little roomy on me. I haven't determined if the strap adds any value.

Pro's:
Waterproof
Very warm
Snow "proof"
Good traction

Con's (these are nitpicky):
A bit big so it's hard to cinch down (pro if big socks are used, I prefer smartwool/thin socks)
Lack of flexibility in the ankle

Can't comment on build quality/durability yet.

I've had these boots for awhile and finally got a chance to use them. They are warm, comfortable, and dry. They worked well in Tahoe after boarding.

I wear a size 10. so that's what I orderd. I wear 1 set of thick boot socks only, with them. They are comfortable and fit great. I have worn them a half dozen times now, in single digit temperatures. Feet stay plenty worm and dry..

I have had two pairs of these boots, the second pair was a replacement for the first. I have never had a problem with mine, nor have I ever had my feet get cold or wet. And I'd say about 25% of the time they're on, I'm in 6" of snow or more. If it's lower than 10 degrees a lot where you live, you might want to invest in some wool socks, but in these for hours at a time, and if you're moving, you won't get cold. Good boot for the price. I'd buy them again.

No doubt these boots are comfortable, warm, and well-built. The built in snow gaiter is a cool idea, although unnecessary if you're going to be wearing gaiters anyway (which I definitely would be if I'm traipsing around in deep snow for a while).

I didn't end up keeping mine though because if some real shortcomings in practicality regarding some of the boot's features. Firstly, the "achilles strap" doesn't do much of anything. Secondly, the lacing is a pain. It's really difficult to get the lower part of the lacing to stay as tight as you'd want it to be once you start moving up the lacing. I found myself having to retighten from the bottom to the top several times and even then it wasn't where I'd like it to be (especially in the area that would keep the heal secure). Boots with quick lacing hooks would be much more practical.

Those I see to be shortcomings with the boot itself, but my last reason for not keeping them was that the liner doesn't come out. Sure, that doesn't mean that the boot is inadequate as there are plenty of good boots with built-in insulation, but I'm of the belief now that if you're going to camp in the winter especially, it'd be really nice to have your boot liners in your sleeping bag staying warm so that when you get out of your bag in the morning you're not stepping into blocks of ice. Plus, if your boots happen to get wet on the inside, a removable liner will help them dry out much faster.

Bottom line, while these might be great for shoveling the walk way, building snow men, or working outside in the cold, there are better options if you're going to be camping in the winter, hiking, or snowshoeing.

my son likes these boots

Very happy with my boots. I feel like I got more than my money's worth.

just got them, hard to break in.
but It looks like a good cold weather shoe.
but it's a shame they make them in china.

If you want a Dry and Warm boots with excellent support while being very light in weight, these boots are a must to have in deep snow while hiking or snowshoeing as well as Ice Fishing. I rate these as an A+ in my book. Thanks!

So far I have been very happy, they fit good and were comfortable right out of the box. Seem to have done fine in terms of waterproofing. Definitely good temp wise into upper single digits.

Our family purchased various styles of Sorel boots for our annual Tahoe ski trip this year, and we all found them to be great. My husband loves his Conquest boot. They kept him warm in the snow, and his only comment is that they could have been a bit more supportive, but otherwise they were very comfortable and great for the snow.

I bought these for my 6'4" tall husband, who, having feet very far from his heart, often gets cold toes. He likes that they are stylish, but not flashy, and he can wear them without looking like he is suited up for some sort of full-on winter expedition. He says they keep him dry and warm, and while they fit well enough he adds, "they pinch when I wear them as tight as I want to wear them. I don't know how much they'll break in because they are rubber." My husband is hard on everything, especially shoes, so I'm hoping we'll get a couple winters out of them.

Have had a few trips out on the ice with these in northwest Mt. They are a little stiff at first and take some breaking in. Seemed to do well keeping the water out and fit my MSR Evo snowshoes well. My feet did get a lil cold after an hour if inactivity but warmed right back up as I hiked around. I treated my boots with Kiwi Mink oil and then with Camp Dry although this is not a must it seems to help protect them from rotting and they last longer. Over all a great boot that I would buy again. only 4 stars because the gaiters don't fit over my pants and I have to wear others to keep my legs dry.

Very comfortable and warm boot. very light for a size 13! I don't recommend driving with them! I've had them for about a month and its been in the 20's for that time. I bare boot and snow shoe with them. Great traction. I have msr snow shoes, and have no problem getting in the bindings. So far so good!

i work up in the mountains all the time walking through snow, slush, water standing in water and my feet have never been wet. the only time my feet have gotten wet was from sweating to much and lets face it, that was my fault. vary comfortable and easy layse up. the little elastic cored on top to prevent snow getting in your boot works pretty well, also the strap for your back heal works ok not really necessary but not a problem at all.
how tall the boot sits is pretty good but if your used to dressing for the winter and snowy weather there wont be a problem.
the over all boot is one of the best iv seen for the price.

Bought these beginning of last winter, the stitching fell apart by the end of winter. They were quite warm and dry and comfortable while they lasted however. I used them for work, which involves lots of rugged hiking in western wyoming. Maybe they're made of stronger materials this season but I won't be buying a second pair.

I bought these boots for my husband to use this winter. We ordered the bark thinking it would be as dark as it is shown above, but were surprised with the color in person. Not appealing. We are returning for the black.
We also tried these on before buying and decided to order a 1/2 size larger than what he normally wear so that he can use a thicker sock if he needs to.

Spent 3 nights 4 days at Mt Whitney in the middle of February in freezing temps. Boots did great. Put a pair of Black Dimond Neve crampons on and they did fine, got me up and down the Mountain. Work great with snow shoes. I sweated through the boots on the hikes and even in the morning with frozen boots, damp from sweat in freezing temps (15 degrees) and crossing streams my feet never got cold. I was surprised on how well they kept my feet warm and now I know if you don't have the money for a pair of mountaineering boot these will get the job done without disappointment.

I needed a real pair of winter boots and not a pair of hiking boots, worn in the winter. They are a little heavy, but that is to be expected. I have a narrow foot, so I had to add an additional insole. Which is really no big deal. I have to do that for all my boots. They keep my feet warm and dry. I live in Michigan, so that is a must. After walking in them for a few weeks, I have gotten used to the weight.

This is my first pair of snow boots so I cant compare it to other brands, however I had them for a few months now and I'm happy with them. I took them fishing, and wore them through the last winter storm we had here in New York. My feet stayed dry and warm. My feet sweat alot, but in my Sorel Conquest boots that doesn't happen. I assume it's the quality of the natural materials that allow breathing that makes this possible. So far I'm happy with them. It remains to see how long they last since they're made in China now, so I expect a short lifespan.

2011 Update

I had these boots for 2 winters now with no problem. This winter I took them ice fishing and stood in 3-4 inch water over the ice at 18 F. My hands got cold before my feet. These are some good boots.

I bought these boots to mainly use when I take my Yamaha Grizzly 700 into the high country and snow.
I have used them in 20 degree weather for a 22 mile ride in snow and they worked great. They have a fit more like a regular leather hunting boot thus they fit tight with no slipping around the foot. You can hike in them.

I am a person who is very hard on all of the gear that I buy. If a specific product says it does something and it doesn’t, I send it back. I want no false claims, rather, just tell me what I am buying and what I should expect. These boots do just that. Slipping your foot into the top is appropriately snug. You don't want a boot that is super loose on top and lets cold and snow in. These boots keep snow out and warmth in. The ankle strap that goes around the mid upper is key. Too often large winter boots wiggle around on top, reducing stability. This is a nice added feature when the snow can mask unsure foot placement. (I.e. rocks stumps covered by snow) The lacing system is simple and effective. The tread on the bottom is hardcore. There is very little any other boot can do to improve on the traction these boots give short of strapping on cramp-ons. The boot is relatively lightweight given its rugged nature. All around this boot serves as a great deep snow and cold weather boot. I have used them several times snowshoeing and they fit great into my tubbes. Solid all around purchase and I would most definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a hard core weather boot.

I live in Boston so there's not a lot of deep snow around. However, there ARE deep snow banks after everyone shovels their sidewalks. These boots were ideal for dealing with snow and with the drifts of snow/slush and water that you have to deal with in the aftermath of a storm.

The traction on these things is great and the waterproof/warmth factors are extremely high. Good, comfortable boots. They're a bit stiff in the sole for regular walking around but I think they'll probably soften up a bit.

The gaiters are a little vestigial but if you wear them with snowpants then nothing gets in.

I liked the fit on these boots but my feet are a little wide after living in Hawaii for several years and not wearing shoes.

My husband loved them! We live in Chicago so these boots will get alot of use! He has used them twice since Christmas day and said they are comfortable as well as functional. His feet stay dry and warm as well. Thanks!

I got these boots before a trip to the North Woods in Maine.I was out there over 10 miles from the closest county road in -15 degrees and stayed warm the whole time.there was about a foot of snow and these boots just performed exactly the way they should've.
I will buy these boots again when these wear out.

Exactly as advertised. They are warm and dry. I wore them out of the box and onto about 10 miles of trails to break them in and they were perfect.

Nice boot, but be aware it is wide. Suggest buying half-size larger.

I have had a pair of these for 18 years and have never had a cold or wet foot (and I live in the Canadian Rockies)!You neeed to be careful buying footwear online, but for me I'm not even considering looking at another brand of boot!!

Took these boots out to the western Siberian Stepp and thrashed around with some Russians. It was -30deg C out there, in a word, bitter. I had two pair of smartwool on and my feet weren't cold at all that day. The drawstring top keep snow out of the boot even when blowing through big drifts. If it were up to me, I would label this boot as bulletproof. I gave the boots to one of my new Siberian friends, and now I have a friend for life. (Igor-Enough with all the emails- your welcome!). If your life involves trugging in snow, these boots will be perfoect for you.

Very comfortable to walk in.Does not keep your feet warm below zero if you standing still.And anything below that you need to double up on socks.Make sure you buy size bigger than you normally wear.

I have always understood that Sorel was the way to go for winter boots. But, I have never owned a pair. When the winter got thick and my Red Wing work boots just weren't cutting it I took the plunge and decided to buy a pair of Sorel Conquest boots.

First off, the only place that even had them in my size (10.5 US) was backcountry.com. Thanks for that!

Within a week I had the boots and went out the next day for several hours of snow shoveling followed by sledding with my 2 year old daughter. I must have been out in the deep snow for a solid 5 or 6 hours and my feet stayed warm and dry!

The boots a very comfortable and as far as I can tell are very well constructed. Both are hallmarks of Sorel boots to my understanding.

I do have a couple of criticisms. First, getting your foot into the boot is difficult. The built in gater is great for keeping snow out and has a similar effect on the wearers foot. Second, the ankle support strap seems truly ancillary to me. The buckle assembly doesn't really allow you to draw the strap tight. I think Sorel should return to the drawing board for the ankle strap.

Overall these are worth the purchase price. As I put them through more winter weather I will do my best to update here with my experience.

Cheers!

These things are really well built! Hummer like. They run probably two sizes large.
I wear 12 and I think 10 would have been perfect even with thick socks.
You won't be sorry.

I normally wear size 12, ordered 12, probably would have been happy with 11.5. But I did not return them, they are awesome and toasty, and now I have room for xtra socks and whatnot. Make no mistake, these are large boots, almost "moonboot" in appearance, they dwarf my other winter boots. However you cannot beat these things for warmth. All in all a good boot.

True to size. Nice warmth in minus temperatures. Drawstring to keep out snow. Waterproof lowers great...mded through Many a deep puddle A little hard to get on and off without a pull tab on the back. Squishy bottoms comfortable but I had to add an insert to have some support..overal...VERY functional...which is what matters in the end. Over all recommended

After I exchange to nearly two sizes larger than what I actually wear, these boots work out great. Last night I was out all evening, celebrating New Years, in low 20 degree temps and cozy all night. Hope to add 20 years and many miles like I did on my older Sorels.

I was very impressed when the package came and I first opened it...these things are substantial! Very warm and relatively easy to maneuver in. They do work well if you will be standing still for a while also, like at a football game or in a deer stand. I would highly recommend.

I bought these of a prayer that they would fit. They do, but I wish they came in a wider width. They do keep my feet very warm which is a big deal for me since I have had frostbite on my hands and feet from the military operations in cold weather. I found other boots by this company in a local sports store and hope the sizes were like in size, then ordered the ones I wanted online.