The Sorel Women’s Boot Review: Tofino vs. Joan of Arctic

Sorel Tofino

Sorel is a household name in seasonal regions with good reason: They’ve mastered the art of cold-weather footwear. Amongst their vast portfolio of award-winning products, the Tofino and Joan of Arctic (JOA) boot are largely responsible for Sorel’s popularity amongst female consumers. For everyone who’s battled this same debate, here’s a head-to-head comparison of these two wildly popular products.

Build

Joan of Arctic: The original gangster. The JOA put Sorel on the map in women’s winter fashion. This heavyweight snow buster is durable enough to last you decades with proper care. Built with the elements in mind, this bulky boot will combat below freezing temperatures while maintaining a feminine edge.

Sorel Tofino

Tofino: Don’t let looks fool you; this boot shares little in common with the JOA. Despite having a similar exterior to the JOA, the Tofino is a supremely lightweight sneaker-like version of its hardy cousin. The faux fur lining on the Tofino is significantly less prominent, in accordance with its overall smaller build.

Look

Joan of Arctic: This boot will not go unnoticed. It’s an attention-grabber with voluptuous fur gracefully spouting from the collar. Coming in all classic colors, it’s tough to go wrong.

Tofino: This boot can fly a little more incognito with its minimal fur detail and slender design. Spice it up with funkier color options or keep it classic. An assortment of varieties is available for you to decide.

Fit

Sorel Joan of Arctic

Joan of Arctic: With a wider base and rounder toe, this boot is spacious enough for any type of foot. Ample room for insoles, foot warmers and/or heavy wool socks speaks to versatility and comfort. I found the JOA to be pretty true to size.

Tofino: This boot has a much more fitted, narrow design that would suit a more petit foot. In my experience, this shoe ran slightly small so it’s best to opt a half-size up if you plan to wear thick socks.

Technical Features

Joan of Arctic: These boots are 100 percent waterproof top to bottom; this rugged winter companion is guaranteed to keep feet dry. The JOA is prepared to battle temperatures as cold as -25-degree Fahrenheit (32°C) with its vulcanized rubber soles and leather/suede upper. The boot liner is composed of 6mm-thick felt, which is conveniently removable and replaceable.

Sorel Joan of Arctic

Tofino: A leather shell and waxed canvas upper combat outside moisture while the removable Sherpa Pile liner keeps feet cozy. These shoes allow for maximum traction and agility with their snug sneaker format.

While both styles serve to keep your tootsies warm and dry during harsh winter months, they’re very distinctive products with unique character. In terms of choosing one over the other, preference prevails entirely. I’d proudly recommend both the Sorel Joan of Arctic and the Tofino to anyone looking for a reliable winter comrade.

For more information on Sorel, visit http://www.sorel.com. To purchase Sorel products, click here.