SOREL

Caribou XT Boot - Men's

Runs SMALL!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

12

Height:

6' 4"

Weight:

220

Think carefully about how you'll use these, and don't believe the hype ? these do not run large, necessarily! But they look great and will be perfect once I get the correct size. Although sometimes I even wear an 11.5, typically I wear a 12/45Eur shoe for most applications (Allbirds, dress shoes, golf shoes), despite sizing up for my 46Mega Sidi MTB shoes and 47 Sidi road cycling shoes. Given the hysteria surrounding sizing of these boots, I ordered a 12. Last night, I received them and just now ordered a 13 as likely a better fit for my needs. Yes, I guess if you're hanging out in these shoes or maybe commuting via transit and only wearing a thin sock, applications where personally I would consider Caribous total overkill, you might perceive them as running somewhat large. However, if you're using them with thick wool socks and/or layered socks ? as appropriate for serious winter activities ? they DO NOT run large. In truly cold applications, it's best to layer a sock liner and then a wool sock and still have a sufficient air gap for functional insulation (i.e., not lacing up snugly like athletic shoes). For ice fishing in the coldest weather and deepest snow, I own a pair of the similar Glacier XT in size 14. That allows me to wear a sock liner and then a thick wool sock without being snug, and I can hang on the ice all day in comfort. Admittedly, those are big boots that aren't the easiest for trudging around for hours and hours, so I'm looking for a Caribou boot for somewhat milder conditions with less snow or slush, and the Caribou XT should do nicely. Trying the size 12 with a single medium-thick wool sock last night, they felt nice in the house and would be stylish in the 'hood or perfect for shoveling the driveway (I'd use a much thinner wool sock in such "light" applications). However, they were just snug enough that there was no appreciable air gap with the medium-thick sock, so they are clearly too small for effective sock layering for good warmth during extended time on the ice. Although a 12.5 would probably be ideal for me, I must try the 13. I'll edit this review if I decide to tough it out with the 12s, although that would necessitate going to fewer/lighter sock layers.