Last Updated: June 2, 2021

Sorel Tofino vs Joan of Arctic: Two Great Women’s Winter Boots

PRODUCT COMPARISON

Sorel Joan of Arctic

  • Shaft Height: 12 inches
  • Temperature Rating: -25° F / -32° C
  • Upper Material: Waterproof suede leather
  • Faux fur cuff
  • Sole
  • Midsole: 2.5 mm bonded felt frost plug
  • Outer: Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell with herringbone outsole
  • Insulation: Removable 6 mm recycled felt inner boot
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Sorel Tofino

  • Shaft Height: 11.5 inches
  • Temperature Rating: 25° F / -32° C
  • Upper Material: Fully waterproof waxed canvas
  • Faux fur cuff
  • Sole
  • Footbed: Molded EVA
  • Outer: Moulded Rubber
  • Insulation: Full-length fleece lining with 100 grams of fixed insulation
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Sorel made a name for themselves in women’s winter boots with models like the Tofino and Joan of Arctic.

Although these two boots share a lot of the same style and materials, there are still quite a few differences that might not be obvious from the pictures below.

Below are the overall specs, and then below a quick but deeper comparison for you to check out (just scroll on down :>).

Style

The Joan of Arctic is similar to a classic Sorel Caribou with the rubber lower section, the big laces, and lace hooks up the front. But, it also has a big faux fur top to the suede leather, adding that little extra flair.

The Tofino is similar to a degree but has a little less fur overflow on the top, and a criss-cross pattern on the waterproof canvas material. The newer model, the Tofino II has a more diagonal/interwoven cross which is in the picture on the right (you can click that image to see more models on Amazon).

The Tofino also comes in a few more fun colors like bright red, which the Joan of Arctic does not have.

Note: Although there is a Knit model (of the Joan of Arctic) which you can see to the right, comes in pink, green, and beige. This has a knitted finish at the top instead of the faux fur.

Weight

When you are wearing boots around all day they can become quite tiring to wear, if they are super-heavy like the Caribous from Sorel.

That is why it is nice to know that both the Tofino and Joan are quite light at 1.94 (Joan) and 1.34 (Tofino). So, the Tofino is nice and light mainly because of the canvas instead of leather on the upper.

The Tread / Grip

No big difference worth mentioning here. They both come with a durable rubber sole designed to cope with winter conditions.

Calf Height

There are some models that vary with the Sorels, but the “average” Joan of Arctic vs Tofino is pretty close.

The Joan of Arctic comes up an extra half-inch on the calves, which is either good or bad depending on how long your legs are and how deep the snow is you will be wading through. Just keep in mind these are not snow hiking boots :>

Inner Lining

The lining on these two boots is a little different, and I have been unable to figure out exactly (material-wise) how that makes a difference. But let’s just say they are both rated to -25 F/ -32 C, so they should be nice and toasty for most people walking around for shorter periods in sub-zero temperatures. Which, if we are honest, is the main thing people use them for (quick errand to the shops, etc).

Which Should You Buy?

There is no easy answer to this question because honestly, these models are pretty similar.

The standard Joan of Arctic is more of a classic Sorel look with the fur top.

Whereas the Tofino is a bit bolder in its canvas cross design and some of its colors.

The choice, ultimately, is up to you!

Sorel Joan of Arctic
Sorel Tofino