Sorel 1964 Pac Boot

A classic winter boot that offers unrivalled waterproofing, extreme warmth, and stylish comfort for the long Canadian winter.

The Sorel 1964 Pac boot is a Canadian winter classic. I recently purchased these boots with the intention of using them on 'gentle' backcountry trips and to use during my day-to-day life. So far, I have been nothing but happy with them. 

I purchased them for $100, which was the result of a large sale from their normal Canadian price of $180. These boots provide warmth through a felt liner that also serves as the insole. It fits the shell of the boot perfectly and I do not have any issues with the sloppy fit some might cite in their con section.

I was worried they would be too warm as they are rated to -40°c. Typically, the day to day where I live is about -20°c. I found my feet adjusted quickly to the boots, and have yet to find any issues with sweaty feet, despite spending long days indoors on campus. 

One of the critical features of this boot is the waterproofing. The boot offers a rubber shell similar to a duck boot, which is then triple sewn into canvas, premium canvas, or leather. I have the premium canvas model which features a syllicone like coating. All models are promoted as waterproof and I would be extremely surprised to hear a Sorel wearer who has had issues with that. 

On the negative side, these boots do not offer the best traction on ice. This can, if it is an issue, be solved with everyday crampons that slip on. I find the boots are better than a regular pair of shoes, but I have also worn hiking boots with better on ice traction.

Many cite these boots as having a loose or sloppy fit. I do acknowledge that the fit is not as tight as a hiking boot, but I find it does not bother me either. They are tight enough to my feet that I don't really notice the adverse effects. I did, at first, notice that where the rubber meets the canvas on my back heel rubs a little bit when wearing thin socks, but that has gone away now that they are broken in.