Honestly, if you’ve spent any time scrolling through fashion TikTok or walking around a city like Chicago or New York in November, you’ve seen them. Those low-profile, duck-boot-inspired silhouettes with the scalloped soles. People swear by their Sorel boots out and about as the "do-it-all" footwear for when the weather turns messy but you aren't exactly trekking the Himalayas.
But there is a weird tension with these boots.
Some people buy them and think they’re getting a heavy-duty snow boot. They aren’t. Others treat them like a standard sneaker and get annoyed when the vulcanized rubber feels a bit stiff on the first wear. Basically, if you don’t know what you’re buying, you’re probably going to be one of the people writing a three-star review because your ankles got cold in a blizzard.
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I’ve spent way too much time looking into the engineering of the Sorel boots out and about IV and its predecessors to tell you: these are "pavement-to-puddle" boots. They are the footwear equivalent of a luxury crossover SUV. It looks like it can go off-road, and it technically can, but it’s really designed to look cool while navigating a rainy grocery store parking lot.
The Duck Boot Identity Crisis
The Out N About isn't a traditional hiking boot. It’s a hybrid. Sorel basically took the DNA of their legendary Caribou—the big, clunky, North Pole-ready boot—and shrunk it down for someone who needs to catch a bus.
You get the waterproof vulcanized rubber shell, which is the "duck" part. That part is impenetrable. You could stand in a three-inch puddle for twenty minutes and your toes would be bone dry. But here’s the kicker: the shaft is usually only about five inches high. If you step into a six-inch snowdrift, you’re done. Water goes over the top, and now you’re just wearing a rubber bucket of ice water.
Most people get wrong that "waterproof" means "invincible." Sorel is very honest in their fine print—the laces and zippers aren't always waterproof. If you're out and about in a literal monsoon, moisture can seep through the tongue area. It’s a boot for the "in-between" days.
Why the Out N About IV Is Polarizing
The latest iteration, the Sorel boots out and about IV, has some technical upgrades that actually matter. They introduced the "Steadysole" and "Evertread" rubber.
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- Steadysole: This is a molded PU (polyurethane) footbed. It’s better than the old EVA foam because it doesn’t "pack out" as fast. You know how cheap sneakers feel like flat cardboard after three months? PU lasts longer.
- Evertread: This is their proprietary rubber compound. It’s grippy. Like, really grippy on wet slate or subway grates.
However, there’s a massive debate about sizing. If you look at Zappos or Macy’s reviews, it’s a civil war. Half the people say "True to size!" and the other half are screaming "Size up a full size!"
Here is the expert nuance: the toe box on the Out N About is relatively shallow. If you have "tall" toes or a high instep, the hard rubber shell doesn't stretch. Unlike a leather boot that breaks in and molds to your foot, vulcanized rubber is stubborn. It’s not going to move. If it pinches on day one, it’ll pinch on day 500. Most pros suggest going up a half size specifically to allow for the thickness of a wool sock, which provides the insulation the boot lacks on its own.
Real-World Use Cases (and Where Not to Wear Them)
I’ve seen influencers wearing these for "light hiking." Let’s be real. If "light hiking" means a flat, gravel path in a suburban park, sure. But these boots lack the torsional rigidity for real trails.
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The ankle support is minimal. It’s a soft textile or leather upper stitched to a rubber base. If you're on uneven rocks, you’re begging for a rolled ankle. Use them for what they’re for:
- Dog walking: The rubber toe is a godsend in wet grass.
- Commuting: They’re light enough (about 15oz per boot) that you won't feel like you're wearing lead weights at your desk.
- The "Slushy" Phase: That gross 38-degree weather where the snow is turning into grey mush.
Styling Without Looking Like a Fisherman
This is where the Sorel boots out and about actually wins. Because they aren't bulky, they don't give you "clown feet."
You can actually wear them with straight-leg jeans or even leggings and a trench coat without looking like you’re about to go ice fishing. A lot of people like the "peaking sock" look—throwing on a pair of chunky knit socks so they show just above the rim. It fills the gap and keeps the draft out.
Actionable Buying Advice
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a pair, don't just click "buy" on your usual size. Check the material first. The "Chillz" version has 100g of insulation and a faux-shearling lining. It’s much warmer but fits even tighter because of the fluff.
The "Classic" is uninsulated. It's basically a raincoat for your feet. If you live in a place like Seattle or Vancouver where it’s wet but not freezing, the Classic is your best bet. If you’re in Minneapolis, get the Chillz and still size up so you can fit a thermal sock.
Regular maintenance is also a thing people ignore. Even though they’re waterproof, the leather and suede uppers will salt-stain and dry out. Use a damp cloth to wipe away road salt immediately. If you don't, that premium full-grain leather will crack, and then it doesn't matter how waterproof the rubber bottom is.
Next Steps for You:
Check your current sock drawer. If you plan on wearing these in temperatures below 40°F, you'll need medium-weight Merino wool socks. Measure your foot's length and width, and if you’re between sizes, always lean toward the larger option with Sorel’s rubber-shell models. Finally, decide if you need the "Plus" version for extra height or if the "Classic" low-cut fits your daily urban commute better.