You’ve probably seen them everywhere. Maybe it was at the grocery store on a Tuesday morning or while waiting in line for coffee during a drizzly Saturday. The Sorel Out N About boot has become a staple of the "I have things to do but it’s pouring outside" wardrobe. It’s that weird, hybrid silhouette—part sneaker, part duck boot—that somehow manages to look cool even when everything else you’re wearing is soaked.
Let’s be real for a second. Most rain boots are terrible.
They are either giant, clunky rubber tubes that make you walk like a newborn giraffe, or they are flimsy little booties that let water seep in the second you hit a real puddle. The Sorel Out N About series, specifically the popular III Classic, tries to bridge that gap. It isn’t just a boot; it’s a solution for people who hate traditional rain gear.
I’ve spent years looking at footwear trends, and honestly, Sorel nailed something here that other brands struggle with: the weight. These things are light. Most duck boots feel like you’ve strapped bricks to your ankles, but these feel like high-top sneakers. That’s the secret sauce.
What Actually Makes the Sorel Out N About Different?
If you look at the construction of the Out N About III, the first thing you notice is the "vulcanized" rubber sole. That sounds like fancy marketing speak, but it basically just means the rubber has been treated with high heat to make it tougher and more flexible. It’s the same process used for tires.
The grip is aggressive. Sorel uses an Evertread™ outsole, which features a herringbone pattern that specifically targets wet surfaces. Unlike flat-soled fashion boots, these actually bite into the pavement. If you’re sprinting across a slick subway platform or navigating a muddy dog park, you aren’t going to end up on your backside.
The upper is usually a mix of waterproof suede or full-grain leather. This is where people get confused. They see "suede" and think, "Wait, I can’t wear that in the rain." But Sorel treats this leather during the tanning process. It’s seam-sealed. Water doesn’t just sit on the surface; it beads off.
🔗 Read more: Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten Firm Vitamin C Serum Explained (Simply)
Sizing is the biggest hurdle
Don't buy your normal size. Seriously.
If there is one consistent complaint across the board for the Sorel Out N About line, it’s the fit. They run small. Most long-time wearers and gear testers recommend going up at least a half-size, and if you plan on wearing thick wool socks (like some heavy-duty Smartwools), you might even need a full size up.
The toe box is narrower than a traditional LL Bean boot. It’s designed to be sleek, which is great for aesthetics but can be a nightmare for people with wider feet. If you have wide feet, these might not be your "forever" boot. It’s okay to admit that. Not every shoe fits every foot, and the Out N About is definitely built on a slimmer "last" (the mold of the foot).
Is it a Winter Boot or a Rain Boot?
This is a massive point of contention.
A lot of people buy the Sorel Out N About thinking they can trek through a Canadian winter in them. You can't. Well, you can, but your toes will be numb in twenty minutes.
- Insulation: Most models have very little to none. We’re talking a thin textile lining.
- Temperature Rating: Sorel doesn't typically give these a formal sub-zero rating like they do for the Caribou or Joan of Arctic lines.
- Best Use Case: 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C) in rainy or slushy conditions.
These are transitional boots. They are for the "in-between" seasons. Think October in Seattle or April in New York. If you are dealing with deep snow drifts, you need a different tool for the job. Using an Out N About in a blizzard is like bringing a pocket knife to a sword fight. It’s just not what it was built for.
💡 You might also like: Double Sided Ribbon Satin: Why the Pro Crafters Always Reach for the Good Stuff
The Evolution: From the Original to the III
Sorel has tweaked this design a lot over the years. The original Out N About was very low-profile, almost like a ballet flat version of a boot. It was cute, but it lacked support.
The Out N About III changed the game by adding a much thicker EVA midsole. EVA is the same foam used in running shoes. It provides "rebound." When you walk on concrete all day, that foam absorbs the shock so your lower back doesn't have to.
They also updated the "wedge" height slightly. It’s not a heel, but it gives you a tiny bit of lift which keeps your heel out of shallow puddles. It’s a subtle change that makes a huge difference in how dry you actually stay.
Real-World Durability
I’ve talked to hikers and urban commuters who have put these through the ringer. The consensus? The sole lasts forever, but the laces might need replacing after a season. Because the eyelets are often reinforced with metal, they can be a bit abrasive on standard cotton laces.
Also, watch the pull tab at the back. It’s sturdy, but if you yank on it like you’re trying to start a lawnmower, you might eventually see some stitching stress. Treat them with a little respect, and they’ll easily last three or four years of heavy use.
Styling: How to Not Look Like You're Going Fishing
One reason these boots rank so high on "must-have" lists is their versatility. They don't scream "I'M WEARING RAIN BOOTS."
📖 Related: Dining room layout ideas that actually work for real life
You can wear them with:
- Cropped Straight-Leg Jeans: This is the gold standard. It shows off the ankle of the boot and prevents the "tucked-in" bunching that looks dated.
- Leggings and an Oversized Trench: It’s the classic London-commuter look. Very effortless.
- Tights and a Skirt: Because the boot has a sneaker-like sole, it keeps the outfit from looking too formal or too "outdoorsy."
Honestly, the "Sage" and "Quarry" colors are the most popular for a reason. They hide dirt incredibly well. If you buy the white or cream versions, be prepared to wipe them down after every single walk. Mud happens.
Common Misconceptions and Troubleshooting
"My boots are leaking!" Usually, when people think their Sorel Out N About boots are leaking, it’s actually condensation. Because the bottom half is rubber, it isn't breathable. If your feet get hot, they sweat. That moisture gets trapped inside. If you’re truly seeing water come through the seams, that’s a manufacturer defect, and Sorel’s warranty is usually pretty solid about covering that within the first year.
"The heel is slipping." This usually happens if you went too big to accommodate wide feet. The fix? A "runner's loop" lacing technique or a slightly thicker insole. The stock insoles are removable, which is a huge plus. You can swap them out for high-arch supports if you need them.
"The suede is stained." Even though they are waterproof, salt from winter roads can leave white lines. Use a damp cloth to wipe them immediately after you get home. Don't let the salt sit there. It eats the leather.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a pair of Sorel Out N Abouts, do these three things first to make sure you don't end up with "buyer's remorse."
- Measure your foot in centimeters. Compare it to Sorel’s specific size chart rather than just trusting your "usual" size. If you're between sizes, always go up.
- Decide on your "Sock Strategy." If you're a thin-sock person, a half-size up is plenty. If you live in wool socks, go a full size up. No exceptions.
- Check the "III" vs "Plus" models. The "III" has the better midsole for walking long distances. The older "Plus" models are flatter and better for quick trips or short wears.
- Apply a protector spray. Even though they come pre-treated, adding a fresh coat of a suede-specific water repellent (like Jason Markk or Scotchgard) once a season will keep the uppers looking brand new for years.
The Sorel Out N About isn't a technical hiking boot for the Appalachian Trail, and it isn't a high-fashion stiletto. It sits in that perfect middle ground: the "I need to get to work without my socks getting soggy" boot. And in that specific category, it’s arguably the best on the market.