Sorel
Columbia Sportswear · Canada
Sorel is a winter boot brand introduced in 1962 by Kaufman Rubber Company of Kitchener, Ontario. Columbia Sportswear bought the Sorel trademark after Kaufman Footwear went bankrupt in 2000, and the brand is now based in Portland, Oregon.
| Introduced | 1962, Kitchener, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Originator | Kaufman Rubber Company |
| Owner | Columbia Sportswear |
| Acquired | Trademark bought after the 2000 bankruptcy of Kaufman Footwear |
| Headquarters | Portland, Oregon |
| Segment | Footwear |
What is Sorel?
Sorel was introduced as a line of winter sport and work boots. After Columbia's purchase, the brand expanded to nylon outerwear and other work-related garments, according to Wikipedia.
History
The Sorel line was introduced in 1962 by Kaufman Rubber Company of Kitchener, Ontario, which became Kaufman Footwear in 1964. The source names no individual founder. Canada is therefore given as the country of origin, while the brand today is run from the United States.
Ownership
Columbia Sportswear bought the Sorel trademark after Kaufman Footwear went bankrupt in 2000. The subsidiary is based in Portland, Oregon. No ownership change has been verified for 2024 to 2026.
Business model and distribution
The source says only that Sorel manufactures and distributes shoes and gives no detail on channels or markets. As part of Columbia Sportswear, wholesale and e-commerce are the indicated channels, though this is an editorial assumption. No revenue figures are cited.
Wikipedia gives no information on current product range beyond the original winter and work boots and the later outerwear and work garments, so this profile does not describe individual models or collaborations. Readers who need current product detail should consult the brand directly.
Why it matters
Sorel is a Canadian-born winter boot name that survived the bankruptcy of its original maker through acquisition by an outdoor apparel group, and it is a long-standing brand in cold-weather footwear.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Sorel?
Columbia Sportswear owns Sorel. It bought the trademark after Kaufman Footwear went bankrupt in 2000.
Where is Sorel from?
Sorel was introduced in 1962 by Kaufman Rubber Company of Kitchener, Ontario, in Canada. It is now run from Portland, Oregon.