I'm a fashion editor who hates the cold - Kate Middleton's Sorel snow boots are my saviour at this time of year

I'm always cold. I can be layered up in a puffer coat and woolly hat, but still feel myself shivering. Coldest of all is my feet, so I need a cold weather wardrobe that really delivers.

Whilst w&h's Homes Ecommerce Editor, Laura Honey has got hands covered with her electric hand warmers, I'm here to help your feet through these freezing cold months until spring - or rather, Sorel is.

Sorel boots have been worn by everyone from snowboarders to explorers in the North Pole, so it's safe to say the brand knows its stuff when it comes to sub-zero temperatures. The Princess of Wales is a fan, and she's not the only one - Kim Kardashian, Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham have all been spotted in Sorel boots, too.

I've been fortunate enough to review several pairs of the best wellies in the last year or so, and since we don't get that much snow in the UK, I did wonder, do I really need a pair of snow boots? I've never been skiing, so how much use would I really get out of the traction soles Sorel offers? I'd love to walk around feeling toasty warm all day, but would I get a few funny looks for wearing snow boots when popping to the supermarket?

Two things tipped me over the edge into taking the plunge when it came to the Sorel Womens Torino boots - first of all, Kate Middleton wore an older version back in 2018 and made them look so good, and secondly, I read this review from one happy customer on Amazon: "It really is like walking your dog in a pair of comfy slippers." Now that sounds like something I need!

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Sorel Womens Torino Boots: style

My first impression of the boots when unboxing them was that they're just as luxurious as I'd hoped. The cream furry lining inside is so soft, and I love the suede finish.

I did worry at first that they looked fairly time-consuming to put on, as they're lace-up. But actually, the laces are really big and easy, plus there's a handy little pull tab at the back to help things along. This might be something for you to think about, though, if you have mobility issues and prefer a slip-on style.

I thought I'd only want to wear these with leggings or similarly slim denim worn tucked in, but I love pairing mine with my barrel leg jeans. They really are just like a pair of chunky fashion boots, only they're much more practical and a whole lot warmer.

The iconic Sorel logo on the side is quite subtle, but the white piping and the speckled black and white design of the laces create a great bit of contrast with the otherwise all-black boots. I love the look of the faux fur collar at the top, too.

Sorel Womens Torino Boots: comfort & support

I can only say good things about the comfort of these boots. I've worn them on countless dog walks, and I haven't felt so much as a pinch. The sturdy sole makes your foot feel really supported, and the fleecy lining helps to ensure there's no rubbing. They need no wearing-in time, and I've done thousands of steps in mine, yet they both look and feel as good as new.

I really appreciate the fact that Sorel does half sizes (not all brands do!). I normally wear a UK size 3.5 in shoes, and for these, I sized up to a 4.5 because I knew I would want to wear them with thick socks. They fit perfectly, which isn't something I can say about many of the boots in my collection.

I'd say in general, Sorel tends to run small, but there's a helpful size guide on Amazon, which includes the exact length of each shoe size in centimetres and inches, so you can measure your feet at home. I tried some Sorel sandals back in the summer, and although I found them to be quite narrow, there's plenty of room for manoeuvre in the Torino boots.

There's also a removable EVA footbed with a microfleece top cover for added comfort.

Sorel Womens Torino Boots: cleaning & care

So far, thanks to the chunky cleated sole, no mud has got even close to the suede for me. The soles are super easy to clean just with water, and then I leave them to dry off for a few hours.

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Sorel Womens Torino Boots: verdict

These boots are well worth the price tag, and with almost half off at Amazon, they're the Black Friday purchase I'm recommending to all of my friends. It sounds like a cliche, but these really have become the go-to boots I wear every day. I imagine I'll be wearing them on repeat until spring has finally sprung, and even then, I won't want to let them go!