Sorel’s Fall ’12 collection has kids looking just like mom and dad.
WHETHER THEY’RE HITTING the ski slopes, making snow angels in the backyard or just heading to the local playground, children are free to cut capers in Sorel’s Fall ’12 collection. The brand, known for its traditional men’s and women’s snow boots, has been prominent in the kids’ market since the turn of the century. But this fall, Sorel will be adding another player to its kids’ lineup: lifestyle boots that are equipped for both a day at the neighborhood park and a weekend in the great outdoors. “Our 2012 youth line is all about protection for your toes, function and stylish looks for girls and boys,” says Erin Sander, product line manager for Sorel.
The big four for Fall ’12 include the Tofino, a girls’ boot with a water-resistant upper featuring a faux fur cuff; the Chipahko Felt, a relaxed, deconstructed girls’ look that’s “like a little blanket for your feet;” the Tivoli, an old favorite in the kids’ collection that offers a shearling liner and pops of colors like purple and orange; and the boys’ Cheyenne Lace, a waterproof “barn-boot look” that comes with loads of insulation for little feet.
These key styles—which retail from $50 to $110 and range in size from toddler 4 to youth 7—are mini-versions of Sorel’s already-popular adult boots. “Little girls, and even boys, really want to dress like their mom or dad or big sister,” Sander explains, and Sorel’s youth line lets them do just that, all while being kid-friendly, fit-appropriate and on-trend for children. “We’ve heard feedback from retailers and consumers that these four styles are so cute,” Sander says. “The styling works really well to take down to kids.”
Also adopted from the adult line are Sorel’s premium materials, something Sander says is unique in the industry. The brand uses many of the same high-quality leathers, suedes and hardware in the kids’ line, but adapts the materials to a child’s foot and fashion-sense. As for continuing the mini-me trend, Sander sees no reason to stop at just four styles. “We’re going to continue to focus on this for future seasons,” she says. “It’s just fun to see what can be taken down to kids in a premium, lifestyle way, while still offering Sorel’s great protection.” —Mary Avant
