London flourishes in contradiction—workwear transformed into luxury, tradition with rebellion and rain becomes a backdrop for expression. It's a dynamic city that is characterised by contrast and innovation. Born for endurance in Canada's harsh terrain, SOREL finds kinship here. SOREL follows the same route, where bold design meets purpose, and every step carries both strength and a story, with a legacy grounded in function and a future shaped by form.
SOREL x Aries CALLSIGN HORIZON Low GTX sneaker @fat__bill
In fashionable, weather-challenged cities like London, where long commutes, erratic rain, and frigid temperatures necessitate footwear that can keep up, SOREL has become a mainstay. SOREL boots, which are renowned for bridging tough durability with stylish design, are perfect for urban environments where practicality and flair coexist.
It’s hardly surprising that SOREL has become a favourite brand for cold-weather fashion, given that icons like Victoria Beckham, Cara Delevingne and Bella Hadid have embraced the practical but stylish winter clothing. These trailblazers are renowned for skilfully infusing luxury with functionality, which is precisely what SOREL provides. This has strengthened its position not only on snowy streets but also on the radar of the world fashion scene, by associating with prominent style icons who value both performance and appearance.
The Progression of SOREL
The brand was originally founded in 1962 by the Kaufman Rubber Company to create warm, waterproof and durable boots for the harsh Canadian winters. SOREL shoes were initially aimed as a men's shoe, for outdoor work and pursuits like hunting and farming. However, throughout the years SOREL's development is marked by their ability to evolve from a purely functional bootmaker into a brand that connects outdoor resilience with contemporary design. This adaptability has been amplified through different collaborations. In recent years, SOREL has worked with labels such as Chloé, bringing a luxury sensibility to its rugged silhouettes, and New Balance, merging technical know-how across categories.
SOREL's most recent collaboration is with Aries, the luxury streetwear label to bring us Callsign Horizon, a capsule collection that redefines urban utility.
Each partnership has expanded SOREL’s reach while reinforcing its dual identity: practical and progressive. The collaboration with Aries feels like a natural continuation of that journey — one that grounds SOREL’s legacy in craftsmanship while tapping into London’s subcultural energy. Last year, SOREL partnered with Supreme to provide a Fall/Winter 24 collection that reimagined classic cold weather silhouettes, through Supreme’s lens of street culture. Positioning the brand within the fashion conversation and is proof that despite its rugged DNA, SOREL can resonate in the same space as high demand streetwear drops.
At the heart of the Aries collab, is the SOREL x Aries Callsign Horizon GTX; a reinterpretation of the classic Caribou boot. The boot features a detachable micro-shroud, allowing it to be worn in two different ways. With GORE-TEX upper for waterproofing, breathability and Vibram molded outsole for high traction and durability.
This capsule collection doesn’t just provide footwear; it extends into apparel and accessories that complete the look. Alongside the Callsign Horizon boot, the drop features a heavyweight Aries × SOREL hoodie and a co-branded beanie, both designed to merge outdoor grit with street-ready style. These pieces come together to create complete outfits, that look equally comfortable on rocky trails as it does on London pavements.
The brand’s clothing embodies the same balance of function and fashion: insulated outerwear that stands up to the elements, streamlined silhouettes that transition from city streets to mountain trails, and details that nod to its utilitarian roots while embracing modern design. From oversized puffers to sleek waterproof pieces made to layer. SOREL’s apparel is built for movement, resilience, and unmistakable style — made for those who refuse to choose between performance and presence.
The recently released Aries x SOREL capsule is proof that heritage utility can be reimagined through a city lens in the increasingly hazy realm between streetwear and performance wear.
This collaboration which arrived September 5, 2025, will establish roots in both concrete pavement and rough terrain.
Words by Caitlin Davidson @caitlindavidsxn