Best Boots for Kids with Sweaty Feet – Waterproof and Breathable at the Same Time!

Do you have a child who is dealing with sweaty feet and you are having a hard time finding a pair of breathable boots? Sweaty feet don’t just cause discomfort. The heat and sweat create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which can cause itching, peeling, cracking, and odor. Let’s take a look at a list of the best boots for kids with sweaty feet based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.

Do Your Child’s Feet Sweat Excessively?

Some children’s feet tend to sweat more than others and one of the most common causes is believed to be hereditary. The good news is that the type of shoes and socks that your child wears can significantly reduce or completely eliminate sweat.

The issue is that most parents don’t know what to do during those rainy days (puddles anyone?) or during the winter season. I have been contacted by several parents who explain to me how their kids come out of winter with some kind of foot or toenail fungus issue despite their best efforts to change socks frequently and have breathable shoes.

Are breathable rain/winter boots impossible to find? There is only a small selection of boots that are breathable and waterproof at the same time, and the good news is that I will help you find them. The boots I will show you shortly are also capable of accommodating different foot shapes such as medium, wide, and extra wide feet.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over 10 Years

I have been helping parents find the correct pair of shoes for their children for the last 10 years. The shoe store where I work specializes in helping children with foot and leg problems. Over the years I became familiar with the best shoes for children with sweaty feet.

Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time and want to jump directly to a selection of the best boots for kids with sweaty feet, you can click here.

What Makes the Boots I Recommend Effective for Sweaty Feet?

The boots I recommend provide the 3 following key features that allow the child’s feet to breathe while preventing water from getting inside the boots.

1️⃣ Waterproof: The boots I recommend are all waterproof which helps prevent any water from getting inside the boots. It’s important to note that these boots are waterproof but breathable at the same time, as they come with a technology called Dry Membrane [TDM] which allows the feet to breathe.

2️⃣ Machine Washable: You can throw the boots in the washing machine to kill any bacteria from building up inside the shoes. Make sure that you machine wash cold and that you remove the insoles and allow them to air dry (don’t put them in the dryer).

3️⃣ Deodorizing Insole: The boots come with deodorizing insoles that help prevent the boots from getting smelly.

Most kids have sweaty feet from playing and running around. This is totally normal! The problem comes when they have excessively sweaty feet since this can lead to several foot issues.

The Best Boots for Kids with Sweaty Feet

Take a look at the description below each boot to find out if it can accommodate your child’s foot shape. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.

Remember that most of the boots below are waterproof and breathable at the same time since they come with a membrane that allows moisture out and prevents water from getting in. With that said, some styles might not be fully waterproof, so take a look at the description below each boot.

What Boot Size Should You Order?

In each of the descriptions of the boots, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to allow for the correct amount of growing room.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

If you are unsure of what your child’s foot size is to begin with I suggest that you refer to the following article:

How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width

Shoes that are too short or too narrow can contribute to your child’s feet sweating excessively, so please make sure that your child’s shoes are fitting correctly.

These boots will help your kids’ feet from sweating as long as your child doesn’t have a medical condition like hyperhidrosis. In addition, while these boots might not be able to completely eliminate your child’s foot odors, they will cut down on sweat, which will help cut down on the odor.

What Are the Best Sneakers for Kids with Sweaty Feet?

Well-fitting shoes made of leather are best. Certain everyday sneakers use a nylon mesh for breathability which is also recommended for sweaty feet.

I recommend shoes that come with breathing panels as they promote breathability and create an ideal micro-climate inside the shoe.

It’s also important for the shoes to be machine washable and come with antibacterial insoles. Certain sneakers are machine washable and come with antibacterial insoles. I describe them in a different article called:

The Best Shoes for Sweaty Feet – The Proven Method to Stop Kids’ Feet from Sweating

Wearing the correct socks is crucial—many socks now have special properties that wick moisture away from the feet and prevent bacteria from growing.

What Are the Best Socks for Kids with Sweaty Feet?

You need to stay away from socks made from synthetic materials. You want to look for moisture-wicking socks as they are the most effective ones in allowing the feet to properly breathe.

The socks I recommend are all made from high-tech fibers that wick moisture away from the skin. This will help keep your kids’ feet drier and prevent stinky feet. In addition to being breathable, the socks below are completely free of seams. This is an awesome feature since most children refuse to wear socks because they feel every bump and lump.

Below you can find a selection of the best wicking away moisture socks for children with sweaty feet:

How Do I Stop My Child’s Feet from Sweating?

A lot of parents ask me how they can stop their child’s feet from stinking. It’s important to keep in mind that while you might not be able to stop stink completely, if you are able to cut down on sweat, you’ll cut down on the odor.

These are the 7 most effective steps you can take to reduce your child’s foot odors:

1️⃣Wash your child’s feet every day and make sure to dry your child’s feet thoroughly when you’re done.

2️⃣ Make sure that your child is wearing the correct type of socks and switch them if the socks feel damp.

3️⃣ Make sure that your child is not wearing shoes that are too narrow. Tight shoes make feet sweat more than normal.

4️⃣ If your child has more than one pair of shoes make sure that your child alternates them.

5️⃣ Avoid shoes made out of plastic as they won’t allow your child’s feet to breathe.

6️⃣ Make sure you provide your child with machine washable shoes so you can wash them. This is a great way to kill odors and get clean-smelling shoes again.

7️⃣ Allow your child to go barefoot at home so they get some air.

---

Did you know that unpleasant odors are the result of bacteria decomposing the sweat? If your child’s shoes start smelling bacteria are to blame. Bacteria thrives in dark, damp places like the insides of sweaty shoes. They multiply in sweat, so if you allow your child to not wear socks, that really gets them going.

Looking for Other Recommendations? – Get a Personalized Suggestion

Children’s shoe needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and any specific foot conditions they may have. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact us via e-mail and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to help you find a different pair of breathable boots or shoes for your child’s sweaty feet so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Have you found a different pair of boots that have worked well for your child’s sweaty feet? Share your findings below so other families can benefit from your experiences.