Do you live in an area with a cold and snowy climate and want to make sure that your child’s feet stay warm and healthy with a pair of waterproof and insulated boots? Most children won’t speak up when their feet are cold or wet, so fitting them in a good pair of boots will give you the peace of mind that you are keeping your child’s feet warm and healthy. I will show you a list of the best cold weather boots for kids based on my 10 years of shoe fitting experience.
My Experience Fitting Children in Winter Boots
After having fitted children’s shoes for over 10 years, I got to test different shoe brands and styles. I know which winter boots are made from higher quality materials and are more durable than others from having fitted them before, and I also know which boots can accommodate different foot shapes (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high insteps).
Most families who visit the shoe store want one good pair of affordable snow boots that will last the whole winter season. However, if you live in an area where winter is long, you might have to consider spending a little more money on your kids’ boots as they get more use out of them. The list of cold weather boots that I have put together has different price points to accommodate your needs.
Main Reason Why Your Kids’ Boots Must Be Waterproof and Insulated
When families bring their children to be fitted for shoes, my first step is to remove their shoes to measure their feet. More often than not, the child’s socks are wet and their feet are cold, and parents are shocked that their children didn’t speak up. Having cold feet can make the rest of your child’s body cold, too.
Winter boots that really keep your child’s feet warm in all weather conditions are a worthwhile investment. You will notice that the selection of cold weather boots that I recommend ranges in price, from higher-end, heavy-duty options to more casual, budget-friendly ones.
A good rule of thumb is to consider the cost-per-use. If you expect your child to wear the boots daily for a season, investing in a sturdier pair will be worth it, but that isn’t possible or necessary for most children.
What Makes the Boots that I Recommend the Best Choice for the Winter Season?
1️⃣ Waterproof
All of the boots that I recommend are waterproof instead of water-resistant. Even though some parents use these two terms interchangeably, the main difference between water resistant and waterproof material is that with a waterproof boot you won’t have to worry about your kids’ feet ever getting wet.
The waterproof boots that I recommend are made of inherently impermeable materials, meaning that your child’s feet can be completely submerged inside the snow or a puddle without water getting inside. A water-resistant pair of boots will hold up under light rainfall, but it won’t cut it in the snow or if your child decides to jump in puddles.
2️⃣ Insulated
Cold feet aren’t just going to make your child uncomfortable, they will impact the rest of your child’s body. Insulated boots create a barrier against cold and dampness, preventing both from penetrating your child’s boots even as you walk through snow and ice.
Most of the boots that I recommend below come with a temperature rating of -32°C. The colder the rating, the more cold the boot can supposedly withstand.
3️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible
It can be hard to find a winter boot that fits the criteria for being both lightweight/flexible and waterproof/insulated enough for winter.
Most of the boots that I recommend are lightweight and flexible at the same time. It’s important to avoid heavy boots that make walking hard, as they might also make your child’s feet and legs tire easily.
4️⃣ Easy On and Off
Most parents complain about their kids’ winter boots being difficult for their little ones to put on and take off. All of the winter boots that I recommend come with oversized openings and big handles for easy on and off.
5️⃣ Good Traction
It’s important that your kids’ boots provide good traction to avoid slips and falls, especially when walking around wet and slippery surfaces.
How Important is the Fit of the Boots?
You have no idea how many times I have heard parents say that they don’t care about the fit of the boots, as their children will be wearing them once in a while. Well, let me tell you that it only takes a couple of wears in the wrong shoe size to develop foot problems such as blisters, calluses, and corns.
In addition, did you know that if your child’s boots are too tight they can inhibit circulation and therefore warmth? Some children have wide or extra wide feet, so it’s important that the boots are wide enough for their feet. If this is the case with your child, I got you covered, as some of the styles I recommend can fit children with wide or extra wide feet.
Do You Know Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape?
If you don’t have a specialized children’s shoe store in your area and are unsure about your child’s exact foot length and shape, I suggest that you use this free resource I created:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Now that you know your child’s exact foot length and shape and the features that your kids’ winter boots should provide, let’s take a look at the best cold weather boots for kids. Disclosure: Bear in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Remember that if you live in an area with a heavy winter climate and the boots will essentially replace your child’s everyday tennis shoes, it might be wise to invest in a pair that’s warm and comfortable even at a higher cost. If there’s just occasional snowfall (like we have been getting in Washington DC), it might be worth going for a more budget-friendly pair.
Best Cold Weather Boots for Kids – Waterproof, Insulated, and with Great Traction!
Take a look at the description below each of the winter boots that I recommend to find out whether it can accommodate your child’s foot shape, the type of closure, the features that it provides (temperature rating), and the size that you should order to allow for the correct amount of growing room.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Fits medium, wide and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Machine washable
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Machine washable
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and rainy days
- Water-repellent synthetic and mesh upper
- Comfort Collar helps prevent irritation and hugs the ankle for a superior fit
- Primaloft insulation for warmth
- Lightweight EVA midsole provides flexible cushioning and absorbs impact
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and rainy days
- Water-repellent synthetic and mesh upper
- Comfort Collar helps prevent irritation and hugs the ankle for a superior fit
- Primaloft insulation for warmth
- Lightweight EVA midsole provides flexible cushioning and absorbs impact
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow
- Waterproof
- KEEN.Warm® insulation rating of -40°F/-40°C
- Double velcro closure for easy on and off
- Removable PU insole for long-lasting comfort
- Fleece lining for warmth
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Seam sealed waterpoof construction to keep feet dry
- 200g insulation on the footbed
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction, resistant to 10,000mb pressure/4 hours
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Fixed foam insulation
- Waterproof DriDefense membrane satin nylon upper with PU overlays.
- Removable insoles
- Adjustable dual hook-and-loop straps
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot/snow boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Insulated so it can be worn in the snow
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction, resistant to 10,000mb pressure/4 hours
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Insulated
- Comfort Rating -25F
- Adjustable midfoot hook and loop strap with easy grip rubber tip
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Insulated
- Comfort Rating -25F
- Adjustable midfoot hook and loop strap with easy grip rubber tip
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Integrated heel support structure
- Waterproof
- Removable insoles
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Leather upper
- Waterproof
- WARM insulation helps keep feet warm in temperatures down to -4F / -20C, but still allows feet to breathe
- Removable PU insole for long-lasting comfort
- Fleece lining for warmth
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Made with 7mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep feet warm and comfortable in cold weather. Comfort rated to -30 Degrees F/-34 Degrees C
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Made with 7mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep feet warm and comfortable in cold weather. Comfort rated to -30 Degrees F/-34 Degrees C
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof and insulated
- Triple velcro straps
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
All of the boots that I recommend above go up high enough so the snow doesn’t get in.
Winter Boots with Removable Liners – They Can Be Worn as Rain Boots!
You will notice that some of the boots I recommended above come with removable liners. This is an awesome feature as when the winter season is over, you will be able to pull out the liner and use the boots as rain boots.
Do Socks Matter?
Pairing your child’s winter boots with quality socks helps to maximize warmth and comfort. However, most parents tend to provide their children with bulky socks that tend to bunch up and actually inhibit circulation to feet, which is key to keep them warm. You don’t have to invest in the most expensive pair of socks if your child will wear his or her winter boots occasionally. However, if your child will wear the boots for longer periods of time then getting a pair of quality socks might be worth it.
Check if your local shoe store sells socks made out of merino wool, as it provides a high level of warmth, breathability, and stink prevention. Synthetics are a viable alternative and will save you some money, but they’re usually not as warm and will retain smells more than wool. Please don’t provide your child with socks made out of cotton, as they won’t wick away moisture or insulate when wet.
If you don’t know where to get your child’s winter socks, below are a couple of examples of children’s socks made from merino wool.
- Merino wool’s natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep your child’s feet dry
- 75% Merino wool blend ensures comfort all day long
- Merino wool’s natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep your child’s feet dry
- 75% Merino wool blend ensures comfort all day long
- 6 pairs childs thermal socks
- Made from high-quality wool materials, durable and breathable enough for flexible movements with its great elasticity and durability
- Provide enough stretch to easily put them on and don’t squeeze legs
- Flat knit toe seam for additional comfort
- 65% wool, 31% nylon, 2% recycled nylon, 2% elastane
- Cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot
- 58% wool, 38% nylon, 2% recycled nylon, 2% elastane
- Made of the 55% wool, 25% cotton, 15% polyester and 5% spandex
- Special fuzzy inner design will keep the feet warm
Whether your child needs a pair of winter boots to walk to school or spend the day building a snowman, the boots that I recommended will keep your child’s feet dry and warm, and they’ll stand up to anything your child puts them through!
Let me know in the comments section below if you have any questions or are having a hard time finding a specific pair of shoes for your child.
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