Best Snow Boots for Kids with High Insteps – Extra Deep, Waterproof, and Insulated!
Are you having a hard time finding a pair of snow boots for your child with a high instep? A high instep refers to the top part of the foot being more elevated than usual. This can lead to difficulty when fitting shoes, as there might not be enough room for the foot in the shoe’s upper part. For children, this can mean discomfort, pressure points, and even issues with walking if the shoes are too tight or restrictive.
Identifying High Insteps in Children
Recognizing a high instep in your child involves observing the foot’s structure. If your child’s foot appears to have a pronounced arch or if shoes frequently feel tight across the top, a high instep might be the reason. The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, it makes it complicated to find shoes that fit.
One of the most common mistakes that I see parents make is to assume that shoes need to be labeled as wide (W), or extra wide (XW) to accommodate the shape of a child with a high instep. It is true that most children with high insteps tend to have wide or extra wide feet, but the key feature that the shoes need to provide to accommodate a high instep is extra depth.
Features to Look for in Snow Boots for Kids with High Insteps
1. Extra Deep Design: Boots with extra deep designs provide more room in the upper part, accommodating higher insteps without causing discomfort. The issue is that boots don’t come labeled as “extra deep”, and the only way to tell if a boot provides extra depth is by having fitted the boot before. This is where I come into play.
2. Oversized Openings: Look for boots with wide openings that make it easy to slip the foot in and out. This feature is especially important for high insteps, as it reduces the struggle of getting the boots on.
3. Adjustable Closure: Velcro straps, laces, or adjustable buckles can help customize the fit of the boot around the foot. This allows you to loosen the boot over the instep while still securing it snugly around the ankle and heel.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes and the Importance of a Good Fit
I review children’s shoes and rate them based on my experience of having fitted children’s shoes for the last 10 years. I have noticed how most parents don’t put a lot of thought into the type of snow boots that they buy since their children are going to wear them once in a while and for very short periods of time. You might want to rethink this. It only takes a couple of wears in the wrong shoe style or in the wrong shoe size to develop foot issues such as blisters, calluses, or corns.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best snow boots for kids with high insteps. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Snow Boots for Kids with High Insteps – My Top Recommendations
These are the best snow boots for kids with high insteps as they are the deepest snow boots that I have fitted before. Many of the snow boots featured below come in several color options, so if you want the boots to be made of a specific color, please make sure to click through and see if they are available in that specific color.
1. Atlas by See Kai Run
This is one of the most versatile boots for high instep as it can be worn in the snow and rain. The lightweight design and flexible outsole allow your child to wear this boot for longer periods of time. This is an awesome boot that can be worn to school, snow play, or rainy days.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the boot style Atlas II WP/IN by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon.
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be worn in the snow and rain.
- Double velcro straps.
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
2. Baby Bogs by Bogs
This is an awesome snow boot for toddlers who are learning how to walk or already walking. In fact, this is my go-to snow boot for toddlers with high insteps as the boot has a velcro strap on the back that allows for a secure fit and easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers.
- Order the boot style II Solid by Bogs on Zappos or Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This is a waterproof and insulated snow boot that can be used in the snow.
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off.
- Machine washable.
- Comfort rated to 14°F/-10°C.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
3. Alpenglow by North Face
This North Face boot will help keep your toddler’s feet warm and dry during snow play. The boot opens up nice and wide, making it ideal for kids with high insteps.
- Available for toddlers.
- Order the boot Alpenglow by North Face on Zappos or Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot can be used in the snow.
- Waterproof suede upper and seam-sealed design.
- Cushioned footbed.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
4. Gilman by See Kai Run
Its wide opening and adjustable straps make it easy to achieve the perfect fit, while the sturdy and lightweight design makes the boot suitable to be worn for long periods of time.
key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the boot Gilman WP/in by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot can be used on cold days, rain, and snow.
- Delivering 360-degree warmth with 3M Thinsulate thermal insulation.
- Fleece lining for warmth.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
5. Kootenay by Keen
This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be used in the snow and rainy days. These Keen boots for high instep have a wide Velcro strap that opens up widely for easy entry.
Key features
- Available for little and big kids.
- Order the boot style Kootenay by Keen on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot is waterproof and insulated and it can be used in the snow and rain.
- Velcro closure.
- Insulation helps keep feet warm in temperatures down to -4F / -20C.
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
6. Selah by Western Chief
These winter boots for high instep fold over at the front for easy on and off and is ideal for colder days and snow play.
Key Features
- Available for little kids.
- Order the boot style Selah by Western Chief on Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days.
- Waterproof and insulated.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
7. Classic II by Bogs
Known for their lightweight, waterproof, and insulated design, these boots are ideal for cold weather. The boots open up nice and wide, catering to children with broader feet. Bogs manufacture some of the lightest snow boots for kids.
Key features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the boot style Classic II by Bogs on Zappos and Amazon.
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot is waterproof and insulated and can be used on cold and snowy days.
- Sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off.
- Comfort rated to -30 Degrees F/-34 Degrees C
- Excellent traction.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
8. Larkin by See Kai Run
With a wide fit and a breathable mesh lining, these deep snow boots offer comfort and flexibility, making them suitable for various winter activities.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the boot style Larkin by See Kai Run on Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot can be used in the snow.
- Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction.
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
9. Littleplum Snow Boots
These are some of the most versatile high instep winter boots with triple velcro straps for a secure fit and easy on and off. Parents appreciate that the boots are budget-friendly and do not compromise on comfort or durability.
Key Features
- Order the boot style Winter Waterproof by Littleplum on Amazon.
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This is a snow boot that can be used in the snow and rain as well.
- Rubber outsole with ice cleats to help prevent slips and falls.
- Waterproof.
- Removable insoles.
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
10. UBFEN Kids Snow Boots
This is another affordable option that doesn’t compromise on comfort or durability and offers a wide fit and a lightweight design, making them ideal for everyday winter wear.
Key Features
- Order the boot style UBFEN on Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This is a snow boot.
- The fluffy lining provides warmth.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Personalized Shoe Recommendations
If you’re still unsure about which boots to choose, feel free to contact me via email for personalized shoe recommendations. With years of experience in fitting children’s shoes, I can provide tailored advice based on your child’s specific needs.
How to Order the Correct Snow Boot Size?
One of the most common questions that parents ask me is how much growing room they need to provide inside the snow boots for their kids to wear them through the whole winter season. When it comes to snow boots, I suggest getting them a whole size longer than your child’s current foot size. Take advantage of a virtual shoe fitting service to determine the exact shoe size that will fit your child’s unique foot shape. This service can save you time and ensure a perfect fit without leaving your home.
Feedback from Families
These testimonials highlight the convenience and effectiveness of following the recommendations of a shoe fitter. This feedback is invaluable for other parents seeking reliable options for their children.
In addition to providing extra depth and fitting the shape of your child’s high instep, these snow boots provide the following features:
1. Waterproof: This feature helps keep your child’s feet dry.
2. Insulated: This feature helps keep your child’s feet warm.
3. Lightweight and flexible: This feature helps prevent your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired.
Sneakers for Kids with High Insteps
In addition to snow boots, children with high insteps may require special considerations for everyday sneakers. Explore my additional resource on sneakers for kids with high insteps to find the best options for all-year-round comfort.
Do You Happen to Have a High Instep as Well?
I also offer guidance for adults, including women with high insteps, to help find comfortable and warm winter boots.
Finding a pair of snow boots for a child with a high instep can be quite a frustrating and time-consuming experience. Most parents find themselves staring at a wall of boots that look very similar and very different at the same time.
I have been contacted by several families who tried several different snow boots and were not able to find a single pair that fits. Parents usually end up buying the snow boots two whole sizes too big for the child’s foot to fit inside the boots. I strongly recommend against doing this, since you might compromise your child’s stability and make your child more prone to falling. By focusing on key features like adjustable closures, wide openings, and flexible materials, you can ensure a great fit.
