Children Winter Shoes – Snow Boots or Insulated Hiking Boots?
Are you wondering whether you should provide your child with a pair of snow boots or waterproof and insulated hiking boots? Most families want to provide their children with winter shoes that are lightweight, flexible, and waterproof, that are also affordable. I know which children winter shoes work better than others from having fitted them before, as I worked for a children’s shoe store for over 10 years. I will show you a list of winter shoes that include both snow and hiking boots.
The main goal of your child’s winter shoes should be to keep your child’s feet safe and warm in all weather conditions. All of the winter shoes that I recommend don’t have laces to deal with, are stiff enough to keep their shape (in case you want to hand them down), and have enough insulation to keep your kids’ feet warm without overheating.
The boots that I will show you in this article can be worn to go hiking, snowshoeing and even at recess.
Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time you can jump directly to the selection of the best children winter shoes.
Should You Provide Your Child with a Pair of Snow Boots or Hiking Boots?
Snow boots are the warmest which makes them an excellent choice for very cold and dry weather. However, they are bulky, so if you don’t need the extra warmth and insulation, these aren’t for your child.
If you really don’t need snow boots, there are certain hiking boots that come up a little higher on the sides while still being lightweight and flexible.
What Makes the Winter Shoes that I Recommend the Best Choice for the Winter Season?
These are the 4 most important features that the winter shoes that I recommend provide:
1️⃣ Super easy to get on and off since the boots provide oversized openings:
2️⃣ Insulated and waterproof to help keep your child’s feet warm and dry no matter how long they step inside a puddle.
3️⃣ Excellent traction to help prevent your child from slipping and falling, especially when walking on slippery surfaces.
4️⃣ Lightweight and flexible to prevent your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired. Snow boots tend to have inflexible, harder soles that are hard to flex. However, the styles I describe below all come with flexible soles.
Does Your Child Have a “Complicated” Foot Shape?
Not all children can wear all winter shoes. For example, does your child have wide or extra wide feet? Maybe your child has very narrow feet and most shoes gap too much around the ankle area. The good news is that all of the boots I recommend can accommodate different foot shapes.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best children winter shoes. 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. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world.
The Best Children Winter Shoes – Waterproof, Insulated, and Durable!
Take a look at the description below each of the winter shoes that I recommend to find out whether it can accommodate your child’s foot shape, the type of closure, the features that it provides, and the size that you should order to allow for the correct amount of growing room.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style Atlas II WP/IN by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot 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
- Shoe style Atlas II WP/IN by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot 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
- Shoe style II Solid by Bogs
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- 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
- Shoe style II Rainbow Leopard by Bogs
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- 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
- Boot style Alpenglow by North Face
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow
- Waterproof suede upper and seam-sealed design.
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Snowcutie by Kamik
- 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
- Shoe style Tokyo by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Waterproof
- Velcro closure
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot the same size as your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Gilman WP/in by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow
- Keep water and debris out with seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction
- Delivering 360-degree warmth with 3M Thinsulate thermal insulation
- 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
- Shoe style Waterproof by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Waterproof-treated textile and synthetic upper
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS
- Rubber toe cap adds durability
- Thermoplastic rubber outsole with a rugged tread pattern built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain
- Order this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Moab Speed by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Velcro closure
- FLOATPRO FOAM footbed for enhanced cushioning
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moab Speed by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- M Select DRY bootie waterproof construction to keep feet dry
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Larkin by See Kai Run
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Waterproof
- Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction, resistant to 10,000mb pressure/4 hours
- Velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Larkin by See Kai Run
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction, resistant to 10,000mb pressure/4 hours
- Velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Winter Waterproof by Littleplum
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This is a snow boot
- 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
- Shoe style Moab 2 by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Constructed with M-Select® waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels.
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Lace-up closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moab 2 by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Constructed with M-Select® waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels.
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Lace-up closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Boot style Classic II by Bogs
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- 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
- Boot style Plush by Bogs
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- 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
- Boot style Selah by Western Chief
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- Waterproof and insulated
- Triple velcro straps
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Read This to Find Out Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
It is important to get the right shoe size for your child in order to get the full benefits that these shoes have to offer. Shoes that are too big allow for too much foot movement inside the shoes, which can lead to foot issues such as blisters. On the other hand, shoes that are too small may cramp your child’s feet and heels and cause pain ( as well as blisters).
If you are unsure of your child’s exact foot length and shape, I recommend taking a look at another resource I have created. In just two simple steps, I will be able to determine what shoe size your child should wear.
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. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you are unsure about which winter shoe might work best for your child’s foot shape or if you are having trouble finding a specific pair of shoes for your child:
What Are the Best Shoe Brands for Winter Shoes?
Some families ask me what is my favorite winter shoe brand, and I usually explain to them how there are specific shoes among each shoe brand that work a lot better than others. For example, you will notice that I recommend some See Kai Run winter shoes in the selection above, but that doesn’t mean that all See Kai Run Boots will be a great choice for your child’s feet. I only recommend the best styles among each shoe brand.
Can I Hand Down These Boots to Another Child?
Definitely. While I don’t usually recommend that children wear hand me down shoes, winter shoes are a whole different story. Children usually don’t wear them for too long, so the shoes tend to keep their shape and support.
Can My Child Wear Winter Shoes Without Socks?
I strongly suggest wearing a pair of socks with the boots, as socks act as a barrier between your child’s feet and the shoes.
The issue is that some children refuse to wear socks with their shoes. If this is the case with your child, then I suggest that you look into these Tsukihoshi models: Tsukihoshi Winter Boot Number 1 and Tsukihoshi Winter Boot Number 2.
What Are the Best Winter Socks for Children?
Wool socks are awesome when it comes to the winter seasons. If you are unsure about which wool socks work better than others I suggest that you take a look at the selection below:
- Socks made by Meriwool
- Merino wool’s natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep your child’s feet dry
- 75% Merino wool blend ensures comfort all day long
- Socks made by Meriwool
- Merino wool’s natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep your child’s feet dry
- 75% Merino wool blend ensures comfort all day long
- Socks made by Seeyan
- 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
- Socks made by Smartwool
- Flat knit toe seam for additional comfort
- 65% wool, 31% nylon, 2% recycled nylon, 2% elastane
- Socks made by Smartwool
- Cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot
- 58% wool, 38% nylon, 2% recycled nylon, 2% elastane
- Socks made by Antsang
- Made of the 55% wool, 25% cotton, 15% polyester and 5% spandex
- Special fuzzy inner design will keep the feet warm
Helpful Resources for Children Winter Shoes
I have created other resources that you might find helpful based on your child’s foot shape such as narrow and extra wide boots.
Do you have a favorite winter shoe that worked well for your child? I would love to learn about your suggestions as I am sure other families will benefit from reading about your experiences as well.
