The Best Winter Boots for Kids – Waterproof, Warm, Lightweight, and Flexible!

I have put together a selection of the best winter boots for kids that are waterproof, lightweight, flexible, and capable of accommodating different foot shapes such as narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. It’s also important for the boots to be affordable, especially if you live in an area where it might or might not snow.

Parents always ask me: “Does my child need a pair of snow boots?” Our kids’ shoe store is located in an area where it snows every year, but parents are still hesitant about purchasing snow boots for their kids. Even after they buy them, they won’t leave the store without saying: ” Now that we got a pair, it won’t snow this year”. I find it funny, considering it always ends up snowing!

You know your child is probably going to ask you to play in the snow, make a snowman, or go sledding. Therefore, you must provide your kids with a pair of snow boots because they will help keep their feet warm and dry while walking and playing in the snow. As long as they have their boots on, children can move about without getting their feet cold or wet.

Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time you can jump directly to the selection of the best winter boots for kids.

Should You Provide Your Child with a Pair of Snow Boots or Insulated Hiking Boots?

There are 2 types of boots that parents can provide their children for the winter: Snow boots or insulated hiking boots. The one that you should choose depends on how much snow you get in the area where you live.

There are many options available out there in the market for the winter season and the number of choices can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know which boots are better than others. I have made things easy for you by putting together a selection of the best winter boots for kids that I will show you shortly.

What Are the Best Snow Boot Shoe Brands for Kids?

Bear in mind that most snow boots are not meant for long-distance walks because they tend to be heavy. However, certain snow boots tend to be lightweight and more flexible than others. Among the best brands of snow boots are:

1️⃣ Kamik

There is a style made by Kamik called the Snobuster, which can be worn as a snow boot and a rain boot! Parents tend to love the versatility that these snow boots provide since their children can wear them during the winter and spring season. Even if it doesn’t snow that winter, you can still use the boots in the spring for rainy days! It is one of the most affordable snow boots on the market too!

This boot comes with a removable liner, which once you take it off will open up extra space around the toes and become a rain boot. It also features an adjustable bungee toggle collar to keep the boot secure against your child’s legs, to prevent any snow from getting inside his feet.

2️⃣ Bogs

Another boot that is similar in terms of its versatility is made by Bogs. They are your year-round boots since they can be worn as snow boots as well as rain boots. Furthermore, it is 100 percent waterproof and winter-ready with 7 mm Neo-Tech insulation rated to -30F that will keep feet toasty warm come rain, sleet, or snow.

Bogs are on the higher end when it comes to price but they are totally worth it. They are lightweight and easy to walk in. We sell them in the store not only to our children, but moms also love wearing them!

3️⃣ See Kai Run

See Kai Run makes two specific boot styles that can fit children with wide or extra wide feet. These boots feature a thermal lining and insole good to -35 degrees delivering 360-degree insulation. The boots also come with a hook and loop closure that allows for a secure fit and custom adjustability, making it easy for children to get the boots on and off.

4️⃣ Keen

Keen snow boots keep children’s feet warm and dry no matter how deep the puddle or how big the snowdrift. All Keen snow boots are waterproof, insulated, and feature KEEN.FREEZE rubber outsoles for flexible grip on slippery sidewalks.

5️⃣ Merrell

Merrell snow boots feature slip-resistant technology, high-traction outsoles, and a secure soft sole to protect the tiniest toes and ankles from sliding around. The boots come with easy alternative Velcro, bungee or toggle closures that make putting shoes on and taking them off a more enjoyable experience.

These are my go-to snow boot brands as they manufacture boots capable of accommodating different foot shapes.

Should Toddlers Wear Snow Boots?

Keep in mind that toddlers might have a hard time walking in a heavy clunky snow boot. Be mindful that snow boots are not meant for long-distance walking, but your toddler should be able to move and play with confidence. There is a particular snow boot that I have fitted before that works great for them which is made by Bogs and is extremely lightweight and flexible. I will show you this boot shortly.

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

If you want to be 100% sure about what shoe size to order online, I suggest that you follow the instructions a different article I created.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best winter boots for kids. 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.

The Best Winter Boots for Kids 

Many of the winter 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. Take a look at the description below each boot to find out if it can accommodate your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high insteps).

Children’s Snow Boots – Do They Have to Be Gender Specific?

Some parents ask me for neutral-colored snow boots so they can pass them along to their other kids. Parents, please keep in mind that your child’s boots do not need to be gender specific – it’s 2023!

However, always think twice before you pass on footwear to your children. When it comes to snow boots or rain boots, I don’t have a problem with them being passed down to your children. The main reason is that they are worn for such short periods of time and boots tend to hold their shape.

Is There an Alternative to Wearing a Snow Boot?  – Let’s Find Out!

Some parents don’t like the idea of their children wearing snow boots because they feel like they are too bulky and heavy for their feet. In these cases, I recommend a pair of insulated hiking boots. The advantage of insulated hiking boots is that children can wear them year-round, and they are much less heavy and bulkier than snow boots. I will describe the best type of kids’ hiking boots that your child will be able to wear even in the snow!

Kids’ Insulated Hiking Boots – Keep Your Kids’ Feet Dry and Warm!

I often like the idea of providing a child with a hiking boot that is insulated instead of a snow boot. Most hiking boots tend to have the support and structure that your child needs for everyday walking. If your child needs a boot for long-distance walks, then a good supportive waterproof hiking boot might be your best bet for your child instead of a snow boot.

If you are hesitant about buying a snow boot for this reason, then an insulated hiking boot might be the best choice for your child!

Choosing an Insulated Kids’ Hiking Boot! – The Best Styles

Children get messy quite a lot and they like to get their hands dirty. For instance, they will see a puddle and jump right into it instead of walking around it. As a matter of fact, they might even compete to see who can make the biggest splash.

One of the biggest advantages of hiking boots is that they provide great traction. This is a great feature because children will be walking on wet, slippery surfaces.

Significantly, there are several factors to consider when purchasing a pair of hiking boots for children to ensure a comfortable hiking and snow playing experience, from the size and style of a boot to the thickness of the hiking socks your child will be wearing.

What Are the Best Winter Socks for Kids?

Did you know that getting the right sock size has the same importance as getting the right shoe size? I wrote a post that describes the best winter socks for children and also explains how to order the correct sock size.

The functionality and fit of the insulated hiking boots are the two most important things that you ought to keep in mind. We need a hiking boot that is lightweight, provides good support, has traction, is waterproof/Gore-Tex, and will fit the shape of your children’s feet perfectly.

Do You Need a Pair of Snow Boots for Yourself? – Save Time and Money!

Did you know that if you are a woman shoe size 8 1/2 or smaller you can wear kids’ footwear? This is a tip that most parents don’t know about! You will end up saving a lot of money by buying the kids’ version of the shoe. I wrote a post where I explained everything you need to know about how kids’ and women’s shoe sizes translate.

Does your child wear a snow boot or an insulated hiking boot for snowy days? Is there a particular snow boot or hiking boot style that has worked well for your child? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so we can all benefit from them!