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).
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Boot style Baby Bogs by Bogs
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold, rainy, and snowy days
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Hook/loop strap on the back and sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size
- Boot style Baby Bogs by Bogs
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold, rainy, and snowy days
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size
- Boot style Atlas II 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
- Boot style Atlas II 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
- Boot style Kootenay by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and rainy days
- 100G insulation helps keep your kids’ feet warm in temperatures down to -4° F / -20° C, but still offers breathability
- High-traction rubber outsole
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Boot style Gilman by See Kai Run
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold, rainy, and snowy days
- Ultra-lightweight and flexible with rubber toe cap for added protection and reflective heel for visibility
- Keep water and debris out with seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction
- Deep lugged TPR rubber outsole built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain
- 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
- Boot style Snowcutie by Kamik
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- 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
- Boot style Bare Steps by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- 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
- Boot style Baker by See Kai Run
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- 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
- Boot style Baker by See Kai Run
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- 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)
- Boot style Waterbug by Kamik
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- 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
- Boot style Waterbug by Kamik
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days
- 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
- Boot style Skyie Adapt by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This is a hiking boot/snow boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- 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
- Boot style Skyie Adapt by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This is a hiking boot/snow boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- 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
- Boot style Littleplum
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and rainy days
- 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
- Boot style Kootenay by Keen
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold, rainy, and snowy days
- 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
- 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 Chinook by Kamik
- 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
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!
I am looking for the ‘warmest’ boot and water proof.. we live in Minnesota and it get COLD here.. not that I’d let him out in it but it can get to -40 here! I want to make sure he can stay dry playing in the snow and not get cold toes trudging through the many feet deep snowbanks!
Hello Emily,
You didn’t provide me with your son’s age or shoe size. Please find below the warmest snow boot that I have fitted before:
Warm and Waterproof Snow Boot: Option 1
Warm and Waterproof Snow Boot: Option 2
I hope this helps!
HI there
I am coming from Australia to the US East coast this coming December and early January. With the weather so hard to predict I’m finding it difficult to work out the best boots for my kids. We will be doing lots of sightseeing so out and about walking, I want something comfortable for them to walk in but also something to keep them warm and dry. I like the idea of the BOGS but not sure they could spend lots of time walking in them. Should I look for Hiking boots perhaps?
If so things like Merrel, Sorel, any other brands to check out?
Appreciate your blog and your advice
Hello Marika,
I wouldn’t purchase the Bogs. You will probably be walking a lot and your kids’ feet and legs might start feeling tired. You will probably want something more versatile, that will keep your kids’ feet warm and dry, but will allow them to walk for longer periods of time. I will recommend an insulated waterproof hiking boot instead of a snow boot. They will still be waterproofed, and keep your kids’ feet warm, but they will be much more lighter-wight and flexible than a snow boot! Take a look t this post that describes the best waterproofed hiking boots for kids’!
The Best Hiking Boots for Kids – Finding a Wide And Waterproof Hiking Boot!
Let me know if you have any other question!
As I am in Australia and it’s winter right now this is a perfect post right now. Also, my wife and want to go see the snow and with our 2 year old daughter we were wondering what boots to buy. They sure need to be comfortable, waterproof and insulated.
I like the purple boos that you have on your page. Not only do they look attractive but they also look like they are quality boots. Do you know what sizes they come in?
Hello Owain,
The purple boots that you saw on my review start as small as a size 4 and go all the way up to teenage sizes. However, make sure you know your daughter’s size before you buy them, and don’y buy footwear according to her age. Also keep in mind that snow boots don’t come in half sizes, whole sizes only.
Thank you,
Juan
I never would have thought of using a snow boot also as a rain boot. Now that is a great idea and it would certainly save a considerable amount of money versus having to buy an extra set of boots for each child.
You are so right that kids love to jump in puddles so wearing waterproof boots is definitely a must. I’m sure I was the same way when I was young, but I just don’t remember it.
I’ve never had boots with a removable liner, but that would be a great feature. That type of boot would definitely be something worth purchasing.
Linda,
The fact that the snow boot has a removable liner allows it to be also a rain boot. Most parents are hesitant of investing in a pair of snow boots since they are afraid that their children might never get to use them if it doesn’t snow. If fitted properly, you will end up saving a lot of money!
What a great article! I found it informative and helpful. When I walk into a store, I’m overwhelmed by the brands available. They all have different features and I have the hardest time determining which brands are better than others. My brother and his wife have a couple of kids right now and they go through the same trouble when buying shoes for their kids. I’m going to recommend your site to them. I know they will find it very helpful!
Kevin,
It can be overwhelming walking into a shoe store where you have hundreds of different style of shoes. Shoe fitters should be there to guide you through the process and explain the different brands, styles, and purposes they serve. It is always advisable to go into your local shoe store and get to know the people that work there, hopefully there will be people you can trust, that way you can make sure your children are getting specialized attention.
Very informative. When I was a kid we had to wear boots that were to big so our shoes would fit in and we looked like the Michelin man by the time we were dressed to walk to school lol I watched the movie “Christmas Story” and I looked just like that little kid in that story. I was surprised at the great selections of boots you explained on your post. In Alabama it only snows a few times and not much but it rains hard weekly in the winter. Hiking boots is a great idea and I never thought about that. Do you suggest spraying hiking boots with something to preserve them since I am an adult and won’t need to buy them every yr?
Tammy,
I guess whoever was fitting your shoes was leaving enough growing room for until you went to College 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed reading the selection of boots I describe in my post. If your hiking boot is waterproof you do not need to invest any money in products. If you want your boot to look like you once first got it, then there is a great product that works wonders. It will shine it and it works in all colors: Shine Sponge
This article is very helpful as every year we have the same problem with getting the most suitable and toughened boots for the kids.
What with the weather being unpredictable this year we needed something that was versatile for all climates as i don’t want to have to buy numerous. This post has helped a great deal but what would you personally recommend for being the most adaptable for all weathers? Thank you
Holly,
The most adaptable boot for all type weather are made by Bogs. The advantage of them is that they can be used for the snow during the coldest months, and they can also be used as a rain boot for the Spring season. That is a huge plus, since a lot of parents are hesitant to invest in a pair of snow boot when they are not 100% sure that it will snow that year. The other type of shoe I recommend that will adapt to all weather is a waterproof hiking boot. You can wear it for the rainy days, and if you put a winter sock you can wear as a snow boot too.
Hi Pablo,
I found your article really interesting! My family and I live in a hot country, but the winter is here and it’s raining almost every single day. My daughter would like a nice pair of boots so she can enjoy walking and playing in a puddle without getting wet. She would just love this:)
I really like the Kamik boots, the quality look great and they are so cute as well. I will shoe these boots to my daughter, I am sure she will love them.
Thank you very much for this awesome review
I am glad that you found the review helpful.Your daughter must have a pair of waterproof shoes since you live in an area where it rains so much. Check out my reviews on boots since most of them are weaterproof.
I really like the look of these snow boots. What particularly caught my eye is the fact that the inner lining can be removed to create space if needed. How remarkable!
These look both flexible and durable and will last for quite a while. It’s almost impossible these days to find snow boots that fit well,are warm and dry at the same time!
Just out of interest, what material is the outer sole made of?
The outer sole is made out of rubber. The fact that the liner is removable is a huge plus, since it can be your rain boot after being worn as a snow boot. Most parents are afraid of investing in a pair of snow boots since there is always the concern of whether it will snow or not (depending on your location). If you get this type of snow boot then even if it doesn’t snow, you know you can use it for the rain. Some parents tend to make the mistake of spending the least amount of money on snow boots, and sometimes this can lead to purchasing a snow boot that might not be totally waterproof.
You know what, there are loads of sites selling shoes of varying kinds but looking at your site made me realise that I don’t think I have ever seen any of them explain what shoes we could get for what type of weather or activity. It is especially useful to read the information on children’s shoes and socks.
Claire,
The site main purpose is to inform parents about the importance of fitting children shoes. If parents are well inform then they can make the most informative decision. It is important to realize that shoes serve different purposes. If your child plays a particular sport, there is a shoe made for that sport, and it is important that you provide the child with that particular shoe, whether is a high top shoe, a cleat, or an indoor soccer shoe. If you want your child to compete at their best, they will need a shoe for that particular sport or activity.
Very informative article. I prefer to buy clothes from the second hand store for myself and for children. That’s the great way to save/earn money. For example boots that can cost 50€ in the supermarket can cost 5€ in the second hand store. If it takes 30 minutes to find those boots it means that’s working for 90€/hour. But very seldom it’s just hard to find from the second hand store what are you looking for…
-Roope
Roope,
You are correct, you can find cheaper shoes in second hand stores. You can probably find most things cheaper at second hand stores or the Internet, but sometimes it is better to pay a little bit extra to make sure our children are wearing the right pair of shoes. Even if you are lucky to find the right pair of shoes, the quality of the shoe might not be all there.