A child wearing kids' winter boots in cold, icy weather, standing on the rocks next to the river

Parents’ Buying Guide for Kids’ Winter Boots: 2022/23 Edition

It’s December, and if you still haven’t found the perfect kid’ winter boots, now is the right time! When looking for kids’ snow boots, you want their feet to stay warm and dry, but you also want them to be easy to put on and take off.

Plus, shopping for a boot, your kids will actually like is a thing to consider especially if your kid is picky. Before you head out boot shopping, here’s the ultimate parents’ buying guide to help you find the proper kids’ winter boots.

5 Must-Follow Features for Kids’ Winter Boots

When shopping for kids’ boots, look out for these 5 things:

Waterproof feature

Waterproof and water-resistant are two different things. Water-resistant boots keep your kid’s feet dry in drizzles and light snowfalls, but they can’t keep them dry in puddles, heavy snowfalls, or walking on unshoveled sidewalks. To ensure your kids’ boot is entirely waterproof, look for tight seams and an inner liner without holes for laces or other closures which will prevent water from entering. 

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Breathability

Sweaty feet with moisture are always a big no-no. This is mainly because kids can end up with stinky feet and eventually even fungus, which we want to avoid at all costs. Aside from that, damp feet will be difficult to keep warm, and the winter boots start to smell only after a few wears.

High insulation

Winter boos can have a few purposes, but whichever is your case, it is still essential to choose well-insulated boots. No matter if it’s only short trips to school or a building a snowman time, kids’ little toes need to stay warm!  This is mainly because toes quickly get cold and are the first affected by frostbite after prolonged exposure to cold.

Non-slip, rubber sole

Boots that keep kids from slipping and falling are a must for these cold winter days. With snow on the way and low temperatures, the ground will be slippery, and with kids clumsy, preventing them from falling is a must. Cold, wet conditions require flexible rubber soles that keep feet firmly planted on the ground and protect them from water. Thus, when shopping, ensure that boots have a heavy, solid rubber sole for handling icy weather.

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Perfect material 

Look out for proper material for kids’ snow boots. Usually, boots made from leather are great for winter purposes, but there is a vegan shoe solution as well. The waterproof properties of leather make it perfect for keeping little feet warm and dry when treated and cleaned correctly. 

Takeaways Tips

Hand-me-downs

There are many things to do with worn-down, old kids’ shoes. However, when it’s time for new boots while your kids’ feet are still developing, we recommend skipping hand-me-downs. Each shoe is shaped according to the feet. Thus, all hand-me-down shoes are already shaped by their previous owner. Giving your kids such shoes can result in uncomfortable wear, blisters, and even fungus. 

However, hand-me-downs are the things many parents consider when they have more than one kid. And we understand why. If you plan to pass boots down from one kid to another, ensure to opt the one of high quality so it can withstand wearing and tearing. 

Also, passing down and recycling boots between kids is more environmentally friendly, giving you more value for your money since kids grow out of them so quickly! Hand-me-downs may not always be possible if kids are rough on their boots, but you can certainly try!

Don’t forget about the size

If you miss the shoesize, everything goes down the drain. The perfect fitting for kids’ boots is essential. It’s difficult not to go up a size or two to make it through the winter. This will make things worse.

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Incorrectly fitted winter boots will not be able to keep kids’ little feet warm and will wear out much quicker. Just as a house heater keeps warm air circulating inside, the boot is an insulator for the foot. In a too-big boot, the heat won’t be insulated adequately, and the feet will become cold. The same goes for smaller boots that will not allow heat to circulate because of a lack of space. 

Design is important as well

If your kid is not too picky and can wear anything you have down, you have no problem. If your kid is too picky, on the other hand, ensure that the boot design is appealing to them so they will actually wear them. So, when shopping for kids’ footwear, ask them their opinion.

Easy to put on and take off

If you skip the laces, putting boots on will probably be a piece of cake. Aside from that, it will give the kid a sense of independence and confidence as they are doing something without the assistance of grown-ups. Ensure your kid has an easy footwear closure so they can quickly put them on and take them off while they are on their own.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Kids’ Winter Boots

What winter boots are the warmest for kids?

Kids’ winter boots come in different temperature ratings, styles, and heights. Consider the conditions in which your kids spend most of their time outside. According to many satisfied Amazon users, the boots listed here are one of the best kids’ snow boots and are totally budget-friendly!

What is the best brand of snow boots for kids?

Gubarun boots are boots of high performance and quality yet are reasonable prices. They are the most high-rated kids’ boots on Amazon, with an average star of 4.6 out of 18.500 reviews. Such boots have an incredible non-slip rubber sole for icy and cold weather, super-easy closure, and thick faux fur for warmth. 

How can I keep my kids’ feet warm in the winter?

Proper socks and footwear are musts. With such gear, your kids’ feet will never get wet or cold since wool socks absorb and wick moisture, cushion, and do not itch. As for the boots, ensure they provide high insulation and warmth and are waterproof. 

In Conclusion

Kids’ winter boots are an essential part of winter gear. If you follow the guide and consider the tips, you can ensure that your kids’ feet will always stay warm yet dry in those cold, icy conditions. 

Remember that waterproofing and water resistance are not the same. High breathability and insulation are necessary to avoid wet, stinky, and cold feet, while the non-slip rubber sole keeps your kid from all possible trips and falls!

Author

  • Petra Moskatelo

    Petra is the main editor and writer here at Footmeter. She is passionate about helping people find the right solution. She holds a university Master's degree in pedagogy, and she knows a lot about children and learning.