How to choose snow boots for kids
Choosing the best snow boots depends on a few different factors, including the age of the child, the climate you live in, and the child’s activity level. The best boots for areas that only get a few inches of snow may be shorter (and thus lighter) than a pair of boots for a place that measures its snow in feet rather than inches.
New walkers are some of the toughest children to buy shoes for, since the boots need to be warm and waterproof, yet flexible and lightweight. Babies that will be carried in the snow can wear soft-soled booties for warmth, while walking toddlers need a sturdier tread that still flexes with their developing feet. Most snow boots for toddlers are short in order to allow better movement, so for deeper snow, they’ll need to be paired with snow pants pulled over the top of the boot.
Pull-on, insulated rubber boots tend to work well with younger children. “Boots that are all rubber on the outside and insulated on the inside are really good for the younger kids that tend to get wetter and messier than the older kids,” said McGurk.
Boots should fit loose enough to allow for a pair of thick socks; Jones recommends trying the shoes on with the winter socks that they’ll be wearing to ensure a proper fit. With these socks on, you should be able to fit one finger between the top of the toe and the end of the boot, she said. When walking, the heel should stay in place in the boot, while the toe and midfoot area of the sole should flex with the foot.
All of our experts agreed that wool socks are better than cotton for winter wear. Allowing the air to circulate will also keep feet warmer, so parents should avoid boots that are too small. “Shoes or boots that constrict blood flow can cause feet to become colder,” said Louv.
Because boots’ thermal performance can depend on several different factors, like socks and activity level, the advertised temperature isn’t an exact science. Temperature ratings, however, can be a good tool for comparing boots to each other. A pair of boots rated to -40 degrees may not necessarily keep you warm to that temperature, but they will typically be warmer than a pair rated to -25 degrees, for example.
When choosing a brand for snow boots, McGurk recommends looking for warmer, tougher gear over style. “Stick with brands that are known outdoor brands that manufacture outdoor clothing for adults,” she said. “They know what they are doing.”
Where you shop also matters. Multiple experts recommended shopping at sporting goods stores and outdoor retailers rather than the more fashion-oriented department stores.
A good pair of boots can help encourage longer outdoor play. “Outdoor play is important year-round, not just during mild weather,” says Ginny Yurich, the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. “Movement and sensory play lays a foundation for lifelong learning, it brings feelings of joy and well-being, and it helps improve overall health. While it’s tempting to cozy up next to the fireplace all winter long, having the right gear helps kids get the outside movement they need throughout the year.”