The 9 Best Toddler & Kids' Snow Boots, Tested by Little Ones (& Approved by Parents)

Running around in the snow is all fun and games until someone slips and gets a mouth full of ice. Enter these sturdy boots that come with enhanced traction to minimize skidding. They also feature a Velcro buckle that makes it easy to tuck snow pants into them and get out the door in no time, plus a soft plush lining to keep little toes comfy.

“Sorel snow boots are really hearty and easy for kids to put on and take off themselves,” says PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint. “I love that's just as functional (waterproof, warm) as a snow boot, but can also function as a sneaker—meaning they can wear it to school and not feel like they're clomping around in cement." As for durability, her daughter is the third owner of this pair, and they're still looking sharp.

Fast Facts

• Size range: toddler 4 to little kids 13
• Colors: 5
• Material: fleece lining, synthetic textile upper with a seam-sealed PU membrane
• Waterproof: yes

These soft boots may not look like they could hold up in a snowball fight, but they’re actually made with clever insulation technology that will keep feet warm and comfy in frigid temperatures all the way down to 14°F. “Bogs are hands down my (and my kids’) favorite,” Gallery Media Group Chief Strategy Officer Catesby Cator tells us. “They’re super lightweight and flexible, so they’re easy to run, jump and move in. Plus, they come in so many fun colors and patterns for the kids to pick from.” And with no finicky laces or buckles (they come with a hook/loop strap and handles), even tiny hands can get these boots on and off. But the best part? They’re machine-washable, a must-have perk for anyone living in the city (gray snow + salted roads = yuck).

Fast Facts

• Size range: infant 4 to toddler 10
• Colors: 11
• Material: cotton, rubber
• Waterproof: yes

“I’ve bought these every year for both kids until they outgrew them,” says PureWow reader Jaime Lynn. “They’re durable and warm, and they have great tread for walking (or, let’s be serious, running) in snow, slush and ice. Most important, my kid with very poor fine-motor skills and zero attention span has been able to put them on and take them off himself since he was a toddler.” Other parents agree that the traction is particularly good on these boots, without sacrificing on flexibility (because how else is your kid going to sled down that hill?).

Fast Facts

• Size range: toddler 6.5 to toddler 10
• Colors: 9
• Material: synthetic sole, foam and faux fur insulation and soft faux fur lining
• Waterproof: waterproof bottom

These winter boots may be one of the priciest options on our list, but if you’re expecting arctic temperatures this winter, these guys are well worth the investment—they boast insulation rated to -40°F. They are also lightweight and non-slip. “My son is in a Forest Kindergarten program so he’s outside all morning, and these boots keep him comfy and dry no matter what the weather is doing,” PureWow reader Catherine tells us.

Fast Facts

• Size range: little kids 8 to 13; big kids 1 to 7
• Colors: 2
• Material: nylon upper, thermal liner, rubber outsole
• Waterproof: yes

When it comes to early walkers, getting boots on feels like an exercise in futility. Especially if your toddler has chunky, wide feet—and a desire to never sit still. That's where these booties come in. They're designed to be worn over your kid's shoes, with a wide opening and an adjustable toggle. "I love how easily they are to slip on over my 1-year-old's shoes, so he can wear them during the morning commute, then I can pull them off at daycare without fighting to change out his shoes. Drop-off is enough of a race against time as it is," says Candace Davison, vice president of editorial content at PureWow.

As for warmth and protection against the elements, these booties also feature a water-repellent upper and polar fleece lining.

Fast Facts

• Size range: medium (4.75" L) through extra large (6.5" L)
• Colors: 3
• Material: nylon with PU coating, polyester fleece insulation, PLUSfoam sole
• Waterproof: water-resistant

Whether your tot has a high arch or just is too squirmy to get their foot into a taller boot, this shorter pair that goes up just a couple of inches past the ankle offers a nice alternative. “My son has a high instep and wide feet (he got that from me!), so sliding his foot into shoes can be tricky, but these are super easy to put on," shares PureWow reader and mom Anna. "They’re comfy, warm and great for toddling around in the snow.” This one scores bonus points for using recycled materials.

Fast Facts

• Size range: toddler 4 to toddler 9
• Colors: 5
• Material: thermoplastic elastomers, suede
• Waterproof: yes

I'm a big fan of Finnish brand Reima—their Seawool winter jacket is the best pick for keeping kids warm—and their "Nordic know-how" extends to their winter boots. These galoshes are cushy, sturdy and so easy to put on that even 4-year-olds could do it unassisted in our testing. My son wears them, and he's able to play outside in rain, show and slush without complaining of cold feet.

As a city dweller, I especially appreciate the reflective detail behind the heel so that he's a little easier to spot when we cross the street in the evenings. Made with a totally waterproof galosh and a warm water repellent, wadded shaft, these boots manage to be both functional and comfortable.

Fast Facts

• Size range: toddler 4.5 to 10.5; little kids 11 to 13.5; big kids 1 to 3.5
• Colors: 3
• Material: thermoplastic rubber galoshes, textile lining
• Waterproof: completely waterproof galosh section, water-repellant shaft

Another stellar pick from the Sorel winter boot pros, this best-selling pair boasts a waterproof upper and easy straps for a secure fit (don’t be deceived by the laces—these guys stay on thanks to the hook and loop closure). The soles are designed for high traction and the molded footbed ensure your kid can play outside all day without sore feet. “This is our third pair,” PureWow reader and mom-of-two Jackie raves. “We love them so much and just keep buying a size up!” And with chic color combos like camel brown and sea salt, stone green and alpine tundra, and cactus pink and sea salt, these boots score high in style points too.

Fast Facts

• Size range: children 8 to 13; youth 1 to 7
• Colors: 4
• Material: waterproof suede and felt, textile lining, molded PU like EVA footbed with textile top cover, internal PU midsole with vulcanized rubber foxing tape, molded rubber outsole
• Waterproof: yes

When kids grow out of snow boots in a flash, you don't want to pay a fortune for them—especially if you live in an area where it only snows a handful of times a year. "Honestly, every year my daughter needs a new pair of snow boots, and I keep coming back to the Cat & Jack line at Target. I've tried a few other brands under $30, and none are as comfortable and durable," Davison says. The faux-shearling lining makes them extra cozy, and the adjustable Velcro straps ensure a snug fit.

Fast Facts

• Size range: toddler 5 to 12
• Colors: 5
• Material: Polyester-EVA blend insole, faux-shearling lining
• Waterproof: yes