The two most beloved words to young kids: snow day. While that usually means no school, hours of snowball fights, snowman building and fort constructing, it can also lead to cold, damp feet—especially if they’re not wearing the right boots. We’ve all seen our fair share of meltdowns, and after a tumultuous winter season so far, some trustworthy footwear is a necessity (not to mention a good winter coat). This year, we asked our mom circles for the absolute best kids’ snow boots (that actually get onto feet and out the door). We’ve got machine-washable picks, ones designed specifically for toddlers, and lightweight pairs designed for harsh Canadian winters. Here are the 10 most recommended pairs.
10 Pairs of Kids’ Snow Boots That They Won’t Hate Wearing
Parent-recommended gear to keep small feet warm, dry and comfortable
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Published Jan 24, 2024
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Digital Art by Paula Boudes
The Best Kids' Snow Boots at a Glance
1
Best Overall
Sorel Snow Commander Snow Boots
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2
Best Machine-Washable
BOGS Kids Camo Boot
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3
Easiest to Put On
Kamik Kids’ Snowbug3 Snow Boot
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4
Most Color Options
Tundra Teddy 4 Boot
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5
Best Lightweight
Stonz Trek Boots
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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. Mom-of-two Jillian agrees: “Sorel snow boots are really hearty and easy for kids to put on and take off themselves,” she explains. “I also love that this pair has a big Velcro closure, which makes it so much easier for my daughter to deal with (sans meltdown).” Available in multiple colors.
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,” mom-of-two Catesby 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
Easiest to Put On
“I’ve bought these every year for both kids until they outgrew them,” says 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
Another kid-friendly winter boot with a handy hook-and-loop closure, this pick is warm, durable and features a rubber toe shell that’s easy to wipe clean. “I love that these boots are light and warm,” says mom Dabee. “My daughter isn’t clomping around because her boots are too heavy, and the soles aren’t slippery when they’re wet like some other boots we’ve tried.” And with 11 different color and pattern options to choose from (including snowflakes and diggers), your kid is bound to find a design he likes.
Fast Facts
- Size range: toddler 1 to little kid 13
- Colors: 11
- Material: synthetic sole, fleece lining
- Waterproof: waterproof bottoms
Made for “harsh Canadian winters,” parents love that these skid-resistant and non-slip shoes will keep little toes toasty even when it’s as cold as -22ºF. But just because these boots mean business doesn’t mean they’ll weigh your kid down (or slow her down in a snowball fight)—these hefty boots actually weigh less than a smartphone. One PureWow mom vouches for this, telling us that “these boots are so easy to put on and take off, plus they’re super light.”
Fast Facts
- Size range: toddler 10 to youth 2
- Colors: 3
- Material: nylon with PU coating, polyester insulation, radiantex felt lining, EVA sole
- Waterproof: water-resistant
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,” mom 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
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. “We love these boots for our 1-year-old,” raves mom Anna. “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. They’re comfy, warm and great for toddling around in the snow.” This one also scores bonus points for using recycled materials.
Fast Facts
- Size range: toddler 4 to toddler 7
- Colors: 3
- Material: thermoplastic elastomers, suede
- Waterproof: yes
We’re big fans of Finnish brand Reima—their Seawool winter jacket is our overall favorite pick for keeping kids warm—and their "Nordic know-how" extends to their winter boots. These galoshes are cushy, sturdy and easy to put on, says mom-of-two Alexia. “My 4-year-old can put these on himself, and is 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,” 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
Best for Rain and Slush
Another Scandinavian pick (this time from our Swedish friends), these Kavat boots are made from recyclable rubber and molded into one piece, which makes them especially easy to hop in and out of, as well as supremely comfortable says mom-of-one Rachel. “They're durable, not too pricey and my 5-year-old can put them on himself. In fact, my son likes them so much he wears them to school and keeps them on the whole day (instead switching to his regular shoes)!” They also come with an extendable and replaceable lining in warming wool blend to keep toes cozy. Extra bonus? They’re machine washable. “I would just say to maybe size up one, since that inner lining takes up space,” advises Rachel.
Fast Facts
- Size range: children 8 to 12.5
- Colors: 6
- Material: wool lining, recyclable SEBS rubber
- Waterproof: yes
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