You might prefer the Netflix-binge approach to a rainy day, but your kids are always up for an outdoor adventure, rain or shine. Our expert advice for giving in to the requests of tiny, puddle-splashing enthusiasts? Get your kiddo some good galoshes. Yup, quality rain boots made of durable, comfortable, non-slip material make all the difference by maximizing fun and lightening your load after rainy day play. (So long, soaking-wet shoes that still smell musty once they’ve dried.) Read on for a list of parent- and kiddo-approved footwear to make sure everyone is singing (but not sobbing) in the rain.
The 10 Best Rain Boots for Kids, Vetted by Parents
Puddles are no match for these picks
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Published Feb 12, 2024
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The Best Rain Boots for Kids at a Glance
1
Best Overall
Hunter Original Kids Boots
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2
Most Durable
LL. Bean Puddle Stompers Boots
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3
Best Light-up
Outee Light-Up Rain Boots
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4
Most Unique
Western Chief Glitter Rain Boots
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5
Most Budget-Friendly
Old Navy Printed Rain Boots
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Meet The Experts
- Mo Mulla is a father of two and the founder of Parental Questions, a family-run blog offering parental tips and advice to help answer unique and personal questions.
- Laurel Thompson is a mother to an 8-year-old daughter and was formerly the accessories and shoe designer at Carter’s. She now has her own line of minimalist baby and toddler clothing called Beya Made.
How We Chose The Best Rain Boots for Kids
We interviewed Mulla and Thompson to create our parameters—"comfort and fit, material durability, waterproofing, non-slip soles, style"—then researched the top brands on the market, analyzing reviews and cross-referencing them with parents' recommendations to compile our list.
While fit can vary from person to person, across the board we looked into overall comments about sizing and comfort, as well as the shoes' durability. “The material should be strong enough to withstand mud or puddles without puncturing,” says Mulla. “Non-slip soles help prevent falls on slippery surfaces during wet weather.” Thompson suggests to “opt for a boot with Gore-Tex lining or another weather-proof membrane.”
Priority was also given to waterproof boots, rather than "water-resistant" ones, which can still get saturated, leaving kids' feet cold and soggy. (More on that at the bottom of this story.)
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Best Overall
What We Like:
- vegan
- fully waterproof
- handcrafted
What We Don't Like:
- Some say seam splits after a few months' wear
Hunter
Hunter products are known for their durability, and these “First” rain boots are no exception to the brand’s high standards. Designed with a 100 percent recycled polyester lining and a specially developed tread to reduce slipping, these stylish boots—available in solid colors as well as glitter-coated and rainbow designs—are ready for all kinds of outdoor adventures, regardless of the weather conditions. Bonus perk: Since they’re made of fully waterproof, natural vulcanized rubber, they’re super easy to clean.
Fast Facts
- Waterproof: yes
- Size Range: 3T to 2Y
Most Durable
2. L.L. Bean Puddle Stompers Boots
What We Like:
- great traction
- reflective triangles
- grab handles
What We Don't Like:
- some say repeated bending/squatting in boots causes holes over time
L.L.Bean
Much like most of L.L. Bean’s products, these “Puddle Stompers” rain boots are made of high-quality materials and are super durable. They’re crafted with SureGrip outsoles to improve traction, which means you won’t have to worry about them cracking or stiffening over time, and they feature removable insoles lined in jersey-knit cotton, firefighter-boot-inspired grab handles for getting them on and off easily, and reflective triangles on the backs for increased visibility.
By and large, many parents swore that once their kids put these boots on, they wanted to wear them with everything. The downside to all that running around? They're "beautiful but don't last long," as one reviewer said, noting that holes started to appear after four months of rigorous wear.
Fast Facts
- Waterproof: yes
- Size Range: 5T to 9T
Best Light-up
What We Like:
- light-up
- cute handles for easy pull-up
- fun patterns
What We Don't Like:
- Strong plastic-y smell when first unboxed
Outee
If your little one is obsessed with blinking footwear, these light-up rain boots are a total game-changer. Not only are they fully waterproof, but they also boast cute semi-heart-shaped handles so they can easily slide ‘em on and off by themselves, they’re made of flexible PVC material so their feet won’t feel constrained, and they feature adorable patterns (hello, dinosaurs and rainbow unicorns). Plus, washing them requires practically no effort (besides turning the hose on and pointing it at them).
Fast Facts
- Waterproof: yes
- Size Range: 5T to 3Y
Looking for a unique pair of rain boots for your little one? These Western Chief glitter rain boots are sure to turn heads in the school hallways. They’re made from waterproof rubber and designed to withstand daily wear and tear (which means muddy playground days stand no chance at ruining these babies). Plus, they feature a moisture-absorbing lining and cushioned footbeds to keep their little feet cool and comfy from a.m. to p.m.
"I love these boots because they actually have a shape to the foot instead of just being wide and loose like some brands," one reviewer shares, adding her daughter loved them so much they bought a second pair when she outgrew the first. "These boots aren’t going to flop around on their foot, so they are safer to play in as well."
Fast Facts
- Waterproof?: yes
- Size Range: 5T to 3Y
Most Budget-Friendly
5. Old Navy Printed Rain Boots
What We Like:
- lightweight
- quick-drying
What We Don't Like:
- water-resistant (not waterproof)
- traction isn't as great as others on this list
Old Navy
These water-resistant Old Navy printed rain boots are perfect for parents looking to get the best bang for their buck. With durable, quick-drying uppers, easy pull-on tabs, cushioned footbeds and rugged lug outsoles, these affordably priced boots will keep your little one’s feet from getting wet during outdoor play. “These boots are great for my 15-month-old son to splash around in puddles,” says one reviewer. “They fit well and are easy to get on even though they don't have the handles typical of toddler rain boots.”
Fast Facts
- Waterproof: no
- Size Range: 5T to 11Y
Best with Handles
What We Like:
- easy-to-grab handles
- lightweight
- durable
What We Don't Like:
- some say they run small
Crocs
Crocs have cornered the market on comfort, so you don’t have to worry about chafing or blisters with these rain boots. Despite their bulky appearance, these galoshes boast a lightweight feel that your kiddos won’t mind wearing all day long. The extra large handles are perhaps the most impressive part of the shoe, making it an almost effortless task to pull them on and off. Best of all: They’re molded in one piece to provide the ultimate leak protection.
"My toddler’s favorite shoes, rain or shine, because he’s able to put them on himself," one reviewer says, adding her son started putting 'em on independently when he was around a year and a half old. "They are light weight, [the] handles are perfect for little hands [and they're] easy to clean, durable and very cute."
Fast Facts
- Waterproof?: yes
- Size Range: 4T to 13Y
Best Color Variety
What We Like:
- cushioned footbed
- side grip
- durability
What We Don't Like:
- some say they run large
Kamik
These Kamik Riptide rain boots are a great option for parents looking for high-quality kicks at a reasonable price—and they’re available in a ton of colors. They also boast a waterproof upper and treaded outsole that’ll hold up for many seasons of active play without ever cracking or tearing. Plus, the slightly taller shaft height means they’re better than most at keeping mud and water off your kid’s pants and socks.
"These are flexible, with a wide toe box, and so far holding up well. My daughter had a pair she outgrew and they still look like new," says one reviewer, who was far from the only one praising its durability and fit. In fact, many of those glowing reports are coming from rainy states to boot. (We defer to you, Washingtonians and Oregonians.)
Fast Facts
- Waterproof?: yes
- Size Range: 1 little kid to 6 big kid
These Oaki rain boots are a true bargain of a buy, boasting high-quality construction to rival its more expensive peers. The waterproof rubber material is plenty flexible, so it’s great at keeping feet dry without restricting movement. The boots also feature odor protection for a fresh smell that lingers (in a good way), and loop handles for convenience when it comes to putting them on and hanging them up to dry. Plus, how fun is that NASA print?!
"As a parent, finding footwear that’s easy for toddlers to put on and comfortable for my little one is crucial," one reviewer says. "The wide fit is a breath of fresh air compared to the narrow options out there. Plus, durability is a big win—puddle-jumping approved!"
Fast Facts
- Waterproof?: yes
- Size Range: 5T to 13Y
Most Versatile
What We Like:
- ankle support
- versatile
- leather
What We Don't Like:
- can be tricky for kids to tie laces
Sperry
The rugged aesthetic of these leather Sperry Port rain boots makes ’em so cool you might want to snag a matching pair for yourself. The even better news is that they deliver on durability and functionality, too. Parents say the timeless lace-up design provides a snug fit, so feet stay dry, and the memory foam footbed ensures comfort through hours of outdoor play. Plus, unlike traditional rain boots, these kicks are super versatile and provide ankle support to help keep your kids standing upright so they get plenty of traction when they’re running around outside.
Fast Facts
- Waterproof?: no
- Size Range: 6T to 13Y
These flexible rubber Lone Cone rain boots are outfitted with a thick, non-slip tread, so they’re extra safe for adventurous little ones who want to spend some time al fresco. They’re also strong enough to withstand over 100 hours of puddle play without leaking or coming apart at the (reinforced) seams. (One reviewer notes that her daughter’s first pair lasted nearly two years!)
Another reviewer notes: "The boots themselves have usually held up pretty well. [My son] wears them daily and beats the crap out of them."
Beyond their durability, these boots come equipped with a reflective patch on the back to make it easier to keep track of your kiddo in low-light conditions. Oh, and they come in more than 30 colors and patterns, which are designed in collaboration with local artists in Boise, Idaho.
Fast Facts
- Waterproof? yes
- Size Range: 4T to 4Y
What to Know When Buying Kids' Rain Boots:
Are All Rain Boots Waterproof?
Rain boots may be designed to be worn in the water, but not all rain boots are waterproof. “There is a big difference between ‘waterproof’ and ‘water-resistant,’ so pay attention to the labeling,” Thompson says. “Materials like suede or leather may be resistant to water, but after saturation, they won't be able to keep all moisture out. Treated synthetic uppers may be a better choice. But nothing beats a completely rubber boot!”
How Do You Clean Kids’ Rain Boots?
How to clean kids’ rain boots largely depends on the material they’re made of. Referring to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions is always your best bet, as “some treatments and chemicals can actually compromise the functionality of your boots,” says Thompson.
As a general rule, Thompson suggests hosing off rubber boots or throwing them in the wash using cool water, then allowing them to air dry. If you’re dealing with a different textile, such as leather, Thompson says to remove dirt with a stiff brush first. “If you've got stains, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is truly magic—get it damp and rub it on leather or fabric surfaces to remove spots and stains (it's chemical-free, so it won't mess up your waterproofing),” she adds.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.