The Best Winter Boots for Kids Who Plan to Play in the Snow Every Chance They Get
by Sabrina Rojas Weiss and Bethany Braun-Silva
Image Credits: Zappos, Target, Amazon
Winter is coming, and these boots from Target, Amazon, Zappos, and more will keep their feet well-protected.
Cold weather really doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop for your kids. That is, as long as they’re dressed warmly and have a solid pair of kids’ winter boots, if your local climate includes snow, slush, and ice. Nothing ends a good sledding trip—or a simple walk home from school—more miserably than wet, cold feet.
Winter boots for kids have so many features that make them a necessary choice before stepping out in cold winter weather. The best snow boots are waterproof, windproof, and insulated against those low temperatures (sometimes with ratings down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit). Extra traction on rubber soles helps your child stay standing, and it also gives them the grip to climb up sledding hills. Most important for parents who know the pain of getting kids in and out of winter gear, a pair of boots made for kids will have an opening that makes both putting them on and keeping snow out easy.
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When shopping for kids' snow boots, it’s the extra features that make them really worth the purchase price (which often will be higher than what you pay for summer sandals). A good pair of boots has insulation that keeps feet dry as well as warm, and some even have liners you can pull out at the end of the day so that they can dry off quickly. The outside of the boot should be able to withstand scuffing and salt in addition to the wet and cold. And you want something solid you or your kids can grip to pull on their boot without worrying it will rip or break.
Then, of course, you want boots that will match your kids’ style. That could be just about finding the right color (or even the right adorable animal theme). Some kids are also reluctant to wear chunky or heavy footwear, so you’ll want boots that are light or have a slimmer silhouette. You can also opt for insulated and waterproof hiking boots if your kids aren’t fans of traditional boot styles and won’t be wading in deep snow.
Whether you’re walking to school or spending the day building a snowman, the boots on this list are cozy, warm, and waterproof, and they’ll stand up to anything your child puts them through. Shop below.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
Kamik Kids Powdery 2 Boots for Toddlers, Little Kids, and Big Kids
These vegan-friendly snow boots have a moisture-wicking removable liner made from 97 percent recycled material in the U.S., a seam-sealed upper that closes with a bungee lacing system (no tying with frozen fingers!), and a lightweight rubber outsole. All that adds up to a shoe that keeps little toes warm in temperatures down to minus 40 degrees. Available in sizes 4T up to 7Y.
2 of 20 Image Credits: Target
Cat and Jack Toddler Frankie Winter Boots
We can barely stand how cute these panda snow boots from Cat and Jack are. These waterproof boots with faux fur lining also come in dinosaur, rainbow, tiger, and unicorn styles. Sizes 5T-12C.
3 of 20 Image Credits: Keen
Keen Ridge Flex Waterproof Boots
For big kids who think they’re too cool for bulky snow boots but still want to go out in the elements, we recommend a waterproof hiking boot like these from Keen. They’re flexible for active movement, and the signature Keen toe box can withstand so much kicking in the mud, snow, and slush. Available in sizes 1-7Y.
4 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
Kamik Kids Snowbug 3 Toddler Boots
Parents of toddlers will instantly recognize what makes these boots so great: They open wide to get them on and off squirmy feet easily, and the hook-and-loop strap closes tight to keep out snow and water. Feet stay warm in weather down to minus 10 degrees. Available in sizes 5-10T.
5 of 20 Image Credits: Target
Disney Frozen Winter Boots
Unlike Elsa, your child may be bothered by cold—until they’re cozy inside a pair of Frozen-themed snow boots. These are lined with 100 percent polyester and protected by a leather-rubber blend outsole. Sizes 5T-12C.
6 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
Northside Winter Snow Boots
These waterproof, insulated snow boots feature an adjustable bungee cord closure to ensure kids’ feet stay dry.
7 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
Kamik Kids Luke Boots for Toddlers, Little Kids, and Big Kids
These are some serious boots for serious snow (and temperatures down to 40 degrees below zero. The upper is waterproof nylon and carbon fiber; the lining has foam and fleece insulation and is moisture-wicking. Kids who love to be active in the snow and ice won’t slip and fall with the extra traction and flexibility of Kamik’s proprietary rubber outsoles. The shoes also have a bungee lace that locks with a toggle, so they can be tightened and loosened easily. Available in sizes 8T-7Y.
8 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
Bogs Kids Classic High Waterproof Boots
These boots come in dozens of fun kid-friendly prints and designs. The handles on either side of the boot make it easy for kids to pull them on themselves.
9 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
Tundra Boots for Kids
These boots have a fleece lining that makes them a warm and cozy option on the coldest winter days.
10 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
Dream Pairs Insulated Snow Boots
These boots have a bungee cord tie, warm lining, and waterproof outer. Plus, they are an affordable option at under $40.
11 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
Sorel Out N About Waterproof Winter Boot
These stylish winter boots protect against the elements, but also look great for all-day wear.
12 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
UGG Kids’ Butte Boot
Kids can adjust the height of these lace-up winter boots depending on the weather. They are waterproof and warm and feature a wool lining.
13 of 20 Image Credits: L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean Kids’ Northwoods Boots
These boots feature two sets of removable liners that can be washed separately or hung to dry after a day of playing in the snow.
14 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Timberland 6-Inch Premium Waterproof Boot
These classic work boots have a moisture-wicking interior and waterproof exterior and look great with jeans on snow pants.
15 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
Jack Wolfskin Kids Iceland Waterproof Boot
These boots are perfect for a snowy commute to school and have a warm and comfortable lining and a protective outer layer.
16 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
The North Face Kids Alpenglow IV Boots
These boots provide kids with traction for any snowy terrain and have sealed seams to keep feet dry and warm.
17 of 20 Image Credits: Target
Bearpaw Kids' Kelly Boots
These boots have a warm, wool-blend lining and waterproof outer layer. They come in brown, pink, and black.
18 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
Muck Boot Hale Multi-Season Kids’ Rubber Boot
These boots are 100 percent waterproof and are easy to clean. The stretchy outer layer also makes them easy to take on and off.
19 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
Columbia Powderbug Plus II Snow Boot
This boot has a lot of what we’re looking for: super-warm felt insulation (from recycled material), an insole that comes out for easier drying, a drawstring top for easy access and tight closure, and a rugged outsole with plenty of traction. These should keep feet warm and dry for temps down to minus 25 degrees. Available in sizes 4T-7Y.
20 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
Merrell Snow Quest Lite 3.0 Jr.
Though these boots look like a pair of Merrell hiking shoes, they’re 100 percent snow boots and ready for toddler feet. They’re made from a very warm lining (rated for 35 degrees below zero) with “anti-stink” properties, and the outsole is EVA, which means these are lighter than most boots and ready for so much jumping into snow piles. Available in sizes 6T-10T.
