Best Kids’ Winter Boots for 2020
Winter boots need to be two things: warm and waterproof (not just water-resistant). If they’re easy to pull on and off, terrific. If they’re cute and the kids like them, super. If they last more than one season, hallelujah! But above all, they need to keep those little piggies warm and dry.
If you’re in the market for a new pair this season, here are a few of our favourites:
Baffin
The Avery and Pinetree styles for girls, and Jet for boys are lace-up boots with drawstring and toggle, and comfort rated for -40 C. The arctic rubber base makes for good treads and the multi-layer removable inner-boot system allows for temperature regulation because, fortunately, not every day requires -40 protection.
Orders placed directly from baffin.com will ship for approximately $10 in Canada (depending on exact location), and are eligible for a full refund inside of 30 days if the boots are unworn and something isn’t right. No exchanges.
Starting at $99.99 | baffin.com
Bogs Classic
Available in toddler size 7 to youth size 6, with a temperature rating of up to -30 C, not only are they legitimately waterproof and warm, but they also come in dozens of cute colours and patterns and are equipped with handles so they’re easy to get on and off. Bogs usually hold up over multiple seasons, which can make the investment worthwhile.
At a weight of two pounds per pair, some kids find them too heavy, but the company offers a 100% guarantee so if you don’t try before you buy, return them for a full refund. bogsfootwear.ca offers free shipping and free returns (on regular-price merchandise only).
Starting at $100 | bogsfootwear.ca
Columbia Powderbug Plus II Snow Boot
Warm, waterproof and durable, these insulated felt-lined, slip on and off winter boots are rated to -25F/-32C, which makes them great for playing outside. Features include waterproof seam-sealed construction, adjustable hook and loop closure strap and a washable recycled felt liner.
Starting at $75 | columbiasportswear.ca
Kamik Snowfall P
Available in children’s sizes 8-13 and youth 1-7, these boots are practical, versatile and affordable. Girls styles come in black and purple, and boys in black, grey/yellow and blue/black. They’re waterproof with rubber outsoles for better traction and feature a moisture-wicking lining and adjustable snow collar with drawstring and toggle.
Starting at $79.99 | kamik.com
Keen Lumi Waterproof
The Keen Lumi Waterproof Winter boot is insulated to -40 with KEEN FREEZE winter rubber compound, a removable felt liner and padded tongue and collar for maximum comfort. These boots are a good option for active kids who spend a lot of time outside and want the freedom to move without heavy boots and wet feet weighing them down.
Orders from keenfootwear.com ship free via Canada Post ground and returns are also free. The Keen brand is also sold through MEC and Sportchek.
Starting at $80 | keenfootwear.com
North Face Youth Alpenglow
Everything you want in a winter boot, these are easy to pull on and secure. They’re also lightweight, flexible, insulated and feature a waterproof rubber shell. North Face offers a lifetime guarantee against material and workmanship defects as well as a one-year limited warranty. Comes in sizes 10-7.
Free shipping from the North Face website is only available for orders of $99+.
Starting at $79.99 | thenorthface.com
Sorel Flurry
Waterproof and wind-resistant, these boots will keep little feet cozy and dry, while the outer sole traction helps keep them upright and on the move when they’re climbing toboggan hills and building snow forts. The recycled felt of the inner boot is washable and helps improve comfort and warmth.
Both the children’s and youth styles come in multiple colour options. Sorel is available direct from the manufacturer as well as through Soft Moc.
Starting at $75 | sorelfootwear.ca
Tundra Quebec Snowboot
Waterproof, warm and lightweight, these boots are a favourite of kids and parents who want a simple, easy to pull on and off boot that keeps little feet warm and dry. Durable with good treads, these boots stand up to winter and should last the entire season.
Starting at $73 | amazon.ca/Tundra-Quebec-Toddler-Little-Black
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I highly recommend the Ohio youth boots from Mountain Warehouse. https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ca/ohio-youth-snow-boots-p14431.aspx/coral/
Unlike many of the ones you’ve shared above, these are water resistant (no, not proof, but they can get close with a spray water proofer) right to the top. The rubberized bottoms on many of the boots you shared is definitely water proof, but then as soon as you get snow on the top part, they’re soaked through, even with spray. BTDT.
Current year versions of these boots are $110, but they still have some of last year’s for $65. There may be free shipping: I don’t know what the minimum is right now.
Just a note: these boots run a tad small on sizing so if you’re not sure, get the next size up (check the size charts, because they’re from the UK so conversion isn’t straight across).
My daughter has worn hers already and loved them.