Key Points
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Winter does its best to cool everyone down, but you can keep your child warm by investing in winter boots for children
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Shop the many snow boot brands and determine which carries the best boots.
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Waterproofing and insulation are important features of winter boots for children.
Winter is fun for kids and adults alike. The sparkling snow, the twinkling lights — what's not to love? Wintertime means time to play, and all kids love snow days. Those days off from school offer opportunities to build snow forts, make snow angels, and have snowball fights. The problem with being out in the snow too long is that cold weather is dangerous without the right attire.
As a parent, you're responsible for keeping your children safe and healthy. In the summer, you have them drink lots of water to stay hydrated in the hot temperatures. In the winter, you buy winter boots for children, so their feet are warm and comfortable when they're outside. With the right winter boots for your kids, you can worry less and spend more time with your snow bunnies.
Keep the Winter Cold Fun
Winter weather is only fun if there are no major side effects from being outside. Children playing outside may be chilly when they come in, but they kick off their boots and warm up with cocoa. The last thing you want is frostbite, chills, or other adverse reactions to the cold.
Dr. Kate Cronan from Nemours Children's Hospital says, "Anyone can get frostbite, but kids are at a greater risk for it than adults because kids lose heat from their skin faster. And kids often don't want to leave their winter fun to go inside and warm up."
There are various ways to prevent frostbite and other ailments from cold temperatures.
Stay Inside
When a fresh blanket of snow falls, and your children get a day off from school, keeping them inside all day is next to impossible. Keep an eye on the temperatures and set a house rule. How cold is too cold? If the temperatures are brutally low, everyone wants to be warm and safe inside.
Take Breaks
Snow forts take a long time to build, and that sledding hill is fun all day. If your kids want to be outside all day, they must take breaks every hour or two to come inside and warm up. Have hot chocolate and a warm fire ready so that they can warm up before hitting the hills again.
Have the Right Gear
The best way to prepare your child for the winter weather is to have the proper winter gear ready.
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Start by having them put on thermal clothing. These items fit tightly against their skin to keep their body heat in. Thermal underwear, shirts, and other items are also moisture-wicking, so if your child gets hot during their outside play, moisture on their skin only makes them colder.
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Once the bottom layer is on, have your child wear sweatshirts, jeans, or other warm pants. Choose socks that are larger than usual and contain insulating materials. Wool is one of the most popular options. Not every child likes the feel of wool against their skin, so you may want to use a soft knit sock liner to fit against their toes and give them extra warmth and comfort.
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Outwear is essential on a cold and snowy day. Your child needs a warm winter coat that protects them from the cold and keeps the wet conditions out. Watch for coats with waterproof materials and perhaps a lining. The coat is thicker than the average jacket, but that's what you want for wintertime. They also need a hat that fits tightly against their head and covers their ears. You may want more than one hat as they often get wet, and switch them out during breaks.
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Some of the most critical outerwear are gloves and boots. Your child's extremities get cold faster than any other body part. Cold weather slows down circulation, and the body protects its core first, allowing the fingers and toes to feel the icy temperatures. A thin-knit glove is not going to help your child stay warm. Place a knit glove on their hands first with thicker, waterproof gloves over the top. Likewise, regular shoes or lightweight ankle boots are not ideal for winter weather. You need snow boots that fit well, repel water, and insulate your feet for outdoor play.
The Best Snow Boot Brands for Kids
If you sit down at your computer and search for kids' snow boots, the long list of options is overwhelming. Which brands are the best? Which snow boots suit your child's needs and keep their feet warm all winter? The answer is subjective, as different parents need various things for their children. A parent in Minnesota, where the winter weather is often brutal, needs a different boot than parents in Oklahoma, where they don't see nearly as much snow.
Kamik
Many parents say Kamik boots are favorites among their children. With external rubber soles and a long lifespan, these boots slip on and off easily and keep feet warm and comfortable. Made in Canada, these boots often have snow collars to keep snow at bay, and the linings wick the moisture away from feet. Any parent feels better about their child being outside for a long time when they know their boots work well for temperatures that go down to 25 below.
Columbia
Columbia is a well-known winter gear brand specializing in coats, boots, and more. They make great waterproof boots for kids, and their adjustable ankle straps keep snow and ice outside where it belongs. The boots are ultra-insulated, and each line has a variety of colors, so children find something to suit their style or match their coat.
Northside
Northside snow boots are functional for any winter weather condition. Their rubber soles allow them to work well as the snow melts and puddles appear. The synthetic leather materials are waterproof and work with the insulating interior to keep feet warm and dry. Many boots come with an adjustable hook and loop strap to close the boot tightly around the calf.
Bogs
Boots with kid-friendly handles on the side are accessible for any child to put on without frustration. The tall boots help children traverse deep snow without getting their feet wet. The boots resemble rain boots, but their insulation makes them just as good for the snow as for other wet conditions.
Which Boots Are Waterproof?
Insulation is essential when you're looking at snow boots. You want insulation that keeps your child's toes warm and comfortable, no matter how long they're outside. However, even boots with the best insulation don't keep feet dry. Waterproof boots keep the melting snow and ice outside where it belongs. Water-resistant boots help but allow water through if enough moisture assaults the boots. Waterproofed boots, on the other hand, keep water out completely.
These are some of the best waterproof boots available for your children.
LyreGoPro Winter Duck Boots
These boots are entirely waterproof and have a classic look that doesn't go out of style, even if your child wears the boots for several seasons. The boots have slip-resistant soles and a soft faux fur lining for extra comfort. If feet get sweaty, the interior lining has quick dry and moisture-wicking elements. Any parent has an easier time sending their child outside knowing their toes are safe in this boot option.
Dream Pairs Insulated Waterproof Snow Boots
These snow boots look like rain boots with fur around the top. Their elastic ties allow the boots to seal around the calf, so snow and ice don't get in. Any snow that tries gets caught up on the faux fur around the top of the boot. The 200g of Thermolite insulation keeps feet warm in temperatures down to 25 below. The fur lining comes in several colors to give a different look to the boots.
Hobibear Waterproof Slip Resistant Cold Weather Boots
No parent wants their child to slip on the snow and ice, and these boots have a non-slip sole that helps traverse the snow safely and effectively. The hook and loop closure is easy to operate, allowing kids to tighten the boots, so snow doesn't get in the top. The faux fur lining is warm, and the waterproof materials keep feet nice and dry for the duration of outdoor time.
Which Boots Are Warmest?
Insulation helps to keep feet warm. Insulation measurements are in grams; the higher the number, the warmer the boots are for your child. 100g of insulation is the smallest amount and is only suitable for short times outside. Higher levels are better for long periods in the snow and direct contact with the icy elements.
Here are some of the warmest boots available.
Kamik Waterbug Snow Boot
This snow boot looks as efficient as it acts. Its ratings keep feet comfortable in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below. The adjustable snow collar and easy-grab lace lock let parents tighten the boots around their child's legs. The boots are completely waterproof but have 400g of insulation for long-term warmth during outside play.
Dream Pairs Mid-Calf Winter Snow Boots
This option has a duck boot silhouette and keeps feet warm and dry all winter. The thick faux fur inside is plush and comfortable, and the slip-resistant soles add protection to every step. The boots have a buckle strap for a secure fit and handle temperatures up to 30 below zero.
Merrell Kid's Snow Crush 2.0 Waterproof Boot
The Merrell Kid's Boot looks like a long shoe with designs on the side to give them flair. The waterproof boot allows for warm feet in temperatures down to 25 below. They contain 200g of insulation on the toes, and the upper lining reaches a 400g measurement. The outsoles give extra grip and excellent traction, even on the ice.
Choosing Winter Boots for Children
There are many different boots on the market. When you need to choose an option for your child, there are many details to consider. You may want to involve your child in the choice because they are likelier to wear the boots without complaining if they had a hand in choosing them. Insulation and waterproof elements are not considered important to your child; they want to look at color and style. You must check the insulating values and waterproof features to ensure your child gets boots that keep their feet warm and dry.
As you look at boots online or in stores, ask yourself how long your child is usually outside. Do they need boots with higher insulation levels because you can't keep them from the snow? Or do they simply wear boots when they tag along running errands with you? Get something that suits their needs without overdoing it. Waterproof boots with higher insulation levels cost more than average winter boots.
Size is another factor to consider. You know the size of your child's feet, but when you put large socks on, boots in the same size may be too tight. Consider getting half a size larger in snow boots than regular shoes. Layered, thick socks only help insulate feet and keep them warm. Try the boots on your child. If they're a bit loose, thick socks take care of the issue and bolster insulation properties, too.
For more up-to-date info on the latest boot trends, styles, and purchasing options, check out BootAuthority.
