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Temps may be dropping, but your kiddos can’t spend all winter long hibernating on the couch — no matter how much they (and you!) might want to — which is why we’re here with the best toddler winter boots on the market. And if they’re going to brave the cold (even if it’s just for a stroll around the block), they need the right footwear to keep their little toesies warm. Because you know what they say about losing most of your body heat from your head and your feet and yada, yada, yada.
And so we’ve rounded up the best winter boots for toddlers who are still finding their footing, still fighting you on footwear, and still needing to look as cute as ever.
Best toddler boots at a glance
Best Overall Boot: The North Face Toddler Alpenglow II Boots; $38
Cult Favorite Boot: UGG Toddlers Keelan; $26
Best Budget Boot: Cat & Jack Toddler Frankie Winter Boots; $34.99
Best Snow Boot: Hunter Little Kids Reflective Camo Snow Boots; $105
Best Rain Boot: Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Insulated Roll Top Vegan Shearling Boots; $80
Best Lightweight Boot: L.L. Bean Toddlers’ Ultralight Winter Boots; $79 Best Tall Boot: Big Kids’ Powderbug Plus II Snow Boot; $39 Best Machine-Washable Boot: JAN & JUL Kids Outdoor Waterproof Winter Boots; $47.99
Best Dressy Boot: Faux-Leather Lace-Up Sherpa-Lined Boots; $14.47
Best Pattern Options: Hobibear Waterproof Slip Resistant Outdoor Winter Shoes; Prices vary
What to look for
Shopping for boots for your toddler isn’t all that different from shopping for any shoes. You’ll want something with a durable material that can withstand general messes (because you know that apple sauce pouch is going to be spilled everywhere) and that fits comfortably. But with boots, you’ll want more of a heavy-duty, waterproof material that has some sort of insulation and tight seams that keep water and snow out —in addition to apple sauce — out. We also always gravitate toward boots that have some sort of zipper or side opening to make it easier to get on wriggly feet.
Then you want to consider the soles. Because now that those wriggly feet are in, they are up and moving much faster than you told them to. “The more traction on the sole, the better for walking in slippery conditions,” Kristina Tinsley, blogger and travel expert tells SheKnows.
In addition to those crucial basics, Kira Bender — pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Here We Grow — tells parents to think about the fact that boots often come up higher on the leg than most kids’ shoes.
“[Boots] can restrict the motion of the ankles, which affects a child’s ability to maintain their balance while walking,” Bender tells SheKnows. “…To avoid struggles in the snow, parents can encourage their children to try on their new boots at home and use them to play pretend while they adjust. A walk around the block in their new boots may be a less intimidating way to become acclimated.
The North Face Toddler Alpenglow II Boots
When it comes to staying warm, you can’t get much more legit than The North Face. These toddler boots are known for their top-notch insulation that is made of 70% recycled polyester. When you take that and add in the waterproof leather, thick soles, and tight seams, you’ve got one warm shoe. (Well, two warm shoes.)
Materials: Leather, recycled polyester, thermoplastic rubber
Sizes available: 4-9
Colors: Cave Blue, Fiery Red, Zinc Grey, Boysenberry, Toasted Brown
Pros:
1. Thick, durable soles
2. All leather purchased from Working Group-certified tanneries
3. Warm fur trim
Cons:
1. There are no half sizes
2. Heavy soles
UGG Toddlers Keelan
How could we not start with the most iconic of all winter boots? You can never go wrong with a good pair of UGGs. And you may be thinking that these look different from the super minimal design you’re used to seeing, but that’s for good reason. The Keelan boots open on the side so it’s easier to get your wriggly kid’s feet in there.
Materials: Suede, rubber, sheep or lamb fur
Sizes available: 0-5
Colors: Black, Chestnut, Rock Rose
Pros:
1. Timeless look
2. Easy access side openings
3. Warm fur trim
Cons:
1. No half sizes
2. Thinner soles
Cat & Jack Toddler Frankie Winter Boots
When it comes to choosing most clothes and products for toddlers, it’s important to remember that the best one is the one they’ll actually use. Which is why we are all for these animal-themed boots (there’s a unicorn, teddy bear, and more!) that are so fun, your kid won’t put up a fuss. Plus, they’re super budget-friendly.
Materials: Thermoplastic rubber, polyurethane, faux fur
Sizes available: 5-12
Animals: Unicorn, Teddy Bear, Dog, Cheetah
Pros:
1. Fun prints
2. Thick soles
3. Warm (faux) fur trim
Cons:
1. No half sizes
2. Not made to withstand years of wear, so not as good to pass down
Hunter Little Kids Reflective Camo Snow Boots
ICYMI: Hunter makes snow boots too! These durable boots (check out that all-terrain sole!) are perfect for stomping around in the snow. Especially for kiddos who still aren’t the most steady on their feet. We love that they’re made from at least 20 percent recycled materials and that their zipper and velcro closure make it easy to get toddler feet in while keeping the elements out.
Materials: Rubber, recycled fleece linings
Sizes available: 5-12
Colors: Patter Grey/Rainbow, Flexing Green
Pros:
1. Waterproof
2. Thick soles
3. Easy access side openings
Cons:
1. No half sizes
2. Pricey
Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Insulated Roll Top Vegan Shearling Boots
If you’re looking for a more classic Hunter design, these are almost exactly like their cult-favorite rainboots. The only difference? They have a super soft faux-fur lining that makes them great for cold and slushy weather.
Materials: Rubber, faux fur
Sizes available: 2-4
Colors: Hunter Navy/White Willow
Pros:
1. Waterproof
2. Cult-classic brand
3. Warm (faux) fur trim
Cons:
1. No side opening
2. Thin sole
L.L. Bean Toddlers' Ultralight Winter Boots
L.L. Bean’s lightest snow boot is exactly what your kiddo needs so they can frolic in the snow, rather than trudge their way through it. We love that this collection has bright colors (We see you, hot pink!) so it’s easy to spot your tot as they run around with friends.
Materials: Polyester, fleece lining, PrimaLoft insulation, polyurethane, rubber
Sizes available: 5-9
Colors: Blue Pine, Bright Navy, Mauve Berry, Pink Berry, Feldspar
Pros:
1. Lightweight
2. Easy access side opening
3. Feldspar color on sale
Cons:
1. Not as heavy-duty
2. No half sizes
Big Kids’ Powderbug Plus II Snow Boot
Tinsley tells SheKnows that while a shorter boot is easier to put on a toddler’s foot, a taller one is best at keeping a toddler’s feet dry when playing. Because the higher it is, the less likely it is that snow or water can make its way in through the top of the boot. And so we are all for these Columbia boots that hit around mid-calf and have a drawcord to keep the top of the shoe snug around little ones’ legs.
Materials: Washable and recycled felt liner, waterproof synthetic leather, nylon textile
Sizes available: 4-7
Colors: Emperor/Paisley Purple, Collegiate Navy/Chili, Black/Graphite, Dusty Pink/Beetroot, Black/Hyper Blue
Pros:
1. Tall
2. Drawcord
3. Thick soles
Cons:
1. Heavy
2. No half sizes
JAN & JUL Kids Outdoor Waterproof Winter Boots
These Jan & Jul winter boots are machine-washable, and yeah, that’s all we need to know. Bonuses: They are easy to pack (for winter travels!) and have finger holes to make it easier for toddlers to put them on themselves.
Materials: DWR coated neoprene, nonslip rubber, fleece
Sizes available: 6-13
Colors: Black Birch (with or without finger holes), Gray Birch (with or without finger holes), Navy Birch (with or without finger holes), Pink Birch (with or without finger holes), Gray Construction, Wildberry Birch (with or without finger holes), Pink Rainbows, Space Dinos, Winter Flowers
Pros:
1. Machine-washable
2. Finger holes
3. Fun patterns
Cons:
1. Not as warm
2. Light traction
Faux-Leather Lace-Up Sherpa-Lined Boots
Just because you’re shopping for functionality, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fashion sense. These sherpa-lined, faux-leather boots from Old Navy refuse to compromise. They’re perfect for wintry outings that require your little one to look a little more runway-ready.
Materials: Recycled thermoplastic rubber, synthetic materials, faux leather, sherpa
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors: Black
Pros:
1. Fashionable
2. Fall/Spring appropriate
3. Budget-friendly
Cons:
1. Laces
2. No half sizes
Hobibear Waterproof Slip Resistant Outdoor Winter Shoes
Remember what we said about the best toddler boots being the ones they’ll actually wear? If your kiddo doesn’t want a full-on unicorn horn, these boots from Amazon come in more than 10 fun patterns (even the “solid” colors have a pattern!) — making kids look extra cool on cool days.
Materials: Thermoplastic rubber, faux fur, synthetic leather
Sizes available: 3.5-13
Colors: Blue/Black, Glitter White, Pink, Black, Camo Black, Camo Blue, Camo Green, Glitter Black, Dinosaur, Glitter Pink, Pink/Purple
Pros:
1. Fun patterns
2. Budget-friendly
3. Half sizes
Cons:
1. Snow can sneak in
2. Light traction