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Keep those little feet happy and dry with these tried and tested snow boots
Predictions are that the winter will be a cold one. Meteorologists are cracking through the alphabetised list of storms that have caused widespread disruption. As wintry blasts continue to hit the UK, we may even see some snow in the coming weeks, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared.
Whether you (or the kids) are hoping for snow in the UK, or you’re planning to head off to more wintry climes, snow boots will be needed for parks and pistes alike this winter, and the good news is we’ve got you covered.
When buying a pair for the kids, no matter what their age, it’s worth going a half or a full size up. This is because not only are they likely to be worn with thick, insulated socks but the likelihood is they’ll be running around in them and playing in the snow, and hot feet expand.
Secondly, think about the lacing system. If they’re going to be switched for snow boots on the slopes, you need easy on-and-off mechanisms and if they’re being used in the park make sure they’ll stay tight and cosy, and not come undone or get leaf litter in the Velcro. No matter what your winter plans are, make sure your little and big kids alike are prepared and ready.
Our team of testers assessed the waterproofing of each pair in puddles and on the beach too. They looked at how easy they are to get on and off – both with and without adult help – and as well as assessing fit and heel rub, we also tested the warmth of the boot when they were taken off.
If you’re after an all-rounder, look no further. Stylish enough to be worn with jeans or leggings, these fleece lined snow boots are as much at home on the high street as they are high altitude peaks. Insulated to -32C, they’re made with environmentally preferred leather from tanneries that reduce water and energy use by recycling water to completely eliminate waste water. They’re also water repellent and have anti odour insoles so even if feet get sweaty making snowballs, they shouldn’t smell. The waterproof membrane means feet will stay dry and they’re lightweight with incredible traction too. The bungee lace locking means they’re easy to get on and off and more importantly adjust too.
Available in sizes 11 to 5 these budget boots come in six colours; yellow, navy, dark purple, coral and black, so there’s a colour choice to suit even the pickiest fashionista. Getting this much tech for such a low price tag makes it the perfect purchase for any cash strapped parent who doesn’t want to sacrifice quality. The deep lugs give an enhanced grip, the water repellent treatment of the fabric means young feet will stay dry no matter how long they’re out in the weather, and the faux fur collar means they won’t let any heat out the top too. The bungee lace system can be easily tightened and undone too so in theory they should be able to put them on themselves.
Keen is a family owned shoemaker from Denmark and the quality and technology that goes into every shoe is evident. The puffrider boasts that it “feels like a sleeping bag” and our testers agreed saying they felt more like slippers than snow boots. In addition to being incredibly comfortable, they also boast insulation down to temperatures of -32C and, while they’re water repellent on the outside, they also have a waterproof, breathable membrane. The bungee lace system at the back is designed to mean little and big kids can get them on and off alone without any help and as well as having an anti odour insole, the traction is second to none and fared brilliantly in testing even in slippery conditions.
These fab booties are the only boots on the list that can go through the washing machine and they’re also made from 100 percent recycled polyester. The only ones specifically for babies, these come in four sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months and 9-12 months. Available in rose, green and navy too, these are the only baby boots that stayed on in testing. The velcro strap can be adjusted and tightened to keep them in place but is secure enough that little hands can’t undo it, and the gathered elastic top meant debris didn’t work its way down into the boot to annoy little feet. Cosy, cute and seemingly very comfortable, if you’re taking your tot to the slopes or the park in the snow, these are a great option and are roomy too.
The wool lining makes these boots exceptionally cosy and the two Velcro straps are designed for the sizes they come in – little kids will be able to get them on and off by themselves with very little bother. They’re water repellent and the only ones on the list with a reflective logo on the back so they’re great for winter walks in the dark too. The insole is made of latex giving them a bouncier feel underfoot, and they felt breathable and kept feet sweat free even after a couple of hours of testing.
Whether it’s snow or ice, the deep grip on these boots would even have Bambi treading like a mountain goat. They’re also waterproof, insulated down to -25C and possibly -32C, and the bungee lace system means they won’t come undone even when they’re wet. They’re available in four colours; black/purple/turquoise, grey/black/red, navy/berry and wheat/black. They’re also one of the widest on the list so perfect for the less narrow footed young ones, and they’re available in ten sizes from a junior 10 to an adult 6.
Since conquering Dragons’ Den in 2018, Roarsome has gone from strength to strength and boasts future King Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis among their fan base. The upper is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles so they’re the perfect purchase for parents with the environment in mind, but in addition to their green credentials, there’s so much more to these boots. They’re thermal lined, waterproof, cope comfortably with sub-zero temperatures and with the finger loop and Velcro close they’re easy for little ones to put on themselves and they’re available in sizes 7.5 to 2.5.
With a pair of jeans over the top or leggings underneath, these boots make for a great everyday wear option. Not only are they incredibly stylish but they’re also made with recycled materials, so are a great option for kids who care about the environment. They’re pretty roomy but the advice on the website is to go up 1.5cm when ordering a size to allow for cosy socks. Available in sizes 7.5 to 2.5 they also come in three very on trend colours: army brown, black, dark rosetta and taupe.
If it’s day-long activity boots you’re after, the varanger’s are perfect. The name comes from a peninsula in Norway where temperatures can get as low as -30C. They’re waterproof and the rip stop technology in the upper fabric means they’ll last way past the time young feet outgrow them. The wool and felt insulated sock inner keeps the entire foot and ankle warm and while they look a little like a welly, these are snow boots all the way. The two bungee cords – one on the ankle and one at the top of the boot – mean they can be tightened into place like a regular snow boot but keep snow and debris out of the top, and the heat in with the bungee at the top. The lower is also enhanced with Helly Hansen’s ‘FreezeBlock’ shield technology to keep the cold out and the warmth in. The boots are available in a 9.5 to a size 2.
Not only are these the cheapest on the list but they’re also the easiest to put on. The single bungee cord at the top to tighten them means little ones should be able to stay still for the couple of seconds it’ll take to get them on. Available for little feet in sizes 6 to 10 these are snowproof and water-repellent, and the deep lugs gave great traction in testing.
When it comes to what you get for your money, the Whistler Kids adaptive snow boot is a bargain and a brilliant snow boot too. The six different colours means even the fussiest of young ones will find a colour they like that matches their salopettes.
Special mention goes to Helly Hansen Kids’ and Juniors’ Varanger Insulated Boots too. Synonymous with not only the outdoors but wintery cold landscapes, it’s impossible to ignore the tech that’s gone into these snow boots. They’re incredibly comfortable, tested fantastically for hours and look like they mean business too.
As the days get colder, kit out your child with one of the best pairs of waterproof trousers for kids