“Kids can and should play in the rain! Rain is a part of life, as is getting wet sometimes,” explains Amanda Stovall, MD, an Illinois-based board-certified pediatrician. “Keeping feet dry and protected can help prevent blisters and help prevent slipping.” Rain boots should be able to stand up to all the water, snow, mud, and debris that your child will stomp through. Look for boots that are made of durable materials, such as rubber that won’t tear, crack, or leak, and provide insulation to prevent cold feet. We carefully considered material, design, ease of use, sizing, and value when reviewing products. Here are our favorite rain boots for kids to splash and jump in all day long. They’re available in a few color options and in sizes 10 to 13 and 1 to 3. The boots have removable insoles that are fully lined in super-soft cotton to keep feet dry and warm. The soles are designed to ensure traction, and there is a reflective triangle on the back to help keep your kid visible on dark, rainy days. Price at time of publish: $45 Price at time of publish: Starting at $60 Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $45 Price at time of publish: Starting at $12 Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $65 Price at time of publish: $54 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: Starting at $58 Price at time of publish: Starting at $16 They’re available in sizes ranging from toddlers to big kids and come in a variety of vibrant colors for kids to show off at school. When the boots get dirty (and you know they will), simply wash them in cold water with mild soap and lay them out to dry. Additionally, we spoke with Amanda Stovall, MD, an Illinois-based board-certified pediatrician, and Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, founder and CEO of The Modern Mamas Club App and Modern Mommy Doc, to find out what to look for in rain boots for kids and the benefits of keeping feet warm and dry.
What to Look for in Rain Boots for Kids
Durable Materials
Rain boots should be able to stand up to all the rain, snow, mud, and debris that your child will stomp through. Opt for boots that are made of durable materials, such as rubber that won’t tear, crack, or leak. “Rain boots keep kids’ feet warm and dry so that they can enjoy their outdoor playtime,” says Dr. Casares. “Parents should look for rain boots that are manufactured with tight seams and sturdy waterproof materials.” The inner lining of the boot should also provide comfort, insulation, and moisture-wicking abilities to keep your little one’s feet dry and warm. Also, consider the cut of the boot. If your kid likes to splash around outside, it’s best to choose calf-height boots that will protect their legs as well.
Weight
Heavy boots can be problematic for some kids, especially those who like to run and jump around. You don’t want them to trip over their feet or feel like they’re lugging their boots around while they wear them, but very lightweight boots may be too flimsy for active kids. Look for a happy medium.
Traction
“Rain provides different physical challenges, including walking on slippery surfaces and jumping in and over puddles. As always, it’s parents’ job to make sure [children] stay safe when playing outside. If it is storming with lightning and strong winds, it is best to be inside,” Dr. Stovall tells Verywell Family. “You may also want to guide your child away from overly slippery surfaces, like tall plastic slides where the chance of slipping and falling is higher and could cause serious injury.” Always check the soles of the rain boots you’re considering to ensure they’ll provide adequate traction on any surface. It’s important the boots you choose help provide a firm grip on the ground so your child won’t slip and fall.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son. If they slip around too much in their boots, it can cause blisters. Just be sure there’s enough room for your child to feel comfortable. “It’s important to keep feet dry in the rain so they don’t become uncomfortable or too cold,” advises Dr. Casares. To get the most out of your child’s rain boots, allow them to air dry after use and then store them at room temperature or cooler out of direct sunlight. Heat can cause the materials they’re made of to harden and crack. If you—and your kid—take good care of them, the rain boots should last until your child grows out of them. You may even be able to pass them down to a younger sibling.
