Every year when the seasons change and cold comes I dither and blither about what barefoot winter boots to get my two boys. You see we live in the Midwest where the winters are harsh and being actually barefoot is not an option. But I am unwilling to compromise on the important features of barefoot shoes at their young age, when their bodies are still developing.
This list is a result of my research for healthy barefoot winter boots for kids that are practical for playing in seriously cold, muddy, and wet conditions. Read on for our personal favorites and a full list of kids barefoot boot options.
Click here for our all-time favorite everyday barefoot kids shoes
Our Favorite Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids
1. Vivobarefoot Lumi
The Vivobarefoot Lumi is the one barefoot kids boot that does it all: Rain, Snow, Cold Weather. I get them for my older boy every year because they fit his long, thin feet really well and have the best functionality of any other barefoot kids winter boot I’ve tried. We always take out the thermal insole that comes with our Vivobarefoot shoes and instead use a sheepskin or wool insole for more warmth. After that adjustment they work as a one-and-done boot all season long.
These boots are only available seasonally, which can be frustrating when you’re ready to shop and they haven’t arrived yet. But in my opinion they are worth the wait! These are also one of only a few options that offer big kid sizes, and the only vegan option listed here.
Sizing & Fit: True to size, best for medium width/medium volume feet.
Get 10% off any Vivobarefoot order with my code VBANYA10
4. Be Lenka Snowfox & Panda
$99-135 | Waterproof | Fleece Lined | Sizes EU 25-35
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off your Be Lenka purchase, but note that returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA.
The Be Lenka Snowfox is a wonderful waterproof barefoot boot for kids. It is insulated with natural and synthetic wool and has lacing over the entire boot, which means you get a secure fit no matter your foot type. After the Lumi, these are the most practical barefoot winter boot for kids I’ve tried, and they have a wide fit. So if you like the Lumi but need something for wider feet the Snowfox is where it’s at.
The Be Lenka Panda is another good kids barefoot boot option from Be Lenka. They are ankle height, so not great for deep snow, but easy on, durable, and super warm. For our climate, where it’s cold 6 months or more out of the year, these are a very practical shoe and can be worn daily to school. My son liked having something warm that he could play more easily in than a full snow boot.
Sizing & Fit: Be Lenka boots are true to size and good for wide feet. They fit medium volume, and can be a bit snug if you your child has thick feet.
3. Softstar Phoenix
$134 (after coupon) | Sheepskin | Custom Color Options | Sizes US 7C-4Y
The Softstar Phoenix is a supremely cozy sheepskin boot, handmade in Oregon. I wear the adult Phoenix myself, and the quality is unsurpassed. You can choose custom colors, which my son loved (of course he chose blue). The foot portion is smooth leather and naturally water resistant, but the upper half of the boot is suede and water can soak through. I recommend using a waterproofing product such as SnoSeal if you plan to use these in snow.
Another thing to note is that they have a side zipper but otherwise can’t be adjusted. My son liked to wear these barefoot, and after the boot broke in they were a little floppy on him. He walked right out of them into the snow once! I tried to get him to wear socks but he’s a purist. So while they are delightfully warm, they work better if you wear socks or have thick, high volume feet.
Sizing & Fit: They run very snug, so sizing up one is advised. Good for wide, high volume feet.
4. Wildling Shoes
$137 | Water Resistant | Wool | Sizes 3C-4Y (baby to big kid)
Oh Wildling Shoes, how we love your sock like feel and cozy warmth! These are another big favorite in our house because they are so lightweight and comfortable, but surprisingly warm and water resistant. I recommend choosing the models made entirely of wool for the most warmth for winter time, and adding on a wool insole to your order. This combo keep my kids and myself cozy and dry without weighing us down. You’ll be amazed at how practical a shoe this minimal can be! However they aren’t snow boots, so you can still get snow in the top and if you spend long hours in wet conditions some water gets through.
Sizing & Fit: These are true to size and have an average to wide fit. They tend to morph and adapt to the foot inside them, so often work for even extra wide feet. Generally we find them to fit high volume.
Read my full Wildling Shoes review here.
5. Zeazoo Dingo/Yeti
$85-$100 | Sheepskin | Waterproofable | Sizes EU 20-34
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
Also available seasonally from Anya’s Shop.
Zeazoo also makes barefoot sheepskin boots for kids, and they are delightfully soft and light. While not quite as thick and warm as the Phoenix from Softstar, they are more flexible. If you’re looking for a simple pull on boot in the style of Uggs, the Zeazoo Dingo is it. But if you’d like something with more adjustability and security, I recommend the Yeti.
My son wore them a full winter season and his feet stayed toasty warm and dry after we waterproofed them with Snoseal, even after being outdoors in below freezing temps for a long time. We did have to reapply the waterproofing treatment once and sew up a hole that formed at a seam, but for how comfortable and warm they were we were happy.
Sizing & Fit: These boots are extra wide and high volume! They run true to size in kids (but big in adults).
Watch a waterproofing demonstration here!
Now that I’ve shared my favorites with you, here are some more options by size range and type! Check out the kids barefoot boot options in little and big sizes, plus vegan and rain boots.
Barefoot Winter Boots for Toddler & Baby
- Baby Bare – US customers can find Baby Bare at PedTerra and use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off first order - bLifestyle (does not ship to the US)
- Bobux – See review here. This is a great brand for waterproof shoes, styles that look “normal”, and the full breadth of sizes
- Bundgaard – You can find Bundgaard boots at Mugavik Barefoot (EU retailer with worldwide shipping). Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Fare
- Filii – Doesn’t ship to the US
- Froddo – Not all are zero drop. US customers can find Froddo at PedTerra and use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off first order. They can also be found at Mugavik Barefoot who ship worldwide. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off - Jack and Lily
- Jan and Jul Stay-Put Cozy Boots (baby)
- Jan and Jul Toasty Dry – The insole has a heel lift that needs to be removed but it’s glued down (a blow dryer works quick and easy to soften the glue for removal). Read the review here
- Jan and Jul Lite Winter – These are zero drop and flexible, but don’t have the best toe box. Read the review here
- Kiuu – Doesn’t ship to the US
- Koel – Does ship worldwide, but you can also find them at retailers Tupsunupsu or Mugavik Barefoot (Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off)
- Liliputi
- Little Love Bug Company
- Magical Shoes – Takin and Ziuziu 2.0 models. Use code ANYA 10% off. Read my Magical Shoes reviews here!
- PaperKrane – ANYASREVIEWS 10% off
- Softstar Shoes
- Soft Walker Shoes
- Sole Runner Shoes– It looks like they don’t do baby sizes, but start with toddler age.
- Stonz – Not all are zero drop, but many of them are. They have soft sole boots for babies/toddlers and a waterproof cold weather boot called the West boot. Use code ANYAREVIEWS10 for 10% off
- Ten Little Kids – Read my Ten Little reviews here
- Tikki Shoes
- Vivobarefoot – VBANYA10 for 10% off
- Wildling Shoes – Most minimal yet practical boots out there! Read my Wildling Reviews here
- Zeazoo Dingo & Yeti – Customers outside the US/Canada can purchase them from Zeazoo Kids directly (located in Bulgaria) and use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 5% off.
Barefoot Winter Boots for Big Kids
- Baby Bare – US customers can find Baby Bare at PedTerra and use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off first order - Be Lenka – Penguin, Panda, and Snow Fox. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA).
- Fare
- Freet Mudee – Vegan
AR-10gets you 15% off - Froddo – Not all styles are zero drop. US customers can find Froddo at PedTerra and use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off first order. Also found worldwide at Mugavik Barefoot. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. - Kiuu – Doesn’t ship to the US
- Koel – Does ship worldwide, but you can find them at retailers Tupsunupsu or Mugavik Barefoot (Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off)
- Manitobah Mukluks
- Mukishoes Chelsea – Those are lighter winter boots, with a thin wool lining. A vegan cork version also available. Use code
ANYAMUKIfor 10% off - Sole Runner Shoes
- Stonz West Boots – All season waterproof boots rated down to 5 degrees F. Use code ANYAREVIEWS10 for 10% off
- Vivobarefoot – VBANYA10 10% off
- Wildling Shoes – Most minimal yet practical boots out there! Read my Wildling Reviews here
- Zeazoo Dingo & Yeti – Customers outside the US/Canada can purchase them from Zeazoo Kids directly (located in Bulgaria) and use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 5% off.
Barefoot Rubber Rain Boots for Kids
- Bisgaard
- Bundgaard – The Classic and Classic Short Bundgaard boots are zero drop. *Note that the Bundgaard sailor is not zero drop.
- Oaki Rain Boots – Not all options are zero-drop
- Original Hunter Classic
- Koel
- KomForme
- Ten Little – Toddler/little kid sizes US 6-13. Read the review here
- Viking – Not all models are zero-drop. Viking ships to the EU only, but this brand can also be found at Outnorth for international shipping.
Vegan Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids
- Affenzahn (Europe & UK only, Size EU 21-32)
- Freet Mudee (Size EU 35-36)
AR-10for 15% off - Jan & Jul Toasty Dry – The insole has a heel lift that needs to be removed but it’s glued down (a blow dryer works quick and easy to soften the glue for removal)
- Jan & Jul Lite Winter Boots (Size US 4-11)
- Kiuu (Europe Only, Size EU 28-36)
- Mukishoes Cork Chelsea – Lighter winter boot with a thin wool lining. Use code
ANYAMUKIfor 10% off (Sizes EU 24-35) - Sole Runner Transition Vario 3 (Size EU 29-35)
- Stonz Booties (Toddler). Use code ANYAREVIEWS10 for 10% off
- Stonz West (Sizes US 4T-2Y)
- Ten Little Kids (Size US 4-13) – See the Ten Little review here.
- Vivobarefoot Yeti & Fulham (Toddler to Big Kid)
- Wilding Shoes (Size EU 18-35) – Read my Wildling Reviews here
Conclusion
We like to play hard through the winter, so having practical barefoot boots for kids is very important to us. These are our tried and true favorites, plus additional info so you can find what you need!
19 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids That Play!”
Have you had an issues with water getting inside the Vivo yeti’s? So nervous about getting non rubber winter boots but these look to be the most minimal which I think is important for hours outside every day. Thanks for any input!
We occasionally had water soak through. But the version that’s coming this year is completely revamped, so I am hoping improved. They’ve had two years to tweak the design based on feedback, so I ave high expectations!
Are the Jan & Jul boots zero drop too? We’re looking at the Toasty Dry Lite.
I’ve communicated with them in the past and honestly it was unclear. One person told me they were zero drop and one person said they weren’t. I didn’t get an official response after I asked for clarification. But thanks for reminding me, I will check in again. If they’re not zero drop, they’re very nearly so.
I just saw the Vivo has a new snow boot for kids called Lumi. Do you know if this is a replacement for the Yeti?
Yes it is! I haven’t updated this article yet, because the Lumi isn’t released in the US yet. But that is what I was told, no Yeti this year, just the Lumi.
I can’t find the Lumi or the Yeti on their website. Sold out??? Or am I looking in the wrong place? Thank you!
They just haven’t been released yet. I don’t have a release date yet, but they’ll be coming this fall. Hopefully soon.
Thank you for this list! What would you say is the difference between Vivobarefoot Lumi and Be lenka Snowfox, apart from the width?
The Snowfox has more adjustability because of the lacing system, which is nice. The Lumi has better traction on the outsole, and they come with a removable insole. Otherwise, they function pretty equally. My oldest has worn Lumi and my younger son Snowfox the last two winters and they’ve both been great for us. Even though the Lumi doesn’t have an adjustable upper, it still fit my low volume son without being floppy, so I guess the other main difference is that Snowfox is better for high volume feet.
We got the lumis last year. I don’t think any boots are waterproof. Either the snow goes in from the top or snow pants.
Help! I need affordable boots with a WIDE toe box for 5 out of my 6 kids. We often would need the wide versions of barefoot shoes. I finally got all but the youngest into Primal 2’s, but it started snowing this morning and they obviously won’t work in snow. They have worn sized up rain boots with 2 pair of thick wool socks under for winter the last couple years, but all but two pair of the rain boots have heels, as most do, and only one of those two pair fit someone right now. Which of the rainboots like “mysoft” or “casamiel” or ”norty” or “KomForme” are widest. Or more expensive boots that are actually available used, for affordability. Are Bogs or Bisgaard or London Fog more or less wide than those others? Frustrated in my search. By the time I see something available secondhand and check size and width, they’re claimed.
Bisgaard would be my top pick if you’re looking for used, they’re pretty flexible and that makes them feel wider because the rubber can spread out. For the cheaper options, I would think KomForme but they’re all pretty similar. Another good option you might like is these from Mishansha. They are $40, water resistant, and pretty minimal in design.
Thank you for these guides! Such a life saver for our feet. I’m having a hard time finding winter foots for my 4 year old. I was thinking of getting the Stonz West boot…but do they have a wide toe box? I just measured her feet at 7 cm at the widest point when standing naturally, however the Stonz size guide said even if I size up 2 sizes (plenty of room length-wise) to a 11 they are still only 6.4cm wide. Seems they would be too tight for the toes, especially if I add a thick winter sock! I am debating just paying more for Vivos….Thank you for your time!
Hi Emily! Here in the Barefoot Shoe Finder we have some photos of the Stonz West that shows the toe box shape. It’s not the best, but it is decent. I would keep in mind that if measuring from a foot tracing you’ll get a slightly wider measurement than her foot actually is, and width charts often make shoes appear narrower than they are because they are based off the insole which sits under the foot and donn’t always indicate what the usable space is inside the shoe. All that to say, width charts are more of a loose guide but I also don’t think the West has a great foot shape to them.
Hello,
Any input on the Stonz Trek Boots compared to the Stonz West for a 4.5 and 2 year old? I am deciding between those and the Jan & Jul.
Thanks!
We haven’t tested a pair of the Trek boots because they don’t meet our shoe requirements, so I wouldn’t be able to tell you how they compare to the West unfortunately.
Hi! Are there any differences between Vivobarefoot Lumi and Be lenka snowfox, besides width? Is one of them more flexible or resistant to water?
Thanks!
It seems like the Be Lenka Snowfox got a little more flexible as it broke in, but they both function at basically the same level. I *think* my son wearing the Snowfox got a little more wet on particularly long snow-playing days in warmer weather, but I’m not 100% sure about that (he’s also my crazy child, so I think it came in the top). They both were perfect for us once again this past winter.