For years we struggled to find kids winter boots that were both good for their feet and practical for real weather. Finally there are options that have a wide toe box and flexibility. We did the research so you don’t have to!
Here are the best barefoot winter boots for kids that are practical for playing in cold, mud, snow, and rain.
Why Barefoot Boots for Kids?
We live in a cold climate with temps often dipping below zero (both F and C!). In order to get outside year round, practical shoes are a must. But after my run-in with chronic foot pain I’ve learned that we also need shoes that don’t hurt our feet! Especially for little feet.
The barefoot winter boots listed here are what I feel confident putting on my children, knowing they won’t damage their growing feet and will still protect them from the elements. This is the same criteria I use for all my kids shoes.
Before we head into the winter shoes, here are a few tips for staying warm in the coldest of temps.
Winter Shoe Hacks
The following are winter essentials in our house. They keep us moving and grooving in our wide toe box boots all through the cold season.
- Wool insoles (Felty is extra thick, Woolly is thinner) – I keep an extra pair handy to add to boots that aren’t quite warm enough. They make a HUGE difference.
- Wool socks – my younger son wears Plus 12 socks and my older son wears Creepers toe socks.
- Waterproofing products – Kids that are tough on shoes wear through waterproofing quickly. It’s worth having something on hand to up the water resistance mid-season.
- Boot dryer – I have used this exact one on my floor vents (with fan air, not heat) for years. If you don’t have floor vents you can use an electric dryer. It has SAVED us because nobody likes putting on cold, wet shoes.
Now let’s get into the best warm barefoot winter boots for kids.
Our Favorite Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids
These work for kids of all ages between the toddler years and adult sizing. If you have a little one, jump straight to the section on Toddler & Baby Winter Boots! If your child has graduated to adult sizing, check out my main barefoot boot articles.
Vivobarefoot Lumi
Use code ANYA20VB for 20% off
The Vivobarefoot Lumi is one barefoot kids boot that does it all: Rain, Snow, Cold Weather, etc. I get them for my older boy every year (this is our 6th year in them) because they fit his long feet really well and have the best functionality of any barefoot kids winter boot we’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. If you live in a cold climate I highly recommend doing the same, as the Vivo insoles just don’t cut it for us. After that adjustment the Lumi works as a one-and-done boot for us all season long.
We also love the Vivobarefoot Kids Fulham and Winterized booties – all have functional outdoor insoles and water resistance for you don’t need a full snow boot.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size.
- Best for medium width.
- Best for medium volume.
Be Lenka Snowfox
Leather & Textile | Waterproof | 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. We also have them at Anya’s Shop in the US!
Our favorite winter shoe from Be Lenka is the Snowfox (above left). It’s easy for my son to put on, and the laces make the entire boot fully adjustable for a secure fit on any foot type. They’re insulated and warm enough for our frigid midwest winters. And they have an extra wide fit, so if you like the Vivobarefoot Lumi but need something wider the Snowfox is where it’s at.
The one thing I don’t love is that the water resistance isn’t as high as the Lumi. All waterproofing fails at some point, but I expected a little more water protection with these. If you have a very active kid, I would plan on applying Sno Seal at some point mid-season to reseal them.
The Kids Winter (above right) is another warm barefoot boot option from Be Lenka. They are not as easy to put on, so my child really prefers the Snowfox. But they have a dressier look and fit nice and close around the ankle for security.
Sizing & Fit: Be Lenka boots are:
- Snowfix is true to size, kids Winter runs big!
- Snowfox is good for wide feet. Winter is best for average width feet.
- Both best for medium volume, and can be a bit snug over the top of the foot if your child has a high volume feet.
Softstar Phoenix
Leather & Sheepskin | Custom Color Options | Sizes US 7C-4Y
The Softstar Phoenix is a supremely cozy sheepskin boot, handmade in Oregon. I wear the Phoenix in adult sizes, and the quality is excellent. You can choose custom colors, which my son loved. 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 something like SnoSeal for use in wet snow.
Another thing to note is that they have a side zipper but otherwise can’t be adjusted. My son liked to wear these without socks, and after the boot broke in they were a little floppy on him. He walked right out of them into the snow once! So while they are delightfully warm, they work better with socks or for thick, high volume feet.
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs small, so sizing up one is advised.
- Good for wide feet.
- Good for high volume feet.
Wildling Shoes
Water Resistant | Wool | Sizes 3C-4Y (baby to big kid)
Use code AWN_ANYA for a one-time free shipping offer. If you live outside the US/Canada, use this Wildling Shoes link.
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, and adding on a wool insole to your order. This combo keep my kids and myself cozy and dry. You’d 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 water will likely get through.
Wildling’s wool models are great to wear to school in the winter, for shorter outings, or less extreme winter days.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Average to wide fit.
- High volume – but you can add an extra wool insole if your child has low volume feet.
Read all my Wildling Shoes reviews here
Zeazoo Dingo
Sheepskin | Waterproofable | Sizes EU 20-34
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Also available seasonally from Anya’s Shop for easier US access.
Zeazoo makes delightfully soft and light barefoot sheepskin boots for kids. While not quite as thick and durable as the Phoenix from Softstar, they are more flexible and just as warm. If you’re looking for a simple pull on boot in the style of Uggs, the Zeazoo Dingo is it. Just know that the simple construction doesn’t lend itself to rough wear. They’re more like super warm slippers! If you’d like something with more adjustability and security, I recommend the Yeti from Zeazoo.
My son wore his Dingos a full winter season one year. We treated them with Snoseal to waterproof them and his feet stayed toasty and dry, even after being outdoors in below freezing temps for a long time. But the boots definitely got dinged up. So for the most part I recommend them for lighter wear.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size (in kids, but big in adults)
- Extra wide fit
- High volume
Watch a waterproofing demonstration here!
Feelgrounds
Vegan | Waterproof | Sizes EU 22-37
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off
Feelgrounds has kids vegan Chelsea and lace up boots with a warm microfiber lining. They’re not snow boots or as warm as some others here, but they will keep your kid cozy and dry in a lot of weather. The Patrol boot (left) has a waterproof membrane, while the Chelsea (right) is water-resistant.
They’re a little bit stiffer than I like in kids’ shoes, but durable and have good grippy tread on the outsoles. And they have the added bonus of looking a little dressier, so they can be worn both for outdoor use or to nicer occasions.
Sizing & Fit:
- Mostly true to size, but we suggest sizing up in the Patrol model.
- Wide fit
- Medium volume
Froddo
Leather & Textile | Waterproof | Sizes EU 25-42
Froddo – These are high quality boots with good functionality. They are more average/slim width, so not best for extra wide little feet. But the quality is good!
US customers can find Froddo at PedTerra and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off first order. Can also be found worldwide at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
Koel
Leather | Waterproof Options | Sizes EU 20-41
Koel has a variety of practical and warm kids winter boots. They have a bit of stiffness when new, but the quality is good. I recommend the wool lined ones for winter.
The best places to buy Koel are:
- Mugavik Barefoot – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
- Tupsunupsu
Budget Kids Barefoot Winter Boots
Here are the most affordable barefoot winter boots for kids that still are good for growing feet.
Saguaro
Synthetic Textile | Not Water Resistant | US Kids 8.5 – Youth 3.5
Use code ANYASREVIEWS to get 15% off Saguaro.
Saguaro has a number of more affordable kids winter boots and shoes in the full size range. The Will is our favorite because they are really wide, soft, and flexible and come in at about $50 after my coupon code. But they are not water resistant and the materials are a synthetic fabric so get wet easily. My kids use them when they don’t need a full snow boot, but want to be warm.
The soles on my youngest’s are wearing down a bit and there is separation on the edges. But we are used to kids shoes being well-loved and they just keep wearing them! (My own Saguaro boots are fine, because I am not a destructo machine).
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs small, we size up.
- Wide fit (in the models we’ve highlighted here)
- Good for all foot volumes
Check my FAQ on cleaning shoes for how to remove shoe funk.
Ten Little
Insulated Polyester | Water Resistant Membrane | Fleece Lining | Sizes US 6-13
Ten Little has these cute and functional snow boots for toddlers and little kids! The main body is an insulated polyester material that reminds me of a puffer jacket. They can cinch closed at the top with a elastic toggle strap and the entire boot shaft opens with a large velcro closure on the side. They’re easy enough for my 4 year to put on himself! I was delighted to discover the outsole on these has some grippy lugs, too.
These are $60 and only available up to size 13, but we have hope that Ten Little will expand the size range for these in the future.
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs on the small side – we suggest sizing up one from your child’s sneaker size
- Average width
- Medium to high volume.
Jan and Jul
Faux Sherpa lining | Water Resistant | Sizes US Kids 4-11
These insulated ankle boots are very cozy and warm and also very budget friendly. They only go up to a size 11, so my kids have already sized out of them. But Samantha’s younger kids are getting good use out of them – they are so soft and easy to wear!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Wide fit
- Good for all foot volumes
A Few More Options
In case you didn’t find what you were looking for, or want options closer to home.
- Affenzahn (UK & EU only)
- Baby Bare (EU) – US customers can find Baby Bare at PedTerra and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off first order
- Fare (EU)
- Freet Tuffee – Code AnyaFreet gets you 10% off. If you live outside the USA, shop Freet here.
- Kiuu (EU)
- Manitobah Mukluks – Not all styles are barefoot friendly
- Mukishoes – These are best for temperate weather. Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off
- Sole Runner Shoes (EU)
- Stonz West Boots (CA) – All season waterproof boots rated down to 5 degrees F. Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off
Barefoot Winter Boots for Toddler & Baby
We are even more particular about extra little feet! You can find our top recommended barefoot baby boots here.
- Jan and Jul – There’s a couple affordable options here, read our review for which models are barefoot friendly
- Magical Shoes – Use code ANYA 10% off. Read my Magical Shoes reviews here!
- Stonz – The soft sole boots for babies/toddlers. Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off
- Ten Little Kids – Just the snow boot shown above, that is available seasonally. We don’t recommend the others. Read my Ten Little reviews here
- Tikki Shoes – The Beetle comes in a warm wool-lined version! Use code ANYALANG for 10% off
- Wildling Shoes – Use code AWN_ANYA for a one-time free shipping offer. If you live outside the US/Canada, use this Wildling Shoes link. And you can read all my Wildling Reviews here.
- Zeazoo – Customers outside the US/Canada can purchase from Zeazoo Kids directly (located in Bulgaria) and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
For more details about these options, read my Best Baby and Toddler Barefoot Shoes roundup.
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!
48 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids That Play!”
Hi Anya,
We’re in the rainy pacific northwest, and looking for warm waterproof kids boots for med to hi volume feet. I wasn’t sure if Vivo Lumi would work. We don’t need a snow boot, as it only barely freezes here, but we do want something warmer than a rubber boot (and more foot-and movement friendly) Suggestions welcome!
The Lumi could work with the insole removed! And with the temps you have you may not need it. That would probably be my recommendation, as the Snowfox is probably too warm. You could also check out the Koel Rana, but it’s not always in stock. Last place I’ve seen it is Mugavik Barefoot or Tupsunupsu (both retailers).
I got my daughter some Vivo Lumis, since it sounds like they have good waterproofing. We live in coastal Massachusetts, so we need to be prepared down to 20F, but slushy or wet and 37F is more likely. I’m hoping to do it in one boot.
Unfortunately, my daughter had cold feet in the Lumis today and it was close to 40F….Back to the drawing board.
Which of the other warm snowboot-style boots would you say has the best waterproofing? Are the Froddo snowboots (Tex Track Wool) better than the Snowfox? (Ten Little? Koel Rana Winter?) Thanks.
I’ve heard good things about Froddo snow boots, but ours we haven’t tested very much in wet conditions. The Lumi with a felted wool insole in place of the factory insole has worked much better for us in terms of warmth.
There are so many European brands that work as barefoot. Not necessarily for boots but my kids have been loving kavats sandals and they actually do have a toddler barefoot boot.
Hi Anya, my son is 12 and has outgrown the lumi jr. which we loved and I’m having a hard time finding something that checks most or all of the boxes for playing in the snow as these did. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you in advance!
Hi! You’ll probably want to check out our list of winter boots for adults since he’s sized out of juniors. You can find our top picks here. The Be Lenka Snowfox is most similar.