For a long time we struggled to find kids winter boots that were both good for their foot development and practical for real winter weather. 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 seriously cold, muddy, and wet conditions. Read on for our personal favorites and a full list of kids barefoot boot options.
Our Favorite Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids
The barefoot winter boots listed here work for kids of all ages between the toddler years and adult sizing. If you have a little little one, jump to the section on Toddler & Baby Winter Boots! And if your child has graduated to adult sizing, check out my main barefoot boot articles.
Vivobarefoot Lumi
Get 10% off any Vivobarefoot order with my code VBANYA20
The Vivobarefoot Lumi is one barefoot kids boot that does it all: Rain, Snow, Cold Weather. I get them for my older boy every year (this is our 4th year in them) because they fit his long, thin feet really well and have some of the best functionality of any other 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, and 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.
These boots are sometimes not in stock in the summer, but they restock every year in different colors. They are also the only vegan option listed here.
Sizing & Fit: True to size, best for medium width/medium volume feet.
Be Lenka Snowfox & Panda
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 this year!
The Be Lenka Snowfox (above left) 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. Alongside 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 (above right) 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 likes having something warm that he can play more easily in than a full snow boot, so we get good use out of them.
Sizing & Fit: Be Lenka boots are true to size and good for wide feet. They fit medium volume, and can be a bit snug over the top of the foot if you your child has 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 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.
Wildling Shoes
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 all my Wildling Shoes reviews here
Zeazoo Dingo/Yeti
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 from Zeazoo.
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!
Budget Kids Barefoot Winter Boots
Here are the most affordable barefoot winter boots for kids that still are good for growing feet.
Saguaro Will
Synthetic Textile | Not Water Resistant | US Kids 8.5 – Youth 3.5
Use code ANYASREVIEWS to get 15% off Saguaro.
The Saguaro Will is a solid cheap winter option. They are soft, warm 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 and can start to smell if not dried quickly.
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! (Mine are fine, because I am not a destructo machine). While definitely not as practical as the above kids barefoot winter boots, they can get you by if you need a cheaper option.
Sizing & Fit: We find that Saguaro, in both kids and adult models, runs on the smaller side. I chose a size up from what they were wearing in other brands and they fit them perfectly.
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
New from Ten Little this year are 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.
The 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: Average width, medium to high volume. I recommend sizing up one from your kiddo’s sneaker size.
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
We are even more particular about extra little feet! You can find our top recommended barefoot baby boots here.
- 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, only barefoot models. 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 - Gogsig (EU Only)
- Jack and Lily
- Jan and Jul – There’s a couple affordable options here, read our review for which models are barefoot friendly
- Kiuu (EU Only)
- Koel – Worldwide shipping is available, but you can also find them at retailers Tupsunupsu or Mugavik Barefoot (Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off at Mugavik)
- Liliputi
- Little Love Bug Company
- Magical Shoes – 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 – Not exactly a boot, but a warm lined high top for everyday. Read my Ten Little reviews here
- Tikki Shoes
- Vivobarefoot – VBANYA20 for 10% off
- Wildling Shoes – Most minimal yet practical boots out there! Read my Wildling Reviews here
- Zeazoo – Customers outside the US/Canada can purchase 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 – 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 also find them at retailers Tupsunupsu or Mugavik Barefoot (Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off)
- Manitobah Mukluks – Not all styles are barefoot friendly
- Mukishoes Chelsea – Those are lighter winter boots, with a thin wool lining and are only available seasonally. 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 – VBANYA20 10% off
- Wildling Shoes – Most minimal yet practical boots out there! Read my Wildling Reviews here
- Zeazoo – Customers outside the US/Canada can purchase directly 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.
- Foot Buddy – ANYAS15 for 15% off
- 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)
- Feelgrounds (EU 24-37)
- Freet Mudee (Size EU 35-36)
AR-10for 15% off - Jan and Jul – There’s a couple affordable options here, read our review for which models are barefoot friendly
- 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 (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!
30 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids That Play!”
Hello 🙂
Thank you so much for this article.
I would like to know, for the Lumi ou Snowfox, what’s the minimum temperature they can handle? I live in Quebec and it’s not rare it can feel -30 degrés Celsius. I would like for my 4yr old daughter to wear barefoot in the winter too, but I want to be sure she won’t freeze her toes! Once again, thank you very much.
I would suggest the Snowfox in that case. But I also would highly recommend adding an additional felt insole (The options listed here include kids sizes) for extra warmth. The Snowfox is maybe a touch warmer than the Lumi, but more importantly for a small child the laces can adjust so they are secure on her feet.
Hello,
I’m curious what temperature your winters reach? I am interested in the Zeazoo Yeti. Is there any way to make them warmer like some of the other brands? Our winters get COLD.
Thank you!
My temps regularly reach -20 Fahrenheit in the winter, and in January and February it often stays below freezing all day and night. My son wore the Zeazoo Dingo in these subzero temps and always had warm feet! Of course he runs on the warmer side, I need an additional felt or sheepskin insole and warm socks to stay warm enough while walking outside and playing in the snow. But both the Yeti and the Dingo are quite warm boots.
With your experience with the Saguaro Will in the winter—specifically for kids—did you feel the fit was true to size? And would you size up if wearing warm or thicker socks? Thanks!
They fit on the smaller side compared to other brands my kids wear, so we sized up in them and they were perfect with some growing room. I can’t get my kids to wear socks most of the time, but they were able to fit socks. I wear mine with thick socks in the winter and definitely need a size up to be able to do that.
We tried the Lumi boots and were disappointed with how tight the toe area is in terms of height. The boots are wide enough but the toes are squished in height. Especially for a winter boot, we need extra height for thicker socks. I’m surprised that Anya’s kids liked the for of these given how tight they are.
My younger son has pretty low volume feet, so Vivo has been an excellent brand for him. But every kid is different!
We tried the Be Lenka Snowfox next, and they also were too tight in toe height. I was surprised because the Be Lenka shoes are my kid’s favorite shoes! We’re bummed that we can’t find any barefoot style winter boots that have enough volume in the toe. 😔