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 Fahrenheit. 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! This is especially important for little feet that are still developing.
The barefoot winter boots listed here are what I feel confident putting on my own children, knowing they won’t damage their growing bodies and will still protect them from the elements. This is the same criteria I use for all my kids shoes.
Before we head into my recommended winter shoes, here are a few tips for staying warm in the coldest of temps.
Winter 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! And if your child has graduated to adult sizing, check out my adult best barefoot review.
Vivobarefoot Tracker AT
Use code ANYASREVIEWS25 for 25% off
My oldest son has been wearing Vivobarefoot snow boots for the past 7 years. They’ve been the only pair he’s needed for rain, snow, mud, and cold weather. I love that they come in a huge size range from toddlers all the way to big kids. This year the Tracker AT boot has extra insulation, including a felt-lined insole (finally!)
The outsole has good traction that’s meant for all terrain, complete with a toe guard to prevent inevitable wear. And the top cinches down to seal out snow and keep them securely on foot. If you live in a very cold climate, you may consider using a sheepskin or wool insole in place of the Vivobarefoot one for more warmth.
Vivobarefoot has additional kids boots that all have functional outsoles and some protection from the elements if you don’t need as robust of a boot.
Sizing & Fit:
- Slightly small because of the thick insulation – my son and Samantha’s son both need one size bigger than their sneaker size in them.
- Best for medium to wide width. They have a solid shape, but they’re not extra wide.
- Best for medium volume. They may be tight over the top of the foot on high volume kiddos.
Shapen Frosty
Leather & Nylon | Fleece Lined | Sizes EU 25-35
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off (returns are not accepted outside the EU).
This nylon boot is easy to pull on and has a generous toe box that should fit most kids’ foot shape. They are a good balance of light and flexible, with a practical outsole and protective toe guard. I also like that they are somewhat fitted through the ankle so that they aren’t floppy.
We love everything about them, except that they aren’t waterproof. For some families that may be alright, but for my kids it’s a dealbreaker. They only have one winter boot in their closet, and they simply spend too much time out in the snow for them to not be waterproof. If you are ambitious, you can waterproof them yourself!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Wide to extra wide toe box
- Medium volume over the arch, but you do get adjustability with the toggle.
Wildling Shoes
Wool or Textile | Waterproof Membrane | Sizes 3C-4Y (baby to big kid)
Use code AWN_ANYA_S 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 weather resistant.
I recommend choosing the models made entirely of wool (upper and lining) for the most warmth, and adding 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 winter models tend to change each year. For the 2025-2026 season the Koselig, Atento, and Kindur Sten are all made of wool and are great 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
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. They are luxurious boots for serious warmth! You can choose custom colors, which my son loved. The lower portion is made of smooth leather and naturally water resistant, but the shaft of the boot is suede and water can soak through. For my rough and tumble kiddo, this proved to be an issue. So for serious snow play I recommend using something like SnoSeal on the upper.
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 (one of the beautiful things about genuine sheepskin!), and after the leather 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.
Froddo
Leather & Textile | Waterproof | Sizes EU 25-42
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off first order with PedTerra (US).
These are high quality boots with good functionality. They are more average width, so not best for extra wide little feet. But the quality is really 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.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium width – not suitable for extra wide feet
- Medium volume – good adjustability!
Be Lenka Ailo
Textile & Synthetic | Waterproof | Sizes EU 20-38
Only available to customers outside the US. You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
Be Lenka has a new line of kids winter shoes out this year that we have been testing for you. They have a generous toe box shape, are waterproof, insulated, and functional for winter activities. But we find them quite stiff this year, and wish the outsole was lighter and more flexible. For some families this will still be a good option, but our kids testers are kind of clomping around in them.
The Ailo boot is very thick and insulated. It has a velcro closure, and a higher volume fit. I wish they had some adjustability over the arch, but like how warm they are. The Zippu is an alternative with velcro closures for a more secure fit. They are not as insulated, but will work for lighter snow and rain play.
Sizing & Fit: Be Lenka boots are:
- True to size
- Extra wide shape
- High volume fit. If medium or lower volume I suggest the Zippu model.
Feelgrounds
Vegan | Waterproof | Sizes EU 22-37
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off your first order
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
Lang.S
Leather & Vegan Options | Waterproof | EU 19-32
Use codeANYALANG for 10% off.
Lang.S boots come in vegan, leather, and wool-lined options. They have a nice wide forefoot and good design that is adjustable and secure to the foot. We’ve had good experience with this brand! Lang.S does not have a kids snow boot option yet, but their mid cut options are good for everyday winter wear and some light snow and rain use.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Wide to extra wide fit
- Medium to high volume
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
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium width – not extra wide fitting
- Medium volume
Zeazoo Dingo
Sheepskin | Sizes EU 23-34
You can also shop the Dingo in the EU where you can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
Zeazoo makes delightfully soft and light barefoot sheepskin boots for kids. While definitely not as rugged or durable as the more robust snow boots in this article, they make up for it in their extreme coziness. They are so light, flexible, soft and 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!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size (in kids, but this model runs big in adults)
- Extra wide fit
- High volume
Reima Ensilumi
Textile & Synthetic | Waterproof | Sizes US Youth 1-7.5
Use code ANYA20 for 20% off your first purchase
This boot is very well made and has all the specs we are looking for in a kids winter boot, but unfortunately sold out really fast and won’t be restocked this season! However, I am still including them in case you want to try their other waterproof booties or if you’re planning ahead for next year. I love that the Ensilumi has adjustability with the elastic lacing system, but they are still easy to pull on and off. They are lighter and more flexible than the Be Lenka boots, while still being warm and functional.
They have more of an average width, so they are not well-suited for kids with extra wide feet.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Medium width
- Medium to high volume – you get some adjustability with the elastic laces.
Budget Kids Barefoot Winter Boots
Here are the most affordable barefoot winter boots for kids that are still healthy 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 one of 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.
There are also a handful of other waterproof options that are boot height, and overall they’ve been a solid brand for my destructo kids. Watch my picky son fall in love with the Saguaro Winter Ambition here. They did not leave his feet for 6 months!
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 (EU)
- Baby Bare (EU)
- Fare (EU)
- Freet Tuffee – Code AnyaFreet gets you 10% off. If you live outside the USA, shop Freet here.
- Kiuu (EU)
- 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
- Xero Shoes Alpine (US) – These are best for narrow feet and are on the stiff side overall
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. Read my Ten Little reviews here
- Lang. S by Tikki Shoes – This brand has options with a warm wool lining! Use code ANYALANG for 10% off
- Wildling Shoes – Use code AWN_ANYA_S 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 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!
78 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.
Hi there! You mention the softstar phoenix boots are $134 after coupon, but I don’t see a coupon code listed here. Could you share some details? Thank you!
Hi! We’ve updated it. Unfortunately Softstar doesn’t do coupon codes any longer.