The Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids That Play!

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Top down view of 2 kids facing each other standing on ground covered in light snow. Each are wearing 1 snow boot on a foot, and the other foot is bare or socked to show the anatomical toe box of the barefoot Be Lenka and Vivobarefoot snow boots
Kids wide toe box barefoot boots for any weather!

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?

A collage of different wide toe box barefoot winter boot brands 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

Be Lenka is in the process of adding a US website, and it is unclear what models will be available to US customers. We expected these to be available for all our readers, but unfortunately aren’t able to find out for sure because things are in flux. Will update!

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:

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.
Straight on view of Ten Little Snow Boot zero drop outsole

Jan and Jul

Close up of toddler feet wearing Jan and Jul barefoot friendly affordable snow boots

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.

Barefoot Winter Boots for Toddler & Baby

Close up of Jan & Jul affordable stay-put winter booties for babies toddlers standing on snowy ground
Jan & Jul winter booties

We are even more particular about extra little feet! You can find our top recommended barefoot baby boots here.

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!

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Comments

73 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids That Play!”

    1. Yeah I think those are a decent little kid option! I always like to check the insole to see if it has a built in heel (easily swapped out), but my friends’ kids have worn those and they have a decently wide toe box.

    1. Yes I have samples and we’ll be updating this article for 2025 with all the new options available soon! We haven’t yet had them wear-tested by our kids, but going off how they look and feel – they have a good shape to them with lots of toe space, but the sole is pretty heavy and stiff. The insulation feels really cozy and the quality is good, but I wish they had a lace adjustment or something to keep them secure. It’s finally getting cold here so I’ll be having my kids test them soon.

  1. Hi Anya Wondering what you think of the new Kids Vivobarefoot Tracker AT Boot that just was released? Do you know if they are warm in snowy and cold conditions?

    Thank you:)

  2. Morning. I’m hoping to buy waterproof winter boots for my Minnesota 2.5 year old. I’m going off your list and it doesn’t look like Be Lenka carries the Snowfox, Vivobarefoot doesn’t carry the Lumi anymore, and Jan & Jul have a different boot available for preschoolers – the Kids Tall Puffy but it looks like the sole is quite thick. Any suggestions on warm, waterproof winter snow boots for a preschooler in 2025? Thanks so much for what you do!

  3. Hi, thank you for your work! Belenka does not carry snow boots in the US shop anymore 🙁 Do you have any alternatives for US for extra wide kids snow boots (~15 cm length by ~7 cm width)? Thanks! Ana

    1. Hi there. 15 cm length would be a toddler size, is that correct? In that case, you might like the Vivobarefoot Tracker boots – the toddler sizing is wider than the bigger kids sizes. And you could also try the Ten Little snow boots. We had good luck with that model on little feet.

  4. Hi! I’m looking at the vivobarefoot tracker shoes for my 5 year old. She measures a tiny bit more than 18 cm. I see on their size guide she should be a 12 (it says 17.7 cm-18.3 cm is a 12 US). However, you mention sizing up. Would you go up to a 13? Unfortunately they don’t have half sizes! Thank you! And thank you for your guide!

    1. Yes, I’d go for a size up! If they’re a little too big, a thick pair of socks will help take up some extra space until she grows.

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Picture of Hi. I'm Anya.

Hi. I'm Anya.

I first discovered barefoot shoes after a long history of foot issues. By changing my footwear and strengthening my body I was able to completely transform my life. Anya’s Reviews is my way of sharing with the world that healthy feet are happy feet!

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