The Best Rain Boots for Kids, According to Parents and Experts

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

It's raining cats and dogs outside, you've already cycled through all the indoor activities on your roster, and it's time to let the kids outside for some puddle-jumping. What boots are up to the task? Check out our picks for the best rain boots for kids to make sure you've got quality boots that will keep your kids' toes warm and dry.

Our top choices have been road-tested by Amazon reviewers as well as by my own two rambunctious little kids. Plus we chatted with a pediatrician about which brands and styles she recommends and have included helpful sizing tips.

Our list features high quality rubber boots with glowing reviews. We included a wide selection of boots fit for toddlers, little kids, and even big kids who might be past the dinosaur patterns and light-up soles stage (boo!). Which had the best handles? Which were lightweight enough to pack in an overnight bag? Are tall boots better than short ones? What about boots that could handle snow in addition to light drizzle? Is there a sustainable option? We thought of everything, folks!

Here are our picks for the very best rain boots for kids and toddlers. These picks all make terrific gifts for kids, and you may even want to stock up on more than one pair so you can keep an extra at daycare, preschool, or grandma's house!

Kids Rain Boots

Bogs earns our top spot for a few key advantages: moisture-wicking lining to prevent soggy toes, easy-grip handles so little kids can pull their own boots on, and an interior that stays warm even in the colder months. A whopping 83% of Amazon reviewers have given this boot, which also comes in a cute Western style, five stars, citing that these are "perfect for mucky weather."

Dr. Richelle Neal of Olson Pediatrics in Lake Oswego, Oregon, cited Bogs as a brand she likes for kids due to the durable design and handles. "Younger kids do well with rain boots with handles because they're empowered to put on and take off themselves! And as every parent of a toddler knows, they can be very independent on certain tasks they want to do."

Nina Rain Boot

Looking for a budget buy? Carter's makes a basic boot that will last through the rainy season.

"Love that the rim of the boots have lining, so it doesn't dig into my young toddler's shins," wrote one buyer. "Also, the material feels more flexible (yet as sturdy) comparing to other brand's rain boots I had her try — looks easier to walk, less prone to tipping over with more cushion on the bottom of the boot and ability to move her ankles a little more freely."

There are lots of patterns but each one is listed separately, so you're best off browsing the brand's page on Amazon.

Light-Up Rain Boots

If you have a kid that squeals with delight when their shoes light up — isn't that all kids, really? — then these Western Chief boots are for you. The company makes sturdy boots at a great price with lights that just don't quit. (This editor's daughter has owned two pairs, and the lights have never stopped working.) Patterns run the gamut from Rainbow Unicorn to Grunge Shark, so they'll suit just about any personality.

Low Cut Rain Boots

For kids out of the playful pattern stage, Nordic brand Reima makes low-cut boots in solid colors. These are the "cool kids" of the rain boot world. Amazon reviewers are all about the durable yet lightweight design — the boots are about 2.4 lbs.

"We bought these Reima Ankles Waterproof Rain Boots for our son, and they’ve been perfect for rainy days and muddy adventures," raves one review. "The low-cut design makes them easy for him to put on by himself, and the grayish green color is stylish yet hides dirt well. They’ve proven to be completely waterproof and durable despite numerous playground escapades."

Handle It Rain Boots

Crocs: Not just summer shoes! The company makes a beloved pair of kids' rain boots that weigh in at around a single pound. Tens of thousands of users have given these five stars on Amazon, praising their high quality, comfort, and ease of use.

Parents are especially into their boots for toddlers. "My toddler’s favorite shoes, rain or shine, because he’s able to put them on himself," says one buyer. "He learned how to put these on independently around 18-20 months of age. They are lightweight, handles are perfect for little hands, easy to clean, durable and very cute."

Original Rain Boots

Hunter boots are undoubtedly the best in the game for tall rain boots. The brand has made its name with its adult rain boots, and the kid version is identical — just smaller. Reviewers love the durability and recommend sizing up so kids can pair these with a thick pair of socks. The classic yellow is beyond cute, but these come in five other colors, as well.

Dr. Neal also named Hunter as a brand she prefers for kids, as they "they have a good insole with a small arch support."

Toddler Rain Boots

Whether you get them in camel, ivory, or red, Tree Grandpa's lil' baby boots are perfect for tiny feet. The ankle area is purposely wider so toddlers can easily slip them on and off.

We'll let this glowing review speak for itself: "My toddler LOVES these boots! They fit true to size (in my opinion), and they do not have a rubbery or mildewy smell. In fact, the material has give, yet it’s thick enough that it keeps its shape. This is important for early walkers! There’s a small, removable insole, which was great when the inside of the boots became wet. We found that they dry easily, too!"

Child Droplet Mid Boot

Leave it to Ugg to engineer the coziest of rain boots. The brand's Droplet Mid Boot — which also comes in adult sizes — has a rubber boot on the bottom while the shaft is made of recycled polyester. These will keep toes dry and calves warm, no matter how mucky it is outside. Parents in the Amazon reviews recommend sizing up then wearing them over onesie PJs.

Toby Rain and Snow Boots

Never has a cuter snow boot existed. London Fog's sherpa-lined boots are equipped to handle both rain and snow thanks to a rugged sole and adjustable toggle closure. Parents rave about these boots in the reviews, saying they "are like a fortress for your child's feet." (Note that this particular link is for the toddler version; there is a separate listing for Little and Big Kid sizes.)

3D Cartoon Soft-Sole Rain Boots

If Paw Patrol is on autoplay in your home, these are the boots for you. Unlike most heavy rain boots, these boots feature soft soles. The advantage is that these are lightweight and bendable — perfect for packing in luggage when you're traveling to rainy climates. The Paw Patrol collection is cute enough to scare Mayor Humdinger away, but there are also dinosaur and unicorn designs.

Kids' Rubber Rain Boots

Amazon reviewers love the toddler-friendly, durable design of this quintessential rain boot. We love the fact that it comes in 42 colors and patterns (42)! There are solid colors, of course, but why would you get one of those when you could get a print called Timber Critters? Or Shark Frenzy? Or Snooty Unicorn?!

Parents throw around phrases like "game-changer" in the reviews, many of which mention that kids don't want to take the boots off at the end of the day.

Rubber Rain Boots

Full disclosure: As a parent, I'm obsessed with Stonz's Cruiser Sneakers. My enthusiasm for my toddler's pair is what led me to check out their rain boots, which are slip-resistant and made with all-natural rubber (that means no lead, PVC, or phthalates). The Canadian brand is committed to practicing sustainable manufacturing processes and reducing carbon footprints, so you can feel good about these boots. My kids, destroyers of puddles, give them two thumbs up.

What to look for when shopping for kids' rain boots

✔️ Material and construction: Rain boots are almost always made of rubber (natural or synthetic) or polyvinyl chloride. The interior linings are typically made of polyester. While there isn't a huge discrepancy in types of material, make sure to check reviews to see if people are complaining about the shoe's construction. Is the rubber peeling? Is the design wearing off?

✔️ Ease of use: If there's any shoe a kid should be able to put on themselves, it's a rain boot. Toddlers would do well with boots that have wider ankle areas to slip their feet in and out of, while handles are an added bonus.

✔️ Sizing issues: It seems every shoe company has a slightly different idea of what each size should be, so definitely check reviews of the shoes to see if they run large, small, or just right.

✔️ Tread: Rain means kids are encountering slippery surfaces in addition to mud and puddles, so make sure the boot has a quality tread and isn't just slick on the bottom.

FAQs

• How much should parents expect to pay for rain boots for kids? Rain boots can run anywhere between $18 and $80. How much you spend is dependent on brand and size; toddler boots will often be less expensive than boots for older kids.

• How often do kids grow to the next shoe size? "Before ages three or four, a kid will outgrow a shoe size two to four times per year (every three to six months!)," says Dr. Neal. "Between four and five years of age through puberty, a general rule of thumb is that a shoe will last a school year (nine to 12 months)."

• Should parents buy a size up in rain boots? "When a kid is younger than elementary school age and buying a shoe in summer (during some of the great back-to-school sales) I would always order a size up, especially if it will be a few months before consistent use. This makes the shoe not too big, i.e. a kid won’t increase their tripping on the shoe more, it allows time to grow into the shoe, and if it stays 'bigger' on them you can always layer a sock or wear thicker socks which would help prevent rashes and keep the kid warm anyway. For an elementary school-age kid, order their size or a half-size up (more if the kid gets cold and likes to wear warm socks)."

• Do kids need to wear socks with rain boots? Dr. Neal confirmed that she has seen rashes from overuse of rain boots, particularly when worn without socks. So while it's not unusual for a kid who loves puddles to toss on boots and run out the door, they do need socks!

You Might Also Like

• Oprah’s Favorite Things Of 2022 Is Here—Gift These 20 Amazing Finds This Year

• 40 Best Sentimental Gift Ideas for Loved Ones

• Jennifer Aniston‘s Secret to Glowy Skin On-Screen