About Kid's Winter Boots...

Saturday Sep 20 2008
by Canadian Footwear

Every time we send our kids out to play on a brisk winter day, we do our best to make certain they will stay warm from head to toe until they decide they are ready to come back in. We bundle them up in the warmest jackets, gloves, ski-pants, hats and scarves, but it is their feet that are often the first thing to get cold. Proper fitting, good quality winter boots are most important and ensure that your child's feet stay warm and toasty. Canadian Footwear carries a wide selection of top name brands for kid's including Sorel, Baffin and Cougar.

What to consider when purchasing kid's boots…

Rubber soles – Rubber soles provide the best traction in cold temperatures and are much less likely to crack. Rubber is also a good insulator providing a barrier between your child's feet and the cold ground. All our kid's boots have rubber soles.

Water Resistance – All of our kid's winter boot styles are water resistant and some guarantee their boots as waterproof. Keep in mind that winter boots are designed for cold temperatures and that many winter boots can get saturated on warm spring "slushy" day where a rubber boot may be more appropriate.

Closure – Kid's styles offer many types of closure including Velcro, lace, elastic and toggles. As all boots offer different degrees of adjustability, consider what is best for your child. Make sure the child can work the closure properly to ensure the boot doesn't come off while they are outside.

Liners – Many kid's winter boots are of the "snowmobile" type with removable felt liners. This style of boot generally offers the most warmth as it does the best job of wicking moisture and trapping air. This type of boot also allows you the ability to replace the worn liners and get longer wear out of the boots. (usually for use by a younger sibling as most kids require a bigger size every year)

Temperature Rating – Children's winter boots, as like many adult boot styles, provide temperature ratings. We carry children's boots that range in temperature rating up to -40c. In general, a higher rated boot will be warmer than a lower rated boot. It is however stated very clearly on all boots that these ratings are effected by many variables including the individual's level of activity and blood circulation.

Socks – A poor sock choice can effect the warmth of the boots you purchase. Avoid cotton socks in the winter as they hold moisture, keeping a damp layer against the foot. Cold feet and frostbite are much more likely to occur with a foot that is damp. Purchase socks made of wool, polypropylene or acrylic that wick moisture and provide a dry layer directly against the foot. A dry foot is a warm foot!

Fitting Tips for Winter Boots

We suggest that you take 2 sizes bigger than the foot measurement to allow for growth. This extra room also allows for warm air to circulate around the foot. Usually a child's winter boot size is 1-2 sizes bigger than their shoe size.

There will always be some degree of heel slippage, particularly with boots using felt liners. This is normal. A felt insole can be used under the liner to "snug" up the fit of the boot and reduce excessive slipping. In the case of narrow feet, it is always better to go longer with the boot and use a felt insole to try and snug up the fit than it is to get a boot that is too short.

Check the fit of the boots by removing the felt liners and have your child stand in them. While standing, there should be a thumb's width of empty space in the liner beyond their longest toe. This empty space is vital as it allows warm air to circulate and provide maximum warmth. A bit of space also allows the child to freely wiggle their toes which helps to keep them warm.

Remove the liners and allow them to air dry overnight after each use. This will prolong the life of the liners.

Back to Home