Should my kid size up in rain boots?

Yes and no. Kids rain boots only come in full sizes. So, if your little one is usually a 10 1/2, then, yes, round up to an 11. There's no need to go a full size up because kids rain boots are already pretty roomy on the inside. If they slip around too much in them, it can cause blisters. Just be sure there's enough room for your child to wear the boots with a thick pair of socks to keep their feet toasty warm.

How long do kids' rain boots last?

The longevity of your kid's rain boots depends largely on the quality of their materials and construction and how well they're taken care of and stored. To get the most out of your child's rain boots, allow to air dry after use and then store at room temperature or cooler, out of direct sunlight. Heat can cause the materials they're made of to harden and crack. If you—and your kid—take good care of them, the rain boots should last until your child grows out of them. You may even be able to pass them down to a younger sibling.

How do you clean kids' rain boots?

To clean your child's rain boots, remove any excess soil and debris with a dry cloth or paper towel. Then, use a mild mixture of soap and water to wash them clean. Follow up by drying them thoroughly.

Why do kids' rain boots have handles?

As your little one grows, so too do their motor skills. Teaching your child to pull on their rain boots with the provided handles helps foster their autonomy—just like learning to tie their shoes.

The 10 Best Rain Boots for Kids of 2022

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A rainy day brings a lot of good things, but it also brings puddles, mud, and wet grass, which can be a real problem for a kid who is outside wearing regular shoes. Instead of hoping your kid will be able to resist the urge to jump in the water, get ahead of the situation by investing in some rain boots that are durable and will keep cold water away from their warm feet.

There are a lot of fantastic options to choose from, too. Here are our favorite rain boots for kids.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

L.L.Bean Kids Puddle Stompers Rain Boots at L.L.Bean

Great for kids of all ages, the soles ensure traction while the back features a reflective triangle that promotes visibility.

Best Insulated:

BOGS Classic Insulated Waterproof Boot at Amazon

The boots are detailed with rubber along the outside and are fully insulated, keeping feet warm in sub-zero temperatures.

Best Low-Cut:

Joules Kids Rainwell Rain Boots at Amazon

If you prefer a low-cut design that won't weigh your kiddo down, this option does just the trick with its sneaker-style sole.

Best Tall:

BOGS Kids Waterproof Rain Boots at Amazon

Perfect for messier or more adventurous kids, these tall boots protect legs and pants much more than standard height boots.

Best Style:

Western Chief Kids Glitter Rain Boots at Amazon

Budding fashionistas will love these pull-on rain boots that feature shimmery glitter and are complete with memory foam insoles.

Best Budget:

Wonder Nation Girls Rain Boot at Walmart

Their budget-friendly price doesn’t take away from the quality because they’re made from durable PVC and have slip-proof soles.

Best Splurge:

Sperry Saltwater Wool Rain Boot at Amazon

A downpour is no match for these boots, which feature laces in addition to a side zipper that make on/off much easier.

Best for Toddlers:

Hatley Block Rain Boots at Hatley.com

Toddlers who like to jump around in puddles will be well-equipped in this rubber pair, handmade with slip-resistant soles.

Best for Big Kids:

Kamik Kids Raindrops Rain Boots at Amazon

Great for more sophisticated big kids, they sit high on the calf, have a slight heel, and are made from a water-resistant rubber.

Best for New Walkers:

Hunter First Classic Waterproof Rain Boot at Nordstrom

Babies who are just getting used to walking will be prepared for the elements in these non-slip boots.

L.L.Bean Kids’ Puddle Stompers Rain Boots

With little handles to make them easy to pull on, these waterproof rubber boots are great for kids of all ages. They’re available in a few color options and in sizes 10 to 13 and 1 to 3. The boots have removable insoles that are fully lined in super-soft cotton. The soles are designed to ensure traction and there is a reflective triangle on the back to help keep your kid visible on dark, rainy days.

Available in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes, as well as in a variety of different colors, these rain boots have rubber along the outside and are fully insulated. They have rubber soles designed to provide plenty of traction and they have grab handles on the sides making them easy to pull on and off. The insulation in these boots can keep feet warm in sub-zero temperatures, so you can let your kiddos play outside on even the coldest of days.

To keep little feet dry on rainy days without the standard boot design, these low-cut boots will do the trick. They hit right at the ankle and have a sneaker-style sole, giving them more of a shoe appearance. These boots slip right on and have stretchy elastic on the side to make putting them on and taking them off easier. You can pick from a few different color options and they have sizes for big and little kids. One note, their sizing isn’t standard, so make sure you reference the size guide before you buy them.

If your kids like to splash through water or often find themselves playing in areas with mud, then some tall rain boots may be the best option because they will protect their legs (and pants) much more than standard height boots. These rain boots go up to the calf and are slightly taller in the back than the front for a little extra protection from spray-back. They have handles on the side to make putting them on and taking them off easier, are insulated for warmth, have a moisture-wicking interior liner, and have soles designed for traction. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns and these boots are available in big kid, little kid, and toddler sizes.

Kids who enjoy being a little extra will love these pull-on rain boots that feature shimmery glitter. They are made with PVC, a waterproof and durable rubber that is flexible for play. Their feet will stay warm with the polyester lining and the removable memory foam insoles provide extra comfort. The best part? The glitter is inside of the rubber, so it won’t come off and leave a mess wherever your kiddo steps.

These Wonder Nation rain boots are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes and are incredibly affordable. Their budget-friendly price doesn’t take away from the quality, though, because they’re made from durable PVC and have slip-proof soles. These boots come up a little past the ankles and their knit fabric interior lining keeps them soft and cozy.

For seriously rainy weather, these boots are sure to keep little toes dry. The bottom part of the boot is made from durable rubber, including the sole which is great for traction. True to the duck boot style, these boots feature laces; however, there’s also a side zipper to make them easy for children to put them on and take them off. These boots are available in two colors and in sizes 11 to 13 and 1 to 6.

Hatley Kids Matte Color Block Rain Boots

Most toddlers cannot resist jumping around in puddles, and these rubber boots are designed for just that. They’re handmade with slip-resistant soles and a stylish matte finish on the waterproof rubber. They have a tab on the back to make pulling them on a little easier and a removable insole for comfort. You can find these boots in both toddler and little kid sizes.

With their basic design and solid colors, these boots are great for a more sophisticated big kid. They sit high on the calf and have a slight heel. These boots are made from a lightweight water-resistant rubber, feature soles with incredible traction, and have a little buckle embellishment on the side for a little extra style. You can choose from a variety of colors and they’re available in both little and big kid sizes.

Hunter First Classic Waterproof Rain Boot

Being a new walker is tough enough as it is, but slippery rain makes it all the harder. These rubber boots have a non-slip sole and come in a variety of colors and sizes, including baby and walker options. They pull on and off and have a removable insole and a soft fabric lining.

Final Verdict

There are a lot of variables that go into finding the right rain boot for your kiddo, but if you aren’t looking for anything specific and you just want a pair of boots that will keep their toes warm and dry, then you can’t go wrong with the L.L.Bean Kids Puddle Stompers (view on llbean.com).

What to Look for in Rain Boots for Kids

Durable Materials

Rain boots should be able to stand up to all the rain, snow, mud, and debris that your child will stomp through. Look for boots that are made of durable materials, such as rubber, that won't tear, crack, or leak.

The inner lining of the boot should also provide comfort, insulation, and moisture-wicking abilities to keep your little one's feet dry and warm. Also, consider the cut of the boot. If your kid likes to splash around outside, it's best to choose calf-height boots that will protect their legs as well.

Weight

Heavy boots can be problematic for some kids, especially those who like to run and jump around. You don't want them to trip over their feet or feel like they're lugging their boots around while they wear them, but very lightweight boots may be too flimsy for active kids. Look for a happy medium.

Traction

Always check the soles of the rain boots you're considering to ensure they'll provide adequate traction. Since they'll be used for walking on slippery surfaces, it's important the boots you choose help provide a firm grip on the ground so your child won't slip and fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should my kid size up in rain boots?

Yes and no. Kids rain boots only come in full sizes. So, if your little one is usually a 10 1/2, then, yes, round up to an 11. There's no need to go a full size up because kids rain boots are already pretty roomy on the inside. If they slip around too much in them, it can cause blisters. Just be sure there's enough room for your child to wear the boots with a thick pair of socks to keep their feet toasty warm.
How long do kids' rain boots last?

The longevity of your kid's rain boots depends largely on the quality of their materials and construction and how well they're taken care of and stored.
To get the most out of your child's rain boots, allow to air dry after use and then store at room temperature or cooler, out of direct sunlight. Heat can cause the materials they're made of to harden and crack. If you—and your kid—take good care of them, the rain boots should last until your child grows out of them. You may even be able to pass them down to a younger sibling.
How do you clean kids' rain boots?

To clean your child's rain boots, remove any excess soil and debris with a dry cloth or paper towel. Then, use a mild mixture of soap and water to wash them clean. Follow up by drying them thoroughly.
Why do kids' rain boots have handles?

As your little one grows, so too do their motor skills. Teaching your child to pull on their rain boots with the provided handles helps foster their autonomy—just like learning to tie their shoes.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

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