We are the gatekeepers to children's outdoor play. If we are cold or uncomfortable the experiences of the children may be impacted as we want to go in! Keeping our hands and feet warm in winter is one way we can ensure children have time outside in all weather. The video below gives a few tips on what to look for in winter boots. The tips are also written out below the video.

I would love to hear what you think. What are the qualities of a winter boot that are important to you? Drop me a note at christina@getoutsideandplay.ca.

Tips for Winter Boots

Cost

  • I have found most of my winter boots at thrift stores.They are usually in good shape and less worn then other shoes I find at thrift stores.

Size

  • My winter boots are at least half a size bigger then my summer shoes.
  • You need to be able to freely wiggle your toes in your boots.
  • If your boots are too tight, there is no space for warm air to move around and your toes will get cold.
  • Take your thicker, winter socks with you when you go try boots on in the store so you know know if the fit will be right.
  • I add a felt insole to the bottom of my boot to give a bit more warmth.
  • If you use feet warmers like Grabbers or Hot Shots, you need enough room for the heat to circulate. If your boot is too tight, these will not work.

Grip

  • The grip on my boots isn't great and the sole is not very thick.
  • The thinner sole allows your foot to move more naturally which I think helps to keep my feet warm.
  • If you stand around a lot, consider a thicker sole, it provides more insulation for the bottom of your foot.
  • I use Yaktraks on my boots when it is icy or packed snow, it helps give me extra grip.

Rubber

  • The bottom portion of my boot is rubber and waterproof.
  • This helps when the snow is really wet and puddles in the early spring.

Laces

  • Make sure your boots are easy to slip on and tighten up.
  • This boot has a simple toggle that makes doing them up really fast and easy, important to have when you are dressing a room for toddles and you are last one to get ready!

Liner

  • The liner of this boot comes out. This speeds up the drying process.
  • Because of the rubber along the bottom, there is no where for moisture from your foot to go so it is absorbed into the liner.
  • My liners are always moist, even after a trip to the grocery store. I take them out and put them over the register or just next to my boot to dry out.
  • Not all boots have a removable liner. If your boots don't, place the upside down over your heat register to dry over night.
  • Starting the day with a moist liner doesn't help keep your feet warm.

This is definitely not a complete list! What do you like about your winter boots? Share your great finds with me at christina@getoutsideandplay.ca

My current thrift store winter boots.
My current thrift store winter boots.
Alpaca insole. I have seen felt ones at the dollar store, they would also work.
Alpaca insole. I have seen felt ones at the dollar store, they would also work.
Yaktraks, a slip on extra grip when I need it.
Yaktraks, a slip on extra grip when I need it.
Removable liner.
Removable liner.
Posted in blog, Free Resource