Kids' Winter Boots: Which Pair for the School Run?
Short answer: if your child's walk to school involves puddles, get a waterproof boot. If it's mostly dry pavements, parks and playgrounds, a lighter water-resistant boot with a wide toe box is fine. We stock one of each: the Kids' Waterproof Winter Boots at £33.99 (UK 11.5–5.5) and the Kids' Barefoot Winter Boots at £34.99 (UK 10–4). Prices checked 28 October 2026.
The two boots side by side
| Waterproof Winter Boots | Barefoot Winter Boots | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £33.99 | £34.99 |
| Weather | Waterproof | Water-resistant |
| Lining | Fleece | Fleece |
| Fastening | Toggle lace | Toggle lace plus Velcro ankle strap |
| Sole | Non-slip rubber, multicoloured | Flat, flexible, zero-drop, non-slip tread |
| Toe | Rubber toe bumper | Protective toe cap |
| Sizes | UK 11.5 (EU 30) to UK 5.5 (EU 39) | UK 10 (EU 28) to UK 4 (EU 37) |
| Colours | Black, Dark Blue, Dark Grey, Pink | Dark Grey, Black, Dark Blue, Pink, Light Blue/Grey |
Waterproof or water-resistant: what's the difference?
Waterproof means the upper is made to keep water out, so standing in a puddle shouldn't mean wet socks. Water-resistant copes with drizzle, wet grass and splashes, but isn't made for wading. In a British winter, most school runs need waterproof.
Kids' Waterproof Winter Boots (£33.99)
The Kids' Waterproof Winter Boots are our puddle pair. They're fleece-lined, with a wide toe box so toes aren't squashed, and a rubber bumper over the toe for kids who scuff everything. The lace is a toggle you pull once to tighten. The sole is non-slip and has a bright multicoloured pattern, which most kids seem to like.
They start at UK 11.5, so they suit roughly infant school age upwards. For smaller feet, see the barefoot pair below.
Kids' Barefoot Winter Boots (£34.99)
The Kids' Barefoot Winter Boots are lighter, with an extra-wide toe box and a flat, flexible sole (zero drop, meaning the heel isn't raised). They're water-resistant rather than waterproof, so better for parks and dry days than deep puddles.
The thing parents tend to like is the fastening. There's a toggle lace and a Velcro strap over the ankle, so younger children can get them on themselves. Sizes go down to UK 10.
Sizing
- Measure feet later in the day, wearing the socks they'll wear with the boots.
- If they're between sizes, go up a size. That's the advice on both product pages.
- Our size guide has the measurements.
Looking after them
Let mud dry, then brush it off and wipe the boots with a damp cloth. Dry them at room temperature, not on a radiator. A bit of scrunched-up newspaper inside helps overnight.
For really cold mornings
The Kids' Thermal Balaclava is £12.99, fleece-lined, kids' version for a 42 cm head circumference. Handy if they cycle or scoot to school.
FAQs
Which is better for school, waterproof or water-resistant boots? Waterproof if there are puddles on the way. Our Kids' Waterproof Winter Boots (£33.99) are the waterproof option.
Should I buy kids' winter boots a size up? If your child is between sizes, yes. Both our kids' boots recommend choosing the larger size.
What does "barefoot" mean on kids' boots? A wide toe box and a flat, flexible sole with no raised heel, so the foot moves more naturally.
Which kids' boots can a young child put on alone? The Kids' Barefoot Winter Boots, which have a Velcro ankle strap as well as a toggle lace.
What sizes do you stock? Waterproof: UK 11.5 to 5.5. Barefoot: UK 10 to 4.
Can I return them if they don't fit? Yes, within 30 days of delivery if they're unworn and in the original packaging. Email support@easelane.shop first. See our refund policy.
Ready to choose?
Puddles on the school run: get the waterproof pair. Mostly parks and dry pavements, or a younger child: get the barefoot pair. Or browse the Winter Shoes & Boots collection.