What Are the Best Winter Boots for Babies?

Even in the middle of winter, your little ones need to get outside and move. There's nothing like a long outdoor outing to play, build strength, and burn off some of that boundless energy!

But to get the most out of playing in the snow, your child needs the right footwear. Here is how to choose the best winter boots for your baby, from outsole to fit, no matter which brand you're comparing.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Baby Winter Boots

1. The Right Insoles and Outsole

Let's start with the basics, literally. Good soles, inside and out, are the number one criterion when choosing winter boots for babies.

Opt for a pair with insoles that lock in warmth and draw moisture away from the foot, rather than letting it sit against the skin. Removable insoles are even easier to clean between outdoor adventures.

Choose a stable outsole with good traction to reduce the risk of slipping, for example during winter activities. A wide toe box also gives growing feet room to wiggle, which matters for both comfort and every child's natural foot shape. The outsole should stay light and flexible so it doesn't fight your baby's movement.

2. Waterproof Materials for Every Weather

"Please, can we play in the snow?" "Yes, but only once you've got your snow gear on." As adventurous as they are, babies are just like everyone else: they don't like wet feet, especially at -15°C (5°F).

To keep little feet dry, choose completely waterproof boots. Materials such as rubber, water-repellent nylon, and synthetic fabric keep moisture at bay, whether your child is wading through fresh snow or splashing through slush.

Another detail worth checking when comparing waterproof winter boots, whatever the brand: the seams. They should be strong and sealed to stop water from creeping in.

Winter boots are not the same as rain boots for kids. Winter styles are built around a warm, insulated lining, and after a good play session that lining can end up holding a bit of sweat against the foot, which is exactly why a good pair of wool socks or synthetic ski socks makes such a difference underneath.

3. A Warm, Fleece-Lined Interior Rated for the Cold

The first number worth checking on any winter boot is its temperature rating. For a Canadian winter, a rating of around -30°C (-22°F) is a good benchmark to look for.

Without the right layers, cold weather can mean more than a runny nose. In rarer cases, it can lead to frostbite. Keeping little feet warm is one of the simplest ways to avoid these problems, and boots are only one part of that picture: our guide to dressing kids for changing weather covers how the right layers work together to keep the cold out from head to toe.

While the outside of a boot is designed to keep moisture out, the inside should keep feet at the right temperature. A fleece lining is ideal here, since it retains heat well without letting moisture build up against the skin.

4. Flexible, Lightweight Soles

To support healthy circulation and avoid cold toes, your little one should be able to move their feet easily inside their boots. Choose flexible soles that let babies bend their feet naturally as they take those first wobbly steps.

To stay comfortable across mud, slush, and snow, baby winter boots should also stay lightweight. The days of heavy, stiff boots are behind us. There are now feather-light options that keep little ones just as warm without slowing them down.

5. Easy-On, Easy-Off Boots with Velcro Straps

Dressing a baby for the snow is rarely a quick job, and boots are often the trickiest part. To make life easier for you and your little one, choose boots that go on and come off without a fight.

Velcro straps solve this: they combine ease of use with a secure fit, so you can tighten or loosen the boot in seconds rather than wrestling with laces in a cold parking lot. This feature also comes in handy if snow finds its way inside.

How to Measure Your Baby's Feet

Getting the size right matters more than almost anything else on this list, and it starts with an actual measurement, not a guess based on your child's usual shoe size.

Here's how to do it in four simple steps:

1. Stand your baby on a sheet of paper, or trace their foot if they won't stand still.
2. Mark the back of the heel and the tip of the longest toe, which isn't always the big toe.
3. Measure both feet, since most children have one foot slightly longer than the other, and use the longer measurement.
4. Add about 2 cm (or 3/4 inch) to that length to leave room for a warm sock and natural movement.

Once you have that number, match it against our size chart below:

Foot Length (cm)	US Size	Euro Size	UK Size
16.5	8	26	7
17.3	9	27	8
18.1	10	28	9
18.9	11	29	10
19.7	12	30	11
20.5	13	31	12
21.3	1	32	13
22.1	2	33	1
22.9	3	34	2
23.7	4	35	3
24.5	5	36	4
25.3	6	37	5

Ready to shop? Browse our baby girl boots and baby boy boots to find the right fit for your little one.

How to Care for Winter Boots

Let's be honest: your little one's winter boots are going to get dirty, often. Knowing how to look after them properly keeps them in good shape for the whole season, and often for a sibling or two after that.

Cleaning and protecting winter boots doesn't have to be complicated:

1. As soon as you're back from your snowy outing, remove any mud or dirt built up under the sole.
2. Wipe the entire boot with a damp cloth to prevent salt and grime from building up, since road and sidewalk salt can wear down materials over time.
3. Pull out the removable liner or insole and let everything dry away from direct heat, such as a radiator or heating vent, which can damage soles and seams over time.
4. Apply a waterproofing spray two or three times a winter for extra protection.
5. If the sole or inner liner is removable, wash it on a gentle cycle at 30°C (86°F).

Deux Par Deux Winter Boots

Looking for durable, practical winter boots for your baby? Choose Deux Par Deux quality. Our boots are rated to as low as -30°C (-22°F), built with waterproof nylon uppers and thermal rubber soles for grip, with removable liners on select styles for the coldest days.

Pair them with our snowsuits for a matching set built for the same cold. Every piece is made with real Canadian winters in mind, from first steps in the snow to the last slush puddle of the season.

Ready to shop? Browse our baby girl boots and baby boy boots linked above to find the right fit for your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do newborns need winter boots?

Newborns who aren't yet walking or standing don't need winter boots in the traditional sense. A warm, footed snowsuit or bunting bag that fully covers their feet offers better warmth and protection at this stage. Winter boots become useful once a baby starts standing, cruising, or taking their first steps outdoors.

What are the best winter boots for infants?

For infants just starting to walk, look for boots with a flexible, lightweight sole, a wide toe box, and a secure but easy-to-use closure like Velcro straps. Waterproof materials and a warm, fleece-lined interior are essential for keeping their feet dry and comfortable in the cold.

What are the best baby shoes for winter?

It depends on whether your baby is walking yet. For babies who aren't walking, a soft-soled bootie that stays snugly on the foot works best, since there's no need for a rigid, grippy sole. Once your baby is up on their feet and moving outdoors, a proper winter boot with real traction and structure takes over.

What are the warmest kids' boots for winter?

Check the temperature rating first: for a Canadian winter, look for boots rated to around -30°C (-22°F). From there, look for insulated insoles, a fleece lining, sealed waterproof seams, and a snug but not tight fit that leaves room for a good pair of wool socks. Pairing well-insulated boots with proper footwear habits, like drying them thoroughly between wears, helps them perform at their best all season long.

With these tips, we bet you'll find the perfect pair of winter boots for your little one!