Warm Winter Shoes for Kids: 15 Kids’ Barefoot Boots for Everyday, Rain and Snow

Get ready for cold weather with these comfortable and warm winters shoes for kids. We’ve rounded up the best kids’ barefoot boots for everyday, rain and snow.

Finding healthy shoes for kids can be a bit of a challenge. And by healthy shoes, I mean ones that have flat, flexible soles that are foot-shaped. Shoes like this are often called barefoot or minimalist shoes because they provide protection while still allowing a child to walk naturally as if they were barefoot. Barefoot shoes help children develop strong muscles in their feet, promote good posture, and don’t squish their toes or feet with a toe-box that is too narrow.

While options are limited for everyday barefoot shoes, it can be even harder to find kids barefoot boots that are robust enough for cold and wet winter days. You shouldn’t have to compromise on healthy feet when the weather turns cold, wet or snowy, so we’ve rounded up the best minimalist winter shoes and barefoot boots for kids to keep their little toes warm all season long. This list is broken out into three sections: kids’ barefoot winter boots for everyday wear, minimalist rain boots and snow boots.

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If you want reviews on new barefoot shoes as they come out, check out my Instagram account just for barefoot shoes: @thebarefootshoeguide

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Love barefoot shoes? Check out these other posts:

• 7 Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids (Great for Exploring the Outdoors)
• Barefoot Summer Sandals for Kids
• Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Adults

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, read our full disclosure. 

What to look for in barefoot winter shoes for kids

Wide toe box – A wide-toe box is important all year-round, and especially during the winter months when you don’t want to worry about bad circulation in your toes. Toes should have plenty of room to properly splay and move around, which means a toe-box should be wide, not narrow.

Zero-drop platform – Winter boot, galoshes, and snow boots tend to come with thick, chunky rubber heels. While a thicker sole can help a lot, you can still get a warm boot without a raised heel. A raised heel results in a longer, heavier stride, with initial contact on the overly cushioned heel. A zero-drop boot will help a child keep their natural stride.

Flexible Soles – During the summer, it’s easy to opt for a barefoot shoe with a very thin, flexible sole. However, as you start needing more warmth and protection from the cold ground during winter months, you’re going to need a thicker outer sole and a warmer lining. The tradeoff for the warmth of a thicker sole and lining is less flexibility. However, less flexibility does not mean almost no flexibility or thick, chunky heels and stiff uppers. The winter shoes on this list do an excellent job of finding a happy medium of warmth and protection with comfortable and flexible soles.

And don’t forget the wool socks!

A great winter boot goes a long way, but they’re even better when you pair them with wool socks. Merino wool is not itchy, it’s an incredible insulator to keep feet warm, and it’s moisture wicking and quick-drying (which can be really important if some rain or snow does end up getting in). Not only that, but merino wool is odor-resistant and naturally antimicrobial. Basically, it’s exactly what you want in a pair of winter socks. Here are our favorite merino wool socks for kids:

• Bombas Merino Wool Calf Sock – I never thought I’d be super passionate about socks, but I really love Bombas Socks. They’re the most comfortable socks I’ve ever owned, and they donate a pair of socks for every sock purchased.
• Smartwool Hike Kids’ Crew Socks – These socks have been a great option for everyday wear. They add a bit of extra warmth plus that natural odor-resistance that really comes in handy. You can get these at REI or Backcountry.

Kids’ Winter Shoes and Boots for Everyday Wear

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1 Vivobarefoot Primus Winter Bootie

Vivobarefoot is one of the biggest names in barefoot shoes, and I was excited to see that they winterized their popular Primus Bootie. To make the Primus a great barefoot kids’ winter shoe, the made the uppers water-resistant and added a warm fleece lining and removable thermal insole. The removable insole means that these can easily transition to warmer months. Viobarefoot also has kids’ Chelsea boots and snow boots.

All Vivobarefoot shoes come with a 100-day-trial, so you can easily return them if you are unhappy with them for any reason (though this usually isn’t the case!).

➳ Pricing: $85 (use code KELLY10 for 10% off!)

➳ Shop Now: Vivobarefoot

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2 Be Lenka Penguin Winter Barefoot Kids’ Shoes

Be Lenka launched in 2017 with a range of barefoot shoes for adults, and started releasing kids’ barefoot shoes earlier this summer. My son tried out their first kids’ barefoot shoe called the Play, a high top sneaker made of nubuck leather with a 6 mm flexible sole. The winter version of this shoe is called the Penguin. 

Be Lenka made a couple of changes from the original version to make these better for winter. They switched out nubuck leather for a smooth leather that is more water resistant when coupled with a regular waterproofing spray. The gusseted tongue helps keep out rain and snow, and the insulated lining adds warmth. These kids’ winter shoes are zero-drop with a wide toe box, and great for everyday wear. Sizes start at EU 25. BeLenka also offers kid’s barefoot snow boots.

You can order these from the Be Lenka website (use code KELLY5 for 5% off) or from the online retailer PedTerra. If you’re based in the US, PedTerra will likely be a better option as they offer free shipping and free returns in the US. You can use code KELLY for 10% off your first purchase at PedTerra.

➳ Pricing: Starting at $96

➳ Shop Now: Be Lenka | PedTerra (use code KELLY for 10% off)

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3 Wildling Winter Shoes

Wildling is a small company out of Cologne, Germany that only makes barefoot shoes, both for children and adults. Wildling shoes are one of the most minimalist shoes out of all the barefoot shoe brands I’ve tried – the zero-drop soles are only 2.5mm and feature cut outs in the outer sole around the instep that increase flexibility. The toe box is wide, so little toes have lots of room to wiggle. If you’re looking for maximum freedom of movement, then Wildlings are the way to go.

The 2022 Winter lineup of Wildling shoes uses warm, natural materials like wool outers and lining, and tightly woven cotton canvas. Wool is a natural insulator and water repellent, but these shoes also feature an integrated membrane that helps protect against moisture. This is enough if you’ll be using them in occasional and light rain or snow, but I’d opt for something more heavy duty if you have particularly wet or snowy winters.

My son has worn Wildling’s wool shoes for the last several winters and loves them! We’ve really been loving them for our toddler as well.The wool options are so warm and cozy and as comfortable as slippers. They also come with elastic laces that tighten with a quick pull. It makes the shoes really easy to open fully to slide on, even with thick socks.

Wildling has a super helpful printable fitting guide on their website, as well as detailed information on how to improve the waterproofing of your shoes. Wildling shoes start at size US Baby 2 (EU 18) and go through adult sizes.

➳ Pricing: The Cubs (Baby) line starts at $66, and the Wildling (Toddler to Youth) line starts around $76.

Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping on your first order.

➳ Shop Now: Wildling US | Wildling International

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4 ZeaZoo Yeti Boots

The outer leather on these cute winter booties by ZeaZoo does a great job of resisting light rain and snow, though I wouldn’t say they are fully waterproof. With an internal lining of fuzzy wool, feet and toes stay cozy and warm. The soles are foot-shaped with a wide toe box, and made of flexible 6 mm Vibram® Superflex rubber. The double velcro straps help feet stay securely in place.

ZeaZoo is a barefoot shoe company based out of Bulgaria, but you can purchase these from the U.S. online retailer PedTerra. This company realized how difficult it can be to get some of the amazing barefoot shoe brands based out of Europe here in the US – so PedTerra simplifies the process of buying comfortable shoes for your children by making it easy to order new barefoot shoe brands with no shipping or return costs.

Use code KELLY for 10% off your first purchase at PedTerra.

➳ Pricing: $109

➳ Shop Now: PedTerra (use code KELLY for 10%)

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5 KEEN Kids’ Howser II Boot

KEEN shoes have a reputation for a wider footbed and toe-box, but its shoes aren’t known for being particularly flexible. However, the KEEN Kids’ Howser boots were a pleasant surprise; these kids’ winter boots can easily be folded into a ball, just like most of the kids’ shoes from my favorite barefoot companies.

These boots are good for really cold weather; they’re rated to -4°F/-20°C thanks to the KEEN.Warm insulation, which is a lightweight insulation created from charcoal bamboo. The uppers are made with durable, water-resistant nylon, and the insides have a fluffy microfleece lining.

➳ Pricing: $60-70

➳ Shop Now: KEEN Shoes

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6 Magical Shoes ZiuZiu Kids Boots

Almost all of Magical Shoes’ styles feature their magical rubber outsoles which are incredibly flexible and grippy. They’re zero drop and allow easy, natural movement. The leather uppers on the ZiuZiu boots are naturally water-repellant, but I recommend adding a waterproofing wax or spray if you have wet winters. These boots also feature an inner water repellant membrane. The lining is extra cozy and warm, made of wool and polyester.

The ZiuZiu Kids Barefoot Winter Boots are available from US retailer PedTerra, or directly from Magical Shoes.

➳ Pricing: $80

➳ Shop Now: PedTerra (use code KELLY for 10%) | Magical Shoes (code KELLY10)

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7  PaperKrane Chelsea Boots

This small Australian company makes fun and colorful shoes with cute and quirky accents, like these Chelsea boots that come in teal with zebra stripes or black with rainbow soles. All PaperKrane barefoot boots are zero drop with a wide toe box. The gum rubber soles are super flexible, which means kids can run and jump all autumn and winter long.

These are available on PedTerra, which means if you’re in the US you won’t have to worry about paying for shipping, returns, or import issues from Australia.

➳ Pricing: $68

➳ Shop Now: PedTerra (use code KELLY for 10%)

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8 Bobux Boots

Bobux makes shoes with flexible soles, designed to fit the natural shape of their feet. The Bobux Kids Timber Boots make a great everyday winter shoe for kids.

They’re made with soft leather uppers and a durable but flexible rubber outsole. Bobux boots are zero-drop, and have a medium width toe box.

➳ Pricing: $57-70

➳ Shop Now: Zappos

Barefoot Rain Boots for Kids

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So you need some rain boots for puddle jumping, but you still want a pretty flexible shoe? These are the best barefoot rain boot options for kids.

1 Bundgaard Rubber Rain Boots

Bundgaard is a Danish company that makes some of the best rubber rain boots for kids. They have a couple of different styles:

Classic Tall Rubber Rain Boots – These are your basic rubber rain boots with a simple cotton lining. However, these have a wide toe box, unlike many boots which tend to narrow and squish the toes. They also have a very flat, flexible sole. This style comes in a large color variety, from classic yellow, pastels like lavender and mint green, or a simple navy.

Classic Short Rubber Boots – These shorter Bundgaard boots are zero-drop and ankle-high. You can choose from an unlined version, or one lined with cozy wool if you need  something fully waterproof and extra warm. The lined versions also come with a Wool Thermal Insole that can be removed for added flexibility, or kept in for extra warmth.

Bundgaard is available in the US from PedTerra, which offers free shipping and returns. Use code KELLY to get 10% off your first purchase at PedTerra.

➳ Pricing: $65 to $83

➳ Shop Now: PedTerra (use KELLY for 10% off)

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2 Vivobarefoot Fulham Boots

This is a classic Chelsea boot from Vivobarefoot featuring waterproof (so puddle-proof!) uppers, fleece lining and a removable thermal insole.

➳ Pricing: $85 (use code KELLY10 for 10% off!)

➳ Shop Now: Vivobarefoot

Barefoot Snow Boots for Kids

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These minimalist boots are both waterproof and warm, making them great for snowy winter days.

1 Vivobarefoot Kids Lumi Boot

Vivobarefoot calls the Lumi Boot their warmest ever kids’ barefoot winter boot. The synthetic uppers are completely waterproof thanks to sealed seems and a breathable inner membrane. The internal lining provides extra warmth. The footbed also has a thermal lining to provide extra protection from the cold ground. The drawstring at the top allows kids to pull and tighten to keep snow, slush and rain out.

The outsoles feature Vivo’s signature hex pattern, with a 2 mm base and 3.5 mm lugs which provide plenty of grip and protection while still offering ground feel.

➳ Shop Now: Vivobarefoot (use code KELLY10 for 10% off!)

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2 Be Lenka Snowfox Kids Barefoot Snow Boots

For the 2021 winter season, Be Lenka released the Snowfox boot. These kids’ barefoot boots are built for snow and harsh winter conditions. The outers are made of water resistant textile and leather. The inner lining is made from a blend of wool and synthetics. There is also a removable wool insole along with an aluminum layer to provide extra protection from the cold ground.

The exterior lacing allows these boots to be easily adjusted to different foot shapes and volumes.

➳ Pricing: $129

➳ Shop Now: Be Lenka

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3 See Kai Run Kids’ Baker Waterproof Winter Boots

Most of the shoes from See Kai Run are flexible with a decently wide toe-box, and this includes their line of kids’ winter shoes. The Baker Waterproof Winter Boots are rated all the way down to -35° F, so if you live in a really cold climate, these are an excellent option. The inside features 3M™ Thinsulate™ thermal linings with faux-shearling cuffs, the toes are capped with rubber for extra durability, and the outsoles are rugged to provide the grip needed in wet and slippery conditions.

These foot-friendly snow boots also have a seem-sealed, waterproof membrane to keep feet dry. The large velcro upper tab makes these very easy to get on and off. You child will most likely need to size up one full size for these boots. Pricing is typically around $75, though I have seen these on sale for under $40.

➳ Shop Now: Amazon | REI | Backcountry

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4 See Kai Run Gilman Waterproof Insulated Boot

This is another great minimalist snow boot from See Kai Run. Similar to the Baker Winter Boots, the Gilman Boots are rated down to -35° F, feature a fleece-line inner, waterproof outers, and rubber soles with great traction.

➳ Shop Now: Amazon | Backcountry

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5 Bundgaard Rubber Warm Rain Boots

Bundgaard builds on their classic rain boots to make a barefoot boot suited for snow. The Sailor Warm Boot is a tall boot lined with wool and Dacron for extra warmth. These winter boots are rated down to 5°F! Plus they cinch at the top to keep out rain and snow.

The toe box is wide like the other Bundgaard boots, but note that these do have slight rise in the sole due to a small heel. PedTerra offers free shipping and returns of these in the US, plus you can use code KELLY for 10% off your first purchase.

➳ Pricing: $83

➳ Shop Now: PedTerra (use KELLY for 10% off)