9 Best Rain Boots for Toddlers 2022 (2024)

Created by a Boise, Idaho mom of three, Lone Cones are classic rain boots made with toddlers in mind. The built-in handles make them easier to put on for toddlers with an "I do it myself!" attitude, and the colors, patterns, and styles are delightfully wild. Lone Cone hires independent artists to create its designs, so you won't see them anywhere else, and each has a quirk and charm all its own: peaceful mermaids, ominous sharks, woodland creatures camping out.

Heads up

Being popular may come at the expense of availability. Getting the toddler size and design you want may take some patience.

Parents say

“We purchased her first pair and since we sized up she has worn them year-round for THREE YEARS!!! They are just now showing serious wear and tear and so we promised a new pair!! Her new pair looks like it is the same quality as before and I'm sure we will get a few good years out of these as well. She loves them!”

“So far they’ve proven to be durable and waterproof, and the kids say they’re comfortable. We found the sizing chart to be true to fit. The rubber seems to be of high quality and the design is very well thought out. The grab handles and deep tread are nice touches.”

“Our kiddo LOVES these boots, she HAS to wear them every day to daycare and refuses to take them off at night. Considering buying larger sizes to make sure she can't grow out of them! The rubber handlesmake it easy for her to pull on herself and get her familiar with putting shoes on herself, as that is something she is learning how to do.”

Specs

• Sizes from Toddlers 4 to Big Kids 4
• Material: Natural rubber with cotton liner
• Care: Clean dirty boots with a soft cloth or sponge and warm, soapy water. Machine washing is not recommended.

If the original Crocs are already a fan favorite in your home you will love the Handle It boots too. They're magically lightweight, have big, chunky handles to assist with putting them on, and are designed for all seasons. They display the classic Crocs logo and even have a few spots for your toddlers to show off their Jibbitz charmsOpens a new window.

Heads up

Some parents complain that the uppers on these boots are too narrow.

Parents say

“My 19-month-old needed rain boots for the pumpkin patch visits in October. I knew from his older brother that toddlers have a difficult time with the typical heavy rain boots; both not staying on their feet and making it difficult to walk. THESE ARE THE SOLUTION! Lightweight and snug-fitting, these boots stay on my toddler's feet perfectly and are light as a feather. Once he put them on, he won't take them off!”

“I have purchased these for a couple of years. They are very durable and amazing for the springtime when our backyard gets muddy. They easily clean up with a toothbrush and last a long time. My daughter wears a 10 shoe and her 10 boots are getting harder for her to pull on which sucks but I think they run true to size.”

Specs

• Sizes from Toddler 6 to Little Kids 13
• Care: Wash in cold water and mild soap and allow to dry.

Stonz' standouts pair toxin-free natural rubber with a soft cotton lining to bring comfort and durability to wearers. Stonz Kids uses only vegan materials in production, and makes all their rain boots with no heel for better little-kid comfort. Parents like that these boots are colorful and yet plain, so they don't clash with patterned clothes.

Heads up

Some parents wish the uppers came up further on the wearers' leg. It's worth noting that Stonz Kids also offers Rain Boot LinersOpens a new window to bring extra warmth during the winter or general comfort year-round.

Parents say

“Best boots! I order these every year for my son and daughter. They love them because they are wide enough at the top to fit pants into them whereas some boots are too tight at the top and the pants have to be bunched up or be pulled over the boot. My 4-year-old could easily pull these on without my help”

“My son has been wearing these almost daily for 6 months and they have held up well - the soles are in great shape and the rest of the boot has no signs of splitting or cracking (like we had with other brands). I will keep buying Stonz for him. Wish they were a bit taller so he could navigate deeper puddles. They are easy to clean and seem to dry fast if the interior gets wet. He is 3 and fits the 8T, but we had to size up to 9T so he could wear them with the Stonz liners for winter.”

Specs

• Sizes from Toddlers 4 to Big Kids 2
• Material: Outer: 45% natural rubber, 55% rubber contents; Lining: 35% cotton, 65% terylene polyester
• Care: Hand wash with warm soapy water, store in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight

For parents who struggle to get boots on their kids' chunky feet, CasaMiel's may be your perfect match. The toe box is rounded and wide, and the shaft is more generous than on many other boots, while the tough handles make tugging them on easier. Parents like the lively colors and simple, streamlined, sophisticated style of these boots too.

Heads up

The lining is cozy, but makes it harder to get the boots clean, and some parents complain that it gets sweaty-smelling in time.

Parents say

“The size chart is the same as it described, the quality is sturdy, non-slippery, I can let my daughter put it on for rainy days without worry. The color is cute, I recommend it to boys or girls.

“These were a surprising find! My daughter is in third grade and has grown two shoe sizes this year. I didn't want to buy an expensive pair of rain boots that she'd wear once and outgrow. It's not that easy to find ANY in her size. These were one of the least expensive pairs and I went a size up. They're great and true to size. Plus they match the colors of the raincoat I found her!”

Specs

• Sizes from Toddlers 4 to Little Kids 4
• Material: Rubber with cotton lining
• Care: Hand-wash

Hunter Kids has consistently ranked as one of the best rain boots for kids and adults, and the vegan, handmade rubber boots are both functional and gorgeous. The bright colors, especially the classic yellow, are a sight for sore eyes on rainy days, and the long and wide upper leg design makes it easy for toddlers to grow with the boots over time. With over 160 years of experience and even two Royal warrantsOpens a new window under their belts, Hunter rain boots are a parent and kid favorite in America and across the pond.

Heads up

Given the popularity of Hunter Boots, counterfeit boots are sold online, so be wary and buy from reputable retailers only.

Parents say

“This is our second pair of Hunter boots for our daughter; she had a red pair that fit well and lasted 2 years (she is 4). The quality is there and they last so long that if you get a size up they can last a couple of years. Beautiful, stylish, and great quality!”

“Too cute. Glad that I got a size bigger than what he wears, fits comfortably, and its rubber doesn’t fall out easily. Love the glossy yellow, bought it for my son but my daughter will wear it too when it fits her!”

Specs

• Sizes from Little Kids 1 to Big Kids 5
• Material: 100% Rubber with 100% Cotton Lining
• Care: Recommends using Hunter Boot ShineOpens a new window and Rubber Boot BufferOpens a new window

If you are looking for a low-cut, fashionable boot, the Sperry Kids Saltwater Boots are perfect for parents who don’t want to commit to a traditional rain boot for year-round use. This duck-inspired boot is waterproof, has a rubber outsole that prevent slipping, and has rawhide lacing that can be used to adjust fit once on your toddlers. Parents also love that you can order cleaning supplies and replacement accessoriesOpens a new window.

Heads up

Many parents size up because this boot has a snug fit once on.

Parents say

“My kid LIVED in these boots all last fall/winter, so it was a no-brainer getting the larger size for this year. Wipe down easily, kids can slip them on themselves- even come in with warm toes after sledding on snow days. I will continue to buy these year after year- love that it’s a classic style that can be passed down to my baby sister as well.”

“Easy boot to put on and take off of a toddler. Very fashionable and functional. I sized up since I intend on using thicker socks for my son during the winter.”

Specs

• Sizes from Little Kids 3 to Big Kids 6
• Material: Rubber upper, microfleece lining
• Care: Hand-wash

What’s better than a pair of rainboots? A pair of rain boots that also work very well as snow boots. The boots feature an easy slip-on design with built-in holes to help toddlers independently put on the boots for their new next rainy day adventure, with a removable "sock" lining to keep them cozy, yet which easily goes in the wash. And as always, Stride Rite is committed to ensuring your toddlers have the support they need to walk with confidence in rain or snow.

Heads up

Some parents say this boot is heavy and hard to walk in.

Parents say

“Inserts wash well and come out to make them extra roomy.”

“They are rain and snow boots simultaneously. You can take the liner out and use them solely as rain boots and have half a size bigger shoes.”

“Purchased size 9 toddler for a 3-year-old. These are perfect with heavy wool socks and boot liner in place. The way she’s growing they’ll probably be great for rain boots minus liner in the spring.”

Specs

• Sizes from Little Kids 5 to Big Kids 13
• Care: Hand-wash boot, machine-washable removable sock liner

Who doesn’t love handles? Seriously, handles on boots or any kid-friendly product are a lifesaver when your fiercely independent toddler insists on putting their shoes on. Western Chief rain boots are comfy, easygoing, and come in dozens of groovy designs, from the classic ladybug and frog boots you'll find in any preschool classroom to superhero themes, glitter, and even light-up styles.

Heads up

The insole is removable, which is great for cleaning, but could make losing them a possibility.

Parents say

“We loved this boot so much that we decided to get it again in a bigger size. No leaks, the handles hold pretty well, and it’s easy for toddlers to pull on and off!”

“Perfect little boot. They have a comfy texture inside so if she doesn't wear socks it won't tear up her feet. She loves these and they are adorable! Will probably last us for a year.”

Specs

• Sizes from Toddlers 5 to Big Kids 4
• Material: 100% rubber with polyester/cotton lining
• Care: Gently spot-cleaning with a damp cloth

Outee delivers comfort, easy-on and -off handles, and colorful designs, all for under $30. The boots' rubber soles have big lugs that make them really grip the wet ground, and the lights in the heels that illuminate as kids' walk gives a bit of magic to rainy days (and is highly visible in gloomy weather). Parents also love that the boots are lightweight and can be worn during any season.

Heads up

The rubber foot paired with the lightweight upper leg may present a challenge to early walkers.

Parents say

“These are perfect for my grandson who loves to splash in puddles or throw rocks into the nearby creek. Easy to get on, appears to be very waterproof, and with attractive design and colors (he likes the dinosaurs). They are a bit big for him; I'd say the size 5 is bigger than other size 5 shoes I've purchased so I suggest reviewing the foot measurements as listed and selecting a size by those.”

“They appear to be two sizes larger than advertised, for example, my son wears 13 and we ordered size 11 boots after reading the reviews. Sure enough, it fits like a size 13. The inside liner is soft and kids like it. The boot seems well made and tall enough to walk through puddles or mud. They are not for long walks, just great boots for puddles and mud. Price was very good and I was pleased with our purchase.”

Specs

• Sizes from Toddlers 5 to Big Kids 3
• Material: Rubber sole, synthetic rubber mesh coating
• Care: Hand-wash

Ready to buy your growing toddler a new pair of rain boots? Keep in mind these helpful tips when selecting boots for your child.

• Shoe sizes start at Infant (sizes 0-3, for children approximately up to 9 months), and move to Toddler (sizes 3.5-10, for children 9 months to 4 years old), Little Kids (sizes 10.5-3, for children age approximately 3-7), and finally Big Kids (3.5-7, for kids age 7-12). Shoe retailer Zappos has standardized shoe sizing charts for childrenOpens a new window.
• Note that Little Kids sizing is the most confusing, with sizes running like this: 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3. You'll also see that it's easy to confuse sizes: make sure you're buying a size 5 for Big Kids if that's what you need, rather than a Toddler size 5.
• Select a shoe size based on your child’s foot measurement, not age. Our kids all grow at different intervals, especially as infants and toddlers. Using your child’s foot measurement will help ensure a good fit. Children's shoe maker Stride Rite has a helpful guide on measuring children's feet.Opens a new window The AAP recommends parents check the fit of their children's shoes about once a month; the top of the big toe should be about finger-width from the inside edge of the shoe.
• Check the size chart for each company before ordering because some companies may have slight changes to their size charts, or may be based on other countries' shoe scales.
• Always check the return policy and be sure your child can comfortably fit their rain boots before the exploring begins.

Following these steps will have your toddler dancing in the rain in no time. Happy shopping!