Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids: Warmest Barefoot Shoes to Play all Winter
Help your little one’s feet stay warm this winter with the best barefoot winter boots for kids.
Finding healthy, comfortable shoes for kids can be surprisingly hard. When I say healthy, I mean shoes with a flat, flexible sole and a shape that actually follows the natural shape of a child’s foot. These are often called barefoot or minimalist shoes, and they give kids protection while still letting them move the way their feet are designed to move. They help build strong foot muscles, support natural posture, and keep toes from getting cramped in a narrow toe box.
Winter makes the search even trickier, because not only are you looking for everyday comfort, but a shoe that can stand up to cold, wet, or snowy weather.
This guide rounds up the best minimalist winter shoes and barefoot boots for kids, all tested for the key barefoot characteristics along with warmth and durability. I’ve broken it out into barefoot winter boots for everyday wear and snow boots.
Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids
This list includes solid everyday options for cold weather. They’re either waterproof or water-resistant, so they can handle puddles, slush, and the occasional snowy adventure without sacrificing natural movement.
Saguaro Boots
$109 | Size EU 25 – 36 | Water-resistant | KELLY15 for 15% off
Saguaro is one of the most affordable barefoot shoe brands, and we’ve been really happy with the quality for the price. The tradeoff is that you’ll usually see more budget-friendly synthetics rather than leather, wool, or higher-tech materials, and their waterproofing isn’t the most reliable—so these are generally better suited for dry winter climates. The Macaron boots (R) offer some water resistance, but my son’s feet ended up wet after this trudge through the creek. They’re fine in some lighter rain or snow, but doing something like this will mean a kid with wet feet. They do have a lugged sole that gives decent grip in winter conditions.
The Jumpy boots (L) are another solid option for cold, dry days. They have microfiber uppers, a cozy fleece lining, and the same flexible sole Saguaro uses on their casual kids’ shoes—sturdy toe bumper included, but not a ton of lugs. The side zipper makes them easy to get on and off, but the thicker lining reduces internal volume, making them a better match for kids with lower-volume feet.
Reima Loikkii and Hyppii Waterproof Boots
Price: $90+ | US Sizes Toddler 6 – Kids 6.5 | Waterproof | Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off
Reima’s goal is to create high-quality clothes and shoes to allow kids to comfortably explore the outdoors, so I was excited when they started offering barefoot shoes. They now have several barefoot-friendly winter boot styles. Two winter boots that have held up to a lot of outdoor play are the Hyppii for toddlers and the Loikkii for bigger kids. The overall design is similar, but the Hyppii have a wide-opening velcro strap that my three-year-old can easily manage on his own. The Loikkii use elastic laces instead, which tighten down quickly and stay put.
The soles are thin, flexible, and zero drop, and both styles have more volume than some of Reima’s other barefoot models, which worked really well for my toddler’s chunkier feet. They kept his feet warm and dry in rain and light snow, and I love how kid-friendly they are for independent on and off.
The tradeoffs: the shorter shaft means water can drip in from the top if your child loves splashing or wading deeper than they should, and the fit runs narrower than many other barefoot brands. They’re a great option for narrow feet, but may not work for wider foot shapes.
Wildling Winter Boots
$100+ | EU20 – 38 | Water-resistant | Free Shipping Code for first-time customers: AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE
Wildlings pack an impressive amount of warmth into an ultra-lightweight, ultra-flexible barefoot shoe. Their winter lineup uses natural, cozy materials—like wool or tightly woven cotton canvas—for the uppers, and every winter model includes an integrated polyester membrane for added moisture protection. Transitional styles usually come with a cotton lining, while the warmest models feature a felted wool lining for extra insulation. Wool is a fantastic winter material because it naturally insulates and repels moisture, making it ideal for both the outer fabric and inner lining of a cold-weather shoe.
Some Wildling models come pre-treated for water repellency, while others need a treatment added at home (you’ll find this noted in the Care section of each style). We treat Wildlings as water-resistant rather than fully waterproof—they handle light moisture just fine, but they’re not the pair you want for pouring rain or deep snow. Most winter Wildlings come with their cupped sole now, which means more protection from the higher rubber sole. Wildlings don’t really have lugs to speak of, so I wouldn’t recommend them for situations where you need a lot of grip.
BeLenka Kids Winter Boots
$105+ | EU20 – 38 | Waterproof | Code KELLY5 for 5% off
BeLenka has long been one of the strongest brands for barefoot winter boots, for both kids and adults. They offer several waterproof and warm-lined options, often using natural materials like merino wool. Their Winter Kids boots are a great everyday pick for cold weather—a classic leather lace-up with a water-repellent membrane and cozy merino lining. They also maintain the flexibility and foot-shaped feel you expect from a true barefoot shoe, which is why we like them for daily wear.
If you need something a bit more rugged with extra warmth and grip, check out BeLenka’s newer models like the Zippu and Elio.
Shapen Winter Boots
$109 | Size EU 25 – 36 | Water-resistant | KELLY5 for 5% off
Shapen has a few great options for kids’ barefoot winter boots. The Shapen Frosty boots were my three-year-olds boot of choice last year. These are nylon slip-on boots with an elastic drawstring around the middle of the shaft so you can cinch them for a snug fit. The one drawback is that, without a zipper, they don’t open any wider. My toddler has thicker feet, so getting them on the first few times took a little maneuvering. Once we figured out the right angle, it was totally doable, and after they were on, he didn’t want to take them off.
The nylon is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so these work best as everyday cold-weather boots. They’re great for chilly walks and playground time, but not the pair I’d choose for snow drifts or full-on winter storms.
Shapen also has several leather hightop and boots that are also great for colder days. The Urbaneer high-top sneakers are easy to get on and secure with three velcro straps. For something more fashion forward, they have mini versions of some of their most popular boots, including the Maverick lace-up boots and the Victory Chelsea boots.
Feelgrounds Boots
$94+ | Size EU22 – 37 | Waterproof or Water-resistant | KELLY5 for 5% off
Feelgrounds made mini versions of their popular vegan boots, the Patrol Winter and the Chelsea Boots. I’ve loved my Feelgrounds for years because they have such a great fit with plenty of toe space, and the kids’ styles are no different.
The Kids’ Patrol Winter boots have a fleece lining and a waterproof membrane, so these are the more heavy duty option. The Chelsea boot is water-resistant, and we’ve loved it as a dressy winter option.
Freet Tufee Junior
$90 | EU29 – 38 | Water-resistant | Code KELLY for 10% off
The Freet Tufee Junior boots have been a great option for winter hiking. They’re lightweight, nicely flexible, and have a grippy tread that gives kids solid traction on trails and wintery conditions. The uppers are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so they hold up well to damp conditions but aren’t the pair I’d choose for deep snow or trudging through puddles (my son had to test this and. yes, his feet did get wet).
One thing I really like is how easy they are for kids to manage on their own—the bungee laces and velcro strap make it simple to get a secure fit without any fiddly tightening. Overall, they’re a practical, foot-shaped barefoot boot that keeps natural movement front and center while still offering enough protection for active cold-weather adventures.
KEEN Kids’ Howser II Waterproof Chukka
$80 | Size Little Kids’ 8 through Big Kids’ 7 | Waterproof
KEEN shoes have a reputation for offering a wider toe box (at least among the conventional shoe crowd), but they rarely make the cut for my barefoot shoe posts. Most styles still taper a bit more than I like, and many run on the stiffer side. The KEEN Kids’ Howser boots, though, were a pleasant surprise. These little winter boots can actually fold into a ball, which puts them right in line with the flexibility I expect from my favorite barefoot kids’ brands. This sole is different than most of KEEN’s other winter boots, so you probably won’t find this flexibility on other styles.
They’re also built for genuinely cold weather. The Howser boots are rated to -4°F/-20°C thanks to KEEN.Warm insulation, which is a lightweight, charcoal bamboo–based insulation. The uppers are made from durable, water-resistant nylon, and the inside is lined with soft microfleece to keep feet cozy. These are still a bit of a compromise option due to the toe box and 7mm heel-to-toe drop, but if you’re looking for something warm, easily accessible, and durable, these KEENs are a solid option. Since this is a bigger name brand, old styles can sometimes make their way down to outlet retailers; I’ve seen these KEEN Kids’ boots at Sierra for $30.
Best Barefoot Snow Boots for Kids
While some of the everyday boots above could work in light snow, if your child is out in the snow every day, you’ll want a higher shaft, full waterproofing, and extra warmth. These snow boots are built for colder, wetter days—they’re often lined with fleece or insulation and designed to handle slush and deep snow. They may be a bit stiffer than everyday boots, but that tradeoff provides warmth, traction, and protection, all while keeping a foot-shaped, zero-drop design.
Koel Rana Tex Wool Boots
$113+ | Sizes EU 24 – 43 | Waterproof | Code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra
The Koel Rana has been our standout favorite for both warmth and waterproofing. Koel makes a few versions of this boot, but the one with the thick merino wool lining is the real MVP—super warm without feeling heavy or bulky. My kids have worn these for everything from snowy hikes to creek play, and they’ve spent hours with their feet in cold water. The Aqua Stop Tex membrane does an impressive job keeping feet dry for extended periods, far better than most “water-resistant” kids’ boots.
Even with all that insulation and protection, the Rana stays surprisingly lightweight and flexible, so kids can still move naturally instead of clomping around in stiff snow boots. The sole has grippy lugs for traction in winter conditions, and the overall design keeps the natural, foot-shaped fit Koel is known for. These are a fantastic choice if you want a true winter-ready barefoot boot without the bulk.
If you’re in the US, I’d recommend checking PedTerra first as they have free shipping and free returns. Otherwise, you can shop directly online at Koel.
Vivobarefoot Tracker Boot AT
$100+ | EU20 – 38 | Waterproof | BSG20 for 20% off
The Vivobarefoot Tracker Boot has long been a favorite for its combination of barefoot feel and real outdoor performance. The kids’ version keeps that same spirit, with a waterproof design, cozy faux shearling lining, and a felt insole for extra warmth. A wide velcro strap makes them easy to get on and off, while the bungee toggle at the top helps keep snow and moisture out. The outsole has 2mm lugs for traction and a durable rubber bumper that adds protection and helps keep water from seeping in. It’s a great balance of warmth, flexibility, and weather protection for winter adventures.
My code throughout the year is BSG20 for 20% off. I have a special boosted code through November for 25% off: THEBAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE25
BeLenka Ailo Snow Boots
$110+ | EU20 – 38 | Waterproof | KELLY5 for 5% off
The BeLenka Ailo Junior snow boots have all the features you’d want: fully waterproof, warm fleece lining, and a new KidsThermoGrip outsole with good traction. The gusset under the velcro strap helps keep snow out, and they open wide so they’re easy to put on. The extra lining can mean they run a little small; I usually find the whole family sizes up for BeLenka’s winter boots.
Reima Ensilumi Snow Boots
Price: $90+ | US Sizes Toddler 6 – Kids 6.5 | Waterproof | Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off
Reima also released the Ensilumi, a barefoot snow boot for kids this year, but most sizes sold out super quickly! These are Reima’s warmest option, rated down to -20 °C (-4° F), with a waterproof membrane and taller shaft.
Ten Little Snow Boots
$59 | Toddler Sizes 6 – 13 | Water-resistant
These Ten Little snow boots are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so they’re best for light snow play or quick outings. When I tested them under running water, some moisture did make its way inside, which confirmed they’re not built for long, wet days or deep snow.
On the plus side, they’re nicely foot-shaped and spacious enough for thick socks, the soles are flat, and the full velcro opening makes them very easy to get on and off. They’re not super flexible due to the thicker sole and deeper lugs, but that’s a tradeoff I’m comfortable with in a true winter boot. The fleece lining also adds a good bump of warmth.
Overall, the fit and design are solid, but they’d need a fully waterproof membrane to function as a true snow boot.
How to make barefoot winter boots warmer for kids
Warmth can be a challenge in winter boots, barefoot or not. Because barefoot soles are thinner, kids can sometimes feel the cold creep in from underneath. Some brands include warmer insoles, but if you live in a really cold climate, it’s often worth adding your own or swapping in something extra cozy, like wool or sheepskin. Since barefoot shoes all have slightly different shapes, I usually buy a larger insole and trim it down for the best fit. Here are the insoles I’ve used:
DIY Wool Insoles | 6mm | $15 for sheet | While you can get insoles that fit specific barefoot shoe brands, you can also DIY wool insoles. Grab a sheet of 100% felt wool, trace the existing insole where you want to add a wool insole, and cut your own.
Sheepskin insole | These sheepskin insoles take up a lot of space, so they’re best for low volume feet or if you already sized up in the boots. The sheepskin will compress over time, so it may end up starting to feel a little loose after more wear. Since these don’t have a wide toe box, I ordered the biggest size and cut mine to the preferred shape.
Final Thoughts
Finding truly foot-friendly winter boots for kids can feel like a scavenger hunt, especially when you want warmth, weather protection, and a natural fit all in one package. The good news is that there are now more solid options than ever, whether you need an everyday boot for chilly walks, a waterproof pair for soggy play, or a rugged snow boot that can keep up with serious winter adventures.
As always, the right choice comes down to your child’s foot shape, your climate, and how (and where) your kid actually plays outside. Prioritize a foot-shaped toe box, a flat and flexible sole, and materials that match your weather. From there, you can layer in warmth, waterproofing, and the features that matter most to your family.
With the right pair of barefoot winter boots, your child can stay warm, comfortable, and moving naturally all winter long—and that’s the whole point.
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