Best Rain Boots for Kids and Toddlers: Flat, Flexible and Wide
Good rain boots for kids should make it easy and fun to play in the rain, but most rain boots are clunky, narrow and heeled. Check out this guide for the best rain boots for kids and toddlers — they’re lightweight, flat, flexible for easy movement, plus foot-shaped for comfort.
One of the best ways to cheer up on a rainy, gloomy day is to help your kids pull on their rain boots and head outside. Usually, you’ll see a wide grin spread across their faces and hear a few giggles as they jump and splash from puddle to puddle.
Unfortunately, those splashes can be a bit wobbly as many rain boots are heeled, stiff and narrow. While some people might like the aesthetics of a pointed and heeled boot, it’s not a great option for foot health and development, especially for kids.
Looking for rain boots in adult sizes? Find them here.
What to avoid in rain boots
What to look for in rain boots
It’s so much easier for kids to move and jump around when they have flat, flexible and foot-shaped rain boots that are made to fit their feet!
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Best Minimalist Rain Boots for Kids
Here is a list of the best rain boots for kids with these healthy features, so they can worry less about their uncomfortable boots, and more about having fun in the rain.
Wildling Ranidae Rubber Rain Boots
Sizes Little Kid 7 – Adults | Rubber | $69 | Free shipping code: AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE
The Wildling Ranidae is the barefoot rain boot we’ve all been waiting for—lightweight, flexible, and actually fun to wear. Unlike stiff, clunky rubber boots, Ranidae moves with you, letting your feet bend and flex naturally while keeping water out. These rubber rain boots have the ultimate barefoot feel we’ve come to expect from Wildling shoes.
The deep-tread sole gives extra grip on slick surfaces, whether you’re splashing through puddles, wandering muddy trails, or just tackling a rainy day in the city. It comes in toddler through adult sizes, with plenty of toe space for a natural fit that doesn’t feel bulky. They’re available in orange or yellow for kids, and orange or forest green for adults. Made in Italy from vegan, water-repellent SEBS material, the Ranidae is a fresh take on rain boots—because wet weather shouldn’t mean compromising on foot freedom.
Fit and sizing: The Ranidae boots are slightly wider and higher volume than Wildling shoes in the same size. Designed for year-round wear, they have enough room for warm socks in winter while still allowing breathability in warmer weather.
I chose an EU38 based on my 23.3cm foot length, which is my usual Wildling size. The length is perfect, but they feel loose without thicker socks. For warmer weather, I’d add a heel grip for a more secure fit. However, with the new Wildling Calora thicker knit wool socks, they fit perfectly.
My 3-year-old got the same size as his current Wildling shoes, and they fit well with the thick wool socks. Hopefully, he’ll have a little room to grow and can continue wearing them into spring and summer with thinner socks.
Saguaro Brisk Kid’s Rain Boots
Sizes EU24 through Adult | Rubber | $50 with code KELLY15
These flexible rain boots from Saguaro shoes are now available in kid’s sizes, starting at EU24. They tick all the boxes for a solid barefoot rain boot, including a wide toe box, and a flat and flexible sole.
They’re fully waterproof with a taller shaft cinches at the top. The rubber shaft is flexible and pretty thin—if you get the unlined version, it’s a little floppy. But if you get the lined version, it’s warmer and has more structure. They recently updated the sole for more tread.
Ten Little Kids Rain Boots
Sizes Little Kid 6 – 13 | Rubber | $46
Ten Little Kids Rain boots have a more spacious toe box than most. Plus they’re flat and surprisingly flexible for solid rubber. The thicker soles make them a bit heavy, but they’re still an improvement compared to most traditional rain boots. They come in 4 colors. My toddler has really loved these, and they’re easy for him to slip on.
Find a full brand review of Ten Little shoes here.
Tree Grandpa Rain Boots
Sizes Little Kid 5 – Little Kid 10 | Rubber | $20 – $24
These flexible rubber rain boots for toddlers were recommend by multiple readers on Instagram, and at such a great price point, I had to try them out! Tree Grandpa rain boots for kids are only available on Amazon for about $24 and in 9 different colors. These are also available on Amazon Canada.
I like that they’re very lightweight, flexible and easy to put on. They do have a shorter shaft, so if you have a child that really likes to make a big splash or is wading into some creeks, they may let some water in from the top.
Vivobarefoot Fulham or Lumi Boots
Sizes Little Kid 9 – Youth 6 | Treated Leather or Synthetic Uppers | $85 – $118 | Code BSG20 for 20% off
This is a classic Chelsea boot from Vivobarefoot featuring waterproof (so puddle-proof!) uppers, fleece lining and a removable thermal insole. These are a great option if you want something much more flexible than what is offered by a rubber rain boot. The Lumi boot is heavier duty, and can also be used as a snow or winter boot.
Target Cat & Jack Rain Boots
Sizes Little Kid 5 – Youth 6 | Rubber | $20 – $25
The Target Brand Cat & Jack makes a solid no heel rain boot option. They’re also very flexible. The down side is that they aren’t the widest in the toe box. If your kids only need rain boots occasionally, these are a solid compromise option that’s easy to find and pretty affordable. This brand does have some heeled options, but it’s usually the boots with the pull on handles that are zero-drop (or pretty close to it). Sometimes styles go up to Youth 6 which equals a women’s size 7.5 or 8, so these could work for some teenagers and adults too!
Bundgaard Tall Rubber Rain Boots
Sizes Little Kid 5.5 – Youth 2 | Rubber | $70 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off
Bundgaard is a Danish company that makes 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.
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.
Bundgaard Short Rubber Rain Boots
Sizes Little Kid 5.5 – Youth 2 | Rubber | $65 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off
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.
Koel Rana Boots
Sizes EU 24 – 43 | Aqua Stop Tex membrane | Versions available with Lambswool lining | $113+
These are an ultimate outdoor boot that will have your kids ready to play all day, no matter the weather. These have flexibility in the sole of a barefoot shoe plus grippy lugs. They also feature Aqua Stop Tex membrane to keep the foot dry for longer. This version is fully lined with merino wool, so it can be used through very cold winter days.
Koel also has rubber rain boots for kids with a wide toe box for $50.
Foot Buddy Rain Boots
Sizes Little Kid 8 – 13 | Rubber | $40 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off
These cute rubber boots look just like a little shark. The toe is roomy and they’re flat and flexible.
1000 Hours Outside Rain Boots
Sizes Little Kid 6 – Youth 2 | Rubber | $32
Full rubber, no heel rain boots for kids and toddlers. This company inspires people to spend more time outside, with the goal of 1000 hours each year. These rubber rain boots are there to help you get outside, even on the wet and rainy days. They come in 4 colors.
More minimalist rain boots for kids
If you didn’t find quite what you’re looking for above, check out these additional options:
- Gigididi Kid’s Rain Boots on Amazon: These tend to be good for wider, higher volume feet.
- Aigle Lolly Pop Rain Boots
- Oaki Rain Boots
Minimalist Rain boots in adult sizes
If you’re looking for yourself or for your bigger kids that are in adults, there are a few good options for minimalist rain boots in adult sizes. Here are my top picks, but you can find a full list here with detailed reviews.
- Wildling Ranidae Rubber Rain Boots: These are the same style as reviewed above. They come in toddler through adult sizes. A full rubber, tall rain boot with great flexibility and ground feel. Shop at Wildling US or Wildling International. Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping.
- Saguaro Shoes Brisk I Barefoot Rain Boots: Very lightweight, flexible rubber rain boots. Come in lined and unlined Use code KELLY15 for 15% off at Saguaro Shoes. This makes them $51.
- Xero Shoes Gracie: this is a short rubber rain boot, and the main option from a barefoot shoe brand. It’s currently only available in women’s sizes, from women’s US 5 – 12.
- Koel Rana: Some styles of the Koel Rana boots are available in sizes up to EU43.
- Lems Waterproof Chelsea Boots: These aren’t rubber rain boots, but they are pull-on and waterproof. I like to think of these as a great barefoot replacement for Blundstone boots.
There are also a number of waterproof barefoot winter boot options.
Being prepared with the right clothing and shoes like rain boots helps us spend more time outside, no matter the weather. My two year old is always the first to grab his rain boots and head to the door, excited to play out in the rain. See this post for even more fun things to do with a two year old (or kid of any age)!
Have any other great recommendations for healthy rain boots for kids and toddlers? Share below!
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