Perfect Kids Snow Boot - 6 Features

      If your child is exposed to snow, ice, or cold, rainy conditions, you'll want boots that keep your kids warm, dry and safe.  But shopping for winter boots can be confusing, as companies often use misleading words and industry jargon to describe features.
     "Winter boots" keep feet warm on chilly days, but don't keep feet dry.  "Snow boots" or "weather boots" have waterproofing, enhanced insulation for warmth, and traction for slippery conditions.
     The manufacturing of legitimate "snow" boots  requires upgraded components and glues, added labor costs, and lab testing to ensure performance claims are true.  For a boot that's truly warm and waterproof, expect to pay at least $50 for a regularly-priced boot.  For $10- $20 above that, you'll get even better performance and style features.  If the product description doesn't specifically mention "waterproof," then it's not.
​If the price is below $50, it's probably too good to be true. Read the product descriptions carefully to check if the six features listed below are included.  
     Finally, buy before the snow actually starts.  Everyone else does, and if you don't you'll be stuck trying to find the boot you want in the size you need.  Worst of all, playing in the snow after that first snowfall won't be as comfortable or fun.
Now for those 6 features:

1.  WATERPROOF OUTSOLE, UPPER AND ALL SEAMS

To boast that a boot is "waterproof" the entire boot -- outsole and upper -- must pass stringent testing.  Companies pay extra to manufacture true waterproof boots -- so if the boot is, in fact, waterproof, the packaging, or description on-line, will scream "waterproof!"  If the word "waterproof" is missing, or the phrases "water-resistant" or "water-repellant" are used, the boot is NOT waterproof.  Eventually, the moisture will seep through.  Finally, "waterproof shell" or "waterproof bottom" means that only the outsole is waterproof, NOT the upper or the seams.

2. INSULATION / COLD RATING

"Cold-Rated" boots undergo certified lab testing to measure their insulating performance.  If the boot isn't "cold-rated", this means either:  1.) The boot has been lined with an inexpensive material that provides minimal warmth, or 2.)  A branded thermal lining such as Thinsulate™ has been used -- which will be mentioned in the description.  If your  child will be out in below freezing weather, and you don't want to hear complaining, I recommend a true "Cold-Rated" boot.  Your reward?  You can ask the kids to help shovel the snow with a clear conscious.

 -25° F / -32°C

3. OPENINGS THAT KEEP SNOW OUT

All closures should be designed to keep rain and snow out.  The top of the shaft should have a cinching function, secured with a cord lock, to pull the top of the boot close to the pants. If the boot has a tongue, it should be gusseted -- meaning the tongue is stitched as high as possible to the sides of the boot to keep out snow and rain.
Picture
Top cinching cord with lock.
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Gusseted tongue.

4. TOP OF THE BOOT SHOULD HIT THE MID CALF

The height of the boot shaft should extend well above the ankle, to at least the middle of the calf.

5.  SIMPLE, SECURE, ADJUSTABLE CLOSURES

The boot should open wide for easy foot entry and exit.  The closure system should be simple, adjustable and secure -- meaning good quality hook and loop (Velcro™), gore (stretch-elastic), or a combination of the two.  Not many boots come in wide widths, so adjustability will be important for about half of children. I don't recommend laces, especially those without a cord-lock.  Un-tied shoe laces can be hazardous in icy conditions.

6.  TRACTION OUTSOLE

Proper snow boots have outsole compounds specially formulated for slippery conditions, and deep molded tread patterns that facilitate traction.  If the product description doesn't say anything about traction, then the outsole is probably made of a conventional compound.