If there is one thing children can spot from approximately 200 metres away, it is a puddle. It can be tiny, slightly questionable and sitting directly beside a perfectly dry path, yet somehow that is exactly where they are heading.
A good pair of kids’ wellington boots makes rainy days considerably easier. Whether you are tackling the school run, heading out for a muddy woodland walk, visiting a farm or simply letting the children loose in the garden. The right wellies keep little feet dry while allowing them to enjoy the weather rather than hide from it.
From classic Hunter wellies to lightweight Crocs, colourful Joules designs and the very clever colour changing boots from Grass & Air. We have rounded up some of the best kids’ wellington boots that parents love.
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Hunter Kids’ Wellington Boots
Hunter is one of those names that parents tend to come back to again and again. The brand has been making wellington boots for generations, and its children’s styles have the same instantly recognisable look as its famous adult boots.
The Hunter Original First Classic Kids Wellies are particularly popular for younger children. They have a flatter sole and rounder foot shape designed to make them easier for little ones to walk in, along with a soft cotton lining and good grip.
For older children, Hunter has a wide range of classic and more playful designs. They are a great choice if you want something durable that can survive plenty of muddy walks, puddle jumping and garden adventures.
Crocs Kids’ Handle It Rain Boots
For toddlers, Crocs Handle It Rain Boots are a brilliant alternative to traditional heavy rubber wellies.
The oversized handles are the star of the show. They make the boots much easier for little hands to grab and pull on. Which is particularly useful during the stage when your toddler insists they can dress themselves while you quietly question whether you will ever leave the house again.
They are lightweight, flexible and waterproof. Making them particularly suitable for toddlers who are still getting used to walking in wellies. The boots also have reflective detailing and can be personalised with Jibbitz charms.
If you are looking for lightweight toddler wellies that children can put on themselves, Crocs are definitely worth considering.
Joules Kids’ Wellies
Joules is a brilliant option if you want something practical that still looks fun.
The brand is known for its colourful prints and cheerful designs. With everything from classic tall wellies to shorter ankle styles. Its children’s wellies are designed for puddle jumping, muddy park trips and rainy walks, while the ankle styles offer a lighter option for everyday wear.
The shorter boots can be particularly useful for younger children. They are easier to pull on and less cumbersome than traditional tall wellies.
Muddy Puddles Kids’ Wellies
The name rather gives away what these boots were designed for.
Muddy Puddles has become a favourite with families who spend plenty of time outdoors. Its children’s wellies are made with muddy adventures firmly in mind.
The classic wellies offer good coverage and grippy soles. While the brand also has shorter styles for little ones and its popular Puddlestomper boots for children who take their puddle jumping particularly seriously.
They are a great choice if your child spends more time outside than in and you want something designed to cope with proper mud.
Grass & Air Kids’ Wellies
Grass & Air may have cracked the secret to getting children excited about rainy weather.
Its colour changing wellies reveal colourful patterns when they get wet, meaning a puddle becomes part footwear, part entertainment.
The brand’s fleece lined versions are particularly lovely for autumn and winter. They are waterproof, flexible and warm. While the colour changing raindrops provide the sort of small piece of magic that makes children actively want to go outside in the rain.
The Independent has also praised the colour changing feature, flexibility, cosy lining and reflective strip on the back.
Basically, they are wellies with a party trick.
Grubs Kids’ Wellies
If warmth is your priority, Grubs is one to look at.
The Muddies Icicle boots combine waterproofing with warm neoprene construction and are designed for children who spend lots of time outdoors during colder weather.
They have a supportive rubber sole and an easy kick rim. Which is particularly useful when your child arrives home with boots covered in approximately half the contents of the garden.
They are particularly suited to autumn and winter adventures when ordinary wellies can leave little toes feeling rather chilly.
Frugi Puddle Buster Wellington Boots
Frugi is another popular choice for colourful children’s outdoor clothing.
The Puddle Buster wellies are made from natural rubber with a soft cotton lining and have a chunky sole designed to provide plenty of grip.
They are a lovely option for younger children who need something practical, comfortable and cheerful enough to make gloomy weather feel slightly less gloomy.
Which Kids’ Wellies Are Best for Toddlers?
For toddlers, lightweight boots with an easy opening are usually your best bet.
Very young children are still figuring out how to walk confidently, so an overly heavy pair of wellies can make every step feel like an expedition. Crocs Handle It boots are particularly easy for little hands to pull on. While shorter styles from brands such as Joules can also be easier for small legs to manage.
Hunter’s First Classic range is another good option if you want a traditional welly that has been designed specifically with younger children in mind.
Try not to buy several sizes too big just because you want them to last longer. A little growing room is sensible, but boots that are excessively large can be awkward to walk in.
What Size Wellies Should You Buy?
The ideal fit should leave a little room for movement and socks without allowing the foot to slide around inside the boot.
Always check the individual brand’s size guide because sizing can vary considerably between manufacturers. If you are buying winter wellies, remember that thicker socks may need a little extra room.
It is also worth checking whether the boot has a removable insole. As this can make checking the fit much easier as your child grows.
Should Kids’ Wellies Be Lined?
It depends on when your child will be wearing them.
For summer showers and warmer rainy days, an unlined welly is usually perfectly adequate. In autumn and winter, a fleece or neoprene lining can make a huge difference.
Grass & Air’s fleece lined wellies are a good example of a warmer option, while Grubs’ neoprene boots are particularly suited to colder outdoor adventures.
Just remember that warm socks plus a very thick lining can make a boot feel tighter, so consider the whole combination when choosing a size.
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