The best kids' rain boots overall
Hunter boots are pretty much the gold-standard in rain gear. The brand's most iconic style, the Hunter First Classic Waterproof Rain Boots, are available in miniature for children as young as five months and as old as eight years.
While they aren't cheap for kids' boots, they're made of durable latex rubber that releases a protective film of wax in humid weather that can be easily cleaned off with a damp cloth. Hunter boots are unlined, but they can be paired with warm socks in cold weather. They come with removable insoles and are available in a selection of classic solid colors.
According to Best Products, these boots "feature a wider shaft to make them easier for toddlers" to slip on and remove without help. As The Baby Swag points out, this roomier shape also allows for more wiggle room as your kids' feet grow, further justifying the steep price tag.
Experienced Mommy, Slate, Mom Loves Best, The Bump, and The Strategist also recommend Hunter boots for kids. This particular pair has 581 reviews on the Nordstrom website. "Perfect for my 4-year-old, he is incredibly hard on rain boots and these are still holding up really well," writes one shopper.
Pros: Durable, easily cleaned, removable insoles, wide enough to slip on and off
Cons: Expensive, no top handles, unlined
Buy Hunter First Classic Waterproof Rain Boots on Nordstrom for $55The best kids' rain boots with handles
Some kids' rain boots feature handles to help tykes get the hang of putting on and removing their own shoes. The Crocs Kids' Handle It Rain Boots are perfect for slightly older kids who are starting to get dressed by themselves, due to oversized handles built into the top sides.
Made of traditional breathable Crocs material, these have chunky soles with lots of traction, making them a great option for playing on rough terrain. There's also a giant Crocs logo on the side, so they're perhaps not the ideal pick for the logo-averse. But the heels do feature a reflective logo as an additional safety feature.
Writers at publications like The Strategist, The Baby Swag, Mom Loves Best, Best Products, and Experienced Mommy love these rain boots, especially for their durability. The reviewer at Experienced Mommy writes, "The seamless design of the boots makes the Crocs Handle It less prone to leaking or splitting" around the handles than similar options from competitors.
The boots have over 2,300 reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-star rating and are the top Best-Seller for the retailer in their category. "The number one thing I love about these boots: the super light weight!!" writes one reviewer. Keep in mind that most shoppers seem to agree you should size up, because they run a bit small.
Pros: Lightweight material, huge handles, reflective detail
Cons: Not warm enough for cold weather, run a little small
Buy Crocs Kids' Handle It Rain Boots on Amazon starting at $23.98The best kids’ rain boots under $20
Kids are difficult to shop for, not only because they can be picky, but because they grow so darn fast. Target's children's brand Cat & Jack has an adorable selection of affordable rain boots for toddlers for $19.99 and options for slightly older kids for $24.99.
All of them come in cute colors and patterns that will appeal to fun-loving boys and girls. There are ice cream cone boots, shark boots, glitter boots, strawberry boots and more, all highly rated on the Target website.
Most are made of sturdy rubber and designed to come to about mid-calf height on most kids. Some feature pull-on handles attached to the upper rim.
"These strawberry rain boots are super cute and durable. My daughter loves them and they kept her feet comfortable and dry even while jumping in puddles," one shopper writes about the Maddison Strawberry Rain Boots.
The Strategist also recommends Target's Cat & Jack range for inexpensive picks.
Pros: Affordable, some styles have handles, cute patterns
Cons: Not all options have handles, unlined, prices range
Buy Cat & Jack rain boots at Target from $19.99The best odor-fighting kids’ rain boots
Rain boots have a tendency to get stinky since they're worn in damp, mildewy conditions. The Bogs Kids' Skipper Waterproof Rubber Rain Boots have odor-repellent qualities that keep 'em fresh even when they've been worn all day long in humidity.
The boots claim to be 100% waterproof are lined with something called Max-Wick, a moisture-wicking material that keeps sweat and moisture off feet so they stay dry even when conditions are less-than ideal. The brand also employs something called DuraFresh "organic bio-technology," which is said to fight unpleasant smells.
Sizes range from toddler to little kids up to eight years old. This style is highly rated on Amazon, with a 4.4-star rating based on 67 reviews.
"My daughter has very wide feet and I have a super tough time finding shoes and boots that are comfortable for her. After buying bogs winter boots, I took a chance on these and they were a hit. She wears them all the time and never complains. Bogs is one of our go-to brands!" writes one shopper.
According to The Strategist, they also come expert-recommended "for their convenient side handles and their efficacy at keeping little feet dry in extreme conditions."
Pros: Odor-fighting, moisture-wicking, side handles
Cons: Some reviews complained about water getting into the shoes because of the handle position
Buy Bogs Kids' Skipper Waterproof Rain Boots on Amazon from $28.95The best patterned kids' rain boots
If your little one has a flair for personal style, the Oaki Toddler Rain Boots come in a bunch of unique, fun prints ranging from crocodiles to narwhals to NASA-inspired designs.
The rubber boots claim to be totally waterproof and feature top handles for easy pull-on action. The interiors are lined with cotton for additional padding and warmth and the bottoms feature a defined tread pattern for sturdiness. Oaki claims its boots are made of all-natural materials for a guilt-free purchase.
With over 1,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating, these boots are a popular pick among shoppers.
"My 2-year-old LOVES these rain boots! She wears them almost everywhere we go. I haven't noticed any issue with her walking or running in these, and they stay on really well," says one reviewer.
Pros: Cute patterns, slip-on handles, cotton lining, natural materials
Cons: Not as durable as some picks
Buy Oaki Toddler Rain Boots on Amazon from $18.77