Winter is coming, and the shelves with children's shoes are already full of a wide range of goods from various manufacturers. But despite the variety of species, models, colors, choosing the perfect winter option is a rather difficult task. What quality and warmest winter shoes for children? To find the answer to this urgent question, you need to find out what types of shoes are, and find out their inherent properties and features.
Criterias of choice
High-quality materials, good insulation, a non-slip sole, an insulated insole, a comfortable model - all these characteristics should have the warmest winter shoes for children. Parents' feedback about the same model of boots of the same manufacturer is often quite controversial. One mother is simply happy with a good choice and recommends buying at various women's forums, while the other remains extremely unhappy. Why are there different opinions about the same winter boots? The fact is that you need to choose the right size, choose a model and type of insulation, depending on the activity of the child during a walk and his individual characteristics. Yes, and some types of shoes have their own secrets to wearing, and if you know them, the child’s leg will remain warm. We will understand everything in order, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages.
For babies in a stroller
If the baby sits most of the time or does not walk at all, then not every type of shoe will suit him.
The warmest winter shoes for children in a stroller who do not walk at all are booties made of fur or felt boots. For kids who just went, the best solution is snow boots or textile boots with a fur lining and a membrane. If there is no financial opportunity to purchase them, then you can replace the classic version - shoes made of genuine leather with fur. To buy small children boots or boots is more reasonable only at the beginning of the season. At this age, the foot spasmodically and grows fast enough, so it is difficult to determine the size in advance.
Children after 2 years
At this time, the child already walks well, and the choice of boots depends on the temperament of the fidget, behavior on the walk and the financial ability of parents. The warmest winter shoes for children 2 years and older who like to spend time actively are membrane boots. For little fashionistas or fashionistas who like to walk slowly through the snow, elegant natural shoes made of leather and fur are suitable. Finnish boots will become indispensable in a dry frosty walk, especially if the child constantly knocks down the noses of shoes. An ideal option at this age is to have at least 2 pairs of boots: for cold days and periods of slush and slight frost.
Classic leather-fur shoes
In the recent past, when there were no other alternatives, the warmest winter shoes for children were made of genuine leather and fur. This classic version was considered the best and most successful combination. Today, many mothers also opt for it. Natural fur and leather allow the legs to "breathe", and inside the boot, a healthy microclimate is preserved in terms of foot hygiene.
When choosing this type, you need to pay attention to the weight of the boots, the work of lightning, the quality of tailoring and the material of the top. The fact is that today you can meet many models made of so-called pressed leather, that is, artificial. They attract price and visually practically do not differ from natural ones. But such skin does not breathe at all, moisture accumulates in the boot, as a result the leg sweats, and then freezes. In addition, artificial shoes soon have an unpleasant smell inside, and they often crack in frost. You should know that artificial skin is colder to the touch, even if it is warmed in the palms, it remains cool. You can check by looking at the cut, for example, near the castle. If a thread is removed from it, then the material is artificial.
Pros and cons of leather-fur shoes
Natural materials (fur and leather), a non-slip high sole, a verified manufacturer responsible for the veracity of the information on the box - only with these parameters, classic boots can be classified as warm winter shoes for children. Reviews of parents note such positive impressions:
- naturalness of materials;
- a good selection of orthopedic shoes, which helps to choose the right option for babies with problematic legs (valgus or varus feet, flat feet);
- a large assortment of colors and design solutions - you can choose a beautiful model for any winter suit.
The main disadvantages listed by mothers whose children wore such boots:
- in severe frosts in many children their feet freeze - according to various parental information, they are suitable up to about -10 ..- 12 degrees;
- poorly withstand temperature fluctuations, for example, after a child is in a store or clinic, his legs begin to “soar” and when they go out into the air they often freeze;
- on a warm winter day, active babies often get hot in them;
- the socks quickly become shabby;
- from various reagents and salts with which slippery winter roads are sprinkled , the skin deteriorates (spots, cracks form on it);
- in the period of slush and melting snow, boots often leak.
The trademarks "Kotofey", "Antelope", "Shagovita" are one of the most popular. According to parents, these are warm winter shoes for children. Reviews in most cases emphasize the quality, comfort, warmth and lightness of boots produced by these manufacturers. You can buy such shoes at a price of 1,500 rubles.
Membrane shoes
Boots or boots made with the latest technology have a special membrane lining inside. Due to its special structure, water does not reach the stem, and air is passed in both directions.
Most parents of moving children claim that it is the membrane boots that are the warmest winter shoes for children. Reviews of mothers, whose babies actively spend time throughout the walk, in most cases highlight a lot of positive qualities:
- the leg does not freeze;
- light weight shoes;
- comfortable to wear;
- wear resistance;
- suitable for slush and frost;
- a wide temperature range - from +5 to -25 degrees - makes the boots suitable for wearing from early November to late March.
Tips for choosing membrane shoes
Recently, there have been many manufacturers producing a line of shoes with a membrane. You should know that good membrane boots are a relatively expensive option at cost, and opinions about wearing cheap shoes of this kind on winter days are usually negative. According to reviews, many of them are suitable only for the off-season - in winter the leg will freeze in them.
Warm winter shoes for children on the labels and the boot label have the inscription GORE-TEX, a worse option is the SIMPA-TEX membrane. But all other membrane tissues most often do not have the proper properties, therefore, in frosty weather, the child’s leg in them is likely to be supercooling.
Membrane shoes have subtleties to use. You need to wear pantyhose under it, which includes about half of the synthetics. Socks are better suited special, with thermal properties. According to reviews, if you put on thermal pads, which include wool and synthetics, then children's legs in most cases do not freeze. Some mothers write that such shoes are suitable for wearing only at temperatures up to -10 degrees, others claim that if you buy a thermal insole, you can wear it at a lower temperature. This point depends on the mobility of children and their heat transfer. As a rule, if the street is down to -5 degrees, just thin semi-synthetic tights are put on under such boots, and if it’s colder, they’ll even take up thermal socks, some put a thermal insole.
Analyzing the reviews of mothers, we can conclude that the Ecco brands (price of 6000-7000 rubles), Superfit (5000-6500 rubles) have proved themselves to be excellent consumers. Opinions about the boots of these companies are mostly positive. Despite the relatively high price, mothers claim that this is the warmest winter shoes for children. Reviews say that it justifies itself, and basically contain such characteristics: light, warm, comfortable, practical, beautiful, “indestructible” and remains for the next child to wear. Perfect for fidgets, but for slow walks it will not be the best option.
Snowboats
These shoes have a special design. The upper part of the boot is water-repellent impregnated textiles, and the lower part is solid rubber sole, which is made of heat-resistant, flexible and frost-resistant rubber for manufacturers of high-quality shoes. Snowboots are insulated with wool felt. In some types of boots, the wool is removed, so they are universal for any weather.
Snowboats are budget and better. In the latter embodiment, there is still a middle membrane layer. From the point of view of mothers, this particular type is a rather warm winter shoes for children. They are comfortable, practical, and fit well on a raised leg. The budget option is made only on thick insulation - sheepskin, it does not have a layer of membrane fabric. For example, the boots of the Polish company Demar, according to parents, are quite warm, but rather heavy, have poor fixation, so this is not the best choice for long walks.
Almost all manufacturers declared the temperature range from +5 to -25 or even -35 degrees. Of the snowboots, the warmest winter shoes for children are Merrell, Columbia, Chicco, Kapika, Reima, Kotofey. It also has a membrane layer. Opinions about its use are mostly positive. But the products of Demar, Mursu has rather conflicting reviews.
Winter shoes Merrell
In the boots of this company, in many models one of the best heaters is used - light and warm tinsulate. In terms of heat-shielding properties, it is not inferior to the lining of high-quality fur of natural origin and is designed for weather with temperatures up to -20 degrees. Unlike a fur lining, it is lighter. Thinsuleite boots are suitable for both active pastime and passive walks.
Some mothers think that warm winter shoes for Merrell children are good for long walks on a cold day. It does not get wet, is relatively durable and has a sole providing reliable adhesion to the surface. Its cost is from 2700 to 4000 rubles.
Winter shoes Mursu
Products of the Finnish brand Mursu are made in China. These are Mursu Tex snow boots and membrane boots. The cost in online stores is from 1150 to 2000 rubles.
Only a small part of mothers think that Mursu is a good, warm winter shoe for children. Some parents write in the comments that this is an inexpensive option only during the off-season, but practically no one advises them for the winter. Many mummies have a negative opinion: boots quickly tear, a rubber sock becomes unusable, seams are uneven and diverge.
Felt boots and felt boots
Old felt boots are a thing of the past, and to replace them, many manufacturers offer an improved and modern option - felt boots. They have a grooved non-slip sole and are sewn from felt felt. Such felt boots have different colors, interesting designer jewelry.
There are also felt boots with fur. They can also be classified as the warmest winter shoes for children. The combination of fur and natural wool allows you to wear them up to -30 degrees below zero, even inactive kids. They are not only warm, but also breathable, so the leg is always dry and warm. There is a drawback - this option is not suitable for slushy days. You still have to buy snow boots or membrane boots.
This category of shoes can be found at manufacturers Kapika, "Kotofey", "Shagovita". Buyers are mostly satisfied with their quality. They write that such boots retain their feet warmly even in the coldest weather.
Winter boots "Kuoma"
These boots can be considered as a separate species. According to the manufacturer, they are designed for walks at air temperatures up to -40 degrees. Warm winter shoes for children "Kuoma" has a surface that repels moisture, but still it is impossible to step into it in a puddle. The lining is made of faux fur and the sole is made of polyurethane. Shoes are light weight and durable enough to wear.
These boots can be washed both by hand and in a washing machine at a temperature of 40 degrees. You can wear them both on wool or cotton socks, and on thermal socks. You should be aware that products under this brand are manufactured only in Finland.
Some mothers claim that the warmest winter shoes for children are Kuoma. They consider such boots optimal in terms of price and quality. The leg in them in most children does not really freeze. However, this shoe has its drawbacks. For example, some parents say that they are poorly suited to a thin leg with a small rise, and you have to pry off a few socks. There are practically no orthopedic properties in such boots.
Some mothers from their own experience say that for snowy dry winters such shoes will be an indispensable option, but with melting snow, if you take a longer walk, it may get wet. Therefore, it is unlikely to manage with it from the first frosts and until spring, unless the child carefully avoids the puddles.
Some parents of the girls believe that the design of these boots is monotonous and dull, so they will not fit the stylish winter costume that little fashionistas like to wear, because they are more combined with a sporty style. Their cost is relatively democratic - 3000-3500 rubles.
Used boots
Not always a family can afford to buy new boots of good quality. There are two ways to solve the problem: purchase the planned amount of cheap boots of a little-known and dubious manufacturer or buy high-quality but already worn boots. Most often, mom chooses the second reasonable option. Cheap winter shoes, warm and high-quality - an extremely rare phenomenon. Seams, socks, zippers that are frozen in the legs or socks damaged after a month are not what I would like to see. That is why some of the parents purchase shoes or boots, which, according to reviews, belong to the category “warmest winter shoes for children”. Second-hand Kuoma, second-hand ECCO, second-hand Merrell, second-hand Columbia have a price 2-3 times lower than the new boots of these brands. Thanks to good quality, the shoes remain in perfect condition for a long time. Before meeting for fitting, specify the following parameters: what is the length of the insole, the leg fullness of the past owner, the presence of defects and how many were worn.
The reason for the freezing of children's legs
Even the most beautiful and high-quality shoes will not satisfy a caring mother if her beloved baby's legs are cold after another walk. Why are the feet of some babies in modern boots, so perfect for many children, remain icy. The main causes of freezing:
- end-to-end shoes - fingers are motionless and freeze;
- boots are 2-3 sizes larger than necessary - there is no effect of heat preservation;
- too warm tights, socks - sweating, the foot cools quickly and becomes cool;
- poor circulation or vascular dystonia;
- membrane boots are selected for a sedentary child;
- tights, socks, consisting of pure cotton or wool, are worn under shoes with a membrane - cotton and wool fibers absorb moisture, as a result of which the foot freezes.
Properly selected and the warmest winter shoes for children is the one in which, when returning from a walk in frosty weather, the feet have room temperature.
Cold skin on the feet and above means that the baby is cold. But legs that are too warm and wet are also a bad indicator: the child is hot in the chosen boots, and improper thermoregulation and overheating will lead to a violation in sweating, which will not bring foot health in the future.
Useful Tips
Having decided on the manufacturer and type, you can go to the store. A few recommendations will help you choose the perfect boot for the winter:
- give preference to quality goods;
- shoes are bought end-to-end;
- for small children, you need to choose models in which good fixation of the legs in the foot, lower leg and 2-3 fasteners or Velcro;
- the sole should be non-slip, elastic and well bent, otherwise you need to put a lot of effort into walking, so the baby will just get tired;
- both boots should be identical, even, without distortions, wrinkles and other defects (especially relevant for the budget version of shoes);
- boots should be light and stable;
- if the height of the shoe reaches almost the knee, it will be difficult to walk;
- for children, it is better to choose models that have waterproof and water repellent properties;
- give preference to boots that are comfortable to wear and take off.