Waterproof boots for toddler who hates wellies.

[AliceW89]

My 20 month old DS hates wellies with a passion. Have tried 3 separate pairs so far, including the wide, ankle height Jo Jo ones and he just cries and refuses to walk. I think it’s a combination of the tightness on his calves and the fact they are more heavy to walk in. We’re outside in all weather, so I do need something a bit more waterproof than his trainers.

I’d love recommendations on waterproof, structured shoes/boots as I suspect this is what we are going to have to go for, despite the eye watering price compared to wellies. I’ve looked at Geox but happy for any brand recommendations!

What about bogs? Much softer than a wellie and can go in washing machine. Lots of sales on at moment

Decathlon have some good snow boots
That my kids love as they are really lightweight and flexible

My daughter was the same, she hated the flopping about and inability to run. She used waterproof trainers from Decathlon, similar to these www.decathlon.co.uk/p/sh100-rip-tab-children-s-warm-and-waterproof-snow-hiking-shoes-coral/_/R-p-163491?mc=8370176&c=PURPLE

They're not quite as useful for puddle jumping, but great for muddy walks and puddle dipping! You can get a spray can of waterproofer to top them up if needed.

I was going to suggest Bogs too. They're usually v expensive but some styles are on sale; see www.happylittlesoles.co.uk/products/brand-1/baby-bogs-footwear.html?product_list_order=price

Crocs wellies are really light and not tight on calves, if you haven't tried them yet

Bogs or kavat boots

Thanks so much for all the fab recommendations.

Haven’t seen those bogs before. Are they completely soft with a solid sole then, like a first shoe? DS was a late walker and still isn’t hugely confident and I think part of the issue with wellies is they feel so much harder to control than shoes - assuming the bogs are super light?

I’ve seen those decathlon shoes and I think they look fab and exactly what we are after. The issue is though, they don’t seem to go lower than a 6.5 (unless I’m missing something) and DS is only 5.5. Do they come up true to size?

We had little waterproof Velcro walking Boots from mountain warehouse.
I don't know how to link but they are called Drift junior boots.
They were brilliant, we got them every year for ages.
Quite expensive but worth it for us, we just used them as main shoes between October and march.

OP, Bogs are made of neoprene, which is the same material as wetsuits I think? They are firm but flexible, if that makes sense. We never had any but a friend's child did and they definitely looked comfy.

BlackRedGold
These?
www.mountainwarehouse.com/drift-junior-waterproof-boots-p15896.aspx/Dark%20Grey/
They start at size 6 (EU 23) but might be OK.

Not the cheapest but currently on sale in most colours/sizes
www.sorelfootwear.co.uk/p/toddlers-whitney-ii-strap-winter-boot-1920332.html?dwvar_1920332_color=547&pos=0

£56

I would get these personally, they're £27 (on sale) and would be ideal IMO
www.happylittlesoles.co.uk/baby-bogs-dino-black-red.html

@AliceW89 they are very padded inside so I always go a size up and as the padding gets trodden down they last longer 😀

Bobux have some waterproof boots that are really cute, not wellies:

www.bobux.co.uk/paddington-navy-729402b?slv_rt=v1~1fpf3coeu~5cd079f5-a8be-44e6-8e4f-5271192893f5~c56d9491-a4da-4983-9559-d474cfbc0c86~-b9bq9b

Croc wellies are great, my two lived in them during wet weather as they’re so light and comfy.

The waterproof lined boots from h&m are comfy and not heavy. My ds has had a few pairs.

Pepino ricosta are also worth looking at. Our DD had a pair of ankle high waterproof boots which she loves!

Bogs have no proper grip so aren’t great for mud. Pepino ricosta are wonderful. Just pricey.