Best warm boots for forest school

[ForestSchoolSellAKidney]

My son (4yrs) will be starting forest school three days a week from September. The clothing list sent is a little intimidating and as funds are tight, most of the thermal layers, trousers and tops will be sourced from Vinted. The info pack doesn’t mention any specific recommendations for boot brands, only saying that normal wellies can’t be worn in winter as they’re not warm enough, obviously.

Wise MNetters, I need your recommendations for the best warm, lined and waterproof boots for long winter days outdoors - so far on my list I’ve got bogs (are they worth the high price tag..?), Decathlon snow boots, and decathlon normal wellies with an extra sheepskin lining.

Thanks in advance!

I'm looking for similar. I see Bogs recommended all the time but don't understand how they can be good with that gap at the back. My son has a muddy puddles puddlesuit which is amazing and with wellies it keeps him bone dry. But I'm sure the leg of the suit would ride up enough sometimes that deep mud or puddles would cause water to get in that gap in the Bogs boot. Such a weird design.

So far we make do with wellies a half size or size up and thick socks.

If the forest school are insisting on no wellies they should have a list of suggestions for parents otherwise children will be attending in boots that aren't waterproof and getting wet socks which defeats the purpose. Some boots look the part but aren't waterproof like wellies.

We've been very happy with Ielms waterproof suits, or Reima ones for the cold weather. We spend a lot of time outdoors and dc attends an outdoor focused nursery.

We've had multiple pairs of Bogs and while dc love the designs I'm not convinced they are that brilliant really. They seem to leak around the seams. But you can also buy them new in box from Vinted for a fraction of the price. Last winter we had pre lined Aigle wellies/winter boots combo and they still look great after a winter of outdoor play, they were £15 from TK Maxx so not too bad.

We've had under layers from merino, didriksons (often very cheap in the sale) and lidl. They've all been fine but the Joha brand merino ones did not wash well at all.

For hats I like the helmet style ones that are waterproof too. Didriksons make one called the Biggles that is great.

The more waterproof things are in the first place the less they need washing and replacing so good to get decent brands if you can, Vinted is a great way to get this stuff at supermarket prices.

Decathlon snow boots suited us.

Bear in mind you’ll need at least two pairs - if they get wet inside (which is very possible at forest school!) then they take ages to dry.

Decathlon ski mittens are also fab - they have a zip along the side which makes it so much easier to get them on tiny hands.

Vinted is great for buying this stuff, secondhand is definitely the way to go.

The adidas terrex snow boots serve us well. Warm, gore tex and Velcro fastenings

Dunlop blizzard wellies. You can shop around for the best price. Usually it's between Amazon and Mountain Warehouse but not only them.

Two pairs - I hadn’t even thought of this but it’s totally obvious! Can you tell I’m a forest school newbie…?! 😂

Why not start with wellies and see what the other children are wearing?

Because the forest school has told parents not to send them in wellies.

I think it's ridiculous personally. Wellies, thick socks, and a properly waterproof puddlesuit like muddy puddles brand is the best way to stay dry and warm.

We got some lined wellies from M&S last year. They're much warmer than normal wellies. DS only goes to Forest School once a term at primary school but they've always seemed fine, especially with thick socks.

Yes I’m sure wellies will probably be ok for the next few weeks, but when the cold weather starts to bite he’ll need proper lined warm boots. I’m a nerd, and I like to plan and be pre-prepared in advance of actually needing the stuff. I’d like to know what’s worked for other forest schoolers as I don’t have a ton of money to throw around on gear that doesn’t do the job.

Bumping - anyone else able to share any boot-related wisdoms?

I got some Warm Wellies for mine last year but didn't end up using them as the heels was quite high and the instep quite low and he didn't seem comfortable. But might be worth trying? This year I've got him a pair from Merry which he loves. They both present as wellies but are neoprene lined so hopefully a lot warmer!

You can buy sheepskin insoles (not the ones that say sheepswool - they're not the same thing at all!) and put them into whatever boots you buy to make them incredibly warm. Nothing else will give the warmth of actual sheepskin, but sheepskin boots tend to be £££ and not waterproof and not very durable so this is a great compromise. It's what I've done for all my winter boots including wellies.

Also highly recommend neoprene wellies for warmth, but watch out as the soles on the cheaper kids ones can be lethally slippery in mud or frost. You need the ones with proper cleated soles.

Bundgaard winter wellies are great, lined with a warm material and great for cold days outdoors