“Hello, I’m looking for a winter boot for my child,” is one of the phrases we hear most often at Piétine :)
It's normal, as parents, we all want our children to have warm and dry feet! Did you know that we lose 30% of our heat through our feet? Here are some tips for choosing your child's winter boots.
1-Light
The winter boot must be very light. Especially for toddlers who are starting to walk. The lighter the boot, the easier it will be to move around. In the store, watch your child try on winter boots. Does he walk normally or does he let his feet drag on the ground? Don’t hesitate to try several brands.
Our German winter boots Ricosta and our Finnish boots Kuoma are extremely light. They are also very popular with our customers! Italian boots Olang offer good value for money.
2- Flexible
Children's winter boots should be very flexible. In store, don't hesitate to twist it. The more flexible the boot, the more it will adapt to your child's foot. And the child will move more easily. Our Riscota winter boots are known for being extremely flexible.
3- Robust sole
Some parents believe that a large sole will interfere with their child's mobility. However, the boot must have a good sole to keep it away from the cold ground.
4- Good insulation
To keep warm, it is essential that the boot is well insulated. Especially for toddlers who don't move a lot. Rubber soles generally insulate the feet well.
5- Breathable
It is important that the winter boot is breathable. Is your child running and playing outside with a boot that is too insulating but not breathable enough? As you sweat, moisture will accumulate in your feet. Result: his socks and little feet will be wet. So the child will quickly get cold! The advantage of a breathable boot? It absorbs and wicks away moisture. Boots with a membrane will keep your feet dry. Winter boots Kuoma And Ricosta are particularly breathable.
6- The right size
As a general rule, the winter boot should be one size larger than the child's shoe size. But some brands are made wide, others narrow, so it's better to try the boots on in store and choose the right size accordingly. Several parents told us they bought winter boots elsewhere and were unpleasantly surprised to find that they no longer fit their child when the snow arrived! Be careful not to take them too big either, which will harm the child's comfort. At Piétine, we want you to get value for your money, we take the time to advise you so that the boot purchased from us can be worn all winter long.
7- Easy to put on
At daycare or school, we prefer boots that are easy to put on and take off. Like our Finnish Kuoma boots, type pull on. Ultra easy to put on! Our other winter boots are also easy to wear.
8- Temperature indices
Our boots Kamik , made in Quebec, go up to -40°C, Kuoma boots and Olang go down to -30°C. Temperature ratings give a good idea of the effectiveness of winter boots. But be careful, check your children's feet regularly: are they wet? Cold? Because few children will complain of having cold feet. And we want to avoid frostbite at all costs!
9- Water resistant
With the fluctuation in temperature, boots need to be water resistant. All of our winter boots are water resistant or waterproof and waterproof. When a boot is very waterproof, you have to make sure that it is also breathable. But be careful, a winter boot, even a waterproof one, is not a rain boot! During the warm spells in winter, many parents swap the winter boot for our fur-lined Aigle rain boots. They're perfect when the snow turns to water and it's zero degrees Celsius.
10- A high boot
Especially for older children, it is better to choose a boot that is high enough to prevent snow from entering the boot.
Extra: socks
Avoid wearing cotton socks on children, which absorb and retain moisture. If the child sweats, the sock will get wet and the child's feet will quickly get cold. It doesn't matter what type of boot. Opt for a synthetic polyester sock. Or better yet, merino wool socks. This thin natural fiber keeps heat in, absorbs and wicks away moisture. Don't hesitate to take a second pair of socks with you to make a change, if you notice that your child has wet feet.
You have questions ? We will be happy to advise you! Come see our large quality selection in store.
And above all, enjoy the first snowflakes!!