The 10 Best Boys Snow Boots
This wiki has been updated 30 times since it was first published in October of 2016. While many adults may want to hide inside during the winter, children love to play in the fresh powder, but they need shoes with good tread that provide warmth if they're going to enjoy doing so. These boys snow boots have the rugged materials and thoughtful features your young adventurer needs to stay cozy and dry, and them come in a variety of designs to suit most kids' personal styles. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. North Face Alpenglow
2. Northside Frosty
3. Crocs Kids' LodgePoint
Editor's Notes
October 16, 2020:
In selecting our best boys snow boots, we prioritized comfort, since we know how picky children can be when it comes to footwear. We also looked for waterproof and durable materials, so you can be sure your kid's feet will stay dry, even after long hours of playing outdoors.
With regard to durability, a few products really stood out. The North Face Alpenglow have rugged materials, including leather overlays and strong rubber outsoles, while the Sorel Flurry have thick, wind-resistant uppers. Unfortunately, the laces on the Keen Basins are fragile and break easily, so we removed that pair during this update.
If your main concern is a child who complains of cold feet, you may like that the Columbia Powderbug Plus and the North Face Alpenglow are both rated for negative 25 degrees. Paired with a set of good gloves, they should ensure that all of your kid's extremities will be warm. Meanwhile, the Gubarun Slip Resistant have thick faux fur lining, and most little ones can play for hours in these without complaining about the cold. The Northside Frosty and the Kamik Rocket have toggle cord closures, which are good for keeping the wind out.
Preventing falls is important when you send youngsters to play on wet and slippery ground. So we appreciated that the Crocs Kids' LodgePoint, the Sorel Snow Commanders, and the Ska-Doo Winter Journey have deep tread to prevent slips.
Special Honors
L.L.Bean Kids' Northwoods Boots The L.L.Bean Kids' Northwoods Boots come with thick felt liners that are removable for washing. They also have snug hook-and-loop straps around the ankle, along with toggle adjusters around the openings that can be tightened to keep out wind and powder. Also, their reflective trim helps you keep an eye on your child when he plays after sunset. llbean.com
Lands' End Kids Expedition Snow Boots The Lands' End Kids Expedition Snow Boots should keep a youngster warm and dry with their waterproof rubber shells and water-resistant suede and textile shafts. Their 400-gram Thermolite insulation and sherpa lining keep toes toasty without adding much bulk, while a side zipper combined with a cord lock lace system make these easy to put on, take off, and adjust. landsend.com
4. Columbia Powderbug Plus
5. Sorel Flurry
6. Gubarun Slip Resistant
7. Sorel Snow Commanders
8. Tundra Teddy
9. Ska-Doo Winter Journey
10. Kamik Rocket
A Brief History Of Snow Boots
You might be surprised to learn that snow boots have a history nearly as long as humanity itself.
You might be surprised to learn that snow boots have a history nearly as long as humanity itself. The earliest known snowshoes belong to Ötzi, a well-preserved mummy that was found in the Alps. Ötzi lived between 3400 and 3100 B.C.E., and had shoes made of a mixture of bearskin, deer hide, and tree bark, which were both waterproof and wide enough to make traipsing through the snow easy.
In fact, his snowshoes were so well-crafted that a Czech company offered to buy the rights to the design, so things just might be looking up for Ötzi finally.
Ötzi's basic design would be favored by men and women the world over for centuries to come, including in the Americas. Native American tribes such as the Cree and Sioux used boots of similar construction, which they augmented with distinctive colored beads.
About 1,000 years ago, the Inuit began making mukluks, which were often made of caribou or seal skin. These were often soft-soled boots that could be worn over a liner and under another protective shoe. Besides keeping feet warm and dry, they were also extremely flexible, allowing hunters to creep up on prey without alerting it to their presence.
As the years went by, this design stayed fairly constant, with only the materials used changing and improving. In the 20th century, waterproof materials replaced leather, offering superior protection from the elements as well as a longer lifespan. Rubber soles were also used to keep moisture out, and all of the materials became much easier to clean than traditional boots, so you wouldn't have to carry around reminders of all the ice and mud you'd trekked through.
Today, snow boots are more comfortable than ever before, while still offering incredible protection. Walking through the snow without losing your balance or catching cold has never been easier, and many options are surprisingly budget-friendly as well. It's never been easier to venture out into the frozen tundra.
And if you run into Ötzi out there, take his shoes. We can make a fortune off of them.
Choosing The Right Snow Boots
Finding a good pair of snow boots can seem complicated, but if you know what you're looking for, you can find a great pair that suits all your needs.
The first thing you should do is consider how often you'll be needing them. If this is for a one-time trip, you don't need to spend a lot of money on your boots; most are more than capable of handling a day or two in the cold, even if they don't last much longer than that.
The good news is that snow boots are more comfortable than they've ever been, with plenty of arch support and cushioning.
The extent of the cold is also important to think about. Most shoes come with temperature ratings, and you really want to pay attention to these, as spending a lot of time in 0°F weather isn't much fun if your boots are only rated to 10°F. Keep in mind that these ratings aren't absolute, though, as a lot hinges on your health, the socks you'll be wearing, and just how comfortable you want to be.
Don't forget that, in the cold, heat can be your enemy, as well. The last thing you want is for your feet to start sweating, as that moisture could quickly turn frigid, leading to frostbite. Find something that's warm, yet breathable. You may even want a pair with a removable lining.
Check the soles, and make sure that they're suitable for whatever activities you have planned. Many have soles that are specially designed to grip in icy conditions, and this could be a literal lifesaver if you go hiking. If you expect that you'll be trudging through deep snow, however, then finding a pair that cuts through the slush easily is paramount.
Finally, be certain they're comfy. The last thing you want is to have aching, tired feet when you're out in the cold and can't take your dogs out for a massage. The good news is that snow boots are more comfortable than they've ever been, with plenty of arch support and cushioning.
How To Win The Ultimate Snowball Fight
The best thing about freshly fallen snow is how peaceful everything is. The whole world is quiet, with beautiful, unsullied powder as far as the eye can see.
It's the perfect setting for an all-out, apocalyptic snowball fight.
You need to get the high ground, and once you find a good spot, you should build a fort.
If you want to win, then planning is key. You need to get the high ground, and once you find a good spot, you should build a fort. Get your snow shovel out of the garage, and use it to pile snow high on three sides. Pack it down hard — now you're ready to repel all invaders.
Build up a healthy supply of ammo before you start. It's hard to pack a good snowball while you're under fire, and there's no mercy in winter warfare. Ideally, you'll have at least one teammate who can make snowballs during the fight, as well (we'll call this person "Mom"). The side with superior weaponry is often the side that emerges victorious.
If you really want to take things to the next level, you should plan days ahead and get a spy to infiltrate the enemy organization. This can allow you to sabotage them at the perfect time, stealing their snowballs and trapping them in a crossfire. Sure, you may lose a friendship or two, but it's all worth it for some fleeting, meaningless glory.
Ultimately, though, just have fun. You can't lose as long as everyone has a good time.
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.