Some children seem to be magnetised to the deepest, muddiest puddles around, while others have a simple love of the great outdoors, and some are a little more reluctant to dip their toes. Regardless of what category they fit into, all children will benefit from a pair of the best children’s wellington boots to keep their feet warm and dry while they’re playing outdoors – whether they’re in the woods, at the beach or at your local park.
All of the wellies we’ve included in this round-up are 100% waterproof, but will have a variety of designs and features to cater for all. Younger children’s boots tend to have a flatter sole and rounder toe, which makes them easier to walk in, so don’t be put off if they don’t look quite like the best wellington boots designed for adults.
Best children’s wellington boots: H&H’s quick guide
Best wellies for warmth: Grubs Muddies Icicle 5.0
Best short wellies: Merry People Bobbi Kids
Best wellies for warmer days: Hunter Original First Classic Kids
Best budget wellies: Mountain Warehouse Kids
So which children’s wellington boots are the best?
Grubs Muddies Icicle 5.0 Boots
Colours: Charcoal or violet
Sizes: UK C6–2
Reasons to buy
- Hard wearing
- Warm
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price point
These neoprene calf-height boots keep little feet comfortable, warm and dry between -20°C and 20°C to make sure play is never interrupted. They have an easy-kick rim for hands-free removal and a hard-wearing, supportive rubber sole.
Merry People Bobbi Kids Wellington Boots
Colours: Mustard yellow, Oxford blue, dusty pink or alpine green
Sizes: UK C4–3
Reasons to buy
- Flexible
- Grippy soles
Reasons to avoid
- Shorter style doesn’t provide full coverage
The Bobbi kids boots are made with all the same technology and functionality as the adult boots, including added grip and tread on the sole. They are supportive and versatile, which makes them great for daily wear, and they’ve been tested in sub-zero temperatures.
Made from natural rubber combined with flexible neoprene lining, they are 100% vegan and ethically manufactured. They also feature handy pull tabs so that kids can slip them on and off with ease.
These neoprene calf-height boots keep little feet comfortable, warm and dry between -20°C and 20°C to make sure play is never interrupted. They have an easy-kick rim for hands-free removal and a hard-wearing, supportive rubber sole.
Hunter Original First Classic Kids Wellingtons
Colours: Black, navy, red, yellow, green or pink
Sizes: UK C4–4
Reasons to buy
- Easy to keep clean
- Good grip
Reasons to avoid
- Not super warm
Designed with a flatter sole and rounder foot, these boots are easy for young children to walk in. They are made from natural vulcanised rubber with a matte finish and have a soft cotton lining.
Mountain Warehouse Kids Wellies
Colours: 12 options
Sizes: UK C6–5
Reasons to buy
- Plenty of colour choices
- Good grip
Reasons to avoid
- No warm lining
These wellies have a PVC outer, durable sole and soft jersey lining. They have a deep grip on the sole for grip and stability.
Grass & Air Colour-Changing Fleece-Lined Wellies
Colours: 12 options
Sizes: C3–13
Reasons to buy
- Appealing design for kids
- Fleece lining for added warmth
Reasons to avoid
- Shorter style might not appeal to everyone
These wellies are available in a range of bright and more neutral colours – and feature colour-changing technology so that the raindrops become colourful when wet. They have a teddy fleece lining for extra warmth and come with a drawstring bag so you can easily pack the wellies for adventures, however dirty they get.
Solognac Kids Warm Short Wellies
Colours: Black
Sizes: UK C7½/8–1/1½
Reasons to buy
- Super warm
- Easy to keep clean
Reasons to avoid
- No extra colour options
These lightweight wellies have a removable fleece slipper for extra warmth. They have a non-slip sole and a pull tab to help with putting them on.
Aigle Lolly Pop Kids Boots
Sizes: UK C7–4
Reasons to buy
- Durable
- Large size range
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price point
These iconic rain boots are immediately recognisable and handcrafted with primarily natural rubber. They’re a great option if your child loves to splash in the puddles, featuring a flat sole and a reflective strip at the rear.
Joules Junior Roll-Up Wellies
Colours: Prints and patterns
Sizes: UK C8–3
Reasons to buy
- Prints and patterns appeal to kids
- Flexible
Reasons to avoid
- Don’t offer a lot of support around the leg
Available in a wide range of prints and patterns, these wellies roll up so are easy to carry around, making them perfect for wet weekends, school trips and holidays.
After being worn in the wet, stand the wellies upright and allow them to dry naturally – and prolong the life of the rolling ability with a welly spray (like this one on Amazon).
Roarsome Kids Wellies
Colours: Green dinosaur, purple unicorn or pink rabbit
Sizes: EU 25–32
Reasons to buy
- Eye catching designs
- Cosy
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price point
These wellies have handles to help your child get them on unaided. They are totally waterproof and made from natural rubber with a faux shearling lining to keep feet cosy.
Start-Rite Mudbuster Boots
Colours: Navy, pink, blue or lilac
Sizes: EU 20–39
Reasons to buy
- Provide great coverage
- Fleece lined
- Elasticated top
Reasons to avoid
- Not as flexible as some other options
These fleece-lined boots have an elasticated top to keep moisture out when it’s wet or muddy – which is great for those who love the puddles.
Muddy Puddles Classic Wellington Boots
Colours: Navy, red, yellow or green
Sizes: UK C3–adult 6
Reasons to buy
- Great value
- Provide good coverage
Reasons to avoid
- No warm lining
These classic wellies are great if you’re shopping on a budget. Their tall design protects more of the leg and their grippy soles prevent slipping.
How to choose the best children’s wellington boots
There’s such a wide variety when it comes to the best children’s wellington boots, but all parents will be on the lookout for a functional design, good fit and great value for money. Some of the best wellies have a significantly higher price point, but these tend to be more technical and usually harder wearing, so if your child is likely to give their new boots a hard life with a lot of time outside before they need a larger size, then it’s worth considering whether the extra spend will pay off. If you’re looking for winter-specific wellies, opt for a pair with a lining for extra warmth and a good grip for when it gets particularly muddy underfoot.
Should you size up in wellies for kids?
Wellies follow the same sizing as regular footwear, so you don’t have to size up. Stick to the same size in wellies so your little one’s feet will be best supported.
How do you keep kids’ feet warm in wellies?
If your child tends to have particularly cold feet they could wear thicker socks. Alongside thick socks, opt for wellies made from neoprene or those that have a warm lining.
You may also be interested in…
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Wellington boots you can rely on, recommended by horse owners who know their mud
Short wellies and rain boots: perfect for popping out in a downpour
Horse & Hound’s expert guide to riding kit for children
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