What is it about kids and rain boots? Given the choice, my preschooler would wear his bright red firefighter boots every day of the week — rain or shine. Whether he’s puddle jumping, playing with his classmates, or trudging through the supermarket, you can tell how proud he feels with them on. If a pair of rubber boots is all it takes to give his self-esteem a quick boost, I’m happy to supplement his shoe wardrobe with some cool rain boots.
However, my son’s at the age where his feet might grow three sizes in his sleep, so I don’t want to spend $95 on rain boots. Luckily, there are plenty of high quality rain boots in cheerful colors and kid-friendly patterns available for under $50 — and some for far less!
These may be a wardrobe essential for kids, but anything that’s going directly into the nearest mud puddle is definitely not an investment piece.
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At first glance, the Kamik Explore rain boots for kids look like standard issue camo. But look again and you’ll see the pattern is actually a wilderness map. Follow the trail to the nearest campfire or fishing hole. Available in three colors, they’re perfect for little adventurers. ($24.95 – $35.95, at Amazon)
These Butler rain boots for little kids are sanity savers in shoe form. Made from environmentally-friendly materials, they feature a clever front fan design that allows them to fit over any pair of sneakers or ballet slippers. No more struggling to get your child’s shoes back on because you never have to take them off! ($36.63+, Nordstrom)
Did you know TOMS makes rain boots? Me neither! But I’m so glad I discovered these adorable floral rain boots for kids because for every pair sold, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Plus, the pretty peach, coral, and pink pattern reminds me of a chic Liberty of London print. ($38.95, Nordstrom)
Sporty stripes never go out of style. Boys love them, girls love them, and I love them, especially the blue tonal pattern and bright yellow accents of these modern-looking Bogs Kids rain boots. The cool cut-outs make them easy to get on and off, and moisture-wicking lining helps prevent stinky feet. ($50, Zappos)
These Western Chief Light Up Glitter Pink rain boots are the shoes I dreamed about when I was in elementary school: Hot pink. Glitter. Light-up heels. Actually, do they make them in women’s sizes? ($29.95, Nordstrom)
Also from Western Chief (they really do make terrific boots for kids) come the parent-friendly notion of popsicles without the subsequent sugar rush. The colorful summertime treat splashed across these Popsicle Toss rain boots makes them the perfect pick-me-up when it’s wet and gloomy outside. ($26.95, Zappos)
These bird printed Wellies for kids from Boden are currently on sale, so sizes may be limited, but they’re just too fun to leave off the list. It’s not every day I see such a brightly colored retro bird pattern on rain boots for kids. Of course, the British have lots of experience designing for the rainy days, don’t they? ($30.80+, Boden)
Okay, so this playful update on the classic duck boot costs slightly more than $50, but I couldn’t resist sharing them with you. The geometric fox print on these Jimmy rain boots by Native are totally on trend, as I’m crazy about the unisex teal and orange color combo. ($55, Native)