There are many accessories to help keep your kids warm for a day in the snow, like hats, gloves, scarves, etc. The warmer they are, the more fun they’ll have, and that means better chances for no complaints!
A major part of staying warm in the cold is keeping your kids’ feet warm and dry. There are a few key ingredients that go into this during the winter months. Let’s take a look at various footwear components and how they can help with warmth and dryness.
Proper footwear is absolutely essential for staying warm when kids embark upon outdoor adventures and activities. Waterproof boots are always a good idea, especially when we have lots of rain, sleet, ice, or snow.
Kids snow boots come in a variety of styles. It can be overwhelming determining which ones are best for your kids, but keep in mind that the best boots will be determined by the conditions they are going to be worn in. (Also, if you bring along your kids while shopping, they can play a role in picking them out – which makes children excited to actually wear them.)
Now, not all winters give us several feet of snow and major storms. There are going to be times when it is cold and wet, but a heavy-duty snow boot might be a little too much. Fortunately, there are many great options just for situations like this! Certain kinds of boots may look like traditional rain boots, but are equipped to handle winter conditions.
For example, Bogs Footwear has a “Classic” line that is 100% waterproof and insulated so they can be worn in the cold. This particular manufacturer produces boots with wide openings and handles on the top of the boot make it easy to slide a bundled-up foot in. The insulating liners not only have moisture wicking properties, but also odor fighting properties.
In winters, wherein we have heavy snowfall, your kids will need something a bit more “heavy duty.” Boots with tall cuffs are ideal for these kinds of conditions. Even better is to find boots that have a closure system that cinches the opening and keeps in closed securely around the leg or ankle. (This helps keep snow from sneaking inside!) Rubber outsoles also will keep your kids’ feet dry and are durable for various conditions.
Something to consider is the fact removable liners can be a nice feature to help boots stay fresh, clean, and smelling better than you’d expect from children’s footwear!
Some days are just plain icy and you’ll want to outfit your young ones in sturdy boots that are best able to tackle these elements. This means having adequate traction and a solid sole. The custom fit of a boot that laces up provides additional support, which can be important when a child performs a balancing act on slippery surfaces.
Of course, boots aren’t the only consideration to keep kids’ feet warm and dry! The right kind of socks can make all the difference in the world.
As with other base layers, it is best to avoid cotton socks on cold days. Cotton doesn’t dry as quickly when it gets wet (either from snow or sweat). It also doesn’t hold warmth when it is wet, which creates a cold environment for children’s feet.
We recommend looking for kids’ socks that are made specifically for outdoor activities. These are typically made from a wool blend, which is an ideal material for winter wear. Not only does it dry faster than cotton, a wool blend will also wick moisture away from the foot (which helps increase warmth).
For more information on this, or any podiatric matter, contact our team at Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics by calling (440) 843-3692.
