Kids are constantly on the go – and their footwear sees a lot of wear and tear. So now’s a good time to get them hard-wearing boots for the winter. Here are some top tips to make it easy.
What to consider when buying kids’ winter boots
Kids’ footwear can be an expensive business for parents. With constantly growing feet and all the running around kids do, it’s not long before their lovely new shoes or boots take a fair old battering. Now, with winter nearly upon us it’s important to pick up a good pair of winter boots for them. But it needn’t be hard work. Here are a few simple tips to get you started. 
Girls’ boots
Girls are, in general, fussier than boys when it comes to their choice of footwear. In fact what they’re wearing on their feet is often more important than jumping about in mud! Retailers know this, so you’ll most likely find there’s a wider range of girls’ boots available in the shops. And this winter there are some great options on the high street.
Boots with floral and butterfly prints on the side are very popular right now - ideal for little girls who like a ‘pretty’ look. There are also some great coloured boots in red and pink leather. But if you’re only buying one pair this winter, it’s probably best to think practically and get them in a black or a brown. That way they’ll be suitable for school through the week as well as weekend wear.
Soft boots such as Uggs are often a hit with little girls who want to wear the same footwear as their favourite girl band or older sister. There’s no doubt they are comfortable and fashionable, but remember, while lovely and warm, they’re not ideal for excessively wet conditions – particularly if heavy winter rain is forecast. So if your little girl loves to splash in puddles, go for a more hardwearing boot or a pair of wellies!
Boys’ boots
You’ll find there isn’t the same choice of boots on the high street for boys as there is for girls. You’re usually restricted to black or brown, but that’s not usually a problem as boys tend to like to keep things simple - and the same as their friends! 
Just make sure that, for obvious practical reasons, you choose a hard-wearing pair of boots with a strong toe, heel and sole. Ideal protection against climbing, football and scuffing!
In fashion for boys right now is the lace-up builder boot similar to those worn by boy band JLS. Let them tuck their jeans in - not only does it look cool but will also prevent the bottom of their jeans from getting soggy. The important thing is to make sure there is a zip fastener on the boot to make it easy for them to take on and off (some cheaper versions may not have this).
Wellington boots
Children love nothing more than splashing in puddles. To avoid damp feet they’ll need a good pair of wellies. Kids’ wellies generally start at a size 5 (before then they aren’t really necessary).
For toddlers there are a few brands such as Aigle which make them in soft rubber. This makes it easier for you to get them on and off and much more comfortable for your little one to walk in. For the yummy mummy who wants her kids to be as trendy as she is, famous wellington brand Hunter makes mini versions of their adult boots - guaranteed to make other mums jealous!
When the kids are a bit older, a good tip to get them to wear their wellies instead of ruining their regular shoes is to choose a design featuring their favourite cartoon or TV character. They are usually easy to find and affordable, as high street stores will generally buy into the character of the moment.
Family Friendly Walk ideas:
Wildlife walks in the UK
Family walks with a difference
Take a walk for charity
Image credits:
1. Animal Print Boot, River Island
2. Boys Boot, Brantano
3. Red Wellington Boot, Aigle