How to choose the right barefoot winter boots for children
When the temperature drops, it's time to think about keeping feet warm, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on freedom of movement.
That is why we naturally recommend our barefoot winter boots for children ❤
Our barefoot shoes are designed based on the natural shape and movement of the foot. They feature a wide toe box, a flexible and flat sole, and a light weight, allowing the foot space to move more freely, and our winter boots are no exception.
When should you switch to winter boots?
As a general rule of thumb, we recommend winter boots when the temperature is around 5-6 degrees Celsius or below.
Until then, your child can easily wear their transitional shoes. On chilly autumn days, you can supplement with a wool or thermal insole, which provides extra insulation and can extend the season for transitional shoes.
Don't feet get cold in barefoot shoes?
We often get that question, and we understand why. The short answer is no, but let me elaborate.
In barefoot shoes, the foot is closer to the ground because the sole is not thick and stiff like many traditional shoes and boots. On the other hand, the foot has a better opportunity to move freely, and the blood circulation in the foot can generate warmth.
When the toes have space and the foot can work naturally, it stays more active, which helps support warmth in the foot. Too much growing room can make it difficult for the child to retain heat in the shoe, which is why it is important not to go too high with the growing room! I will tell you more about that further down!
At the same time, all our winter boots are lined and equipped with wool insoles, so they are made for cold days.
If your child needs extra warmth, you can place a thermal insole under the wool insole. It provides an extra insulating layer against the cold from the ground.
See our thermal insoles for children here
Just remember that there must still be plenty of room for the foot when you add extra insoles.
Choose the right size
The right size is important in all shoes, especially in barefoot shoes, where there must be room for the toes to move freely.
Start by measuring the child's foot from the heel to the longest toe. Also remember to measure the widest part of the foot, as both length and width affect how the shoe fits.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend a growing room of:
· 0.8-1 cm in size 18-22
· 0.8-1.2 cm in size 23-35
When choosing winter boots, there must be enough room for movement, growth, and a warm sock, but avoid buying the boot unnecessarily large. Too much extra room can make it harder for the child to get the boot to follow the foot naturally and retain heat.
If you use an extra wool or thermal insole, you must also ensure that there is still plenty of room for the toes.
Are you in doubt about the size? In our size guide you can see the internal measurements of the shoes and get help on how to measure your child's foot correctly.
What to look for
When you choose barefoot winter boots, there are four things in particular you should keep an eye on:
· Wide toe box - the toes must be able to lie and move naturally.
· Flexible sole - the boot must be able to follow the movements of the foot.
· Flat sole - also called zero drop, where the heel and forefoot are at the same height.
· Low weight - the child should not have to drag around a heavy and stiff boot.
In addition, the boot must of course fit the child's foot, keep the feet warm, and have a good grip for wet and slippery winter weather.
Barefoot shoes over traditional winter boots
The difference lies primarily in how the shoe is constructed.
While traditional winter boots are often stiffer, can only be bent at the very front, and are heavy and narrow around the toes, barefoot winter boots are designed to give the foot space and follow the child's movements naturally.
For us, it's quite simple:
The shoe should adapt to the foot, not the foot to the shoe.
With the right barefoot winter boot, the child gets both warmth and protection against the winter weather, while the foot is allowed to move naturally.
Find your winter boots here
That is Gogsig! :-)
