Rainboots instead of winter boots?

[DuckDuckGoose]

I live in a place that had pretty cold winters.  My son doesn't have winter boots yet and I can't seem to find a good option thats in our budget yet. But I did come upon an awesome deal for rain boots which he could use for winter and spring. Would you consider outfitting a 4 y/o boy in wool socks/rain boots for winter weather or do you think I should just bite the bullet and get the winter boots?  He really doesn't like to play outside in the snow and probably wouldn't be out longer than 45 minutes at a time at preschool. 

I can't decide if I am being practical or cheap.  TIA! :) 

[Melanie_7773]

Define "pretty cold winters".

I live in Ottawa.  Rain boots with wool socks absolutely would not be adequate winter footwear here.  But in a somewhat warmer climate they might be.

I guess you could consider whether your own feet would be cold in that configuration if you were outside for 45 minutes in the middle of winter.  That should give you your answer.

[abmom5]

I wonder at what temperature are they taking pre-school kids out for 45 min?  I would think if it was too cold for wool socks and rainboots, they shouldn't be out that long at school.  For me, winter boots are a MUST but it gets REEEEEAAAALLLLLYYYY cold here.  However, sometimes I find rain boots more conveinient and the kids usually wear those if we are just running out to the store or whatever.

I should also mention that I NEVER buy my boots new.  ALL winter boots/jackets I manage to find second hand.  $40 for a pair of winter boots is absurd!

[la mamita]

I have done this, rain boots with wool socks. It works pretty well. The catch is that rain boots wear out really easily, because the plastic is less durable or something; my kid's rain boots got holes around the ankles where they would bend while walking within a few months. Once it gets a hole you have two options: duct tape or getting rid of them. I don't think that happens with winter boots...just a thought because you might have to replace the rain boots in the middle of the season, so it could end up being just as expensive. If it were me, I would just hit up the nearest used clothing store and get a pair of winter boots and save the rain boots for mud season.

[DuckDuckGoose]

Well, at the coldest in Jan/Feb it can get down into the teens during the day. Preschool always takes the kids outside unless its blizzarding or pouring rain.  For at least a half hour once/tice a day.   I guess another thing is that I need something that is easily pulled on and off by him.  Last year I found great boots at a yard sale for $1 but they were a PAIN because the lining was always bunching up so I had to put them on him every time.  I feel like it would be pretty easy for him to pull on wool socks and rainboots and then take both off for his slip on indoor shoes.

If money weren't an issue I would buy him BOGS boot. Those look warm and easy and dual purpose. But even on ebay they are $40. I just don't know.   Maybe I should ask them at preschool if that would be appropriate?  Rain boots get way more mileage around here anyway.  Spring is reaaaaaally mucky!

[Melanie_7773]

Personally, I wouldn't want to be playing outside in snow for 45 minutes in un-insulated rubber boots even at relatively reasonable temperatures.  If it's sunny and calm and -15 Celcius, my kids would probably be outside at school.  Much colder than that, probably not.  But walking through a parking lot between the car and a store is not the same thing as wading through a foot of snow on a playground.  One or more of the following is inevitable:

1. Snow in boots - likely given the wide brim typical of rubber boots

2. Boots falling off in the snow - can happen with winter boots too, but more likely with the combination of sloppy fit and lack of interior friction typical of rubber boots

3. Poor traction on slippery surfaces - probably the most worrisome problem, since it could be outright dangerous

4. Plain old cold feet. 

But this is all very climate dependant, and "pretty cold winters" is a very relative term.  So I still think the best gauge is whether the OP would be comfortable herself in the same circumstances.

[EdnaMarie]

I would probably be willing to do rain boots and socks down to freezing.  Below freezing, I want a good boot.  I will assume that they could be out for up to an hour playing in snow.

We have these Sorels:

http://cgi.ebay.com/SOREL-CUB-WINTER-SNOW-RAIN-BOOTS-GIRLS-TODDLER-sz-7-/190468670039?pt=US_Baby_Toddler_Shoes&hash=item2c58d14257

I got them on Sierra Trading Post for $35 / pair brand new but they aren't there anymore.  They are awesome.  Totally waterproof.  I'd strongly recommend them.  Their feet are warm and toasty even with very thin summer socks, even when we were out in freezing temperatures in the rain (so, 0C with sleety-looking rain... in case you are wondering how that works, LOL).

[Melanie_7773]

Originally Posted by DuckDuckGoose 

Well, at the coldest in Jan/Feb it can get down into the teens during the day. Preschool always takes the kids outside unless its blizzarding or pouring rain. 

In your climate you might be able to get away with the rubber boots.  Where I live "down into the teens" would be a fairly warm winter day.  Rain can happen in the winter, but it's relatively unusual.  Once there's snow (usually early December) we don't see the ground again until March.  At least not without a lot of digging and/or the assistance of copious amounts of salt.  So I think we're comparing apples to oranges.  :)

I'd still go with the winter boots if you can find a pair you can afford, but probably your son's toes aren't going to fall off if you don't. 

[Daffodil]

If it's colder than 30 or so, rain boots and thick socks doesn't seem warm enough.  Around here, it's pretty easy to find used kids' winter boots at thrift stores and consignment shops.  I'd do that if I were you (and also pick up some used rain boots for when it's not quite so cold.)

[pianojazzgirl]

I live in Montreal where the winters are very cold.  I would not dress my kids in rain boots in winter time.  I would (greatly) prefer used winter boots to rain boots, and I don't usually buy used shoes for anyone in our family.

Of course it sounds like your winters are much milder so it's hard for me to speak to what you should do.

[DuckDuckGoose]

Originally Posted by Melanie_7773 

Personally, I wouldn't want to be playing outside in snow for 45 minutes in un-insulated rubber boots even at relatively reasonable temperatures.  If it's sunny and calm and -15 Celcius, my kids would probably be outside at school.  Much colder than that, probably not.  But walking through a parking lot between the car and a store is not the same thing as wading through a foot of snow on a playground.  One or more of the following is inevitable:

1. Snow in boots - likely given the wide brim typical of rubber boots

2. Boots falling off in the snow - can happen with winter boots too, but more likely with the combination of sloppy fit and lack of interior friction typical of rubber boots

3. Poor traction on slippery surfaces - probably the most worrisome problem, since it could be outright dangerous

4. Plain old cold feet. 

But this is all very climate dependant, and "pretty cold winters" is a very relative term.  So I still think the best gauge is whether the OP would be comfortable herself in the same circumstances.

You've made some very valid points!!  Thank you for helping me think this through everyone!!  I was certainly missing some key issues.

I do note how flimsy rainboots are. We usually go through one hand me down and one brand new pair in the spring/summer season for my son.  Now that I'm thinking long term it would make more sense to get the Bog boots which could be used in the winter and spring. And then because of the quality they could be handed down to his little brother.

Unfortunately we don't have a whole lot of choices in kids consignment stores nearby here. Its very hit or miss at the Goodwill or Salvation Army.   I found brand new Bogs with free shipping for $39 and thats easily what 2 brand new pairs of rainboots could cost for the upcoming season.
 

[beebalmmama]

I've  bought boots at Target for less that $20. They have actually held up quite well and ds will be wearing them this year too. I've had some cheapies from WalMart for $16 or so and they did not hold up quite as well.

I definitely don't think rain boots or an uninsulated boot would be appropriate for that cold of weather.

[LynnS6]

When I was a teen living in Minnesota, duck boots were in fashion. For those of you who don't know, they have a rubber bottom, leather top and are insulated.

I found out that they were TERRIBLE for cold weather (even down into the 20s). The rubber just held the cold and the insulation didn't help. In Oregon, they'd be fine. In Minnesota, nope.

[EdnaMarie]

I think it's the type of insulation used in duck boots, Lynn.  Isn't it some fuzzy stuff?  Not much substance at all.  It's what I have in my slippers, LOL.  So I agree.

[ecoteat]

Check the Lands' End clearance section. They often have winter boots marked down, and they are very easy to get on and off. And they are warm!

[snoopy5386]

Lands end has boots on sale right now for $20. That is what my DD will be wearing this year. In previous years it has been boots from target or walmart.

[deditus]

I'd get the BOGS if there is any way you can. I got a pair second-hand for myself and they are awesome (says a mom in MN).

[karne]

Another vote for Bogs.  In our house Bogs are 3 season boots.    They really are warm enough for the very cold, snowy weather.  They also clean up pretty well, and can be passed down or consigned pretty easily as they are highly in demand.

[CarrieMF]

 I wonder at what temperature are they taking pre-school kids out for 45 min?  I would think if it was too cold for wool socks and rainboots, they shouldn't be out that long at school.

Most schools the cut off is -25 to -30C.

Rainboots would not work here for the cold, but they are also too slippery. They do not have good enough grip to be walking around in the snow. 

[Theia]

Originally Posted by karne 

Another vote for Bogs.  In our house Bogs are 3 season boots.    They really are warm enough for the very cold, snowy weather.  They also clean up pretty well, and can be passed down or consigned pretty easily as they are highly in demand.

My DD is on her first pair of Bogs.  I love them so far.  They are insulated and will get 3 seasons of wear, from October to May if the weather is anything like last year.  We spend a lot of time outside in the weather to walk our dog so proper foot wear is important.  Earlier this year REI had childrens Bogs on sale, so maybe keep an eye out there too.  I will compromise on some things, but quality footwear is something I rarely compromise on.

I'd also like to add that the cost of some of the options listed above would likely add up to the same or nearly the same as a pair of Bogs.  A pair or two of cheap rain boots, several pairs of good wool socks, or even one pair of cheap rain boots, one pair of winter/snow boots and still the several pair of wool socks... it still seems like unless you are fortunate enough to find everything you need in good condition on resale then the cost would likely add up.  And as mentioned, the Bogs will hold some value for resale after your kids have outgrown them.

The only reason I would hesitate to suggest Bogs would be for hard core deep snow play due to the boot being short and having the pull on handle cut outs.  But even that could be fixed (I think) with a good pair of snow pants with elastic at the ankles.