Whether it's summer showers, or winter rain, every tot needs a decent pair of toddler wellies. You might be taking your little one to a festival, or just getting ready for a rain shower, but a good pair of wellies and some waterproof trousers are a must when it comes to jumping in muddy puddles. It's great to have family adventures but no one wants little ones moaning about wet, cold feet, so be prepared with some great toddler wellies.
They are also an essential item for days at nursery, playing in sandpits, mud kitchens, or even at the beach. Plus, there are some really exciting wellies for kids now, some which have their favourite cartoon characters on, can change colour, or even have a unicorn horn, or dinosaur teeth. Children love wearing wellies because they are both fun and practical and they are often easier to put on independently than shoes or boots with zips or laces.
Toddler wellies are just as vital as a toddler puddle suit on rainy days. Admittedly, you can't stop them from leaping into the biggest puddle in the park and filling their wellies with water, although some wellies now have drawstring tops to help prevent that problem. Nevertheless, a decent pair of toddler wellies will go a long way to keeping their toes warm and dry. Tested by little feet, take a look at our pick of the best toddler wellies here. But be warned – you’ll soon be getting boot envy.
Editor's Choice:
•Best lightweight wellies: Crocs Kids' Handle It Rain Boots - Buy now from Amazon
•Best colour-changing wellies: Grass + Air Little Kids Colour Revealing Wellies - Buy now from Amazon
•Best warm wellies: Forest Leader Fleece Lined Wellies - Buy now from Spotty Otter
•Best dinosaur wellies: Shoe Zone Kids Dinosaur Welly - Buy now from Amazon
You'll probably find that your little one will need wellies throughout the year for summer showers, autumn rain and maybe even snow! We all love talking about the weather, and that's because it's so changeable and unpredictable, which is not always easy when trying to plan a trip out with little ones and trying to remember coats and toddler umbrellas. Therefore, it's a good idea to always have a pair of wellies in the car boot or by the back door.
From traditional styles that will look the same as Mum's and Dad's boots, to patterns that only a toddler can get away with, or wellies which match their waterproof coat, we've shortlisted the best toddler wellies you can buy today. And, they're all available online so you don't need to leave the house and brave any rain to get them!
The best toddler wellies
Best lightweight wellies
Description
Crocs – whether you love them or loathe them, you’ve got to admit they’re great for kids. Available in a host of different colours, if your tot lives in their Crocs all summer, they’ve now got a wet-weather pair without the holes! Lightweight, comfortable and breathable, these hard-wearing boots are perfect for every little Croc lover. Available in sizes 1-13.
Review: "Review from 3-Year Old Leo: 'Wow look Mammy, my new yellow wellies! They feel really good on my feet! Can I go outside?' *Goes out in the garden and runs around with crazy springer puppy and 7-year-old brother for half an hour*. My opinion as his Mammy is they are FAB! So lightweight for running, climbing, walking, puddle jumping! There is clearly no need to have huge bulky heavy wellies for kids! The yellow ones are a really lovely bright colour."
Pros
- Modern look
- Large handles to help with taking boots off and putting on
Cons
- Roomy fit
Best for everyday wear
uk.merrypeople.com
Description
You might have heard of Australian brand Merry People's adult gumboots, and now they've launched children's wellies too - and we love them. Currently available in a range of four colours, our favourites are these mustard ones, although the navy with tan inners are cute too. The grip on the sole is sturdy, and these boots are versatile enough to be worn every day, not just for puddle jumping. They're also 100 per cent vegan.
One reviewer said: "We LOVE LOVE LOVE these boots. My son and I have matching pairs and I have purchased them again for him this year along with a pair for next year so he is all line up as he grows. People comment on these boots all the time, they are comfy, easy to thrown on for any occasion. His first pair he wore 70% of the year and they were still going strong till he outgrew them."
Pros
- Available in a range of colours
- Pull tabs help kids to put them on and off
Cons
- Short style may not be ideal for all
Best for Scandi-style
www.kidly.co.uk
Description
Coming in so many different colours and prints, these boots are practical yet stylish. They have buckle details, an easy-on design, and are a taller length so children don't have to worry about water splashing into their boots during rainy weather. They have a sturdy textured sole and moisture-wicking cotton lining that ensures that your child is comfortable.
Sophie, mum of Otto, wrote: "They're such great quality. I like how strong they are with a soft cosy lining to keep Otto warm and dry. Plus the stylish details make them super smart."
Another reviewer said: "Great quality and apparently comfortable. They stood up well to a muddy festival so far and I expect them to last the autumn/winter wet seasons too. I bought them a bit large so with thick welly socks they fit very well. There's great colours and great prices (I got them on sale)."
Pros
- Natural BPA free rubber
- Tall design to prevent water from sneaking in
Cons
- Buckle can be fiddly to adjust
Best bare foot wellies
Description
Easy to pull on and off, these are adorable puddle-busting toddler wellies. They're available in yellow or navy so not only are they super cute, but they also mean your little one is easy to spot in a crowd.
Review: "I LOVE that these wellies are barefoot friendly, it’s quite hard to find wellies that are especially for toddlers. My little girl constantly fell over in her supermarket chunky based ones, but these are lightweight and not as tall so don’t hinder her movement. Perfect for little ones with shorter legs.
Pros
- Soft material so no blistering
- Bright colour so no chance of losing your little one
Cons
- Quite spacious when on so water could get in over the top
Best wellies for extreme puddle jumping
www.muddypuddles.com
Description
These wellies are sturdy and long-lasting, with super grippy soles and available in a choice of bright, cheery designs. They're taller than most wellies, which means extra protection from jumping in puddles, helping to keep your toddlers drier for longer. The inner soles are padded to make them more comfortable, and there are reflective strips down the back of the boots for when it gets a bit dark.
Review: "These are fantastic quality wellies! Will be lots of splashing happening in these for sure! Daughter loves them."
Pros
- True to size
- Extra long for extreme puddle jumping
Cons
- Tricky for toddler to put on and off themselves without welly handles
Best colour-changing wellies
Description
These wellies will cause a real splash! Made from 100 per cent rubber, they have a warm brushed fleece lining and come with a free drawstring bag. Each boot features a clever water-activated colour-changing pattern so colourful raindrops will appear when they're splashing about in the rain. Great for encouraging play even on rainy days.
One reviewer said: "These are just amazing our second pair we have, also purchased the ice-cream thermal colour changing ones. They both work fantastically and the colours are strong, the come with a dirt protector drawstring bag and the quality is just unreal. 1000% recommend these as your next purchase!"
Pros
- Fleece lining
- Comes with free drawstring bag
Cons
- Limited size options
Best unicorn themed wellies
Description
You're completely quackers if you don't find these wellies super adorable. Made from natural, hardwearing rubber that's 100 per cent waterproof, your little duck will be able to splish and splash in all the puddles without their tootsies getting wet. There's a measuring tape at the back of each boot so you can see how deep the puddles are.
One reviewer said: "These boots are 10/10! Bought for my 2 year old son who never wants to take them off! They are his ‘unicorn boots’. Whenever we go out he is the envy of all the other children! Super cute, incredibly well made. Faultless. Worth every penny of the price tag."
Pros
- Reflective back strip for safety
- One year welly guarantee
Cons
- Quite narrow
Best character wellies
Description
Who better to jump in muddy puddles with than Peppa Pig? These wellies are part of the official merchandise for the franchise and would make a thoughtful gift for any tot who's Peppa obsessed. We love the addition of the pretty flowers.
One reviewer said: "My little Peppa fan was so happy with her new wellies. Everyday she will hunt them down and wave them at me to put them on her... They were a bargain and arrived next day. The handles make them easier to get on her feet and they enable her to carry them around easily. Best of all they keep her tootsies try when she is puddle splashing!"
Pros
- Handles for easy usage
- Wipe clean
Cons
- Some say they're a bit on the small side
Best dinosaur wellies
Description
Is your little one obsessed with dinos? These waterproof wellies from popular brand Shoe Zone are super stylish. Available in sizes 4-12, each pair is hardwearing, flexible and comfy with cleated soles for a better grip.
One reviewer said: "My 3 year old loves these so much that I had to buy same pair as the older pair are a bit too tight now. They are great when paired with a waterproof rain suit. We take them with us everywhere as you never know when you'll come across a new muddy puddle."
Pros
- Durable
- Simple to slip on
Cons
- No strap on back or sides to help take wellies off
Best flexible wellies
Description
"A Gruffalo? What's a Gruffalo?" With these boots on their feet, their friends will know! Perfect for little monsters, these Gruffalo boots have optimal grip and purple spikes on the back (of course). They also feature drawstring fastening for extra protection in deep puddles and with super soft rubber they can be rolled up for easy storage and transportation.
Review: "I brought these for my 2-year-old grandson and he loves them. They are of good quality and look fantastic."
Pros
- Flexible rubber
- Reviewers say they're true to size
- Drawstring top
Cons
- Some reviewers said the Gruffalo's horn fell off
Best light up wellies
Description
Your little one will really stand out in these beautiful rainbow wellies. Even better they have flashing, light up soles to make puddle jumping even more exciting. Featuring glitter in the design too, these durable, non-slip wellies will really brighten rainy days. Plus they are practical too with easy on handles and thick insoles for comfort.
Review: "These are exactly what they say they are, great quality and would definitely recommend them. My little girl loves them - this is her third pair due to the speed she’s growing."
Pros
- Light up soles
- Bright designs
- Thick insoles
Cons
- Come up a bit small
Best for independence
spottyotter.co.uk
Description
These cute boots are lightweight and flexible and have a plush lining to keep your little one's toes warm. They are designed especially for tots with Neo-Tech insulation and DuraFresh bio-technology. In eye-catching red, they also have an easy on-off back opening and pull on handles to encourage little ones to put on their own boots. Plus, they are machine washable.
Review: "My granddaughter loves wearing these ...... easy to put on and remove and they keep her feet toasty when playing outside in the cold."
Pros
- Comfortable and warm
- Back opening to make getting them on and off easier
Cons
- Not great for deep puddles
Best for warmth
spottyotter.co.uk
Description
Who doesn't love bright yellow wellies on a wet day? These colourful, fleece lined wellies will keep your little one dry and warm on even the coldest day. Plus they are made from strong, flexible rubber with reflective detailing. Your little one can even explore the slipperiest of terrains with the grippy soles and even better the drawstring toggle top will protect them from getting water in their wellies when they jump in the deepest of puddles.
Review: "We love the fuzzy lined Forest Leader wellies. The drawstring top helps keep out the rain (and helps keep wellies on feet when walking through mud) and the yellow pair are a bright and cheerful colour. Our order arrived quickly in a lovely presentation box, and I am very glad I placed my order with Spotty Otter."
Pros
- Fleece lined
- Drawstring toggle top
Cons
- Sizing quite big
Best all year round wellies
spottyotter.co.uk
Description
These wellies are great for your little one to wear all year round and they have useful reflective strips for safety. Made from strong but flexible rubber with grippy soles, these are perfect for rainy days, muddy days and beach days. They look stylish too, available in navy, red or yellow.
Review: "Very comfortable, sturdy boots but also flexible. Daughter very happy to spend whole days in them at forest school."
Pros
- Strong but flexible
- Great grippy soles
Cons
- Generous sizing
How to choose the best toddler wellies
Little feet grow quickly, so you might be investing in two or three pairs of toddler wellies throughout the year. With all that growth, it's important that the quality of the boot is high - just because it's a wellie, doesn't mean it shouldn't support the foot. There are also other factor to consider looking out for, including reflective strips, and pull-on handles which encourage independence, and of course cost is important too, especially if you might need to buy a few pairs. We all know toddlers can be fussy and so choose a design that will appeal to them, or think about a fun feature like colour changing wellies, or light up soles.
Do I buy a size up in toddler wellies?
No, it's not necessary to size up when buying wellies. Of course, on cold days your little one might be wearing thicker socks, but they could also wear wellies during the summer and if the wellies are too big, they might be awkward to run and walk in. Check the reviews and size guide for the product you are interested in and that should provide advice as to the type of fit, and if they come up big or small. If you are buying online it might be a good idea to measure your child's foot to ensure you get the right size.
How to take care of your toddler wellies
Natural rubber is a resistant, hard-wearing material, but, as it is natural, it can crack and split if not looked after properly, so they need to be cleaned with care (like swim shoes do). Always wipe your wellies clean after wearing them, using a microfibre cloth if possible; use a mild detergent to clean any mud or dirt off, and leave to dry naturally. You can buy a protective spray from various shops to help them last even longer.
Just like introducing household chores to your toddler, teach your little ones how to take their wellies off carefully. Using the other foot to yank the heel can cause the boot to crack and wear out therefore try to discourage it and show your little ones how to remove their wellies with care.
Extreme temperatures can cause wellie boots to crack, so store them out of direct sunlight, away from the direct heat of radiators, and ideally not in a cold shed.
Ellen Kinsey is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer for Yours, Mother&Baby, Heat, Closer and Empire. She has a passion for cooking, media, and women’s health.