How to Buy Winter Boots for Kids

Buying winter boots for your children is very important, especially in states that receive a lot of snow during the winter months. Winter boots not only have to be functional these days but also fashionable, according to kids. Use this handy guide to help you buy the right pair of winter boots for your kids this winter season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Magazines, optional
• Sunday paper, optional

1. Flip through some children's magazines to get ideas about what fashions are in this season for the age group that your child falls under. Favorite characters, such as Backyardigans and Blues Clues are popular for younger children, but grown-up styles appeal to older children. See what styles your child likes best.

2. Wait for the Sunday paper to arrive. It is here that you will find many sales from different major retail chains. You are likely to find just the style that your child wants on sale. Some places will require that you bring in a coupon while others are just general sales happening in the store. Most of the general sales only last a week, so pay attention to this important detail.

3. 

   Get a proper measurement of your child's foot size. All too often parents will go by an old pair of shoes and just go up a half-size or one full size without checking. Children, especially upper tweens and teens can skip a whole shoe size when they go through a growth spurt. Have a shoe department specialist measure your child's foot for you to be safe.

4. Have your child try on several different styles of boots, as different styles can be cut differently. Make sure your child walks up and down the aisle a few times, so she can make sure the boots feel comfortable. Her toes should definitely not be right up against the top of the boot, but at least an inch down to provide proper growing room.

5. 

   Choose boots that are insulated to provide protection from cold weather damage. This is especially important if your child spends hours outdoors in the snow, or you live in the northern states where cold weather is more severe than in the southern states.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't pay full price for winter boots, if at all possible. Kids outgrow shoes so quickly, and boots can be quite expensive.
• Bring the socks that your child will wear in the snow when trying on boots. This is especially important if your child usually wears two pairs of socks in the snow, as some do.
• Don't mistake rain boots for winter boots. When in doubt, ask a sales associate for help.
• Be careful when buying winter boots from discount retailers. The prices are cheaper, but the boots may not last as long, or fit properly.