The best toddler wellies for jumping in puddles

Toddler wellies

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

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 Debenhams
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 mimic Mum's and Dad's boots to fun patterns that only toddlers can pull off, and wellies that match their waterproof coats, we've rounded up the best toddler wellies you can buy today. Best of all, they're all available online, so you can shop from the comfort of your home without having to brave the rain! Plus, we reached out to Helen Richardson, Footwear Buyer at JoJo Maman Bébé, who shares her expert tips for choosing and caring for your little ones’ wellies.

The best toddler wellies

Best lightweight wellies

Crocs Unisex Kid's Handle It Rain BootAmazon

Rrp: £39.99

Price: £37.87
Alternative retailers
Nordstrom$34.95View offer
Walmart$34.99View offer
Backcountry$39.95View offer
Kohl's$39.99View offer

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. One mum said: "These 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
  • Available in sizes 1 - 13

Cons

  • Roomy fit
Sizes:1 UK (Child) - 8 UK
  • Lightweight
  • Handles
  • Bright colours

Best for everyday wear

Bobbi Kids Wellington BootMerry People

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 happy mum who purchased these boots for her little one said: "We 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
Sizes:UK 4 - UK3
  • Vegan
  • Four colours
  • Matching adult and kids boots available

These navy wellies are a must-have for your little ones this autumn and winter! Made from natural rubber, they're super comfy and lined with a cosy mix of wool and polyester to keep those tiny toes warm and toasty. Plus, they have removable insoles and a reflective Wheat logo on the back for added safety. The waterproof fabric cuff at the top can be tightened to fit snugly around your tot’s legs, so no more worries about water getting in!

Pros

  • Flexible natural rubber makes them comfy to wear
  • Warm lining keeps little feet toasty
  • Snug cuff design helps keep out rain and snow
  • Removable insoles are easy to clean

Cons

  • Might need extra socks for really cold days
Natural rubber, Lining: 30% Natural Wool and 70% Recycled Polyester
Recommended allowance for growth: 1-1.5 cm

We absolutely love the Jojo Maman Bébé Bug Print Wellies! These adorable boots are perfect for autumn and keep your little one dry while they jump in puddles and have fun. Made from soft and flexible materials, they are way more comfortable than regular plastic boots.

The soles have a gentle grip, allowing your child to run and play without slipping, and the cosy lining means they can wear them all day without discomfort. If you’re into matchy sets, these wellies can also be paired with the 2-Piece Waterproof Trouser and Jacket Set, which is sold separately.

Mum tester Anne Lora says, "These are great for rainy days at the playground or rolling around in the park! My little one’s feet stay protected, and the cute bug prints—with caterpillars and dragonflies—are just too adorable!"

Pros

  • Cute bug print. Kids will love the fun design
  • Soft materials keep little feet happy
  • It has a good grip. Ridged soles help prevent slips while playing
  • Breathable lining. Cotton lining keeps feet dry and comfy

Cons

  • Not for cold weather. Best for mild, rainy days, not for chilly ones
94% Recycled polyester, 6% Elastane

Best for Scandi-style

KIDLY Label Rain BootKIDLY

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, said: "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". And, happy with how snug it feels, another mum 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
Sizes:UK1 - UK5
  • Study sole
  • Great colour selection
  • Easy to pull on

Best bare foot wellies

Best toddler welliesAmazon

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.
A parent who loved these for her toddler said: "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
Sizes:4.5 (UK Child) - 13 (UK Child)

Best wellies for extreme puddle jumping

Puddlestomper Wellies GreenMuddy Puddles

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. "These are fantastic quality wellies! Will be lots of splashing happening in these for sure! Daughter loves them.", said one mum.

Pros

  • True to size
  • Extra long for extreme puddle jumping
  • Available in sizes 5 infant - 5 youth

Cons

  • Tricky for toddler to put on and off themselves without welly handles
Sizes:5 (infant) - 5 (youth)
  • Longer length
  • Pretty designs
  • Grippy soles

Best colour-changing wellies

Best colour-changing wellies

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. A mum and second time puchaser 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
Sizes:5-8 (UK Child)
  • Colour changing
  • Fleece lined
  • Come with a dirt protector bag

Best flower themed wellies

Joules Girl's Jnr Welly Print Rain BootAmazon
Price: £60.42

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. Bought for her son, one parent 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
  • Only 5 are left in stock
Sizes:1 (UK Child) - 11
  • Unicorn horn design
  • Measuring tape at the back to measure puddle depth
  • Natural rubber

Best character wellies

Peppa Pig Girls Wellington BootsAmazon

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. Bought as a gift for a true Peppa pig fan, 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

  • Easy to put on
  • Wipe clean
  • Pink welly boots showcasing Peppa in a white dress
  • Sizes in kids size: 5 - 10

Cons

  • Some say they're a bit on the small side
Sizes:5 (UK Child) - 4 (UK)
  • Peppa Pig design
  • Handles to makes getting them on and off easier
  • Mid calf length

Best dinosaur wellies

Best toddler welliesAmazon

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. "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.", said one customer.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Simple to slip on

Cons

  • No strap on back or sides to help take wellies off
Size:4-12 (UK Child)
  • Grippy sole
  • Fun design
  • Mid calf length

Best flexible wellies

Best toddler wellies
Price: £44.99

"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. A customer impressed with its durability said: "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
  • Only a few left in stock
Size:1 (UK Child) - 13 (UK)
  • Soft rubber
  • Roll up design
  • Removable insoles
  • Reflective back strap

Best light up wellies

kids wellies rainbowAmazon
Price: £23.99

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. Agreeing with the product description, one buyer said: "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."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.

Pros

  • Light up soles
  • Bright designs
  • Thick insoles

Cons

  • Come up a bit small
Sizes:4 UK infant - 13 UK infant<br>1 UK - 2 UK
Material PVC
  • Light up sole
  • Thick insole
  • Rainbow design
  • Mid calf length

Best for independence

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. A grandparent said: "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
  • Sizes 3 - 9 in kids

Cons

  • Not great for deep puddles
Size rangeUK 3 - UK 9
ColourRed or navy
Material 3mm Neo-Tech waterproof insulation
Cleaning instructionsMachine washable
  • 100% Waterproof materials
  • 3mm Neo-Tech waterproof insulation
  • DuraFresh natural bio-technology to fight odours
  • BOGS Max-Wick evaporates sweat to keep feet dry
  • Plush lining for warmth and comfort
  • Pull-on handles
  • Back opening
  • Comfort rated to 14°F/-10°C
  • Machine washable 

Best for warmth

Forest Leader Fleece Lined WelliesSpotty Otter

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. Glad with the drawstring: "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
Size rangeUK infant 4 - UK infant 13<br>UK 1 - UK 3
Material Rubber
ColoursYellow, red, navy
  • Soft and flexible waterproof rubber
  • Extra grippy sole
  • Fleece lined
  • Drawstring anti-leak toggle top
  • Reflective safety bands
  • Three colours

Best all year round wellies

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. "Very comfortable, sturdy boots but also flexible. Daughter very happy to spend whole days in them at forest school.", said one mum.

Pros

  • Strong but flexible
  • Great grippy soles

Cons

  • Generous sizing
Size rangeUK 5 - UK 8
Material Rubber
ColourNavy, red and yellow
  • Soft and flexible waterproof rubber
  • 3 vibrant colours
  • Extra grippy sole and taped seams
  • Comfortable jersey lining
  • Reflective safety bands

Tips for choosing and caring for your little ones’ wellies

Did you know that two-thirds (66%) of British parents say their children love wearing wellies, with 41% stating their child refuses to take them off? However, over half (53%) struggle with knowing what size to choose for their child's wellies, despite 48% revealing their child owns more than one pair. Experts advise against sizing up and leaving wellies damp, as this can lead to mold.

Helen Richardson, Footwear Buyer at JoJo Maman Bébé, offers some valuable tips for choosing and caring for your little ones’ wellies:

Happy toddler playing outdoors with wellies on
©Photo credit: JoJo Maman Bébé

Sizing and fit

Stick with regular shoe size: “Before purchasing wellies, you should measure your child’s foot length to ensure you get the right size. As children are continuously growing, their feet should be regularly measured. Up to the age of three, children should have their feet measured every three to four months; after this, it should be every six months to a year.”

Comfort is key: “Wellies are made to be flexible and should fit snugly around the calves and allow enough space for toes and ankles to move. A good fit keeps little feet comfy. Despite what some think, wellies will not damage children’s feet unless they are ill-fitting.”

What makes good wellies?

Look for quality: “When purchasing new wellies for your child, you can look out for telltale signs that show quality, such as a thick sole and fleece lining to keep moisture out of the boot. These qualities will help keep your child’s feet dry and warm.”

Taking care of wellies

Replace when worn out: “Whilst there’s no set rule on how often they should be replaced, it's wise to swap old wellies out for new ones at the first signs of damage and weakness such as leaking, material cracking, and fading.”

Clean them up: “After a muddy adventure, wipe off dirt right away to make cleaning easier later. Avoid leaving wellies outside, as they can get damaged by the weather.”

Drying and storing

Don’t leave them wet: “Wellies should be dried thoroughly before storing to extend their shelf life. If wellies are left damp, they are more susceptible to mold. Stuffing the boots with newspaper will help absorb moisture from the inside and keep their shape.”

Break them in: “If your child is struggling with their wellies being uncomfortable, the natural rubber will soften over time with each wear. Wearing thick socks is advised to stretch the rubber, reduce friction, and prevent blisters.”

Styling tips

Match outfits: “When styling your child in brighter colours, it can be tricky to strike the balance without looking too mismatched. A good guide to follow is to pick out a colour in an outerwear print and match your child’s welly to that colour. Leaning into brighter colours can help cheer any outfit up and provide visibility for those gloomy winter walks.”

About the author

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.

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