6 Best Kids Slip-Resistant Boots For Snow That Handle Slush and Ice

The world looks different after an ice storm. That familiar walk to the bus stop becomes a treacherous landscape of glassy patches hidden under a dusting of snow. For a kid, every step is a gamble, and a simple slip can end a day of winter fun before it even begins. Choosing the right winter boot isn’t just about warmth; it’s about giving your child the confidence to navigate a slippery world safely.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

Choosing the Safest Winter Boots for Your Child

When you flip over a winter boot, you’re looking at its story. The tread, or outsole, tells you what kind of terrain it’s built for. It’s not as simple as "more tread is better." Deep, widely spaced lugs are fantastic for digging into deep snow and shedding slush, much like a mud tire on a truck.

But what about sheer ice? For that, you need a different approach. Softer rubber compounds that stay pliable in freezing temperatures offer better grip on slick surfaces. Look for intricate patterns, sometimes called siping, which are tiny grooves that create more biting edges. The perfect boot doesn’t exist; you’re always making a tradeoff between grip in deep snow versus grip on pure ice.

Beyond the tread, consider the whole system. A secure fit is non-negotiable for stability. A boot that’s too loose will cause a child’s foot to slide around inside, compromising balance before the outsole even touches the ground. Waterproofing and adequate insulation are also safety features—cold, wet feet are clumsy feet.

Bogs B-Moc: All-Weather Grip for Active Kids

Imagine a typical winter day at the school playground. It’s a chaotic mix of conditions: deep snowdrifts by the fence, packed-down icy slides, and a giant puddle of slush near the entrance. This is where a versatile, all-weather boot like the Bogs B-Moc shines. It’s built for the messy in-between.

The key is its BioGrip outsole, which is designed to provide traction on both wet and frozen surfaces without being overly aggressive. It’s a workhorse tread that handles a bit of everything, making it a reliable daily driver for winter. The pull-on handles are a game-changer for kids, fostering independence and ensuring the boots actually get worn properly.

The tradeoff? While competent everywhere, it’s not a specialist. The lugs aren’t as deep as a dedicated powder boot, so in feet of fresh snow, you might want a taller, more aggressive option. But for the variable conditions most kids face day-to-day, from a slushy walk to school to an icy recess, the B-Moc offers a fantastic balance of grip, comfort, and usability.

Kamik Snowbug 3: Lightweight and Secure Traction

For toddlers and young children, a heavy boot can feel like wearing cement blocks. Their little legs get tired quickly, and clunky footwear can make them trip even on a dry floor. The Kamik Snowbug 3 addresses this head-on. Its primary advantage is being incredibly lightweight.

This boot often features a one-piece synthetic rubber shell for the lower half. This construction provides excellent waterproofing and decent grip on packed snow without the weight of a traditional multi-layer boot. The wide hook-and-loop strap makes it easy for little hands to manage and, more importantly, allows you to cinch it down for a secure fit, which is critical for wobbly new walkers.

The Snowbug 3 is the perfect choice for a child’s first real snowfalls or for quick trips out in the cold. It’s not designed for arctic expeditions or scaling icy mountainsides. Its traction is solid for general play, but the tread is less aggressive than heavier-duty models. It prioritizes low weight and ease of use, a smart trade for the youngest adventurers.

Sorel Youth Flurry: Deep Lugs for Icy Conditions

Think about the day after a big storm, when the plow has left a frozen wall of chunky ice at the end of the driveway. Or when the sledding hill has been worn down to a slick, bumpy track. These are the conditions where you need a boot that bites. The Sorel Youth Flurry is built for exactly that.

Its standout feature is a thermal rubber shell with aggressive, multi-directional lugs. This isn’t a subtle tread. It’s designed to dig in, providing purchase on uneven, packed, and icy ground. The built-in gaiter with a barrel-lock closure is another crucial safety element, preventing snow from tumbling inside and compromising warmth and stability.

This level of performance comes with a trade. The Flurry is a stiffer, heavier boot. It’s a piece of serious equipment, and that bulk can feel like overkill for a mild winter day. But when conditions are genuinely challenging, that robust construction and deep-lugged sole provide a level of security that lighter boots can’t match.

Merrell Snow Bank 2.0: M-Select Grip Technology

If your family’s winter weekends involve more than the backyard—think trail walks through snowy woods or exploring a frozen shoreline—you need a boot that behaves like a hiker. The Merrell Snow Bank 2.0 is exactly that: a snow boot with the DNA of a trail shoe.

Merrell’s M-Select GRIP outsole technology is tuned for traction on a variety of surfaces, not just flat, snowy ground. The lug patterns are more complex, designed to provide stability on uneven terrain like frozen dirt, icy roots, and slick rocks. It gives a kid sure-footedness when the ground underneath is unpredictable.

This is the boot for the active outdoor family. It offers more support and a more precise fit than a simple pull-on boot. The tradeoff is often cost and complexity. It’s more boot than is needed for just waiting for the bus, but for kids who are truly hiking and exploring in the winter, that extra performance is well worth it.

Keen Kids’ Targhee: All-Terrain Rubber Outsole

Keen brings its legendary hiking boot reputation to the kids’ winter lineup with the Targhee. This is another excellent option for families who don’t let cold weather stop their adventures. It’s a true hybrid, blending the warmth of a snow boot with the ruggedness of a hiker.

The all-terrain rubber outsole is the main story here. It features deep, multi-directional lugs that provide confident grip whether the trail is covered in snow, slush, or slick leaves. The iconic Keen toe bumper adds a layer of protection and durability that playground-focused boots lack. A secure-fit lace-capture system, often with a hook-and-loop strap, ensures the boot stays locked in place.

Like the Merrell, the Targhee is a performance-oriented choice. It’s ideal for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or any activity where ankle support and aggressive traction are paramount. It’s a heavier and more structured boot, which might be less comfortable for casual, all-day wear compared to a more flexible option.

OAKI Snow Boots: Durable Traction for Deep Snow

Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate feature. When a blizzard drops a foot of fresh powder, the main challenges are staying dry and punching through the deep stuff without slipping. OAKI snow boots are built with a straightforward, rugged philosophy that excels in these exact conditions.

Their outsoles typically feature very deep, widely spaced lugs. This pattern is brilliant for two reasons: it bites deep into fresh snow for excellent traction, and it sheds snow and slush easily, preventing the sole from getting caked and losing its grip. The one-piece molded lower is incredibly waterproof and durable, perfect for hours of snow fort construction.

The tradeoff is in the refinement. OAKI boots are often simple pull-on designs, which may not offer the snug, adjustable fit of a boot with laces or straps. This can mean less ankle support for tricky terrain. But for pure, uncomplicated performance in deep snow and slush, they are a fantastic and often affordable workhorse.

Key Features in a Slip-Resistant Kids’ Boot

When you’re comparing boots in the store, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Focus on these core elements to make the best choice for your child’s safety and comfort. It’s about matching the boot’s design to the conditions you expect to face.

• Outsole Material and Design: Look for rubber that feels somewhat soft and pliable, even when cold. Stiff, plastic-like soles will be useless on ice. Deep lugs are for snow; intricate, siped patterns are for ice. A good boot often has a combination of both.
• A Secure Fit: This is a critical safety feature. A child’s heel should be locked in place with minimal slipping. Bungee cords, hook-and-loop straps, or laces are all effective ways to ensure a snug fit that prevents internal foot movement and improves balance.
• Waterproofing: A "water-resistant" boot is not enough for a slush puddle. Look for sealed seams and a gusseted tongue (webbing that connects the tongue to the boot) to keep water and snow out. A dry foot is a warm and safe foot.
• Insulation and Temperature Rating: Pay attention to the insulation, usually measured in grams. A 200g rating is a good all-around choice for active kids, while 400g is better for very cold climates or less active use. Remember that these ratings are a guide, not a guarantee.

Ultimately, the "best" boot is the one that fits your child well and matches the winter they’ll actually experience. Don’t get paralyzed by the search for the perfect, do-it-all option. A good, safe boot is a tool that opens up a whole season of outdoor play. Get them the right tool for the job, and then get outside and make some tracks.