As you know, children love winter with its snowfalls, ice-skating, modeling of snowmen. However, so that the joy of a walk is not overshadowed by hypothermia and as a result of a cold, parents should take care of suitable winter shoes for their baby in advance. The perfect solution, time-tested - warm and comfortable felt boots
Benefits
Felt boots have a number of advantages compared to other types of children's winter shoes. Owing to its porous structure, sheep’s wool is unusually warm and can warm even in severe frost. In addition, this material perfectly evaporates moisture: if the child’s foot is sweating, the sweat will not remain inside the shoe, but will be removed, leaving the boots themselves dry. For children, this is very important, because often they freeze not from the cold on the street, but from the cooled sweat.
Molded rubber sole will not allow feet to get wet in slush. And if boots are knocked down, you can always wear transparent galoshes on top.
Some models of children's products intended for especially severe frosts are additionally insulated with thin fur from the inside.
It is noteworthy that boots are made without a single seam, eliminating the possibility of rubbing.
Many have heard about the healing properties of wool: it is hypoallergenic, excludes the occurrence of fungal infections, and provides a light foot massage. These qualities are especially relevant for the children's body.
All models of children's boots, as a rule, are very light. For this reason, they are suitable even for kids who have barely learned to walk. It will be pleasant for mobile children in such shoes to run and jump.
Models
Modern felt boots for children have a diverse design - they are fastened with Velcro, a zipper, a snake, have a drawstring at the top, which protects against the ingress of snow inside the shoe.
The choice of model is largely determined by the completeness and elevation of the child's leg. Velcro boots are optimal for a full leg; its length can be adjusted. At the same time, it is undesirable for the shoes to have a rich finish - it will become even more fat. Valenoks with side zippers sit well on thin legs with a high rise. A wide variety of models are suitable for standard completeness.
In girls, options with a furry are popular (by the way, it visually adds volume to the leg). There are children's boots, additionally insulated from the inside with sheared fur.
Most models of children's boots are equipped with a waterproof sole, often it has a tread that gives stability on a sliding ice surface. On downed products, on top, you can wear galoshes. In rubber boots or variants with galoshes, the child can walk on wet snow.
As for the height of the shaft, it is usually not very comfortable for children in shoes that are too high - they restrict movement.
Today, such a model as home children's boots is also available. They are light weight and shorter in length than street options. Girls can choose similar shoes for the home, decorated with lace or volumetric applique.
Color and finish
The color scheme of children's boots is very diverse. In addition to standard gray, white and black tones, bright colored boots (red, orange, pink, blue) are popular.
As for the decoration, here the fantasy of designers knows no bounds: the products are decorated with fragments of natural fur, decorative braid, rhinestones, beads, multi-colored embroidery, voluminous applications. Some models look like real works of art.
Dimensions
The child needs to select the boots the right size especially thoroughly. Please note that the length of this shoe may change during wear. Therefore, purchase the product one size larger (or 1.5 centimeters) so that an air gap forms between the leg and the felt boot. Under the bottom, put on your child warm tights with thin socks. Woolen in this case is useless: the leg will be cramped and it may freeze.
Too large a stock in size is also not needed - the baby will be uncomfortable to walk, and even more so run.
In modern manufacturers, felt boots often do not match in size, so before buying, you must definitely measure them.
Which firms are better?
The Russian consumer is very popular with children's felt boots of the Finnish Kuoma trademark. They differ from traditional Russian models in a number of indicators: it is lighter weight (due to the textile top), internal insulation with artificial fur, water and dirt-repellent impregnation. In addition, the bottom of the felt boots is protected by a rubber edging poured along with the sole, for this reason they are more wear-resistant.
Such products are able to warm the children's leg, even in forty-degree frost. In addition, there is a place on the felt boots where you can make an inscription - this is very convenient for a school or kindergarten, where the child changes shoes. Also, the products are equipped with reflective strips.
But it should be noted that for all its merits, these quality shoes are quite expensive.
In our country, there are also many different enterprises specializing in the production of boots, in particular, children's models. So, the Foma trademark (Magnitogorsk) produces models in the traditional Russian style - the top is made of natural felt and the lining is made of Orenburg wool. Children's boots are presented in a wide range and have an attractive design. The rubber sole, as the manufacturer guarantees, will not slip and freeze.
The Zebra brand, which has existed for more than ten years, offers traditional felt boots and their variety - non-felt boots (products with a combination of felt, leather, fur fragments). For kids, the company produces Velcro shoes, for older children - without fasteners. A distinctive feature of Zebra is a combination of not only various materials, but also styles. Valenoks have a affordable price, affordable for any family (500-1500 rubles).
Also an economical option - shoes of the domestic trademark "Fairy Tale". Their price starts from 600 rubles. At the same time, the products are distinguished by a sound sole, the presence of arch support, the necessary lifting and at the same time attractive design.
The Kotofey brand produces natural eco-friendly shoes. On the basis of classic felt boots, designers created practical shoes with fasteners (Velcro, zippers, laces), an insulated lining that prevents snow from getting inside. The rubber sole is designed to cover the felt top in the form of a kind of galoshes with high heel protection. There are models of boots, in which the toe and heel are rubberized - you can walk on them in wet snow. For particularly severe colds, Kotofey offers options with fur inserts. For legs with a high rise, you can choose felt boots with Velcro and with a wide insert that allows you to conveniently fix the shoes.
Kotofey felt boots are distinguished by their beautiful decor, giving them a stylish look and destroying associations with gray and nondescript shoes. Note that the price of this shoe is higher than that of many other Russian brands, but more affordable compared to the Finnish brand Kuoma.
The young domestic company Kapika (called heel in the past) produces boots in accordance with GOST, annually updates its collections, delighting customers with original new products. Children's models are distinguished by a special insole, consisting of three layers: sheep’s fur, foil and leather jacket. This design retains heat as much as possible and does not limit air access.
The buckle clasp is extremely simple - even a baby can handle it. Inside the boots are equipped with a fur lining, which will provide the child with comfort in severe frost. The boots themselves are made of Italian felt (0.6 centimeters thick). The polyurethane sole has an anti-slip notch.
Models for girls have a particularly fashionable design in the spirit of European fashion. Top boots embroidered or decorated with appliqués. Pleases buyers and the cost of Kapika products - an average of 1,500 rubles.
The shoe company "Paris Commune" dates back to the 20s of the 20th century. These boots are popular, but they have some drawbacks - in a number of models the toe is decorated with artificial leather, which reduces the life of the shoe.
Products of the Morozko trademark are made according to old technologies. Small production, which employs more than a dozen employees, nevertheless, provides the northern regions of Russia with felt boots.
Models for girls are distinguished by intricate ornaments, often embroidered with beads or braid. Decorated with traditional folklore patterns, these masterpieces look like shoes from Russian folk tales.
Valenoks are made in such a way that the lower part of the shoe, and especially the heel, do not wear out as long as possible (here more dense wool). Separate models are made of white sheep’s wool using secret technology - they are especially durable, withstand several seasons of active use.
How to choose?
When buying a child’s boots, carefully inspect the shoes - it should be seamless, because, as you know, it is rolled from wool, not sewn. If you need shoes with a fastener, it is better to choose a flypaper - unlike a zipper, it does not violate the integrity of the product.
High-quality boots are not too hard (they will rub), as well as too soft (there is a risk that they will fall apart during socks). Choose a middle ground - elastic shoes.It is advisable that the sole and heel of the boots are tightened - these parts wear out faster.
- Feel the boots inside - they should be even, without thickenings and thin spots.
- Sniff shoes: an unpleasant smell indicates a violation of manufacturing technology. And do not expect it to erode over time.
Before buying, a child must definitely try on felt boots, and mom must make sure that they are symmetrical, because sometimes one felt boot is a bit larger than the other. Shoes should not hug the calf very tightly, but it is also uncomfortable and too wide.
Do not play it safe, buying too thick and heavy boots - after all, the child will get tired, sweat their legs, and this will negate all the benefits of these shoes.
As for the colors of boots, keep in mind that products that are too bright, of course, look attractive, they retain heat worse, sometimes they fade in the sun and stain socks and tights.
How to care?
Children's boots do not require much complicated care. The main thing is to remember that they cannot be washed (otherwise they will deform and decrease in size), but can only be treated with a wet brush with natural bristles.
Dry boots only at room temperature, but not on the battery or near heating appliances.
Since this shoe is made of natural wool, keep it away from moths to avoid holes.
Valenoks are worn by children, as a rule, in dry frosty weather. In slush, give preference to leather boots.
Reviews
Almost all parents evaluate children's boots extremely positively, considering them the best shoes for winter. Children’s legs after the walk are always warm, and at a temperature of –5 and at –15.
Judging by the reviews, Velcro models are especially convenient, which makes it possible to adjust the width of the product.
As for specific manufacturers, mothers praise the Foma brand boots with a protected cape and comfortable boot. Also a good choice is Kotofey and Skazka shoes, sewn in high quality, not changing their appearance after an active sock season.
It is interesting that some buyers value traditional boots of domestic production higher than the notorious Finnish models. In some active children, the legs in Finnish felt boots are rattling, being constantly wet (since these shoes do not absorb moisture and do not let air in), as a result, colds arise. Russian models made of natural felt completely eliminate this problem.
The images
Stylish winter ensemble for a little fashionista. A cute sheepskin coat of universal knee-length in a pleasant honey shade has an original decor - fur inserts of the same shade, including cuffs on the sleeves. A remarkable addition to outerwear are high boots with a lapel. Made in elegant black color, they are like a miniature copy of an adult model. The color of felt boots is shaded by light gray tights. The highlight of the image is a scarf with a long fringe in the Russian folk style. His gray-pink color scheme refreshes the girl’s face and the whole outfit, combining the colors with gloves.