Minimal rain boots for kids are a challenge to find. Especially if you want them to actually be waterproof. I’ve seen MyMayu boots recommended by some, but I’ve also seen some negative reviews. Many people have said they are not actually waterproof. At about $60 each, I’m not sure I’m ready to take the risk. So instead I’ve been searching for a cheaper option. Here’s what I’ve found so far.
LONECONE
I bought these on Amazon for $19.99. My kids have been really into rocket ships and outer space lately. So the design caught my eye. They have lots of other cute patterns too. They are definitely a compromise. As you can see, the heel is slightly raised. So they are not “zero-drop.” However, they tick most of the other boxes for minimalist shoes.
Flexible soles that aren’t too thick are a must for me. As always, I removed the insert they came with so they’d be more flexible and roomier.
The toe box is surprisingly wide. When they came in the mail and Ana opened the package, she immediately put them on and refused to take them off. I just wish that heel wasn’t raised and the sole was thinner. But, they’re really not that bad. Since they’re only going to wear them in the rain, I’m willing to compromise a bit when it comes to rain boots.
Crocs
These are NOT minimalist at all. Alesi has sores on her feet after wearing them. They are very very stiff with thick soles. I do not recommend them at all.
This is me trying as hard as I can to bend the sole. It wouldn’t budge.
Conclusion
Sometimes you can get lucky and find cheap shoes that happen to be minimalist or close to it. Just look for:
- a wide toe box, shoes should be feet-shaped
- zero-drop (toe and heel are the same height)
- flexible soles
- no molding (no “arch support” or heel cupping)
- and ground feel
For everyday use, I want my kids’ shoes to meet all of these criteria. But for boots that will only be worn in the rain, I’m willing to compromise a little as long as they are close to minimalist.
Barefoot Kids 
Hi there,
This is Suzanne Solsona, the founder of MYMAYU. Thanks so much for mentioning our company. We hope you will give our boots a try, as they are way more barefoot than most anything on the market. We started MYMAYU when our son was 20 months old and we couldn’t find good boots for him. Since we launched with out first boots 4 years ago, we have been working extra hard on the waterproofing aspect of our boots. Our newly redesigned Traveller boots are ultra-flexible, lightweight and zero drop. We’ve redesigned the ankle grip, increased the durability of the textile and reduced sewing seams. We think all our barefoot fans are really going to love them! Plus, we are launching the adult boots in October!!! Stay tuned! Until then, Just Be. Outside.™ -Suzanne
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Sorry, that should say 10 months old! 😉
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Hi Suzanne. Thanks I hope to try them soon. Do you have a chart that shows the features of the different styles? I was having trouble finding the information on your website. Are the Travellers waterproof?
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Hi Monica, Thanks so much for reaching out. We don’t have a chart comparing the various styles of our all-purpose outdoor boots for kids. However, in a nutshell, for those wanting the most watertight, most flexible, we recommend the Traveller boots. The Trekker boots are a bit stiffer and will not likely satisfy our barefoot customers. The Wanderer boots are stiffer than the Traveller boots but less so than the Trekker boots. The Explorer and Muddy Munchkins boots have a narrower toe box than the Traveller boots. All in all, we think your readers will be very happy with the Traveller boots, which are the most versatile, lightweight and minimalist boots we have ever encountered. Have fun outside!- Best regards, Suzanne
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