How to choose the right healthy wellies for your little ones

Children Barefoot Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes

Wellies are one of the essential pairs of shoes for children. Choose barefoot wellies and let them enjoy the puddles they love so much.

Wellies, rain boots, puddle stompers – whatever you call them. They’re part of childhood just like semolina porridge or the evening bedtime cartoons (in Czechia, that’s Večerníček with the little mole). For children, wellies are one of those basic pairs of shoes they need for a proper little rascal’s life. Whether it’s for those showery spring days, autumn downpours, or summer splashing in the stream – a solid pair of wellies is a must-have at home. And here’s the good news: wellies can be barefoot too – take a look.

Wellies that feel like slippers? Absolutely.

Barefoot shoes are known for their key (and wonderfully comfy) features, such as a toe box with plenty of room for the toes, a wider shape for the whole foot – and above all a thin, flat sole with no hint of a heel. Basically like slippers you put on and never want to take off. Wondering whether that’s possible with rubber wellies? It is! Even puddle-jumping can bring happiness not only to the soul, but to little feet too. And it’s healthy movement that benefits the body. All that’s left is choosing the right type and the right size.

Measuring a child’s foot can be a bit of a challenge. Feet seem to grow overnight, and sometimes they jump a whole size in just a month. That’s why it’s important to measure carefully and choose the right size with the ideal growing room. For children, that’s usually 8–12 mm, but for wellies we recommend a maximum of 10 mm so the boot doesn’t slip off the foot. If you’re only just starting with barefoot shoes for your little ones (and good on you), we recommend reading our article A complete guide to measuring children’s feet: tips and mistakes to avoid, which will walk you through what to do and how.

At naBOSo, we recommend all parents get the PLUS12 measuring gauge, which lets you measure children’s feet accurately and easily – and check the internal length of shoes at the same time.

Materials for children’s comfort

Do you love that fresh, damp air just after the rain, when birds peek out from their hiding places, worms wriggle up from the soil, and our children make a beeline for the nearest puddle? Every parent knows it – the moment your little one spots a puddle (always before you do), you blink and they’re already in it. Even if it only rained for a few minutes, they’ll find a puddle somewhere. And if you’re prepared, you won’t be caught out. Let’s take a closer look at materials, so tiny feet don’t have to suffer in plasticky discomfort.

Wellies are made from two main materials. One is, unsurprisingly, rubber – natural rubber. That will always be better than the other option: synthetic PVC. The properties are similar, but rubber is simply more pliable, more flexible – and above all more natural. Probably no surprise: all barefoot wellies are made from natural rubber, so we’ve made that part of the decision easy. The rest is up to you.

Even natural rubber isn’t breathable, and feet can get quite sweaty in wellies. To give that moisture somewhere to go, it’s ideal if the wellies have a textile lining. Often you won’t even notice it, because it’s part of the boot and bonded to the rubber base. Some wellies have a lining (or at least an insole) that’s removable – and therefore washable, which is a big advantage.

There are also wellies with a wool lining, meaning they’re insulated and absolutely perfect for chilly – and even winter – days. Brand Bundgaard offers models like these. A big plus is the drawstring cuff at the top, which helps keep dirt and moisture out.

Kind to the eye – and to the foot

Barefoot wellies are now made by several trusted brands, so you can choose what suits your child best.

RAYVE is one of the brands in our naBOSo range, bringing lightweight and flexible wellies designed for maximum comfort when moving in the rain and on wet ground. The boots respect the natural shape of a child’s foot, provide plenty of room for the toes, and allow free, natural movement during outdoor play. Thanks to their simple, functional design, they’re a great choice for children who want to be outside in any weather.

The wellies suit medium to wider feet and we offer them in several colours and in sizes 22–31. Thanks to the thoughtful cut around the heel and ankle, they also fit well and don’t slip off when walking.

The classic RAYVE MONSOON is an ideal choice for rainy days, puddles and everyday outdoor wear. They’re very lightweight and easy to pull on, so children can put them on by themselves. Thanks to their flexibility, they don’t restrict natural foot movement and allow comfortable walking and running on wet ground.

You can also read about how they perform in real life in a review on the Naboso blog – Read the RAYVE MONSOON REVIEW: Finally, wellies that fit. In the review, the boots were tested by a children’s physiotherapist with their own children, focusing mainly on their lightness, flexibility and overall comfort for everyday outdoor movement.

Mums love them: ‘I was looking for wellies for my two-year-old that would be comfortable to walk in and handle varied terrain,’ says Lenka Hájková. ‘I was really pleasantly surprised by how naturally he walks in them – not like a bull in a china shop. What I appreciate most is that they don’t fall off.’
And orthotist-prosthetist Petr Kadlec adds: ‘The little wellies are light, thin, minimalist – but extremely functional. Children can easily put them on themselves, and at the same time they taper nicely above the heel area, so they stay on children’s feet really well.’

A popular option is RAYVE MONSOON COVER, based on the classic model but with a practical drawstring at the top. It helps keep water, mud and little stones out – something children will appreciate when splashing in puddles. Even with this addition, they remain light, soft and very comfortable.

New this year is also RAYVE MUDDY SHORT, an ankle-height version of barefoot wellies. Thanks to the lower cut, they’re easy to pull on and give children maximum freedom of movement. They’re ideal for the playground, the garden, or quick outdoor activities where you want lightness and comfort without restriction.

Although barefoot shoes are known for their very thin soles, with wellies it can’t be quite that thin. Because they’re made for wet (and therefore slippery) conditions, they need a more pronounced tread. So the sole is sturdier, but still flexible enough for natural foot movement. And that’s exactly what our barefoot wellies deliver – it couldn’t be any other way.

Bundgaard offers a wide selection of barefoot wellies – from classic plain models to cheerful versions with patterns and pictures children love. You’ll find wellies for toddlers as well as older schoolchildren, in various colours and sizes from 20 up to 35. They fit medium and wider feet beautifully, giving children plenty of toe room and comfortable movement. They’re also known for a flexible sole with a more pronounced tread, which grips well even on wet, slippery surfaces. You can choose between classic models for rainy days and insulated versions with a wool lining, which can be used in winter instead of snow boots. Simply a versatile choice for everyone.

REIMA offers barefoot wellies that combine simple design, functionality and an emphasis on safe materials. Removable insoles with the Happy Fit print make it easier to choose the right size and help parents check that the boots fit well. The wellies are made without PVC, fluorocarbons and other harmful substances.

In sizes 23–36, there’s something for younger children and schoolchildren alike, with a fit that’s comfortable for medium to wider feet. The sole is flexible and has a more pronounced tread, helping with confident steps on wet surfaces and in the outdoors.

Mums always say: Keep those feet dry! And mums are always right. It’s a proven fact too – when feet are warm and dry, everything feels easier and comes with a smile. Even puddle-madness, even looking at the mess afterwards. So we recommend – get proper quality wellies for your children (and for yourself) and stomp in that puddle with them. The resulting joy is guaranteed!

We’ve also added wellies for adults to the range, so you can splash about with your children.