Kids' Wellies: How to Choose the Right Pair and Get the Size Right

Few things make a toddler happier than a big muddy puddle. A good pair of wellies means they can splash to their heart's content while their feet stay warm and dry.

But with so many styles about, and little feet growing so fast, it's easy to buy the wrong pair. Here's what to look for, how to get the size right, and how to kit them out for the wettest days.

What to look for in kids' wellies

• Proper rubber. Flexible, hard-wearing and properly waterproof.
• A warm lining. A soft lining makes a big difference on cold mornings. Our Grass & Air colour-changing wellies have a cosy teddy fleece lining.
• Removable insoles. Easy to dry out, and handy for checking the fit. The Grass & Air insoles even help little ones tell left from right.
• Good grip. A textured sole helps on wet grass and slippery paths.
• Easy to pull on. If they can get them on (nearly) by themselves, you'll be out of the door faster.

How to get the size right

Wellies don't stretch, so the fit really matters.

• Measure standing up. Feet spread when they stand, so measure heel to longest toe with their weight on both feet.
• Leave a thumb's width. About 1cm at the toe gives room for socks and a little growing.
• Think about socks. If they'll wear thick welly socks all winter, allow a touch more room.
• Don't go too big. Wellies that are much too large rub at the heel and cause trips.
• Check every few months. A pair that fitted in September may be snug by spring.

Our Grass & Air wellies come in UK infant sizes, and Little Dutch wellies use European sizes, so it's worth checking your child's EU size before you order.

Why kids love colour-changing wellies

Grass & Air wellies have a white raindrop print that turns multicoloured when it gets wet. It's a brilliant way to get reluctant walkers out of the door on a grey day.

One tip: the colour change works best when the wellies are kept out of direct sunlight and away from radiators.

Our favourites

The wellies and rainwear we'd pick for puddle season, all ready to go.

Grass & Air Colour Changing Wellies - Amethyst Purple (£18.00)
Teddy fleece lined, with raindrops that burst into colour in the wet. They come with a drawstring bag for muddy journeys home.

Grass & Air Waterproof Rain Jacket - Amethyst Purple (£29.00)
A rich purple that brightens grey days, and the perfect match for the Amethyst wellies. Soft, waterproof, with heat-sealed seams and elasticated cuffs.

Grass & Air Colour Changing Wellies - Navy (£22.00)
Classic navy that goes with everything, plus the colour-revealing raindrop print. Removable insoles help with left and right.

Grass & Air Puddlesuit - Rose (£30.00)
The easiest way to keep a crawler or new walker dry. Taped seams, an elasticated hood and cuffs, and it pulls on over normal clothes.

Grass & Air Waterproof Rain Jacket - Rose (£29.00)
Soft, waterproof and easy for nursery and school runs. Heat-sealed seams and elasticated cuffs keep the rain out.

Looking after their wellies

• Rinse off mud with cold water rather than letting it dry on.
• Take the insoles out and let everything dry naturally, away from radiators and fires.
• Store them somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.
• Pass them on. Good wellies often outlast the child who wore them first.

Quick answers

How much room should kids' wellies have?
Around a thumb's width (about 1cm) at the toe, measured with your child standing.

Should I buy wellies a size up?
A little growing room is good, but a whole size too big can rub and cause trips. If they're between sizes, size up and add a thicker sock.

What age can toddlers wear wellies?
Once they're walking confidently. Before that, an all-in-one puddle suit is the easiest way to keep them dry.

Explore our full range of kids' wellies and rainwear.