Rain boots: tips of the toes.

How much fun was it to sing in the rain or go puddle jumping in your new rubber boots when you were a kid? Of course, rubber boots were always new: you never got to wear them often enough to eventually damage them. Here are some tips on how to choose rain boots.

First of all, there are many types of rain boots which are made from different materials, but for puddle-jumping purpose nothing beats the good old rubber type as it completely blocks water from going in. Some even have a layer of insulation but let's face it: better extend the use of your kid's rubber boots by buying them without that extra insulation so it gets to be used also for summer rain as well. If it's a little cold, my suggestion would be to get thick wool socks instead.

For your kid's comfort, try to buy a boot that contours best the foot area. Handles are also practical when it comes to helping your kid to put them on their feet. It's always slippery when wet, so pay attention to their soles and make sure that they are not flat.

This being said, always air dry the boots at room temperature: speeding up the process with heat will make the rubber break down. For the same reason, store the boots away from direct sunlight. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or brushes when washing them. Best practice would include applying silicone rubber conditioner before storing for the season.

Where did you find your kids' rain boots? We're all currently looking for your advice!