Hunt around online. You can find snow boots somewhere that aren't that expensive. I think we paid $12 for DS's first ones, at a Lands End-like site (don't remember if it was actually Lands End). Or check Sierra Trading Post, or Overstock.

For $12, let them have something that will keep their feet warm, and won't come off when they're running in deep snow.

If that's too steep they can live in rainboots, but it won't be as fun..

Anonymous wrote:Also, rain boot soles might be less slip-resistant than snow boots or even sneakers. What other types of shoes does your dd have? Probably anything else would be warmer than rain boots.

+1.
I make sure my DC always has a pair of snow boots (I buy on sale a size larger so they usually last us two years). IMO, rain boots are no substitute, not even close.

Also, rain boot soles might be less slip-resistant than snow boots or even sneakers. What other types of shoes does your dd have? Probably anything else would be warmer than rain boots.

I agree with PPs, rain boots with thick socks aren't enough. I don't know what it is, but it's like the rain boot material soaks up and retains the cold. It's the opposite of keeping you warm. They make your feet cold. Try it yourself OP, before making your decision!

I bought my 21mo ds some used snow boots. He can walk fine in them, after a few tries.

Anonymous wrote:How long are your kids outside? Our kids are 4 and we've never bought any kinds of boots. They have two pair of shoes each. They wear their sneakers in the rain and the minimal snow we get here in DC and then switch to another pair until the others dry. But I guess they've never been outside for more than an hour in inclement weather. Neither has complained of cold feet so maybe we just got lucky.

Don't your kids play outside during winter? Either on a nice day, or after a good dumping of snow??

Snow boots are warmer and have more traction to them.

For the DC area I think rainboots with wellies or thick socks would be ok.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wore rain boots with thick winter socks yesterday morning to play with my daughter outside for 20 minutes or so. My toes were very cold when I came back inside! I learned that a layer of wool plus a layer of rubber doesn't do much to protect you from real cold.

It really wasn't very cold yesterday.

And my feet were cold, so I would not advise rain boots for a much longer period of time in the same 30 degree conditions (or at all if it were colder). By "real cold" I meant freezing or below.

Buying a nice pair of well fitting snow boots when you live in the DC area is a good way to guarantee a winter with no snow.