10 best kids’ wellies: Perfect for splashing about in puddles

These wellies have got it all – faux shearling lining for chilly days, tall cuffs for deep puddles and easy-to-grab handles to pull them on. They’re available in three fun designs – Spike the dinosaur, Sparkle the unicorn and Hop the bunny, which appear throughout Dinoski’s range for head-to-toe cuteness – and our tester didn’t want to take them off. Easy to wipe clean, if needed, they can even be put in the washing machine at 30C.

Practical and hard-wearing, Polarn O. Pyret’s wellies have a reinforced toe section and sturdy sole. They came into their own while our tester was playing among tree roots, and show no sign of wearing out. They’re weighted in the sole to help them stay on and have a reflective strip running up the back. Our tester struggled to make use of the tab at the back to pull them on – it could do with being bigger for little fingers to grip.

Not strictly a pair of wellies, these are waterproof leather boots that have been tested to keep kids’ feet dry for up to four hours if they were submerged in water. Waterproofing comes from the internal membrane, and warmth comes from the fine merino-wool lining. The zip fastening up the side and elasticated cuff at the rear meant our tester had no problem getting the boots on and off, and we loved the metallic sheen and lightweight comfort.

Newly launched in the UK from the Australian gumboot brand is this cute pair of ankle boots. They’re chunky and reliably waterproof, thanks to their classic rubber wellington boot styling and neoprene liner. The tabs at both front and back of the cuff were big enough for our tester to use successfully, and the boots were great for showery days. If you like to match your child, adult sizes are also available – they’re the same design, but there’s extra grip on the soles for the kids.

Finnish brand Reima makes great kit for the outdoors, and these rain boots are no exception. Built to last, they are sturdy but flexible. Coming to a decent height up our tester’s leg, these are great for wet days at forest school and show no sign of wear and tear.

These wellies are the best option for young walkers just discovering the joys of splashing about in the rain, as they’re lovely and light, so won’t tire out little legs. Soft and supple, they have an anti-sweat lining and we had no complaints after a day in the park. Plus, they’re a great price for a pair made from natural rubber.

These wellies from Muddy Puddles are fuss-free and purse-friendly. They’ve got a nice tall cuff and a deep sole for maximum confidence in the wet too. The only pair here made from PVC, they weren’t noticeably sweatier than any of the others (possibly because they’re also one of the lightest), and are the least pricey of those we tested.

Our tester loved the puddle height chart on the back of these boots, and found it fascinating to know the depth of every puddle – would it be at splish, splash or splosh level? Heavier than many we tested, and with a solid chunky sole, these are a great option for older kids who will appreciate the sturdiness, as well as the soft cotton lining.

With an elasticated and fleece-lined collar, these wellies are the pair we turned to the most in the torrential rain – being able to tighten the cuff near-guaranteed a dry day. We also really like the wedge at the heel, as it helps children to take these off by themselves, which promotes a satisfying sense of independence and helps develop motor skills. Available in one of the broadest range of sizes, when it comes to those we tested, these make a strong staple in any wet-weather wardrobe.