We interviewed Mulla and Thompson to create our parameters—"comfort and fit, material durability, waterproofing, non-slip soles, style"—then researched the top brands on the market, analyzing reviews and cross-referencing them with parents' recommendations to compile our list.

While fit can vary from person to person, across the board we looked into overall comments about sizing and comfort, as well as the shoes' durability. “The material should be strong enough to withstand mud or puddles without puncturing,” says Mulla. “Non-slip soles help prevent falls on slippery surfaces during wet weather.” Thompson suggests to “opt for a boot with Gore-Tex lining or another weather-proof membrane.”

Priority was also given to waterproof boots, rather than "water-resistant" ones, which can still get saturated, leaving kids' feet cold and soggy. (More on that at the bottom of this story.)

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Rain boots may be designed to be worn in the water, but not all rain boots are waterproof. “There is a big difference between ‘waterproof’ and ‘water-resistant,’ so pay attention to the labeling,” Thompson says. “Materials like suede or leather may be resistant to water, but after saturation, they won't be able to keep all moisture out. Treated synthetic uppers may be a better choice. But nothing beats a completely rubber boot!”

How to clean kids’ rain boots largely depends on the material they’re made of. Referring to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions is always your best bet, as “some treatments and chemicals can actually compromise the functionality of your boots,” says Thompson.

As a general rule, Thompson suggests hosing off rubber boots or throwing them in the wash using cool water, then allowing them to air dry. If you’re dealing with a different textile, such as leather, Thompson says to remove dirt with a stiff brush first. “If you've got stains, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is truly magic—get it damp and rub it on leather or fabric surfaces to remove spots and stains (it's chemical-free, so it won't mess up your waterproofing),” she adds.