As cooler weather approaches, it’s time to restock winter essentials for little feet. Among our top picks are the Jan & Jul Stay-Put booties available in two styles. 

A best seller for years, these simple booties make a fantastic slipper, car shoe, and mid season essential for newborns and early walkers alike. In this post, we break down the differences between the Stay-Put Cozy and Stay-Put Winter styles, and help you pick the right pair for your child’s needs. -- learn more about why boots suck for babies

What’s the Difference? Water Resistance vs. Fleece

The key difference lies in water resistance:

• The Stay-Put Winter Bootie features a water-resistant outer shell to protect against damp, wet, or windy conditions.
  

• The Stay-Put Cozy Bootie is built from soft fleece (without a weatherproof outer layer), offering warmth in dry or mildly cold conditions.
  

Because of this difference, many parents use the Cozy for day-to-day indoor or dry-weather wear, and reserve the Winter version for outings or damp environments. I'd say the fleece one is the every day go-to, while the Winter bootie comes in second. 

Don't forget you can use these like an extra cozy sock underneath a snowsuit or bunting suit. This is a nice slim stay put slipper/bootie for babes.

Why Choose Stay-Put Booties? Barefoot-Friendly Design + Practicality

Jan & Jul’s Stay-Put styles aim to give babies a more natural, barefoot-like experience while still offering warmth and protection:

• The flexible, soft sole allows for free foot movement, which supports foot muscle development and balance.
  

• The design includes elastic or toggle adjustments to keep the bootie in place: crucial for baby shoes (many get pulled off).
  

• The booties double well as indoor slippers, giving them year-round utility.
  

We love these for babywearing, car rides, and learning to walk all-year round. You might be excited to get your early walker into a boot, but ti's truly less than ideal for this reason and many more. 

Sometimes I think families are scared to destroy slippers - they are anxious that there kid will wear out the soles. But shoes are meant to be destroyed - both hard and soft sole will break down. The soft sole just goes a little faster but is great for your childs overall foot health and a perfect footwear choice for kids under 3.

Summary Comparison & Pricing

Which Should You Choose? Tips from Parents & Experts

• Dry or indoor use: Go with the Cozy model. It’s simpler, warm, and comfortable without unnecessary layers.
  

• Outdoor use or damp climates: Opt for the Winter version for added protection.
  

• Switch seasonally: Many parents use both. Cozy for everyday wear, and Winter for outings.
  

• Looking for a natural alternative? Some families prefer sheepskin or wool booties. For instance, EMU Australia offers baby booties made with Australian sheepskin and merino wool.
  

• Need it to be waterproof? The Reima Anutouroin bootie gives you a wool/fleece inner and stay dry experience that will level up your winter with baby experience. 

The faux leather sole provides additional durability to the bottom of the bootie reducing the rate of wear and tear. One of the biggest challenges about barefoot walking babies is that soft fabric shoes will begin to wear out with regular use. The reinforcement on the ankle and toes, plus the faux leather work together to give you more durability and life in the product.

The Jan & Jul Stay Put Cozy Bootie is our best seller, and the Stay Put Winter bootie comes in second.