Barefoot vs Traditional Rain Boots for Kids: Reima Ankka vs Taika

Rain boot season is in full swing in Prince George as the snow melts, the ground becomes mushy, and every kid has grown out of their winter boots from September/ October. This is the second season that we've expanded our rain boot collection and the hottest new item for the region is a barefoot rain boot from Reima, a premium european brand designing intentionally for outdoor kids.  As a children's store we do our best carry toddler and youth sizes in all our footwear to help you through that transition into adult sizes. 

Truthfully, as a parent, I've always had mixed feeling about boutique rainboots - I have purchased other brands in the past only to have them fall apart within a season; so I've always been a secret fan of the classic walmart made in canada no frills rubber boot. But, when looking for a boot to bring into the shop, I have looked for a few key features including everything Reima boots offer - a great size run, simple mold, and limited seams. 

Like many people, you might be wondering, 

“Okay… but what’s the difference between these two boots?”

Let’s break it down in a way that actually helps you choose 👇

First: Not All Rain Boots Are Built the Same

Rain boots seem simple. Waterproof. Pull-on. Done.

But once you start looking closer, there are some big differences. As alluded to earlier, some boots just suck. 

• how kids move in them 
• how their feet sit inside them 
• and how they hold up for everyday wear 
• overall construction and details.

You do have options within the space of waterproof footwear - becasue you can consider a thermal boot like the Jan & Jul Toasty Dry Lite, or a waterproof shoe that offers a membrane for puddle protection (ideal for parking lots, light walks, and everyday running around)

Second: Options in Footbed Design

Lately, the conversation in footwear is all about barefoot - it's a shift from how we've traditionally built shoes to really hold and support the foot to creating a more natural spread and roll through. 

Now, in general rubber boots have always been a bit of a shell style footwear with limited support so the difference between barefoot and non barefoot is minimal, but also noticeable. TLDR: barefoot is wider, flatter, and intentionally less structured. 

Side-by-Side: Quick Comparison

Feature	Taika	Ankka
Style	Classic rubber boot	Barefoot rain boot
Sole	Structured	Flexible + zero-drop
Toe space	Roomy	Wide + natural splay
Feel	Supportive	Minimal
Ease	Very easy	Slight adjustment if new to barefoot
Best for	Everyday convenience	Foot development + movement

 

🤔 So… Which One Should You Choose?

In store parents have been generally happy with the design of each boot and opted for the one we have stock in. Restocking Reima Rain boots is incredibly limited so once we're sold out, we are out. We do carry other rain boots, Jan & Jul  (note: we do custom order these for customers as needed) - and you can always see if theres any your size and style in our preloved rainboot collection as we offer a mix of new and used children's gear both online and instore. 

What you know: classic design rain boots, the Reima Taika

If you grew up wearing rubber boots, or have purchased them from your favourite box store or brand the Reima Taika is that boot. It's designed with a classic design foot bed, and the great intention and design for outdoor play.

What makes Taika a go-to:

• Easy pull-on design (no fuss, no closures) 
• Durable rubber construction 
• Roomy fit for thicker socks 
• Great grip for puddles, mud, and playgrounds 

What it feels like:

• A bit more structured 
• Slightly stiffer sole 
• Familiar, supportive feel 

What you might not know: barefoot kids rain boots, the Reima Ankka

The Reima Ankka rain boot is a barefoot footbed intentionally designed for children. What is barefoot? That's a the ultimate question, a quick run down of the Ankka's features include: 

• Zero-drop sole (no heel lift) 
• Wide toe box (toes can spread naturally) 
• Flexible sole (moves with your kid, not against them) 

What it feels like:

• Much softer underfoot 
• More flexible when walking and climbing 
• Closer to barefoot — just protected from the elements 

Who it works best for:

• Kids already in barefoot shoes 
• Wider feet (or kids constantly complaining about tight toes) 
• Families thinking about long-term foot development 

 Why Some Families Choose Barefoot

This is the part that’s been gaining traction; and honestly, for good reason. I've talked about how we've shifted from soft soled Robeez style moccasins into more intentionally designed soled shoes in store, and part of that move is the growth in designing for the barefoot experience. No longer do you have to be barefoot to walk with intention and natural movmeent but you can have the comfort and protection from the elements. 

Kids’ feet are still developing. And Barefoot-style footwear aims to:

• support natural alignment 
• allow toes to spread and grip 
• let kids move the way their bodies are designed to 

That said — not every kid needs barefoot shoes for every situation. I have on kid who really needs support in her footwear to be comfortable walking based on how her body has developed. We've tried barefoot footwear for a year, but it just makes her miserable. 

If you work with a physiotherapist or other specialists, you might ask them what features they believe are best for your child and we can work together to find that in our collection, or bring something in for you. 

📍 Children's Rain Boots Now Available in Prince George

You can find both styles at our new and used children's boutique Nest & Sprout in College Heights; and yes, we’ll absolutely help you:

• compare them in person 
• check fit 
• and figure out what actually works for your kid 

Because the goal isn’t to sell you a boot. It’s to help you find the one your kid will actually wear. Truthfully, sometimes that means the second hand glittery one - but sometimes it also means finding a boot that fits their foot with ease and design.