Stonz Rain Bootz and Linerz

You know what they say: April showers bring…rain.

Or, if you live in Canada in 2013, freezing rain. Or snow. We only just started throwing on rain boots instead of winter boots, and with spring – hopefully – peeking around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your kids’ rainwear.

Not quite singin’ in the rain: The K Man sporting his Stonz Rain Bootz and trusty Hatley rain jacket.

I love a bargain, so we typically hit the outlets in Buffalo once a year; but buying footwear for the year ahead has proven to be a costly and unsuccessful venture. I end up with shoes and boots that never get worn because they don’t fit during the right season. While it’s easier to predict what size clothes my kids will wear several seasons ahead of time, I just can’t seem to nail it when it comes to stuff below the knee. Ultimately, it works out better financially for us to suck it up and just pay full price and get shoes and boots that fit here and now.

I’ve been a longtime fan of Stonz. Both my kids wore their winter Booties as babies, and I recommend them to anyone who will listen. Same goes for the Hatz and Mittz – the Best. Mittens. Ever. I was delighted when the company sent me a pair of its new Rain Bootz for review – along with a pair of Linerz to add a layer of warmth in this unpredictable Canadian spring.

THE GOOD

Rainboots are a funny thing. We’ve had some that are easy to get on and off, and some that are a miserable pain-in-the-arse. The Stonz Rain Bootz have a nice, wide opening, making it easy for kids to slip into them on their own. This means you get out the door faster – and that’s always on my To Do list.

These have pass-down factor, and when you’ve got a child of each sex like we do, this is huge. Stonz has created truly gender-neutral Bootz – except the pink – that will easily go from brother to sister and back again. Your cost-per-wear just went way up.

Stonz’s Rain Bootz are 100 per cent natural rubber. That means no nasty PVCs, Phthalates, lead or formaldehyde lurking near your little one’s toes.

They’re also lined with 100 per cent cotton, which I wish my own rainboots had because my feet sweat like a mother when I wear them.

The Linerz are fantastic overall (see one gaffe below), and can be worn alone or over socks. I like sending The K Man to school with them because if the day turns out to be beautiful by afternoon recess, he can forego the Linerz – it’s totally his call. They also give the Bootz a great look; we have been stopped several times by people asking about the Rain Bootz, and it’s always the Linerz that really intrigue them.

In terms of price, at $35.99 is about middle of the road for kids’ rainboots. These are by no means the cheapest boots on the market – you could probably pick up a pair made of questionable materials for less than $10 – but they’re certainly not the most expensive, either. And if you can use them with more than one kid – regardless of sex – that makes them pretty good value. Plus, once you add the Linerz ($18.99), you can extend the seasonal wear considerably.

THE GAFFE

If you’re looking for details, like buckles or cute designs, you’re not going to find that here. The Rain Bootz are plain and simple. Plain and simple.

They could be slightly taller. That would offer more protection from big splashes.

I adore the Linerz – but they fit on the small side and are only available in a double size (for example, 10/11s or 12/13s). So if your child wears a size 10, I suggest you skip the 10/11s and go straight to the 12/13s. My son’s foot is a size 12 and the 12/13s just barely fit.

THE GEARS

4/5

So…where can you buy it?

• Rain Bootz and Linerz available directly from Stonz