Desert boots are a great choice for kids, helping to protect and support their feet as they run and grow, while also looking smart and stylish no matter the event. But when it comes to seasonality, are they the ideal all-rounder?
In this blog, we’ll discuss how suitable desert boots are in different seasons so you can understand the best times for children to wear them.
The short and simple answer is no - desert boot uppers are made of a soft and luxurious suede which looks and feels amazing, but doesn’t take too kindly to excessive exposure to water. However, this doesn’t mean that your children can’t wear desert boots in winter! If you’re careful, pick the right days and use the right tools to protect the suede uppers, desert boots can be an excellent option for your child.
First, look at the weather forecast. If rain or snow is forecast, then don’t go for desert boots. They’re best suited to dry days where there’s little risk of moisture damaging or staining the suede uppers, and when your child’s feet don’t need quite so much protection against the elements.
Second, consider the age and temperament of your child. If they’re enthusiastic about puddle jumping and there are puddles still drying outside, then it’s best to skip the desert boots for the day and choose a pair of water-resistant boots or wellies instead. Designed for wet weather, these shoes are far more durable in the face of moisture and will keep your little one’s feet dry and comfortable all day long.
If there aren’t any puddles around or your child isn’t likely to risk their shoes by heading into wet grass or similar terrains, then desert boots may be an appropriate choice. However, regardless of the weather or where you’re headed, always spray your child’s desert boots with a waterproof protector spray before going out. This helps to keep the suede in good condition and can protect against surprise light showers or overhead drips, as well as reducing the likelihood of any dirt staining the fabric.
So, when deciding whether it’s a good day for your child to wear their desert boots in winter, consider:
1. Is it raining or snowing?
2. Is the ground wet? Are there puddles?
3. Have I applied a waterproofing spray?
If the answer to either of the first two questions is yes, then you’re best off opting for a different shoe to keep your child’s feet warm and dry.
In comparison, summer is a much better time of year to wear suede desert boots, since rain is - generally - much less likely. However, the Great British weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always worth a last-minute check of the weather forecast before you head out or pack for a trip.
The same rules also apply with regards to water on the ground, such as puddles. In summer, puddles may be less likely, but don’t forget to consider other sources of water like ponds, streams and rivers - especially for adventurous little ones who like to forge their own path.
If you’re heading to the seaside, remember that the sea can move more quickly than you expect, and that rockpools may sometimes be hard to spot until you’re in one! So, desert boots may not be the best choice for seaside visits.
Moisture aside, desert boots are actually a great choice for kids in summer, because as the name suggests, hot weather is precisely what they’re designed for. Our Colorado desert boots are lined with leather to ensure a breathable feel for little ones, helping to keep their feet cool and ventilated - and preventing their boots from smelling too sweaty when they get home! Choosing a pair of desert boots specifically for the summer months? Opt for a lighter colour, as this helps to reflect heat away from your little one’s feet.
Of course, the year isn’t split solely into summer and winter. Desert boots can also be an excellent choice for those transitional months of autumn and spring, helping to keep your children’s feet comfortable when the weather can change so much from day to day.
Using the tips above and your own best judgement, it’s simple to decide whether it’s a good day for desert boots - and if it’s not, we have a range of winter shoes perfect for lasting through wet weather and beyond.
