Customer Reviews

Kamik Firefox Cold Weather Boot (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We had some Sorels, but the kids' feet kept getting wet. With these their feet are staying dry and the temp raing is -40 degrees instead od -25 degrees. We are very happy.

Our daughter was so excited to get these. I have no problem with the kids being out in the snow as long as I know they're going to be dry and warm. These boots fit the bill on both. Along with her coat, snowpants and these boots, she was able to stay out and play, slide, run, jump into the snow and had no worries. I love these, and even though they are the "dreaded" pink, she loved them too.

All the other reviews tell you about the good things this boot offers, and I agree. It is WARM, however be aware that the "waterproof" stamping on the boot only pertains to the lower rubber sole, NOT the upper canvas. Very important to know! The description makes you THINK it is 100% waterproof, but ours was NOT. NONE of the seams were taped and only a short lower section of the fabric had some kind of "sealer" applied, in many areas missed completely... on BOTH boots.

My daughter found this out the hard way while on a winter camp hike to a waterfall in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Wintergreen. We bought these winter boots for her under the impression that they were FULLY waterproof (waterproof fabric/taped seams) since that is what it clearly has stamped on the strap on the side of the boot: "Waterproof."

But it IS NOT... Only the lower rubber sole is waterproof. And she found this out by crossing a icy-cold, SHALLOW stream only several inches deep but moving quickly. The water went up over the rubber sole and immediately penetrated the sewed seam and the fabric upper. Her feet were soaked by the time she crossed the stream and the cold water was now sloshing inside the "waterproof" rubber cup that is the lower sole. Several other kids with Kamik boots also had the same problem.

Now her feet were freezing and the once warm liner was soaked... In the middle of a snow-covered trail, over a mile from their camp bus, she and others, at the direction of the camp hike leaders, had to take off their boots and put on their back-up, uninsulated sneakers for the rest of the hike. Needless to say, I was disappointed that they would put "waterproof" on a boot that is only PARTIALLY waterproof. Any colder, it could have been worse for my daughter and others...

When she came home and I tested them in a bucket, sure enough, water came seeping in EASILY along the sewed seam between the rubber and the fabric, and lesser so through the fabric upper. It looks as if Kamik attempted to use sealer on the fabric near the lower portion of the upper, but it was sloppy at best, and the result was failure, as it leaked EASILY. The sewing of the rubber outsole to the fabric upper was unsealed and easily leaked. I will try to add some tent sealer to see if I can remedy this shortcoming. I added shoe-goo to the inner boot/upper seam to stop the seam leak. A messy hassle...

So be aware that they are NOT 100% waterproof and instruct your kids accordingly. Do not have them think they can walk through a stream and stay warm and dry... they will be miserable afterwards...

I have contacted Kamik for their response and will update this review accordingly...

We always bought zippered boots for easy on/off, but these have just enough room to get the foot in and out without risking a trip when you walk. Drawcord on top stays put too; good sign of thoughtful quality control.

The twins are enjoying them. With all the snow storms this year the boys never give me a hard time putting on the boots. My two two year olds are very fussy with boots.

I brought these boots for my grandson, although they have not been worn yet, my daughter is pleased with them. She states that the boots will keep his feet warm up to 40 degrees below zero. That's a lot of play time, and they look good.