How to Size Kids' Gumboots: An Age-by-Age Guide for Australian Parents
What size gumboots does a 3 year old need? How much room should I leave for growth? Here's everything Australian parents need to know about sizing children's gumboots.
Buying gumboots online for kids can feel like a gamble when you're not sure about sizing. Too small and they're uncomfortable before the season's over. Too big and they'll trip. This guide gives you a straightforward age-to-size reference, brand-by-brand sizing tips, and practical advice for getting the fit right the first time.
Quick Age-to-Size Reference
This table shows approximate Australian shoe sizes by age. Every child is different, so always measure the foot rather than relying on age alone — but this gives you a solid starting point.
| Age | AU Size (approx) | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | AU 4–5 | 12–13 cm |
| 2–3 years | AU 6–7 | 13.5–14.5 cm |
| 3–4 years | AU 8–9 | 15–16 cm |
| 4–5 years | AU 9–10 | 16–17 cm |
| 5–6 years | AU 11–12 | 17.5–18.5 cm |
| 7–8 years | AU 13–1 | 19–20.5 cm |
| 9–10 years | AU 2–3 | 21–22 cm |
How to Measure Your Child's Foot
The most reliable method takes about two minutes.
Stand your child on a piece of paper on a hard floor (not carpet). Make sure they're standing up straight with their weight evenly distributed — feet spread slightly when bearing weight, so sitting measurements will be too small.
Trace around the foot with a pen held upright. Measure the longest distance from the heel to the tip of the longest toe. This is the foot length in centimetres.
Add about 1cm to this measurement for growth room. Gumboots are seasonal footwear worn with socks, so you want a little extra space — but not so much that the boot flops around and causes blisters.
Compare your measurement to the size chart on the specific product page. Sizing varies slightly between brands, so checking the product listing is always the most accurate approach.
Sizing by Brand
Stormur Splasher Gumboots
Stormur offers the widest toddler range at Wellies Online, starting from AU size 4 (approximately 12 months) in their dedicated toddler gumboot line. The kids' Splasher range then covers AU 6 through AU 2.
Stormur boots run true to size. The natural rubber is flexible enough to accommodate slightly wider feet, and the cotton lining helps feet slide in smoothly. These boots have a higher natural rubber content than most children's gumboots on the market, which gives them extra flexibility and durability — important when little feet are still developing.
For toddlers who resist having boots put on, try the plastic bag trick: slip a small plastic bag over their sock before sliding the boot on, then pull the bag out. The foot glides right in.
The Stormur Splasher range also comes in a fleece-lined version — the Fleeced Original — which runs the same sizing but fits slightly snugger due to the thicker lining. If your child is between sizes in the fleeced range, size up.
Hatley Gumboots
Hatley gumboots are available from AU 6 (approximately age 2) through AU 3 (approximately age 10). They run true to size with a standard width.
Hatley's removable insole is helpful for sizing — take it out and stand your child's foot on it. If their toes sit about 1cm from the end, the size is right. If toes reach the edge, go up a size. This method is faster and more accurate than trying boots on over socks.
Their sherpa fleece-lined boots fit slightly snugger due to the thicker lining. If your child is between sizes in the sherpa range, size up.
B&L Youth Toggle Gumboots
B&L's Youth Toggle gumboots are a solid option for school-age kids who need a no-fuss, durable boot. Available in black and olive, they feature a toggle closure at the top for extra protection against rain splashing in. They run true to standard Australian sizing.
How Much Growth Room?
Aim for about 1cm of space between the longest toe and the end of the boot. This allows room for growth across the season and enough space for winter socks without cramping.
More than 1.5cm of extra room can cause problems. Boots that are too large shift on the foot during walking, leading to blisters and an awkward gait. Kids may also trip more often in oversized boots — particularly on playground equipment and stairs.
If your child is right at the top of a size, go up. If they're right at the bottom of a size or comfortably mid-range, stay true.
When to Replace Kids' Gumboots
Children's feet grow fast — roughly one full shoe size every four to six months between ages 2 and 6, slowing to about one size per year after that. Check the fit at the start of each season.
Signs the boots need replacing:
The toes are pressed against the front of the boot. If your child complains about sore toes or you can see the outline of their toes pressing against the rubber, they've outgrown them.
The heel is slipping. If the boot rides up at the heel during walking, the foot has grown narrower relative to the boot length, and the fit is no longer secure.
The rubber is cracking. Natural rubber can crack after extended sun exposure or age. Once cracks appear, waterproof integrity is compromised and it's time for a new pair.
Can Kids' Gumboots Be Handed Down?
Natural rubber gumboots from Stormur and Hatley hold their shape well and are excellent candidates for hand-me-downs. Before passing them on:
Give them a thorough wash with warm soapy water inside and out. Replace the insole if it's compressed — Hatley and Stormur insoles are removable, and fresh insoles make a big difference. Check the soles for worn tread — if the grip pattern has flattened, the boot won't be slip-resistant enough for the next child.
Stormur's higher rubber content gives them a durability edge here — the Splasher range in particular is designed to withstand the kind of treatment that ends lesser boots after one child.
Matching Gumboots with Raincoats
One of the best parts of buying kids' rainwear is matching sets. Hatley designs many of their prints as coordinated collections — you can find matching gumboots and raincoats in prints like Dino Fossils, Prancing Horses, Pegasus Constellations, Real Dinos, and many more.
Stormur's Splasher raincoats coordinate with the Splasher gumboot range in matching colours, giving you a head-to-toe waterproof outfit.
Complete the outfit with waterproof rain pants from Therm or Stormur for full coverage. This is especially practical for daycare and early primary school, where kids play outside regardless of weather.
Our Top Picks by Age
Toddlers (1–3 years): Stormur Splasher Toddler Gumboots — lightest weight, most flexible sole, easiest to get on tiny feet. Available in pink, blue, yellow, red, and island paradise. The best first gumboot for little Australians.
Preschool (3–5 years): Hatley printed gumboots — the prints are irresistible at this age, and the PVC-free construction gives parents peace of mind. Sherpa-lined versions add warmth for winter. Match with a colour-changing raincoat for maximum excitement on rainy days.
Primary school (5–10 years): Stormur Splasher Kids for durability and school-appropriate solid colours, or Hatley for fun prints on weekends. For cold climates, Stormur's Fleeced Original range adds plush fleece lining for warmth on frosty mornings.
Shop all kids' gumboots → | Shop toddler gumboots →
Wellies Online is Australia's dedicated gumboot and rainwear store, shipping from Geelong since 2008. Free delivery Australia-wide on orders over $120.
