Hello everyone! I've got to admit, every year when I'm choosing winter boots for my kids, I think to myself, 'This is the last time I'll buy Kuoma,' and yet, every time, I end up buying these Finnish wellies. In this review, I'll go into detail about our five-year experience of wearing Kuoma, highlight its pros and cons, help you choose a specific model, and explain how Kuoma made in Finland differs from the one sold abroad.
KuomaMain details
Kuoma is a brand of footwear from Finnish company Kuomijoki Oy.
Kuoma - made in FinlandKuomijoki Oy is one of the oldest footwear manufacturers in Finland, founded in 1928. The factory is located in the village of Kuomijoki in southeastern Finland.
Kuoma. Official addressIt's a common misconception that Kuoma only makes popular wellies. However, this is far from the truth. Under the Kuoma brand, they produce seasonal and winter boots, shoes, wellies, and insulated insoles for both kids and adults.While working on this review, I was surprised to learn that Kuomijoki Oy also produces various plastic and wooden items, such as paintbrush handles and stuffing for sports apparel.By the way, do you know what this key symbol on Kuoma footwear means?
Kuoma. Finnish key flagAll Kuoma footwear products come with the Finnish key flag quality recognition symbol. They use high-quality materials and implement quality control at various stages of the production process.
Despite this, Kuoma's most popular products have always been and remain the kids' winter wellies.
Depending on the design and lacing system, they're divided into the following models:PUTKIVARSI (PUTKIVARSI) - the classic, most straightforward model.TARRAVARSI (TARRAVARSI) - the model with side Velcro fastening.LUMIESKIMO (LUMIESKIMO) - the model with a weighted sole.PÖRRI (PÖRRI) - the model of boots with artificial fur.KUOMA GT (KUOMA GT) - the model with additional 'nose' protection.CROSSER (CROSSER) - the model with stick-on fastening, suitable for kids with high heels.We've had both TARRAVARSI and CROSSER models, and PUTKIVARSI. My acquaintance with Kuoma footwear started about six years ago when I bought my son his first conscious winter boots, TARRAVARSI.
TARRAVARSI (TARRAVARSI) - the model with side Velcro fasteningI thought this model with side Velcro would be more convenient for my one-year-old son. My child in Kuoma boots(in the photo: wearing Lenne onesie, Lenne helmet, and Kuoma boots)But in reality, we hardly used the side Velcro, so the next time I bought him the classic model PUTKIVARSI, and later, when he grew up, the CROSSER model. The bigger the size of these boots, the more awkward they look in the classic version. However, what always held me back from buying winter membrane boots was that my son attends a daycare center, and the caregivers dry the shoes on the radiator without a second thought, and I'm not sure if that's okay. In terms of maintenance, Kuoma boots are the most low-maintenance.When choosing the first footwear for my daughter, I wanted to give up on Kuoma and buy her something warmer. For example, Demar's fur-lined duvets. After all, Kuoma boots are designed for active kids.My 4-year-old kid sitting in a stroller or swinging on a swing during winterIf your kid is mostly sitting in a stroller or swinging on a swing during winter, their legs will freeze in Kuoma boots. Thick wool socks won't save them, Kuoma boots are synthetic, they only warm up in combination with thermal socks or synthetic fabrics. They're only comfortable while moving. But my daughter has proven herself to be an active kid, so her first winter boots were also PUTKIVARSI boots.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In my opinion, Kuoma is the lightest winter boot.The weight of the boot is crucial, especially for babies who are just learning to walk. My kid is comfortable running and jumping in Kuoma, the boot doesn't restrict their movement and doesn't weigh down their feet.
Kuoma 21 size on my 1.2-year-old daughter(on the photo, my daughter is wearing Kivat hat, the warmest Lenne/Kerry combo, and Kuoma boots)I'm also drawn to the high, flexible, and grooved sole.
Kuoma PUTKIVARSI (PUTKI-VARSI)The sole is strong and reliable, almost doesn't wear out. Thanks to this pattern, the risk of slipping is reduced, which is especially important during winter.
Kuoma. SoleThis polyurethane sole is not glued on. It's molded directly onto the boot upper, making it impossible to detach.
Kuoma. SoleThe sole shape features a small anatomical toe cap.
Kuoma. BuckleThis design is great for a kid's foot, as it doesn't put strain on their ankle when they're walking. Plus, the shape of the sole is perfect for holding down the snaps on their snowsuit. Kuoma's sole is ideal for snapsFor me, that's a big plus - my kid can run around, ski, climb, and crawl, and their snowsuit stays put. The Kuoma boots have a rigid orthopedic back.This is especially important for young kids, as their feet are still developing and need proper support.
Kuoma. Back
On top of the high-grip sole, all Kuoma models also feature waterproof leather inserts.
Kuoma. Leather insertsYou can confidently walk through slushy snow and small puddles. And if your kid steps into a bigger puddle, their feet won't get wet. Of course, as long as they're not standing there for too long, and the puddle doesn't cover the fabric part of the boot. By the way, the 2015 model has a logo on the leather insert.
Kuoma. Leather insert on the 2015 modelKuoma boots are made from durable and water-repellent materials.For the upper part of the boot, Kuoma uses materials with Nuva treatment. Boots with Nuva treatment do a great job of repelling dirt and water.
Kuoma. NuvaKuoma boots come in a wide range of colors.
Kuoma. ColorsYou can find a color that matches your kid's snowsuit.
A winter walk with my daughter(On the photo, my daughter is wearing a Kivat helmet, the warmest Lenne/Kerry snowsuit, and Kuoma boots)My daughter in her Kuoma bootsI recently bought my daughter a pair of 'neon-pink heart' colored Kuoma boots. They match perfectly with red, pink, and brown clothing. The color is really versatile.Finnish Kuoma bootsI definitely recommend choosing the original colors, especially if your child goes to daycare. The chances of finding another child with the same colored boots will be much lower.
I came to this conclusion when my son in daycare would often mix up his blue boots with his friend's smaller blue boots. Of course, you can label the boots, but young children can't read, so that's not a solution.
Kuoma boots come with reflective strips.The 3M-Scotchlite® reflective strips on the front and back increase safety.
Kuoma boots with reflective stripsExtra reflective strips can only help. I try to buy my kids clothing and shoes that meet safety requirements.
Kuoma boots have a removable warm insole.Kuoma boots with a removable insoleFor me, this is a huge plus because you can try on the boots and remove the insole to see how well they fit your child. Children can't tell you if the boots are too big or too small, and you can also replace the insole with an orthopedic one.
Incidentally, the insole doesn't slip or deform underfoot during wear due to the rough texture of the bottom layer.
Kuoma boots are easy to use.For me, this is one of their biggest advantages.
Kuoma boots are:
easy to dry on a radiator, and the boots dry quickly,machine washable at 40 degrees Celsius.
You can machine wash Kuoma boots!Kuoma boots are high.You can wear them under your child's clothing...
Kuoma...and also over everything.
Kuoma 24 размера на девочке 2,3 года(On the photo, my daughter is wearing the warmest snowsuit from OSA.)
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NEDOSTATKI
Утеплитель в валенках Kuoma - это 100%-ная синтетика.In the 2015 model, the insulation is artificial fur. In a static state, it won't warm you up, so you need to be actively moving to feel warm in these boots.
Kuoma. УтеплительIn previous models, the insulation was sheep's wool. It's very slippery when worn actively.
Kuoma. Информационная брошюраВ валенках Kuoma отсутствует супинатор.Of course, you can buy orthopedic insoles, but that's a different story.
Kuoma - обувь без супинатораНа высокий подъём подойдут не все модели Kuoma.If your child has high heels, you should pay attention to the more expensive model CROSSER with stick-on fastening. Classic boots are not designed for high heels.
Большие размеры выглядят некрасиво.Of course, everyone's sense of beauty is different, but I loved Kuoma boots only up to size 25. Beyond that, they start to look like shapeless wellies.
Kuoma. Часть нашей коллекцииКуома - самая распространённая зимняя обувь!Just like in my childhood, everyone wore wellies and galoshes, now everyone wears Kuoma. This sometimes leads to funny situations, kids mix up their shoes in daycare, etc. I consider this a disadvantage of this shoe.
Цена на валенки Kuoma выросла в разы.In recent years, the price of Kuoma boots has skyrocketed. In a network children's store, you can buy them in a classic version PUTKIVARSI for 5000 rubles. Other models cost even more.
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Where Can You Buy Kuoma Boots at a Discount?
I dedicated an entire section to this question because I want to share my experience of buying Kuoma boots not once, but multiple times.
1. At a Retail Store
In the past, I bought Kuoma boots at a retail store using a children's card. This wasn't the most cost-effective option. In a retail store, the price is only reasonable after New Year's sales in January and February.
However, you get a model that's intended for export. It comes in a box.
Kuoma. BoxThe box has detailed specifications for the model.Kuoma. Model informationThe boots are new with tags.Finnish Kuoma bootsThere's a detailed description of the boots in the form of a brochure. Kuoma. Information brochureKuoma. Information brochureKuoma. Information brochure2. At Online Stores
The price at online stores is lower than at retail stores, but not the most optimal. This year, there was a good offer from Yulmart in the summer, but they quickly sold out of Kuoma boots. The sales package includes everything you'd get when buying at a retail store.
3. In Social Media Groups
This is the most budget-friendly option for buying Kuoma boots. There are many groups on social media where people sell Kuoma boots. Some buy shoes directly from the factory in Finland, while others buy them from Finnish stores. This year, I bought boots for my daughter through one of these groups for 3,000 rubles.
4. In Finland
Of course, Kuoma boots are cheapest in Finland. You can buy them at any large hypermarket - Prisma, KKKK-market, and so on. They're sold without a box, but if you buy a certain amount, you can expect a Tax-free discount. However, flying to Finland just for Kuoma boots wouldn't be cost-effective. We usually combined shopping with a vacation in Helsinki.
By the way, Kuoma boots bought in Finland are less 'fluffy' inside but feel warmer to me.
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Real Sizing Chart for Kuoma Boots (Measurements Taken with a Ruler)
Kuoma. Real size grid. Measurements from the soleWhen choosing Kuoma boots, it's crucial to get the right size and, if possible, have your child's foot aligned with the sole during purchase. It's a good idea to buy boots with a bit of extra room in the fall, as your child's foot will grow by winter. Ideally, a 0.5 cm margin is perfect for winter. Any more, and the foot will be flopping around in the boot; any less, and your child will be cold.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Verdict: I highly recommend Kuoma boots for purchase! They're comfortable and practical to wear, lightweight and relatively water-resistant. They're perfect for active kids who are always on the go. When choosing size, make sure to go by real measurements from the sole.
This year, I preferred Kuoma boots over the lightweight, warm, and water-resistant Jonathan snow boots!
You can read my detailed review of other shoes my kids have worn here.
You might also be interested in the following reviews in the context of Kuoma valenki:
Kuoma PutkiwarstiLenne winter jacketKivat winter hatKivat winter helmetKivat woolen insoleLenne winter helmetand others