Winter's just around the corner, which means it's time to pick out some new boots. Last year, my little one wore Nordman Lumi, and this year I wanted to try something new. I browsed around stores and marketplaces, but nothing really caught my eye. In the end, we settled on Nordman again. And I don't regret it for a second.
We bought a size 25 last year, and this time around we got 27 (our little one was 1.6 years old, and now they're a year older and needed a bit more room in the toe box). Nordman boots are super easy to slip on, and the sheepskin-lined insoles made me feel confident that our little one's feet would stay warm, dry, and grippy.
💡 Price and where I bought it
This year (size 27) cost me 2983 rubles. I picked it up on a marketplace, and I'd say it was a steal.
Last year (size 25) I paid 3700 rubles.
Nordman boots arrived in a box with the company's logo. They were well-packaged.
🌟 Let's talk about the exterior and quality
Sold in a minimalist and neat design: high, with a sturdy black toe cap. The toe cap is indeed solid, and our little one dragged them around on the pavement, slammed on the brakes at the carousel, and there's barely a scratch on them.
The sole is textured, with great traction, and almost no slipping.
The tread pattern varies depending on the sizeThe material has a fun, textured design, and it's supposed to be water-repellent. In the slush, our little one's feet stayed dry. The design is thoughtful, nothing extra, all the details are in the right place.
👍 Comfort and fit
There's a side lip, which makes it super easy to slip them on and even gives you a bit of extra room to tighten them up.
The insole is dense, with a thick layer of fur. It's easy to remove, try on, and put back in (there's a label). It's especially convenient when trying them on: you take out the insole, try on the boot, check the fit, and then put the insole back in.
I was relieved to see that we could size up by 2 sizes this year (we went from 25 to 27). Now the boots fit with some extra room and can accommodate a thick sock, but honestly, I'm hoping that's enough for next winter. However, with our average winter temperature around -10, it was warm even with regular socks, and my kid's feet would sometimes even get a bit sweaty. So, for our climate, thick woolen socks aren't strictly necessary.
The inside of the boot has a full surface of woolen fleece. It's nice to touch and not stiff at all. So, for low temperatures and long walks, these boots are an excellent choice.
☀️Warmth and water resistance
The manufacturer indicates a temperature range of up to -25 °C, and indeed, these boots are perfect for cold weather.
In mud, my kid's feet remained dry, the material effectively repels moisture, and the seams and construction worked well. (Their feet never got wet, only sweaty)
I want to note that foot sweat can be an issue in moderate temperatures and during active play. The solution is simple: adjust the thickness of the sock according to the weather. Initially, I was worried and tried to over-insulate my kid's feet, but later I found the right approach – we wear them with regular socks.
💫Durability
After a year of use, the boots have withstood my kid's adventures (running on asphalt, playing, and riding a carousel) and still look great. The toe and sole haven't worn off, the fabric has minimal wear, and it's clear that the materials are of high quality. However, on the old boots, the fleece inside had started to come loose (you can't see it from the outside, but it's noticeable when you touch it).
Left: fleece on an old boot, right: fleece on a new bootOld and new insoles:
🌟MaintenanceA damp cloth or a soft sponge is all you need to clean it.
I wouldn't recommend machine washing and drying on a radiator – the fleece and all the glued parts require gentle care.
For storage, a dry, cool place is ideal; we store them in a closet.
✨Things to consider when buying
In our climate, with a small minus, the boots can get a bit too warm, so you need to think about what socks to wear.
The price is above the budget segment (but it's justified by the quality and durability). It's especially worth it if you can get multiple seasons out of them, making it not so expensive in the long run, especially considering the quality.
If you're buying a size up for growth, make sure your kid is comfortable walking in them. The boots don't constrict too much, despite the adhesive strip.
Size-wise: my kid's foot is 16 cm long with a bit of room to spare (maybe 16.2 cm, I'm not sure), and that's how the size 27 boot fits:
There's a bit of extra room, but I don't always put warm socks on my kid, so it's not a huge deal. Size 28 would be way too big. ⚡️The verdict and my personal impression
I'm absolutely loving these boots. They're warm, thoughtfully designed, water-repellent, and easy to clean. My kid's been putting them through the wringer, and they still look great after a year of heavy use. If you're in the market for reliable winter boots with a sheepskin insole, Nordman Lumi is a top pick.
My verdict: I'd definitely recommend these, especially if you prioritize warmth, water resistance, and ease of use. For our average winter, they're a bit too warm, but it's better than having frozen toes on your kid. If you plan on wearing them in extreme cold, these are a solid choice.