Most parents have heard of excellent Finnish boots, or, in other words, Kuoma felt boots. But the price of this brand is too high and fluctuates around five thousand rubles. Can other shoe manufacturers offer cheaper analogues of Kuoma and will they be as good as the original?
A few words about the features of Finnish boots
The Kuoma manufacturing company describes its winter boots as warm and light. They withstand temperatures up to -40 degrees, which is important in weather conditions in the northern regions. The toe of such boots is equipped with a special moisture-resistant insert, so they will not get wet in wet weather. The sole is extremely durable and thermally insulating, it dampens movement and does not slip even on ice. There are reflective elements for safety. Most of the winter models are made of ultra-modern artificial materials. In 2017, boots with natural fur appeared.
But do not forget about the main rule of wearing any membrane things, including Kuomu: do not wear clothes made from natural fabrics under the membrane, only synthetics.
What analogs of the Kuoma boots are presented by other manufacturers?
Boots "Kuoma" conquer with their quality characteristics, but their prices are higher every season. Not every parent wants to spend an amount of 5 thousand rubles for only one winter. After all, the child’s foot grows very quickly. The most popular children's analogues of Kuoma, both Russian and foreign manufacturers, are Demar, Zebra, Bebendorff, Nordman and Twins. But each of them has its own characteristics and differences from the original.
Boots Demar
Perhaps this is the most common option, corresponding to "Kuome". The Polish company has been producing children's shoes "Demar" for 20 years. The lineup is diverse. "Demar" is not only in the winter, but also in the demi-season version. There are several models of boots that look like Kuomu.
Features and differences of "Demara":
- The main feature is the materials from which they are made. Unlike Kuoma, Demar uses natural sheepskin as a heater. The fibers in the boots are intertwined in such a way as to warm and keep the heat inside as best as possible. With such shoes you can safely wear woolen or cotton socks. But for Kuoma, the manufacturer recommends products made only of artificial materials.
- According to the manufacturer, the weight of any pair of this Kuoma analog is not more than 500 g.
- Like the original model, all Demar pairs are covered with a special water-repellent layer that prevents moisture from entering the boots. They can be worn even in slush.
- The sole is made of thermoplastic rubber, has a corrugated non-slip surface. At sub-zero temperatures it does not freeze and remains flexible.
- Reflective elements are available.
- The temperature regime is declared up to -35 degrees Celsius. That is, 5 degrees less than the Kuoma, which can be worn down to -40.
- Reviews about the analogue of “Kuoma” are excellent. Most parents praise quality and durability. But the cost of production of this company is at the level of the cost of original Finnish shoes.
Despite the price, this brand is popular in Russia. Lovers of natural materials willingly take it for adults and children of all ages. Demar has all the benefits of Kuoma. Its main difference is a sheepskin insulation. If you do not trust synthetic materials, then this brand is for you.
Winter boots "Zebra"
Zebra is the Russian counterpart of Kuoma.
Features:
- The cost is almost two times lower than the original Kuoma: within 3.5 thousand rubles.
- The insulation and insole, as well as in boots from the Demar company, is made of natural material - wool.
- Judging by the reviews, buyers are uncomfortable using a dual dimensional grid. When buying, it should be noted that these boots are about one and a half times larger than standard boots.
- These models get wet in slush, but warm in the cold winter.
For a budget purchase, a good option, taking into account the anatomical features of children's feet and Russian winters.
Boots Bebendorff
"Bebendorf" - Belarusian shoes. The cost is about 3.5 thousand rubles.
Features:
- From “Kuoma” these couples have only appearance. But the composition is completely natural, not counting the bottom. This is literally felt boots with wool insulation on a polyurethane sole.
- There is no membrane, but the toe is trimmed with the same material as the sole. This eliminates the wetting of boots even during high humidity, but only if the baby does not step into a very deep puddle. Under "Bebendorf" you can wear any socks, including wool.
- On the insole is natural fur, not felt. But the heel is not insulated.
- Zipper on many models.
- They look bulky, sparkles and other design elements easily crumble.
- There are a lot of negative reviews that indicate that the felt and the sole are cracking. There is a lot of insulation on the boot, but not enough in the foot area.
Conclusion: the defective analogue of “Kuoma” is more than boots, not membrane shoes.
Nordman
Despite the English name, these boots are from Russia. The production took into account the peculiarities of the anatomy of children's feet, weather and temperature conditions. Cost - in the region of 4 thousand rubles.
Features of the Nordman models:
- This analogue of Kuoma shoes is exceptionally warm. Manufacturers recommend wearing them in frosts from -5 to -10 degrees and below, otherwise the child risks sweating.
- The top is treated with waterproof impregnation, and the toe is protected by a polyurethane insert.
- The insole is fur. Mixed insulation: wool - 80%, synthetic materials - 20%.
- The sole made of polyurethane rubber is quite soft and flexible. The company pays special attention to the production of soles, it is absolutely without glue, seams and joints. Cast it makes special equipment.
- About sizes: a little small, so it’s worth taking with a margin.
- Wash these boots in a typewriter, unlike Kuoma and Demar, it is impossible.
- Most of the reviews are positive, confirming the warmth and good quality of Nordman.
Great models for northern frosts. In wet weather, you can also walk in them - they will not get wet. But still they are too hot for zero temperature when puddles appear.
Twins Shoes
These models are not well represented in our market and are made in China. The price of "Twins" is only about 2 thousand rubles. Judging by the reviews, the models are quite warm and waterproof. The insole consists entirely of sheep's wool, and the insulation is 80% natural, and 20% synthetic. There is a velcro for more convenient use. Buyers note a poorly bending sole and some prickly wool inside the boots. There are reflective elements.
According to reviews, this is a great model of winter shoes for children at such a low price.
Finally
All of the above companies have models that outwardly completely repeat the Finnish boots. But no one has a complete analogue of Kuoma. All shoes, one way or another, have differences. As for the insulation, only the Finnish company offers fully synthetic materials.