My nine year old would rather wear his tennis shoes rather than boots any day. He needs to be able to run fast during recess and if there isn't a foot of snow on the ground it is a battle to get him to put on his heavy snow boots! They just aren't cool when there is some snow on the ground and it is just cold, but you'r e not trudging through it. This is a great compromise for both of us. It is warm enough, waterproof enough and comfortable enough that he is happy wearing them and I don't have to feel guilty about letting him go out without his snow boots on. Fro those other moms who struggle with their sons about wearing their tennis shoes year round, this is a great compromise - and he can run in them - fast!!!