After testing the Clek Olli for over a year with my older child, I can say it’s the best-built backless booster I’ve ever used. The rigid LATCH system locks it to the vehicle seat so solidly that it doesn’t budge when my kid climbs in and out — something that drives me crazy with cheaper boosters that slide all over the place. The Greenguard Gold-certified fabric, contoured seat, and IIHS “Best Bet” rating justify the premium price for parents who want the absolute best in this category.
This review covers who the Olli works best for, its safety credentials, specs, and how it compares to the budget-friendly mifold — a portable alternative for travel.
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Who is the Clek Olli best for?
The Olli is built for parents who want a permanent, rock-solid backless booster in their vehicle. The rigid LATCH connectors (the same system used in the Clek Oobr highback booster) lock the seat to the vehicle’s LATCH anchors without any straps to tighten. The seat stays in place whether your child is in it or not, which means no repositioning it every time you pick up from school or sports practice.
It’s also the right pick for families who care about chemical safety. The Greenguard Gold certification means the fabrics have been independently tested for low chemical emissions and contain zero added flame retardants. The contoured seat base uses high-density foam that’s noticeably more comfortable than flat plastic budget boosters. However, at $100+ for a backless booster, it’s a significant investment. If you need a booster for occasional use, travel, or carpooling, a $30 backless booster or the mifold portable booster would be more practical.
Pros and cons
Pros
- IIHS “Best Bet” booster — excellent belt fit for typical kids in most vehicles
- Rigid LATCH system keeps the seat locked in place at all times — no shifting or sliding
- Greenguard Gold-certified fabrics with zero flame retardants
- Contoured high-density foam seat for genuine comfort on long rides
- Stain, moisture, and odor-resistant fabric treatment
- Removable armrests provide lateral support
- Dishwasher-safe removable cup holder
- Compact footprint when armrests are removed
- 9-year expiration
- Sleek design that doesn’t look like a “baby” product for older kids
Cons
- Premium price — $100+ for a backless booster
- Fabric is NOT machine washable — spot clean only
- No back or head support — relies entirely on vehicle seat and headrest
- At 6 lbs, heavier than most backless boosters (typically 2-4 lbs)
- Rigid LATCH means it’s semi-permanent — not practical for frequent vehicle switches
- Only one cup holder
Safety ratings
The Clek Olli holds the IIHS “Best Bet” booster designation, meaning it provides a good seat belt fit for typical children aged 4-8 in most vehicles. The belt-positioning guides on the seat help route the lap belt low across the hips (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt across mid-chest (not the neck).
The rigid LATCH connection adds a layer of crash protection that most backless boosters lack. In a side-impact crash, a standard booster can shift laterally on the seat — the Olli’s rigid connection to the vehicle anchors prevents this movement, keeping your child positioned correctly during the crash sequence.
The Olli expires 9 years from manufacture. Check the bottom of the seat for the date.
Specifications
| Weight range | 40 – 100 lbs |
| Height range | 40 – 57 inches |
| Seat weight | 6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 14″W x 15″D x 5″H |
| Installation | Rigid LATCH or seat belt positioning |
| Fabric | Greenguard Gold, spot clean only |
| Expiration | 9 years from manufacture |
Key features
Rigid LATCH system. Metal arms extend from the base and connect directly to your vehicle’s lower LATCH anchors. No straps, no tightening — just click in and the seat is locked. This is the same system used in the Clek Oobr and it’s the single biggest advantage over every other backless booster.
Greenguard Gold certification. The fabrics are independently certified for low chemical emissions with no added flame retardants. The stain, moisture, and odor-resistant treatment keeps the seat clean without harsh chemicals.
Contoured comfort base. The high-density foam seat is sculpted to fit a child’s body, unlike the flat plastic seats found on budget boosters. Kids notice the difference on longer drives.
Installation tips
- The rigid LATCH arms click into your vehicle’s lower anchors — align and push until you feel the lock engage
- To release, press the buttons on each arm and pull straight out
- The armrests are removable if you need a narrower profile
- Teach your child to check that the lap belt sits low across the hips and the shoulder belt crosses mid-chest
Clek Olli vs. mifold Grab-and-Go Booster
| Feature | Clek Olli | mifold Grab-and-Go |
|---|---|---|
| Weight range | 40 – 100 lbs | 40 – 100 lbs |
| Rigid LATCH | Yes | No |
| IIHS Best Bet | Yes | No |
| Seat weight | 6 lbs | 1.6 lbs |
| Portable | Semi-permanent | Yes (fits in backpack) |
| Chemical-free fabric | Yes (Greenguard Gold) | No |
| Comfort for long rides | Excellent | Minimal |
| Price | $$$$ | $$ |
These serve completely different use cases. The Clek Olli is the best permanent backless booster for your primary vehicle — the rigid LATCH, comfort, and IIHS rating make it the safest, most stable option. The mifold is a portable backup for carpools, taxis, and travel. Many families own both.
What’s included
The Olli comes with removable armrests and a dishwasher-safe cup holder. Available separately: travel bag, fabric cleaning kit, and vehicle seat protector.
Frequently asked questions
When is my child ready for a backless booster?
Your child should be at least 40 lbs, 40 inches tall, and mature enough to sit properly without slouching or leaning out of position. Many safety experts recommend staying in a highback booster as long as possible since it provides head and neck support. Switch to backless only when the vehicle’s headrest adequately protects your child’s head.
Is a $100+ backless booster worth it?
If you value rigid LATCH stability, chemical-free materials, and premium build quality, yes. If you just need basic belt positioning, a $30 backless booster meets the same federal safety standards.
Can I move the Olli between cars easily?
The rigid LATCH disconnects quickly (press buttons and pull), but at 6 lbs with the metal arms, it’s bulkier than lightweight boosters. It’s designed more as a semi-permanent installation.
Our verdict
The Clek Olli is the best backless booster money can buy. The rigid LATCH, IIHS Best Bet rating, Greenguard Gold fabrics, and contoured comfort base put it in a class by itself. It’s expensive for a backless booster, but for parents who want the absolute best protection and build quality for their booster-age child, it’s the clear winner.
For a highback booster with even more protection, see the Clek Oobr. For all our booster and car seat recommendations, check the best car seats guide.
