If you’re looking to go on adventures with your little ones, having the best kids hiking boots and shoes is critical to having successful outings and making long-lasting outdoor memories.
With so many options to choose from, many parents find themselves overwhelmed with which kids hiking boots to choose.
That’s exactly why we created this resource! In this guide, we’ll cover the best kids hiking boots and shoes available today, along with what to look for when making your selection.
The Best Kids Hiking Boots And Shoes – Quick Reference
| Best Overall Kids Hiking Boots | Keen Targhee Mid Kids Waterproof Hiking Boot |
| Best Lightweight Kids Hiking Boots | Columbia Newton Ridge Youth Waterproof Hiking Boots |
| Best Overall Kids Hiking Boots Runner-Up | Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Childrens Hiking Boots |
| Best Easy Fastening Kids Hiking Boots | Merrell Chameleon 7 Access Mid Waterproof Kids Hiking Boots |
| Best Premium Kids Hiking Boots | Timberland Kids Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots |
| Best Overall Kids Hiking Shoes | Columbia Youth Redmond Kids Hiking Shoes |
| Best Overall Kids Hiking Shoes Runner-Up | Keen Targhee Low Kids Waterproof Hiking Shoes |
| Best Kids Trail Runners | Salomon Xa Pro 3D Kids Waterproof Trail Runners |
| Best Kids Waterproof Hiking Shoes | Merrell Moab Low Waterproof Childrens Hiking Shoes |
| Best Easy Fastening Kids Hiking Shoes | Keen Targhee Sport Vented Hiking Shoe |
The Best Hiking Boots For Kids – Our Top Picks
Keen Targhee Mid Kids Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Keen Targhee Mid Kids Waterproof Hiking Boot is a lightweight, breathable, waterproof boot that comes up mid-height to provide proper ankle support.
These boots feature a grippy rubber sole with protective toe cap, and offers an removable EVA footbead.
We really like the hook-and-loop fastening system over laces due to the quick and easy on/off this solution provides, while still offering the tightness factor.
The soles also have mini toe and heel brakes, which is a huge plus.
Columbia Newton Ridge Youth Waterproof Hiking Boots
Columbia’s Newton Ridge Youth Waterproof Hiking Boots combine functionality and classic hiking boot style in one good-looking boot.
The soles are packed with lug patterns and a heel brake that give them great traction on all kinds of surfaces, and the lace-up closure ensures a secure fit.
These boots are waterproof and offer plenty of protection, cushioning, and durability, while still being very lightweight, making them a great overall choice.
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Childrens Hiking Boots
The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Childrens Hiking Boots are one of our top picks because they tick all of our boxes.
The leather and mesh upper offers extreme durability and breathability, while the waterproof construction keeps moisture off your little one’s feet on the trail.
The lace closure allows you to keep a secure and snug fit, while the soles offer alternating lug patterns to keep your child sure-footed outdoors.
Merrell Chameleon 7 Access Mid Waterproof Kids Hiking Boots
The Merrell Chameleon 7 line is excellent for kids hiking boots, because they offer waterproof and lightweight materials along with a hook-and-loop closure system that allows for easy off and on.
The mid-cut supports chidrens’ ankles well, has a lug-patterned sole for traction, and has a rubber toe cap to keep kiddo’s toes protected from bumps.
They even come in three different color options to choose from, so your both you and your child will be happy with how they look!
Timberland Kids Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Classic styling and lots of functionality were what placed the Timberland Kids Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking boots in our top picks.
These boots offer anti-fatigue technology to provide your kid with all-day comfort and support, while the high-traction outsole and internal shank offer plenty of grip and sturdiness on any type of surface.
There’s a waterproof membrane to offer an excellent level of moisture-resistance, and full grain leather allows these boots to be extremely durable.
The Best Hiking Shoes And Trail Runners For Kids – Our Top Picks
Columbia Youth Redmond Kids Hiking Shoes
The Columbia Youth Redmond Hiking Shoe is the perfect combination of high function and performance in an everyday hiking shoe.
The omni-grip rubber outsole provides great grip across many different terrain types, and the waterproof membrane makes these shoes a great three-season choice.
The techlite lightweight midsole offers lots of cushioning and comfort, and the webbing on the upper provides tons of breathability.
Keen Targhee Low Kids Waterproof Hiking Shoes
The Keen Targhee Low Kids Waterproof Hiking Shoe is a lightweight, breathable, waterproof boot that comes up to ankle height while still offering all the benefits of the Keen Targhee Mid Hiking Boot we reviewed above in this guide.
These hiking shoes feature a grippy rubber sole with protective toe cap, and offers an removable EVA footbead.
We really like the hook-and-loop fastening system over laces due to the quick and easy on/off this solution provides, while still offering the tightness factor.
The soles also have mini toe and heel brakes, which is a huge plus.
Salomon Xa Pro 3D Kids Waterproof Trail Runners
If you’re looking for a good pair of waterproof trail runners for your child, you’ll have a hard time beating the Salomon Xa Pro 3D Trail Runners.
These offer excellent stability and grip, along with breakaway laces that let go if the shoe gets caught on something during the trail, which is a great added safety feature.
The soles offer a great lug pattern, and the molded EVA midsoles provide excellent cushioning while keeping the shoes lightweight.
Merrell Moab Low Waterproof Childrens Hiking Shoes
The Merrell Moab Low Waterproof Childrens Hiking Shoes are the low-cut version of the Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boots reviewed above, which was one of our top picks because they tick all of our boxes.
The leather and mesh upper offers extreme durability and breathability, while the waterproof construction keeps moisture off your little one’s feet on the trail.
The lace closure allows you to keep a secure and snug fit, while the soles offer alternating lug patterns to keep your child sure-footed outdoors.
The tongue is attached to the sides of the uppers which helps keep water and debris out, while the included front and back pull tabs make it easy to take them on and off.
Keen Targhee Sport Vented Hiking Shoe
Keen snagged two of our top 5 picks for best kids hiking shoes, and for good reason: the Keen Targhee Sport Vented Hiking Shoe is a powerhouse.
This hiking shoe offers a hook-and-loop closure with a velcro strap for an extra secure fit, and packs in great safety features like an oversized toe cap and extremely grippy soles with a heel brake.
They offer a vented membrane that will keep their feet cool, and are odor and moisture-resistant, which is a huge plus.
How To Pick The Best Kids Boots For Hiking
There are a few factors you should consider when picking out the best hiking boots for your child, and keeping these in mind can make all the difference in how enjoyable your hikes are with your family.
Read on to learn more.
When Will You Be Hiking?
Will you be hiking primarily in fall or spring when the weather’s milder? If so, then you can go the traditional hiking boot route for your little one.
If you plan on trekking in winter, you’ll want to make sure that your child’s hiking boots are waterproof at a minimum, and may want to consider snow boots.
If you’ll be hiking mainly in summer or hot weather, kid’s hiking boots with good ventilation will be key.
Where Will You Be Hiking?
If your kids can’t resist playing in creeks or streams or if you’ll be hiking trails that cross bodies of water, waterproof kids hiking boots will be critically important.
If you’ll be hiking on uneven terrain with lots of inclines and declines, you’ll want to make sure your child’s hiking boots offer good ankle support, a heel brake, and have good treads on the soles.
Think about the types of trails you plan on tackling to help guide your decision.
How Far Will You Be Hiking?
There’s a big difference between a flat one-mile hike compared to a six-mile hike over hilly, rocky terrain with your kids.
If you plan on sticking with flat, paved surfaces and hikes under a mile, you get by just fine letting your child wear a pair of tennis shoes or sneakers.
If you are planning to do real hiking, you’ll definitely want to get a dedicated pair of kids hiking boots.
What To Pay Attention To When Choosing Kids Hiking Boots
Kids are notorious for being picky, and we as parents will do well by taking that same mentality when picking out the best hiking boots for our children.
Let’s cover what to look for below.
Make Sure The Boots Are Comfortable For Your Child To Hike In
Look for kids hiking boots that offer plenty of padding in the tongue and uppers, along with breathable and flexible materials throughout the boot.
The soles of the boots may be thick to provide support, but should also be semi-flexible and not totally rigid.
Make sure to let your child try on a few different pairs, and take their feedback seriously when asking them if the boots feel comfortable – you don’t want to get out on the trail only to find out that your child is complaining about their feet.
Pick Kids Hiking Boots That Are Durable
Considering how fast kids grow, most childrens’ boots should be durable enough to last for as long as your kid fits in them.
Having said that, the durability of your child’s hiking boots or shoes is still important because they need to hold up to the demands of hiking – especially if you’ll be passing the boots down to their younger siblings or cousins later on.
Choose Kids Hiking Shoes With Good Traction
Kids love running, climbing, and exploring – and this is especially true on hiking trails!
Make sure your little one’s hiking boots have soles that offer good traction that will help them scramble over anything in their path while keeping them safe (extra bonus points here if the boots feature soles with lugs heel brakes on them).
Select Kids Boots For Hiking That Offer Good Support
Ankle support and arch support are both key for adults and children when it comes to hiking boots.
Most traditional hiking boots for kids will offer good ankle support, and you can always add in additional arch support with an insert if you find that the standard setup doesn’t offer enough out of the box.
Kids Hiking Boots Thickness And Stiffness
Hiking boots for kids do not need to be as stiff as adults due to them weighing less overall.
This lack of weight translates to less downward pressure on things like sticks, rocks, or other uneven terrain, and thus kids hiking boots don’t need the same thick soles like the ones found on adult hiking boots.
Kids Waterproof Hiking Boots
You’ll absolutely want to go for kids waterproof hiking boots over non-waterproof models, hands down.
Kids love playing in water, and don’t always look where they’re walking, making the occasional mud puddle encounter way more likely.
Keeping your child’s feet dry will translate to better comfort for them and longer, happier hikes for the whole family.
Check That Your Kids Hiking Shoes Protect Their Toes
Whether you’re looking at kids hiking boots, trail runners, hiking shoes, or even hiking sandals, you’ll want to insist that the footwear offers extra reinforcement on the toe cap.
This extra barrier will prevent toe stubbing (and the resulting tears) while hiking with your child.
Ease Of Use When Taking Kids Hiking Shoes On And Off
Consider your child’s abilities when picking out hiking boots, and pay attention to how they fasten.
Most kids hiking boots will either fasten with laces, Velcro, or elastic.
If your kiddo can’t tie their own shoes, either be prepared to be their personal shoe tying assistant on the trail, or you can save yourself some headache and go for a model that secures with velcro straps they can pull tight themselves.
Go Gender Neutral If You Can
Considering that kids grow so quickly, there’s a good chance that the hiking boots you purchase for your child will still have some life left in them.
Consider going for gender-neutral options so you can easily hand down your kid’s hiking boots to a younger sibling, cousin, or friend who can get some mileage out of them as well.
Ensure Your Child’s Hiking Boots Fit Well
Finding the right size of hiking boots for kids is not always simple, as their feet are growing constantly.
We suggest going one size larger than your child’s current shoe size.
If you can slip your pinky finger in between your child’s heel and the back of the boot, you’ve found a good fit.
Don’t go any larger than this though, because your child’s foot will have too much room to move around in the boot, which reduces the support they have and can also lead to blisters.
Kids Hiking Boots Vs Kids Trail Runners
What type of kids hiking footwear is best for you depends a lot on where and when you’ll be hiking.
Read on to learn how to pick the best option for your situation.
Think About The Terrain Your Child Will Be Hiking On
Many of the kids hiking boots and hiking shoes we reviewed today offer grippy soles with heel brakes and lug patterns on them, which is a must.
However, if you plan on hiking in cold weather or in snow, you’ll want to opt for kids hiking boots instead of hiking shoes. You don’t want their ankles to be cold or snow to get in their shoes.
Consider The Weight Of Children’s Hiking Boots Vs Trail Runners
Hiking boots are a little heavier than kids trail runners or hiking shoes.
If your little one complains after short walks or trips to the store, you can bet they’ll be griping about lifting their feet in hiking boots!
If this sounds like your situation, stick with a lightweight hiking shoe or a pair of trail runners.
Pay Attention To The Versatility You Need From Their Footwear
If you’re planning on only hiking a few times a year and in temperate weather, you probably aren’t going to need a dedicated pair of kids hiking boots.
Trail runners or hiking shoes are very versatile for different activities from the trail all the way to the playground.
Alternatively, if you’re planning on hiking in cold weather or on challenging terrain, definitely go for a pair of actual hiking boots.
What Is Your Child’s Walking Capability Like Right Now?
Depending on your child’s age or walking capability, they may need more ankle support or stability that hiking boots can offer.
Consider where your child is at with their walking skills when picking out the right hiking footwear.
If you are hiking with a toddler, consider a hiking child carrier for your trips, and check out our guide to hiking with toddlers for extra info on how to be prepared and make the hike as much fun as possible for them..
Tips To Help Pick The Best Hiking Boots Or Shoes For Kids
Bring Your Kid’s Hiking Socks Along
If your child uses special socks or hiking socks, make sure they wear them when your child tries hiking boots on.
Make Sure Your Child Has Toe Room
Have your child push their foot forward in the boot until their toes are touching the front- if you can fit a pinky finger in between their heel and the boot, they’ve got good toe room.
Know Your Child’s Hiking Boot Size
We generally recommend buying kids hiking boots one size larger than their shoe size
Let Them Roam Free, Stomp, And Climb
Have your kids run (or walk) around and up or down stairs if available to see how the boots fit, and pay attention to their feedback.
Have Your Kid Break In Their New Hiking Boots
New hiking boots can be stiff, so be sure to break them in before hitting the trail. Check out our guide on how to break in hiking boots for more info.
Kids Hiking Boots And Hiking Shoes FAQs
If you plan on hiking on trails or non-paved surfaces, your kids probably need hiking boots.
All of the kids hiking boots and kids hiking shoes we reviewed in this guide are great options.
Make sure there is no pinching around the top of the feet, ankle, or tongue area of the boot.
To check toe room, make sure you can fit your pinky finger between your child’s heel and the back of the boot.
If you’ll be hiking on inclines, declines, or in wet or muddy conditions, hiking boots are the best choice for kids.
If you’ll be hitting simpler trails or primarily hiking in dry conditions, a hiking shoe or sandal will work just fine.
Yes, you should buy kids hiking boots one size larger than their shoe size.
This allows them a little room to grow into them and extend the use you’ll get out of your child’s hiking boots.
You’ll want to make sure they have a sun hat and proper footwear at a minimum, as well as snacks and a water bottle to keep hydrated.
Check out our guide to the best hiking gear for kids for more suggestions.