Hiking with your kids is an extremely fun and fulfilling activity. If you and your spouse love to hike, bringing your kids with you on short hikes would definitely be a great way for you to bond. Hiking is also a great way to connect with nature and let your children experience it while they are young.
If you are bringing your children with you, finding the best hiking shoes for kids is a must. You can’t have them hiking or walking around with you while wearing sneakers or just a regular pair of shoes.
There are so many hiking shoes for kids available right now, and it is a bit daunting to check every single one of them just to find the best one. We listed down some of the top brands and models of hiking shoes for kids to help you make the right choice.
Comparison Chart
Best Hiking Shoes for Kids: Brief Reviews
1. Littleplum Kid Snow Boots for Boys
When it comes to functionality and aesthetics, Littleplum is one of the best providers of hiking shoes for children. They provide high-quality hiking shoes made of the finest quality materials to provide comfort and protection to kids’ feet while hiking.
Product Highlights
The Littleplum Kid Snow Boots for Boys features a comfortable plus cashmere lining, which acts as the warming tool of the shoes. These boots are made with PU leather, which is waterproof. It can protect your kids’ feet from getting wet, especially when trekking through snow.
This pair of boots is also windproof and includes elastic laces. The bungee type laces allow the children to take the shoes on or off with ease. The boot opening has a measurement of about six inches around, and the shaft is 3.1 to 6.0 from the arch, which would allow the children to wear the shoes with ease.
These boots provide great traction and support for the ankles. It also features a skin-friendly and no-slip steel buck. This is designed to prevent your child’s feet from slipping out of the shoes while they are walking or trekking.
In order to get the most out of your investment, your kids can use these boots for different occasions. Because of its great aesthetics, they can wear it on parties and events.
What’s to Like About the Littleplum Kid Snow Boots for Boys
Aside from its appearance, the best feature that the Littleplum Kid Snow Boots for Boys offer would be its plus cashmere lining. It provides a warm and cozy feeling to your child’s feet, so you can let them walk or trek on snow without being worried about the cold.
What’s Not to Like About the Littleplum Kid Snow Boots for Boys
Unfortunately, there have been some issues with regard to these boots’ waterproof feature. There were instances when the water got inside the boots, especially when the rain is heavy, or the snow is too thick.
Pros:
- Very comfortable to wear
- Easy to pair with other clothing
- Made of high-quality materials
Con:
- The waterproof feature is severely lacking
2. Timberland Kids’ Premium Waterproof Boots
Timberland LLC is a popular American manufacturer known for its outdoor wear, which focuses on footwear. Most of the products of Timberland are for outdoor use, so if you are looking for high-quality footwear, this is a good brand to check out.
Product Highlights
The Timberland Kids' Premium Waterproof Boots is made using full-grain leather, so it is very sturdy and can last for a long time. It also has a synthetic sole. The measurement of the shaft is about 4.75 inches from the arch, and the boot opening is six inches around.
These Timberland waterproof boots are actually inspired by the original Timberland boots. They have the same rugged style, as well as hard-wearing construction.
These boots are specially made to protect the feet of your kids against rain, mud, and puddles. They feature enhanced waterproof leather, which is both resistant and durable against abrasions. With these on, your kids’ feet would be protected if they jump or scramble around the woods while hiking.
It also has rustproof hardware, durable laces, rubber lug outsole, and a steel shank for better arch support. It features an EVA footbed that can provide comfort and shock absorption at the same time. The textile lining and footbed cover provide more breathability, and a padded collar keeps the fit comfortable around the ankle.
What’s to Like About the Timberland Kids' Premium Waterproof Boots
The Timberland brand is known for the durability of their products. It is actually one of the most important selling points of the Timberland Kids' Premium Waterproof Boots. It is strong enough to withstand the changing weather and terrain while hiking, and it is guaranteed to last for a long time.
What’s Not to Like About the Timberland Kids' Premium Waterproof Boots
The only thing about the Timberland Kids' Premium Waterproof Boots that you might not like is the cleaning process. It is very hard to clean as compared with other hiking shoes.
Pros:
- Has amazing shock absorption
- Comfortable to wear
- Inexpensive
- Offers good arch support
Con:
- Difficult to clean
3. KAOTE Kids Hiking Boots
The KAOTE Kids Hiking Boots is fairly new in the market, but a lot of people have already tried and tested it. They loved its appearance and, of course, the comfort that it can provide kids.
Product Highlights
The KAOTE Kids Hiking Boots has been extremely popular not only because of its features but also because of its fashionable look. It comes in three different colors that you can choose from. This hiking boot is also very comfortable to use, too. It is lightweight and has a breathable design.
It provides arch support to make sure that your kids would stay safe while hiking, and it also dries fast. It features an elastic vamp to provide a more comfortable fitting. It is also extremely safe to use because of its anti-slip sole and cushioned soft inner lining meant for the fragile feet of kids.
These shoes are extremely versatile; aside from hiking, you can use it for other activities and events like running, sports, or cheering squad. You can even use it as daily wear.
What’s to Like About the KAOTE Kids Hiking Boots
The anti-slip sole is definitely one of its strengths and is one of the most important features that it can offer. Since it is a low-cost hiking boot, you cannot expect too much from it, but it does provide the basic features that you need from a hiking boot for kids.
What’s Not to Like About the KAOTE Kids Hiking Boots
These hiking boots are only meant for places that are usually warm because it doesn’t have a waterproof feature. Even if it dries fast, water will still seep inside the shoes.
Pros:
- Comes in three different colors
- Has an anti-slope feature
- Very comfortable to use
Con:
- Not waterproof
4. Columbia Youth Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes
If you are looking for a brand that has been in the market for a very long time, check out Columbia Sportswear Company. It has been providing quality outdoor gear for over 80 years. The Columbia Youth Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes is one of the best outdoor shoes made for kids.
Product Highlights
The Columbia Youth Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes comes in different colors and is made from suede leather and webbing. It has a waterproof seam-sealed membrane, along with TECH LITE lightweight midsole to provide amazing comfort and cushioning.
This pair of hiking shoes is extremely durable because of its suede leather construction. It is very comfortable to use because of the cushioning and support provided for your ankle and soles. It also features the Omni-GRIP non-marking traction, which will offer a high grip for different types of terrain.
These shoes are also versatile, and you can use it for almost any kind of weather. It features a reinforced toe construction that would provide protection to your toes while hiking.
What’s to Like About the Columbia Youth Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoe
The Omni-Grip feature of the Columbia Youth Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes is definitely the selling point of this hiking shoe. It provides the grip that you need to prevent you from slipping when walking on slopes.
It doesn’t matter if you are going down or up in a slope; its superior grip will guarantee that your feet will stay on the ground, and you won’t slip.
What’s Not to Like About the Columbia Youth Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoe
One of the main issues of the Columbia Youth Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes is that the toes wear out easily. If you let your kids use it regularly, the toes would wear out faster than you imagine.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Comfortable to use
- Omni-GRIP
Con:
- Toes wear out fast
5. KEEN Kids' Hikeport Hiking Boot
Keen Footwear is a popular brand known for its high-quality shoes. The KEEN Kids' Hikeport Hiking Boots is one of the best hiking boots in its arsenal.
Product Highlights
The KEEN Kids' Hikeport Hiking Boots features a dry, waterproof, and breathable membrane that would let the internal moisture escape from the shoes and prevent external moisture from getting inside. If external moisture enters the shoe, it will dry fast. It has a breathable mesh lining that would always keep your feet dry and cool.
The Cleansport NXT will be able to control the odor of your feet naturally. It also has a removal Metatomical EVA footbed. This will make sure that your feet will not be harmed while hiking. It also provides amazing cushioning for more support.
For lightweight durability, the KEEN Kids' Hikeport Hiking Boots has a directly-attached PU midsole. It also has a non-marking rubber outsole that is meant to provide reliable footing and balance.
What’s to Like About the KEEN Kids' Hikeport Hiking Boot
The best thing about the KEEN Kids' Hikeport Hiking Boots is the Cleansport NXT feature, which guarantees that your foot won’t get smelly while wearing it. Your kids won’t have to worry about the smell if they wear their hiking boots for a long time.
What’s Not to Like About the KEEN Kids' Hikeport Hiking Boot
The only concern about the KEEN Kids' Hikeport Hiking Boots is its durability. There are some cases wherein the rubber would fall apart, especially after using the hiking boot for a long time.
Pros:
- Breathable
- No smell
- Provides better footing and balance
Con:
- Rubber wears off fast
Buyer’s Guide
Finding the best hiking shoes for kids can be extremely challenging because you literally have hundreds of brands and shoe models to choose from. Trial and error is not a good path to take, and just because a brand is popular doesn’t mean that their shoes would fit your preference.
Here is a short buying guide that would help you make the right decision:
1. Comfort
Your kids would have to wear their hiking shoes for a long time, so you need to make sure that they are comfortable wearing them. There are a few factors to look at if you want to make sure that the shoes would give them comfort and support while hiking.
- Size: The size of the hiking boot should fit perfectly on their feet. It should not be too loose and not too tight. You can let them wear their socks when trying out the shoes.
- Cushioning: You have to check if the shoes have enough cushioning, especially around the ankles.
2. Breathability
Your kids are going to walk long distances when hiking, so the shoes should be breathable to make sure that their feet won’t sweat too much. Sweat can create odor and can also cause a lot of problems to their feet. If the hiking shoes are not breathable, the sweat and moisture inside won’t dry fast, and it won’t be comfortable to wear.
3. Waterproofing
The hiking boots of your kids should always be waterproof. Kids are very clumsy, especially when walking. Most of the time, water will enter their shoes.
During winter and rainy seasons, their shoes should be waterproof. Since hiking shoes are not only meant for hiking, your kids can wear them on a regular basis. Either way, you don’t want a hiking boot without any waterproofing feature.
4. Traction
One of the main reasons to buy hiking shoes is traction. Casual footwear doesn’t have this kind of feature. Hiking boots are way better when it comes to slippery, rocky, and steep roads.
When talking about hiking shoes for kids, you might want to look for boots with larger lugs underfoot as they offer better grip on muddy roads. If you want something that would help you tread rocky terrains, choose something with sticky rubber. You can also find normal underfoot, which is usually made for easier trails.
Since the kids will be wearing the shoes, a normal underfoot is already a good choice unless you plan to go to a more specific location with rocky or muddy terrains. If you want a more specific boot for snow hiking, you need boots with a sole that will not clog with snow and can grip easily.
5. Closure System
You have to choose the closure system of the shoes wisely. There are kids who do not know how to tie shoelaces. For that reason, it won’t be a good idea to buy shoes with laces as it would be inconvenient for you to tie them up every single time.
Most hiking shoes for kids use a bungee-lace system. It will not require tying; instead, it will tighten automatically, and you can be sure that it will not wear off while walking. Most hiking shoes for kids would also feature a Velcro strap, which is extremely easy to tighten or loosen.
6. Insulation
If you are looking for winter hiking boots, look for a brand that can provide sufficient insulation to make sure that your child’s feet will stay warm throughout the hike. While not all hiking shoes for kids can provide a high level of insulation, it should at least be enough to prevent the cold from penetrating the skin of their feet.
Winter boots for kids usually have fleece insulation inside that would trap the heat and provide more comfort to their feet. You should also look for less breathable uppers to prevent the heat from escaping.
7. Durability
Kids love to explore, and they always go off the trail. This is the reason why you need to look for hiking shoes that can take a beating. Kids don’t really care about muddy puddles or water; they will just walk through it without even thinking about their shoes.
Most hiking boots for kids make use of suede leather since it is durable, water-resistant, and is quite breathable, as well. It is not too expensive, and it can withstand wear and tear. It is also better to look for models with reinforced toe caps and boot edges.
F.A.Q.
Knowing what to watch out for is one thing, but you probably have a lot of personal questions with regard to hiking shoes for kids. We will answer some of the frequently asked questions for parents who are looking for the best hiking shoes for kids.
1. Should hiking shoes be a size bigger?
Yes, it is always better to buy hiking shoes that are one size bigger. You don’t want to buy hiking shoes that would have an exact fit on your feet. You need to, at least, look for shoes that are half or one size bigger because you would still have to wear socks.
The rule of thumb is that you should be able to put your index finger behind your ankle after putting it on but before you have laced the shoes. This means that you should already have your socks on before doing this. This is to make sure that your feet will still have enough room to move around, especially when walking on steep roads.
2. Should I get hiking boots or shoes?
Hiking shoes and boots have strengths and weaknesses, and you should know all these before you decide.
Hiking shoes are easier to fit and are more casual. It is like you are just using normal shoes with more protection and traction for your feet. However, it doesn’t provide the same support as hiking boots.
Hiking boots are focused on support more than anything else. It is not as comfortable and breathable as hiking shoes, but they are the best if you are going to hike on a snowy trail.
3. Can kids wear running shoes for hiking?
Yes. Since you won’t really bring your kids to any major hikes, allowing them to wear running shoes for hiking can be a good idea.
As long as the trail is not too steep and there are no rocky or muddy surfaces to walk on, letting them wear running shoes is okay, especially if it is more comfortable for them to do so. However, running shoes don’t provide the same support and protection as hiking shoes and boots.
4. Do hiking boots need to be broken in?
Yes. You have to take some time to break in your hiking boots before you use them for hiking. The leather would require some time to soften up to make sure that the boots and your feet will properly conform to each other.
5. Are leather hiking boots better?
If you are comparing traditional leather with synthetic hiking boots, traditional leather is more durable and resilient. If you are comparing it with the material of hiking shoes, it would depend on the hiking terrain.
Leather hiking boots are the best choice when hiking on a rainy or snowy terrain. It will protect your feet against water and the cold, guaranteeing that they would stay warm and comfortable throughout the hike.
Final Verdict
Your kids need the best hiking shoes to protect their feet during a hike. They are very curious and would want to experience everything that they see while on the hike. Hence, you need to look for hiking shoes that would provide all the basic support for your child’s feet. Aside from support, also make sure that they are comfortable wearing them.