What Are The Best Hiking Shoes for Kids?

What are the best hiking shoes for kids? This may be the most asked question I get from new hiking mamas. My honest answer: whatever shoes they will wear. Really. My daughter has hiked 8+ miles in old tennis shoes with no socks. She has also hiked in flip flops (don’t recommend), sandals, barefoot (also don’t recommend), snow boots, water shoes, rubber shoes, rain boots, and hiking boots. I say this not to encourage you to make poor parenting decisions like I do (sometimes), but instead to lower the standards and pressure just a bit. The reason that hiking boots are important for adults is that we are putting weight on our boots and need stability for that extra weight shifting around. Since kids don’t weigh as much or carry as much, this is not as much of a factor. However, we want our kids to be safe on the trails so let’s talk about the safest and most practical options for hiking shoes for kids.

Hiking shoes for kids

5 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON HIKING SHOES FOR KIDS

Before I dive into hiking shoe options, I want to address the elephant in the room which is that shoes and specifically hiking boots can be expensive! It’s no secret that kid feet grow fast so buying a new pair of hiking boots for every growth spurt just isn’t reasonable for most parents. Here are some ways to keep the cost down:

1) Buy one pair of hiking shoes per year

I purchase hiking boots at the beginning of the summer season so that we get the most use out to them before their feet grow. We usually need hiking boots the most in the early hiking season when we aren’t “snow hiking” but still encounter some snow on the trails, especially in higher elevations. By the heat of the summer, we are usually transitioning to mostly hiking sandals because we are focused more on hikes that involve water play.

2) Buy used hiking shoes for kids

Hiking boots are typically not worn very often for most kids so used boots are usually in great shape! You can check on your local Facebook Marketplace or Outdoor Gear Exchange for used and discounted options. I also recommend leaning towards gender neutral boots that you can “hand me down” to siblings.

3) Ditch the idea that hiking shoes for kids are necessary

Comfortable tennis shoes will do the trick for most hikes. Tennis shoes are light, easy to get on, and are shoes that they are already used to so you don’t run the risk of blisters (or whining about uncomfortable feet). When we buy new hiking boots, we strap on their tennis shoes to the backpack for the first hike just in case they are not feeling comfortable. So far we have been lucky that they haven’t needed to wear them in too much (unlike adult hiking boots!).

4) Consider the terrain when purchasing hiking shoes for kids

This is an important factor when choosing hiking shoes in general, but also in saving money as you don’t want to purchase shoes that your kids won’t wear. More on this below in choosing the right shoe.

5) Wait until they are older

Consider an age when it makes sense for your little hiker to have real hiking boots. It’s a big deal when my kids turned five as that’s when I splurged on their first pair of hiking boots! If your hiker is still mostly getting carried, put your money towards good boots for mom or dad instead.

Girl hiking in hiking boots

SO, WHAT ARE THE BEST HIKING SHOES FOR KIDS?

When you do decide the time is right for hiking shoes for kids, there a number of factors that go into determining the “best” hiking shoe. The biggest factors are the terrain, season, climate, time of year, and altitude that you will be hiking. I mention altitude because you may encounter snow in the summer at higher altitudes, so summer doesn’t always equal dry terrain. Similarly, the climate of the area you will do most of your hiking is an important factor. We lived in Seattle until my oldest was 4 years old. Because most of the hiking was in wet terrain—wet Olympic rainforest, rocky wet Puget Sound—she mostly hiked in rain boots. Now that we live in a dryer and warmer climate in Colorado, we fluctuate between a sturdier hiking boot and a hiking sandal. Below are my favorites based on the following factors.

BEST HIKING BOOTS FOR KIDS

Hiking boots are a great choice for dry, rocky climates like we have here in Colorado. Even in dry climates, we are constantly seeking water to splash in, rivers to cross, or encountering snow in higher elevations so the biggest benefit of hiking boots is that they are waterproof. I don’t think there is any point in buying a non-waterproof hiking boot. Just don’t do it. Below are my favorite waterproof hiking shoes for kids. I like these options because of the “mid” ankle height. The higher the ankles are in hiking boots, the less chance of water or snow getting into the kid’s socks. However, if you go too high they are impossible for kids to put on themselves. These are also relatively light so they don’t throw the balance off for lightweight hikers.

Hiking boot for kids

The Merrell Moab FST Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is breathable, lightweight, mid-height, and flexible. These are the boots that my daughter has now that she’s advanced to laces. These come in size 11 through size 7 and therefore are a great option for the “bigger” little kids.

Merrell Moab Speed Low A/C Waterproof Shoes

The Merrell Moab Speed Low A/C Waterproof Shoes is the equivalent to the above option but for the “littler” little kids as it has an easy velcro strap. These are typically our kids’ “first hiking boots” as my 5 year old has these this season and my daughter had these last season. These boots are breathable, lightweight, mid-height, and flexible.

hiking bott for kids

The Keen Targhee Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is sturdy and breathable. They are not as light (or breathable in my opinion) as the Merrell Moab boot, but they are easier to put on as they have a bungee cord lace. These come in smaller sizes ranging all the way from an 8 kids through a 7 big kid size.  

boy hiking in hiking boots for kids

BEST HIKING TRAIL RUNNER FOR KIDS

There is much debate on hiking boots versus trail runners. We used to be a divided household, until I moved over to the trail runner side for my own personal hiking shoe. I hike in a La Sportiva Bushido II GTX trail runner. The benefit to trail runners is that they are lighter weight, are more versatile (can be worn from the playground to the trail) and are usually more comfortable than the traditional hiking boot.

Trail runner for kids

For kids’ trail runners, the Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail-Running Shoe is a waterproof, lightweight, flexible running shoe with great traction for hiking. They are easy for kids to put on with a single pull lacing system and are built to last. These shoes come in size 13 to 6.

Girl running on a trail in Joshua Tree
Hoka One

BEST HIKING SANDALS FOR KIDS

Hiking sandals are a great option for summer hikes. I personally have started hiking in my Chacos more this summer, so I am valuing the hiking sandal more than I used to. For a hiking sandal for kids, I am not as big on the Chaco because it’s not as easy to get on or adjust the sizing, and the toe is not protected. I look for a sturdy sole with a closed toe that won’t trap too much sand or rocks.

hiking sandal for kids

The KEEN Newport H2 Sandal is our go-to hiking sandal. It protects the toes, is lightweight, can get wet, and is easy to put in with a bungie lace and a Velcro strap. These are great hiking shoes for toddlers all the way to big kids and are versatile from a park day to a trail day. If you live in warmer temperatures and you can only get one hiking shoes, this is the shoe I recommend. It will get much more use than a traditional hiking boot. Plus, when you hike to a lake like this one, you can be the one to venture out on the log without worrying about your shoes getting wet!

Girl hiking in sandals

BEST HIKING RAINBOOTS FOR KIDS

Rainboots are often overlooked for hiking but can be a versatile option if you don’t want (or need) to buy a hiking boot, but you may encounter some wet or snowy terrain. My kids have hiked in cheaper rainboots like these, as well as nicer ones like Bogs below.

best rainboot for kids

The Bogs Neo-Classic Boot is a sturdy but lightweight rainboot that is insulated so unlike the cheaper ones above, they can double for snow boots.  I prefer Bogs over the stylish Hunter rainboots because they are more breathable, flexible, and easier to get on. The holes on the side for kids to use to pull on are actually genius!

Boy hiking in rainboots

I have linked all REI links here because they have a great return policy and you may find that the fit is not right for your child. It’s also super beneficial to go into your local REI to try on shoes and climb around on their shoe testing rocks. No matter what shoes you choose, have fun and be safe on the trails! If you are looking for more gear recommendations, you can check out What to Pack for a Hike With Kids for a peak at what’s in our backpack. Happy hiking!

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raisinghikers_Kristin

20 Comments
  1. Cindy Moore

    These are great options for kids! I sure do love my hiking shoes.

    Reply
  2. danielle nieman

    Awesome tips! I’ll definitely be referring to these tips when I purchase new boots. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  3. Whitney

    I’m definitely the queen of buying used things & Facebook Marketplace is my best friend! LOL Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Darby

    Love that you included a rain boot type of hiking shoe! I can see why they are easier for kids than Hunter boots!

    Reply
  5. Danielle Ardizzone

    We love Merrells! I agree, though – maybe it’s worth buying used shoes (or just using sneakers) until they’re a bit older.

    Reply
  6. Pat Mills

    These are great tips. I never know which boot is best for activities. Great post!

    Reply
  7. Suzan

    Great list & options for those with littles!

    Reply
  8. Barbara

    We have been a keen family for years! They have such a wonderful warranty program!

    Reply
    • Alice

      I dont have any little hikers but these boots are cute. I like the idea of buying used for kids who grow out shoes each year.

      Reply
  9. Cecile

    I’m like you, I buy them great sneakers they like and we hike with them. I do love the Merrells myself. I let the boys choose something they love and are comfortable with 🙂

    Reply
  10. Roselyn Franke

    Great tips regarding children’s show – appreciate your honesty!

    Reply
  11. Marianne

    I love our Merrells, but agree about the sneakers. We didn’t start buying the boots until a couple of years ago when the kids were a bit older. Now they prefer the boots. And what a good idea to do the shoe exchange. We do that with skates all the time! I don’t think my kids have EVER had a brand new pair until they were in their teens!

    Reply
  12. Terra Booth

    Great tips! Love the idea of buying used as well. We love the Keen’s and these are what I send to overnight camp since they are great in all kids of terrain and in the water.

    Reply
    • Tiffany

      I love the practical advice!! Too much pressure to spend money on things that aren’t needed so these are great to point out.

      Reply
    • Sabrina DeWalt

      With the pressure parents are under these days to do everything right, I love that you take some of that away when it comes to kid’s shoes. Great job! I vote for Merrill all the way for my boots.

      Reply
  13. Alicia

    What a great list of shoe options! And I love that you are not putting that pressure on yourself to make sure they’re in the perfect shoe every time. Sometimes it’s best to just let the kids wear what they want.

    Reply
  14. Cindy

    I love this. It is so much more realistic to get shoes/boots they’ll wear. I did similar things with my kids’ cycling shoes.

    Reply
  15. Pat Mills

    Great information! I never really gave this much thought but you covered everything needed to know before heading out with the kids.

    Reply
  16. Alexis Farmer

    I love your honesty in this post about lowering standards when it comes to getting hiking boots for kids!

    Reply
  17. Stephanie

    Great tips! I have enough trouble keeping myself in hiking boots, I cannot imagine orchestrating it for a whole family! I love your recommendation for Keen. They are my favorite hiking boots, shoes, and sandals. They hold up so well and the water proof ones really deliver.

    Reply

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