Grab a pair of the best kids’ hiking boots and the outdoor world is your oyster! A decent pair of children’s hiking boots or shoes will keep young feet dry and comfortable. Good ones can also help to ensure that their feet continue to develop naturally. If you’re a family who loves fresh air and exercise, then investing in the best hiking boots for kids opens up so many options.

Two kids on a hike wearing their backpacks and exploring nature in Norway on a sunny day with remains of snow in the background.

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>>Click here to see the overall best hiking shoes for kids<<

While it was hard to choose just one, the Regatta Samaris is the top pick because it’s such a sturdy, comfortable, versatile and reliable choice for all season wear. 

Whether you want hiking boots for boys, kids’ waterproof hiking boots or girls’ hiking shoes, this guide lists the very best products from the top outdoor brands. We also cover what to look for when choosing the ideal pair. If – like us – you like to get out there exploring the world, read on to find the best kids’ hiking shoes for your children.

NameColoursKey featuresPrice
Keen Targhee3 optionsBungee lacing, waterproof & breathableClick here
Salomon Winter2 optionsWaterproof, insulated & great gripClick here
Adidas Terrex Nordic2 optionsCushioned footbed, grip outsole & lightweightClick here
Merrell Moab5 optionsBreathable mesh, bungee lacing, super sturdyClick here
Regatta Samaris5 optionsStabilising, EVA footbed, waterproof & breathableClick here

How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for Kids

There are several considerations to bear in mind when picking the right girls’ or boys’ hiking boots. These include what they will wear them for, the level of support, the season and how they fasten – as well as the comfort factor. 

Support

Both kids’ hiking boots and children’s walking shoes are listed here. Both will protect feet well when to and about on uneven ground or in wet weather. Boots, however, do have a slight edge when it comes to support, as they ankle is better protected.

Fastening

If you want your kids to put on and take off their own shoes, look for a simple fastening. The bungee cord type is ideal, and stretch laces can also be helpful. Some footwear also has a velcro strap fastening for extra security.

Season

Which seasons will you be walking or hiking in? For fair-weather families, there may be little point in looking for waterproof or winter footwear. Boots tend to be warmer than shoes due to added insulation around the ankle. Winter boots are best for colder conditions, while shoes can be ideal for summer. Look out for breathability too. You might also find our guide to the best hiking & walking sandals for kids helpful for the warmer weather.

Family walking on a bridge in mountain forest

Comfort

A comfortable child is generally a more content child, and parents know only too well how this can have a positive effect on the whole family. Look for a cushioned footbed, as well as breathability, if you want to make sure our children have happy feet!

Purpose

Why are you buying kids’ hiking shoes? Are you simply planning to explore the urban environment, or are you likely to take your kids on challenging hiking trails? For the latter, it’s definitely worth paying more for better footwear. 

The 5 Best Kids’ Walking Boots

Keen Kids’ Targhee Unisex Hiking Shoe

If you would prefer to buy girls’ or boys’ hiking shoes rather than boots, take a look at this pair from Keen, a leading outdoor brand. They come in a range of colours to suit all tastes, including brown, black and grey with contrast trim in blue or purple. 

We love the waterproof membrane that’s also breathable, and the bungee cord type lacing system that makes them both easier to fit and more secure. The sole offers a good grip too. These are sturdy hiking shoes for boys and girls at a good mid-range price point.

KEEN Unisex Kids Targhee Low Wp Hiking Shoe

Pros:

  • Secure and simple lacing
  • Range of colours
  • Breathable and waterproof

Cons:

  • Less ankle support than boots

>> Click here to see the Keen Targhee for kids <<

Salomon Winter Hiking Boots for Kids

Salomon produce a lot of products for use when skiing and snowboarding, so you can be confident in these boys’ or girls’ walking boots for winter. They offer great grip, and if you want waterproof hiking boots for kids then they tick that box too.

These Salomon kids’ hiking boots come in black and orange or purple and blue, and sizes range from a child 12 to an adult 4. Even in snow, the Thinsulate thermal lining will keep kids’ feet cosy and comfortable. They also have elasticated laces to make life easy, as well as a velcro strap for security.

Salomon Winter Hiking Boots for Kids

Pros:

  • Lug tread design for great grip
  • Warm enough for snowy weather
  • Waterproof construction

Cons:

  • Not ideal for summer wear

>> Click here to view these Salomon kids’ winter boots <<

Adidas Terrex Nordic Walking Shoes for Kids

We turn to a top sports brand now in our quest to find the best children’s hiking shoes. These Adidas Terrex hiking shoes are good for summer as they’re cooler to wear than boots. Comfort is assured by the cushioned, lightweight EVA midsole.

On the outer, a Traxion sole provides good grip even on slippery ground, while the fabric upper is designed to resist water and staining. If you’re concerned about them looking dirty over time, you could always opt for the all-black option too. 

>> Click here to see our guide to the best hiking sandals for kids <<

adidas Unisex Kids Terrex Ax2r K Nordic Walking Shoes

Pros:

  • Cushioned EVA midsole
  • Grippy Traxion outsole 
  • Lightweight and comfortable

Cons:

  • Not the best range of colours

>> Click here to see these Adidas Nordic kids’ walking shoes <<

Merrell Moab Kids’ Walking Shoe

Whether you’re after girls’ hiking boots or boys’ walking boots, these Merrell ones come in a great range of colours including pink, purple, blue, grey and black. This pair has mesh built into the upper for added breathability, making this the ideal choice for summer wear.

They also have elasticated laces with a bungee closure, plus a velcro strap to make certain they stay in place. Happy owners love them, saying that they’re tough, waterproof and made to last. Which is of course what you’d expect from a leading brand like Merrell.

Merrell Unisex Kid's Moab FST Low a/C WTRPF Walking Shoe

Pros:

  • 5 colours available
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Simple bungee closure

Cons:

  • Not the best choice for winter

>> Click here to view these Merrell walking shoes for kids <<

Regatta Samaris Hiking Boot for Kids

These Isotex waterproof children’s hiking boots also come in a great choice of colours. Being boots rather than shoes, they offer more ankle support and are better suited to winter weather conditions.

Regatta have managed to combine a breathable mesh upper with a waterproof finish and sealed seams to create a kids’ walking boot that is suited to all seasons. They also feature stabilising technology and an EVA footbed for comfort – even when wearing for prolonged periods of time.

Regatta Unisex Kid's Samaris V Junior Waterproof Hiking Boot High Rise

Pros:

  • Waterproof and breathable
  • Stabilising system 
  • Comfortable EVA footbed

Cons:

  • Not bungee style fastening

>> Click here to see the Regatta Samaris for children <<

Which are Best Walking Boots for your Kids?

We hope this guide has been useful to you when choosing the best hiking boots and shoes for kids, and that their new footwear helps you all to enjoy the active, outdoor life! 

Pin out guide to the best hiking boots and shoes for kids now.

Best hiking boots & shoes for kids
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