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Best Hiking Boots For Kids – 2024 Buying Guide
That's why we took the time to test and review the top kid boots options on the market. Peruse our list below before making your purchase decision.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to shoes. If a pair of shoes are uncomfortable, they may cause a blister or even an injury.
Even worse, having spent a lot of money on a pair of hiking boots, you may not wear them if they are uncomfortable. Picking the correct size is essential to have a comfy fit. Purchasing a shoe that matches your foot type is also important. Kid's feet can vary quite a bit in size and foot type, so it is really important that they get their feet measured correctly and that you purchase the right shoe for their feet type. It is also important to be aware that kids’ feet grow quickly so they may grow out of their shoes quicker than you expect.
Versatility
Versatility is a great quality.
By having a versatile product, you are likely to have extra features that you may have not initially expected. We tried to select versatile hiking boots for kids. We selected a variety of styles and colors, intending to offer something that suited everyone. We also picked shoes that came in a variety of sizes, ensuring that you could get your preferred shoe in the correct size for you.
Durability
Having a durable hiking boot is important. It is even more important if you are buying an option for a child as they will probably wear them a lot more than an adult.
When purchasing a hiking shoe, you must have a durable outsole. We paid close attention to kid hiking boots that offered a molded rubber outsole with grip, making the shoe safe to wear across rocky terrains. Some of the boots we picked featured TRAXION outsole grip, making them safe to wear along rough terrains.
We picked waterproof boots, making them suitable to wear in all weather conditions, and keeping your child dry. Some of the boots have a PU membrane, making them highly waterproof so they could be worn through wet fields, creeks, and puddles.
Breathability
The breathability of a hiking boot is crucial.
If you are wearing a boot for miles upon miles, you want the boot to allow your feet to breathe. When it comes to kids hiking boots, this is even more important because children’s feet are still growing and can get hot easily. We selected boots that featured a mesh upper, allowing them to breathe easily. Some of them have a breathable textile lining and others included both a breathable mesh collar and tongue. However, some of the hiking boots we selected for this collection, were not very breathable. Made to be worn in colder, snowy terrains, these boots were designed specially to insulate the foot and keep it warm.
Value
When it comes to value it is important to establish at the outset how much you are willing to spend on something.
How much money you are willing to spend on something may be completely different to someone else. Having a budget is a good way of assessing how much money you must spend, and it helps you not overspend. This is particularly important if you have a tight budget. When it comes to value, we selected kids hiking boots that were low, mid, and high in price. By offering hiking boots in a range of prices, this offered something suitable for everyone’s price range.
Top 10 Picks
1. Merrell M-Chameleon 7
The latest Merrell Kids’ M-Chameleon 7 hiking shoes make a comfy and stylish boot for any young explorer
Comfort
The hiking boots offer a quick and easy lacing system to keep your child’s feet firmly in place. The laces are ideal because they can be easily adjusted to create the perfect fit. The boot also has a neat Velcro strap at the top of the shoe for extra support and fastening. The shoes include a pull loop based at the heel and on the top of the tongue, making it easier for your child to pull the shoe off their feet.
Versatility
They come in 3 colors including Gunsmoke, Berry/Coral, and Grey/Blue. The shoe comes in a selection of sizes including big kid, ranging from 8 – 12 years and little kid, ranging from 4- 8 years.
Durability
The Merrell kids’ M-Chameleon 7 features a leather and mesh upper. They are durable as well as lightweight, making them easier for your child to walk in. The shoe has a lug pattern outsole with M Select GRIP, providing a fantastic grip and superior traction. This shoe has been designed to wear in rough hiking conditions. When it comes to being waterproof, this pair of shoes is extremely waterproof so you can rest assured that your little one's feet will stay nice and dry when out in the wet.
Breathability
The shoes upper is made from a mesh material, making it nice and breathable. Mixed with leather material, this shoe is extremely durable.
Value
This hiking shoe from Merrell is being sold for a medium price. If you have a slightly bigger budget, this pair of shoes would make a lovely set of hiking shoes for your little one. They are comfy, stylish, and durable so they will get a lot of use out of them, making them a great buy.
2. Deer Stags Mak2 Thinsulate
This classic Deer Stags Mak2 boot is a comfortable shoe that is ideal for wearing across rough terrains.
Comfort
Featuring a thick protective paddling across the ankle, this pair of boots will keep your child’s feet snugly positioned in place, offering lots of support. The traditional lacing system will offer a durable and secure fit for the little one.
Versatility
This shoe from Deer Stags comes in 3 different color options including Wheat, Dark Brown, and Black. The boot is available in different sizes ranging from 4- 8 years old. The shoe showcases a simple but smart look, with a lacing system that matches the color of the shoe.
Durability
The Deer Stags boot has a durable TPR traction outsole, making them perfect for hiking outdoors in the countryside. The shoe also has a 1-inch heel and 0.5-inch platform which is great for walking in. This boo has been made from a water-resistant material, making it very waterproof.
The outsole features grooves that will keep your little one's feet firmly planted on the ground, particularly when wearing them wet weather or along rough terrains. You will not need to worry about any slips or stumbles in these shoes.
Breathability
The shoes have been made from a faux leather material that has a Thinsulate lining for extra warmth, making them perfect for wearing in the winter. However, these boots may not be suitable to wear in the summer months, as they may make your feet too warm and lack breathability.
Value
This pair of boots from Dear Stags Mak2 is one of the more affordable options in our collection. Providing a comfy fit and good level of grip, your little can feel comfortable wearing these boots in colder weather. You will also be pleased with the affordable price tag!
3. Northside Cheyenne JR
If you are looking for stylish and comfy hiking boots for your child the Northside Cheyenne JR are a great option.
Comfort
The boots feature a traditional lacing system, making the shoes easily adjustable to get the right fit. The boot includes pull loops making them the shoes easier to pull on and take off. The shoe has a medium padded tongue and collar, providing additional comfort and support.
Versatility
These hiking boots from Northside come in 3 different colors including Taupe/Mango, Gray/Aqua, and Tan/Aqua, giving you a choice of colors to pick from. The shoe comes in a range of sizes from 4 – 8 years old.
Durability
They have a PVC mudguard and heel stabilizer. The shoes have a good level of traction along the outsole making them extremely durable.
Breathability
These hiking boots feature a mesh upper that improves their breathability.
Value
This option is available at a medium price. If you have a bigger budget to spend this hiking boot will be perfect for your child to wear on long walks when out with the family.
4. Littleplum Kid Boots
The Littleplum Kid Snow Boots are the perfect child’s winter boots for wearing in the snow as they will keep your little one's feet warm and provides grip so they can focus on exploring their snowy surroundings.
Comfort
These boots are lined with cashmere, keeping your child’s little toes lovely and warm. The waterproof boots feature a PU leather upper and soft velvet lining insole, making them very comfy and soft to wear. The shoes have a cushioning fiber midsole, giving your child a great base for running in without hurting their feet. The multi-purpose boot will also support your child’s ankles nicely and provide a good level of traction.
Versatility
This winter boot from Littleplum is ideal for wearing in the snow, along with trails and rocks. The boot comes in 27 different colors, giving you lots to choose from. The shoe is also available in a variety of sizes, so you can pick the right size for your little one.
Durability
The Littleplum Kid Snow Boots are extremely durable. These shoes have an anti-slip outsole making these suitable to wear in harsher weather conditions and rough terrains. The winter boot has a special steel buck on the outsole of the shoe, designed to give a strong grip. The boot has been made with a clever protective function that prevents snow from blowing into the shoe. The boot also features a toe cap that has been created with an anti-collision design in mind which will help avoid your little one getting injured.
Breathability
Suitable to wear in the snow, this boot has been designed with quick-drying technology and will keep your child’s feet extremely warm. However, this boot is not as breathable as some of the other boots in our collection.
Value
This winter boot from Littleplum is one of the more affordable options in our collection. Featuring the latest technology, this shoe is a fantastic option if you want a boot that is suitable to wear in the snow. At a brilliant price, this child’s winter boot is not to be missed.
5. Columbia Youth Newton Ridge Leather Boot
The Columbia Youth Newton Ridge leather boot is a hardwearing shoe that will keep your child dry when out exploring in the rain.
Comfort
This boot is made from 100% leather and is extremely lightweight making it easy to wear and move around in. This material used to create the boot is high quality and the design features strong stitching detail.
The boot has a traditional lacing system that can be easily adjusted to provide the perfect fit. It also has a pull loop near the ankle. The boot has a padded tongue and collar for extra comfort. The leather boot features a Techlite midsole that has been designed to keep small feet comfy by providing a great level of cushioning that absorbs impact and gives high energy return.
Versatility
This waterproof leather kids' boot from Columbia comes in two different colors including Black/Mountain Red and Cordovan/Golden Yellow. The boot is available in a range of sizes suitable for children aged 4 –8 years and 8- 12 years old. The shoe also comes in wide sizes, making the hiking boot suitable for all feet type.
Durability
This leather boot can be worn in the rain, along creeks and mountains. Designed with Omni-grip rubber outsole technology, this shoe provides non-marking traction and grip so your child can walk care-free along different terrains. This leather boot has been coated with a PU membrane that makes it waterproof, ensuring that the shoe keeps little feet dry when hiking through wet fields, puddles, and along creeks.
Breathability
This strong, sturdy leather will keep your little one’s toes cozy and warm. However, the boot is not the most breathable shoe in comparison to some of the other boots in our collection.
Value
Sold for a medium to high price, if you have a bigger budget to spend on these kid's boots, this pair is a great buy. They are a hardwearing pair of leather boots that are 100% waterproof, making them a sensible choice.
6. Timberland MT Maddsen
This durable pair of Timberland MT Maddsen Mid waterproof hiking boot is a waterproof and breathable pair of walking boots that will ensure your little one is dry and comfy when they explore the great outdoors.
Comfort
These waterproof hiking boots feature an anti-fatigue comfort technology that has a compression-molded EVA footbed, making the shoe extremely comfy to wear. The boots have been constructed from a premium full-grain leather material that offers a lot of wear. Further comfort comes in the form of a rounded-toe construction, padded collar, and tongue. The shoe features a traditional lacing system, ensuring you can achieve the perfect fit.
The boot includes a pull-tab loop, making it easy to put on and take off the shoes. A sock liner also allows parents to see easily when the child has outgrown the pair of shoes.
Versatility
This Timberland kid's boots only come in one color which is extremely disappointing. However, they come in a range of sizes, offering something suitable for everyone.
Durability
The hiking boots have a Green Rubber outsole that gives the shoes optimal traction. The shoe features Motion Efficiency System aligned lugs, positioned along the foot's pressure path. These work by delivering improved traction and long-wearing performance. The Timberland kids boots feature a waterproof membrane around the entire boot, ensuring your child’s toes stay dry and warm.
Breathability
These boots from Timberland feature a breathable padded tongue and collar that will keep their feet nice and cool. The shoes also feature a breathable textile lining.
Value
This Timberland MT Maddsen boot is another of our mid to high priced boots. If you like the look and style of these shoes, buy them today.
7. Adidas Outdoor Kids’ Terrex AX2 CF
The latest addition from Adidas is the Adidas Outdoor Kids’ Terrex AV2, CF Lace-up Boot. This casual styled trainer boot will keep your kid’s feet warm and comfy all day long.
Comfort
The low-cut shoe offers a comfortable closure strap at the top of the shoe, making them quick and easy to take off. However, the shoes do feature elastic midfoot laces, providing a better fit. The textile upper has synthetic overlays that give the shoe added protection as well as support. The shoe also has a rubberized print on heel and toe. The Adidas shoe has a lightweight EVA midsole that provides long-term cushioning when hiking along different terrains.
Versatility
These boots come in 3 colors for you to choose from including Black/Black/Onix, Clear Mint/ Carbon/ Hi-res Yellow, and Shock Cyan/Black/Shock Yellow. The shoe also comes in a variety of sizes.
Durability
The boot has a Traxion outsole with lugs, giving the wearer better grip and support when on the move.
Breathability
The Adidas Outdoor Kids’ sneaker features a breathable mesh collar lining that keeps your feet cool when walking.
Value
These mid-high priced Adidas boots are a great buy if you want a comfy and easy shoe for your child to put on and take off. We like the strap and elastic lace detail on this boot, making it extremely child friendly. Features like this are worth the money.
8. The North Face Chilkat Lace II
The North Face Chilkat Lace II boot is warm, cozy, and extremely roomy. Featuring a wide fitted toe box your child can relax their feet and enjoy spreading out their toes in these boots.
Comfort
The sizes available are also extremely generous in size so if your little one is on the wider size; they will not have to worry when wearing these boots. Featuring 200g of Heatseeker insulation, these boots are perfect for wearing on a snowy holiday because they will keep your child lovely and warm. This pair of boots features a fleece lining for further warmth and comfort. They also have a split-suede upper. To take some of the impact when walking, this boot has a die-cut EVA footbed that provides further comfort.
It is important to be aware this is a large boot, and some children may feel that they are a bit big and clunky. However, if you are wearing these boots in the snow, they are a great option. They feature a lacing system which is good for being able to adjust the tightness of the shoe. However, if you need to take the shoes off and put them on frequently, laces may become a little annoying. Instead, a Velcro strap may be more useful.
Versatility
These are a chunky boot that has a high sole and tall upper. Each color variation features matching laces and a logo on the toe box and tongue. The shoes also include a splash of color along the rim of the collar and tongue, brightening up the shoe. The North Face boot comes in 4 different colors including Tnf Black/Zinc Grey, Coffee Brown/Flare, Mud Pack Brown/ Sienna Orange, and Cosmic Blue/ Lime Green. The boot is available in a variety of sizes.
Durability
These North Face Chilkat Lace II are waterproof so will protect the shoe from getting damaged when wearing in the rain and will keep your child’s feet dry.
Breathability
When it comes to breathability, this boot features 200g of Heatseeker insulation so this boot lacks breathability and instead acts better as an insulator.
Value
Available at a mid to high price, this option is the perfect solution if your little one needs a pair of warm, cozy, and waterproof boots to wear in the snow. However, we suggest only getting these if they are going to be worn solely in a snowy environment.
9. Adidas Outdoor Kids’ Terrex Ax2r
If your child loves hiking, then the Adidas boots are a fantastic shoe option for them.
Comfort
This hiking boot offers a more casual look that could easily be mistaken for a trainer. The shoe has been constructed with low-cut features around the collar and tongue area. The boot’s textile upper features synthetic overlays that provide extra protection and added support when walking. The shoe also features a rubberized print on the heel and toe.
This shoe is one of the most lightweight shoes in our collection. It has an EVA midsole, providing long term cushioning. The boot includes a traditional lacing system, allowing the boot to be adjusted to the perfect fit. It also includes a pull loop positioned on the collar, making it easier for little hands to pull off and put on this hiking boot.
Versatility
This boot from Adidas unfortunately only comes in one color being Black/Black/Vista Grey, so if you want your child to wear something a little more colorful, than one of the other shoes in our collection may be a better option. These shoes are available in a variety of sizes and include reflective detail, helping with visibility early in the morning and later at night.
Durability
This option has a durable rubber outsole, making them perfect for walking long distances. The boot features TRAXION outsole grips, making them suitable to wear along rocky and rough terrains.
Breathability
To help your little one’s feet stay nice and cool, this shoe comes with a breathable mesh collar lining, helping the toes to breathe.
Value
Available for a mid-price, if you are looking for an all-rounder outdoor hiking shoe that is extremely comfy for your child to wear, this boot from Adidas is a great choice. Sold for a medium price, this is a reasonable buy that you will not regret.
10. Sorel Kids Madson Hiker
The Sorel Kids Madson Hiker offers a stylish and waterproof boot that your child will love. Great for wearing out shopping, in the wet weather, or when exploring outdoors, this is a hiker-inspired boot that brings fashion to the forefront.
Comfort
The boot is made from 100% leather and features a lace-up closure with sturdy D-ring hardware. The boot has a removable EVA footbed that provides lasting comfort. The shoe has a textile lining and a round toe silhouette.
Versatility
This shoe comes in 2 color options including a Black/Black and Camel Brown/Black which is a little disappointing. However, the boots do come in a range of sizes, suitable for varying ages.
Durability
The hiking boot features a waterproof full-grain upper with seam-sealed protection that works by keeping the wet rain out of the shoe. It has a molded rubber outsole that provides long-lasting wear and protection.
Breathability
This Sorel Kids Madson Hiker boot includes a breathable mesh collar and tongue that provides comfortable wear.
Value
Available at a high price, if you want a stylish shoe for your child then this is a wonderful option. However, when it comes to purchasing a hiking boot for your child, we think this boot is a little overpriced for what you get in return.