Last Updated on 9 July 2024 by Colette
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As parents, I think we increasingly understand the importance of encouraging our children to embrace the great outdoors – from my kids being really young I realised they were much easier to parent out of the house! Hiking is a fantastic way to instil a love for nature and physical activity in young one. I love that, much as my children might complain about going on a walk, they do actually enjoy it once we’re out and I love the fact that they fully appreciate a good view rather than just being bored by walking will always make me smile.
To ensure a comfortable and safe hiking experience, investing in the right footwear is crucial. For a long time I thought that buying walking shoes for children was probably a bit of an unnecessary expense – they’re not a cheap purchase so you do what to make sure your child is going to get plenty of wear out of them – however, having the right footwear to keep your child’s feet warm, dry and fully supported on a long walk is going to make the biggest difference to everyone’s enjoyment. Nobody wants cold, wet feet, sore ankles or blisters do they!
When choosing hiking shoes for kids, it’s important to consider durability, comfort, and traction as well as personal preference – my son likes waterproof shoes for walking whereas I prefer the additional ankle support of a walking boot. I like my boots to be lightweight and flexible (and to have a removable insole so that I can wear my orthotic insoles) whereas Dave likes a much sturdier hiking boot.
As well as paying attention to personal preference, it’s also worth considering what sort of walking are you going to be doing – do you need extra warmth for winter walks, something sturdy but flexible for rough terrain or do you need something light weight for longer adventures or do you just need a good all round walking shoe that will cope with wet conditions and muddier paths?
My children typically choose to have waterproof walking shoes over rain boots and wellies – we wear them for long walks and muddy hikes, for festivals and for camping – a decent pair of hiking shoes will get more wear then you might think!
Personally I wear my walking boots to keep my feet warm and dry on the school run in the winter so I want them to look quite tidy, but I also need to not be worried about getting them muddy when we’re taking Poppy and the kids for a walk round a local reservoir.
A good fit is super important when it comes to choosing hiking shoes for your child – I would definitely recommend heading to somewhere like Go Outdoors where you can try on a range of shoes and get a feel for styles and sizes. There’s nothing worse than an ill-fitting walking shoe! Don’t forget to give your child chance to wear their new hiking boots on short walks to make sure they are comfortable before you set off on longer hikes!
Here are some highly recommended brands for kids’ hiking shoes:
Keen
Keen are well known for their durable and comfortable, high-quality hiking shoes for kids – they are my brand of choice for my own walking boots (I think I’m on my third pair now) and as such they are sitting top of this list!
We’ve found Keen to be brilliant for the kids over the years. They offer a range of styles- from supportive, waterproof boots and shoes to hiking sandals and snow boots!
Both Chloe and Amy have both had Terradora Boots which benefit from a waterproof membrane, reinforced toe protection to protect little toes, and a non-marking rubber outsole. The bungee lacing system makes them easy for kids to put on and take off – though the laces can be quite long so we have to remind Amy to tuck them in before they get soggy or she trips! Although the Terradora Boots are no longer available for kids, Keen have some great alternatives.
You can read more about Keen here:
Terradora Hiking Boots from Keen (both my girls have had these and they have lasted forever!)
Terradora II Waterproof Boots from Keen (these are my current boots – I’ve had them for nearly three years now!)
Footwear for summer adventures from Keen
Merrell
Known for their quality outdoor footwear, Merrell offers a range of hiking shoes for kids and teens. They have options with good grip, sturdy construction, and cushioning for comfort.
From lightweight trail shoes (in gorgeous bright colours) giving a barefoot feel to sturdier mid height waterproof hiking boots with good traction, Merrell should be able to cover all your kid’s needs when it comes to finding the best hiking boots and shoes!
If you buy direct from Merrell, don’t forget to use Top Cashback too.
Salomon
Salomon is well-regarded for their outdoor footwear, including hiking shoes for kids. They focus on providing excellent traction and support for hiking adventures – and they’re definitely having a “moment” in terms of being quite fashionable (for walking shoes anyway!).
I tend to think of Salomon has being quite an expensive brand but actually their children’s hiking shoes are a similar price to other brands mentioned in the list.
Salomon offer a range of brightly coloured, waterproof hiking shoes with grip and stability being key features. Although some of their shoes have traditional laces, most are pull tight elasticated laces and a Velcro closure which makes them much easier to fasten, especially when they are wet!
Columbia
Columbia offers a variety of hiking shoes designed specifically for kids. They prioritise comfort and durability, ensuring a good fit and protection for young hikers.
Columbia offer closed toe sandals for sunnier hikes and sturdier waterproof, insulated waterproof walking shoes for those days when the weather is less kind (which let’s face it is most of the time in the UK!)
If you buy direct from Columbia, don’t forget to use Top Cashback too.
Wading through the river or staying firmly on dry land, this Columbia youth water shoe is a performance hybrid for every summer adventure. The lightweight quick-drying upper with handy bungee lace system is secure and breathable for all day comfort whilst the midsole ports offer rapid drainage and optimal air flow. The comfort midsole is designed for cushioned support whilst the EVA outsole with moulded rubber pods keeps them surefooted in the water and out.
Versatile and comfortable, this Columbia youth hiking shoe is ready to tackle the trails. The durable mesh upper with synthetic/leather overlays provide them with ample support whilst the comfort midsole with heel and midfoot aids provide a stable platform. The forefoot and heel deflection domes offer reduced impact and improved rebound to keep you feeling fresh all day. For tough terrain, the traction rubber outsole offers exceptional traction.
Mountain Warehouse
You can’t knock Mountain Warehouse when it comes to getting your outdoor gear at a good price – we’ve had a few pairs of walking shoes for Ben from there before and whilst they were definitely the cheapest walking shoes we’ve bought, they did the job.
If you buy direct from Mountain Warehouse, don’t forget to use Top Cashback too.
Petra from Minimalist Family Adventures recommends the Softshell Kids Waterproof Walking Boots
“We keep coming back to these hiking boots for my eldest daughter as they are super comfortable according to her. They are also waterproof, supportive, flexible, sturdy, and have excellent high-traction grip soles which are great for outdoorsy activities. They are also easy to clean and have shoe laces with a pull cord which make them quick and easy to put on and take off. They have an attractive price point too.”
You can read more here:
Mountain Warehouse Softshell Kid’s Waterproof Walking Boots Review – Minimalist Family Adventures
Choosing the right hiking shoes for your children is essential for a positive outdoor experience. Whether tackling rocky trails or exploring gentle slopes, these brands are sure to keep your little adventurers comfortable and supported on their journey through nature. Happy hiking!
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