Protect growing feet on family trails and adventures. You want gear that can keep up with muddy puddles, rocky paths, and endless kid energy, right? Choosing the right kids hiking boots is the first, and most important, step. A good pair supports their ankles and provides real traction, so they can explore with confidence and you can relax a little.
But with so many options, it’s tough to know whats best. This review cuts through the noise. We’ve tested top models for comfort, durability, and that all-important fun factor to help you find the perfect boots for your next outdoor adventure together.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Kids Hiking Boots
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Merrell unisex child Chameleon 7 Mid Alternative Closure Waterproof…
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9.6 |
Read Review |
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KEEN Unisex-Child Targhee 4 Mid Height Durable Comfortable Waterproof…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Mishansha Unisex-Child Outdoor Ankle Hiking Boots Boys Girls Trekking…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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R CORD Kids Hiking Boots Outdoor Ankle Hiking Boots…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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Mishansha Kids Waterproof Breathable Lightweight Hiking Boot for Outdoor…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Merrell Unisex Kid’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe,…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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KEEN Unisex-Child Hightrail Mid Height Durable Lightweight Breathable Waterproof…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Columbia Youth Peakfreak Rush Mid Waterproof, Rosette/Pink Haze, 2
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8.6 |
Read Review |
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Northside Unisex-Kid’s Rampart MID Hiking Boot, medium brown, 5…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Mishansha Kids Hiking Boots Toddler Girls Boys Hiking Shoes…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Kids Hiking Boots
Merrell unisex child Chameleon 7 Mid Alternative Closure Waterproof Hiking Boot, Berry, 1 Big Kid US
The Merrell Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof hiking boot for kids is built for young adventurers who need a reliable shoe for all kinds of terrain. This boot combines the toughness needed for rough trails with the comfort and protection parents look for. Its designed to be a workhorse, keeping little feet dry and stable whether your on a muddy path, a rocky incline, or just splashing through puddles on the way to school.
Starting with the upper, Merrell uses a combination of suede and mesh.
This isn’t just for looks. The suede adds durability to handle scrapes and bumps, while the mesh panels are their for breathability. This helps prevent feet from getting to hot and sweaty during active play. The traditional lace closure allows you to get a secure, customized fit around the ankle and instep, which is crucial for support and preventing slips inside the boot. The whole construction is waterproof, meaning it’s engineered to block out moisture from the outside.
This feature is a game-changer for wet grass, shallow streams, and unexpected rain showers, ensuring comfort lasts all day.
Underfoot, the Chameleon 7 Mid features a durable rubber cup sole. This design wraps up the sides of the boot a bit for added protection and stability. The tread pattern on this sole is made for extra grip, providing flexible traction on various surfaces. It’s also non-marking, so you don’t have to worry about scuffs on indoor floors.
KEEN Unisex-Child Targhee 4 Mid Height Durable Comfortable Waterproof Hiking Boots, Bison/Brindle, 3
The KEEN Targhee 4 Mid Height hiking boots are built for young adventurers who are ready to get out there, no matter the weather. These boots combine the tough, supportive feel of a classic hiker with features designed specifically for the active, growing foot and the practical needs of parents.
At the core of the Targhee 4 is KEEN’s reliable waterproof protection.
The KEEN.DRY membrane is engineered to keep external moisture, from puddles to muddy trails, from getting in, while still allowing internal heat and vapor to escape. This means your child’s feet stay dry and comfortable from morning to evening, which is key for preventing blisters and keeping the adventure going. You won’t have to worry about turning back early because of wet socks.
Getting the fit right is easy with the clever lace lock bungee system.
It captures the traditional laces, so there’s no long, dangling ends to trip over or come untied. Instead, a simple pull on the bungee cord tightens everything up for a secure, customized fit around the ankle and foot. When it’s time to head home, they slip off quickly without a struggle. The uppers use a mix of durable premium leather and breathable mesh panels.
Mishansha Unisex-Child Outdoor Ankle Hiking Boots Boys Girls Trekking Walking Shoes with Hook and Loop C-brown 3.5 Little Kid
The Mishansha Unisex-Child Outdoor Ankle Hiking Boots are designed for active kids who need a reliable shoe for all their adventures. We know you want footwear that can keep up with your child’s energy while providing the comfort and safety you insist on. These boots are built with those exact priorities in mind, blending practical features into a single, versatile pair. Starting with comfort, the boot uses a breathable PU leather upper.
This material is key because it allows for good air permeability, helping to prevent feet from getting to sweaty and uncomfortable during long periods of wear. It’s a thoughtful feature that makes these boots suitable for all-day use, whether at school or on the trail. Paired with this is the emphasis on safety. The construction includes a sturdy anti-collision rubber sole that offers reliable traction on various surfaces, from playground asphalt to muddy paths.
The closed-toe design adds an crucial layer of protection for little toes during active play and exploration. A major advantage for any child is the lightweight feel of these boots. Despite their durable look, they won’t weigh your kid down, making them ideal for running, hiking, or just everyday casual wear. The design supports wide feet comfortably, which is a common need for growing children.
R CORD Kids Hiking Boots Outdoor Ankle Hiking Boots Girls Trekking Walking Boots with Lace Up Pink 13 Little kid
The R CORD Kids Hiking Boots in Pink are designed to be a reliable companion for your child’s outdoor adventures and everyday play. These ankle-high boots combine essential protection with the comfort kids need to stay active all day long.
Starting with safety, these boots feature a full-cover toe cap. This design shields your child’s toes from unexpected bumps, stubs, or falling objects during play.
It’s a simple feature that provides significant peace of mind, whether they’re climbing on rocks or navigating a rocky playground path. The boot’s construction is built to handle rough treatment, meaning they should last through many seasons of exploration.
Keeping feet dry and comfortable is crucial, and these boots use a high-grade waterproof fabric. It’s been tested to block out moisture from puddles or damp grass, so splashing around doesn’t lead to wet, cold feet.
Importantly, the interior is breathable with a comfy lining. This helps prevent that sweaty, clammy feeling, ensuring their feet stay in a good environment whether they’re running or hiking. The soft insoles add an extra layer of cushioning for all-day comfort.
Traction is a major focus. The sole is made from durable TPR material with a deeply contoured pattern. This design gives the boots a strong grip on various surfaces, from muddy trails to slick indoor floors.
Mishansha Kids Waterproof Breathable Lightweight Hiking Boot for Outdoor Sports Trekking Running Shoes for Boys Girls Black and Green 11 little_kid
The Mishansha Kids Waterproof Breathable Lightweight Hiking Boot is designed to be a reliable partner for your child’s active adventures. We know you need gear that can keep up, so we focused on creating a shoe that balances protection, comfort, and ease of use for busy kids and parents alike.
Starting with safety, the boot features a full-cover anti-collision toe cap.
This is a crucial design element that helps shield your child’s toes from unexpected bumps against rocks or roots, and from the impact of falling objects during play. It’s a simple feature that provides significant peace of mind when they’re exploring. The outsole is just as important for safety. Made from a flexible, high-quality rubber, it has deep textures for excellent anti-skid performance.
This means better traction on wet grass, muddy trails, or slick playground surfaces, helping to prevent slips and falls. The sole also offers good flexibility, allowing for a natural range of motion while still providing the foot support needed for various activities.
Comfort is key for all-day wear, and these boots are built to handle it. The upper combines breathable oxford fabric with lightweight, water-resistant artificial leather.
Merrell Unisex Kid's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Boulder/RED, 5.5 Medium
The Merrell Unisex Kid’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe is built to be a reliable partner for your child’s outdoor adventures. This shoe focuses on practical protection and comfort, so young explorers can focus on the trail ahead instead of there feet. It’s a mid-cut design, which means it offers good ankle support to help prevent twists on uneven ground, but it’s still lightweight and flexible enough for all-day wear.
The upper combines leather and mesh.
The leather panels add durability in high-wear areas, helping the shoe withstand scrapes against rocks and roots. The mesh sections are there for breathability, allowing air to circulate so little feet don’t overheat on long walks. This mix is key for a shoe that lasts through multiple seasons. The star feature is the bootie-style waterproof construction. This is a sealed membrane that lines the inside of the shoe, acting like a sock that blocks water from the outside.
It keeps moisture from puddles and damp grass from getting in, while still letting perspiration vapor escape. It’s a smart way to keep feet dry without making them sweaty.
The sole is made of rugged rubber, providing dependable traction on a variety of surfaces. It’s designed with a specific lug pattern to grip loose dirt, gravel, and even slick rocks. Parents will appreciate that the sole offers stability, helping to prevent slips. The term “stacked” refers to the cushioning system.
KEEN Unisex-Child Hightrail Mid Height Durable Lightweight Breathable Waterproof Hiking Boots, Dark Olive/Martini Olive, 12
The KEEN Unisex-Child Hightrail Mid Height Hiking Boots are built for young adventurers who are ready to tackle the trail. We know you need gear that can keep up with active kids, so we focused on durability, comfort, and real-world performance in every part of this boot’s design. Starting from the ground up, the high-traction rubber outsoles are key.
They feature 4mm multi-directional lugs that grip onto all sorts of surfaces, from slippery rocks to loose dirt, giving your child confident footing. Underneath that, a stability shank provides essential support on uneven terrain without adding a lot of weight, which helps prevent fatigue on longer hikes. For day-long comfort, the removable footbed offers responsive cushioning that’s designed to hold its shape, so it doesn’t go flat after just a few wears.
Keeping feet dry is non-negotiable, and the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane handles that job. It’s a barrier that stops water from getting in from puddles or rain, but it still allows perspiration vapor to escape, so feet stay drier from the inside out too. The upper is made from durable leather that can take the scrapes and bumps of the trail. We’re proud that this leather comes from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, reflecting a commitment to more responsible sourcing.
Columbia Youth Peakfreak Rush Mid Waterproof, Rosette/Pink Haze, 2
The Columbia Youth Peakfreak Rush Mid Waterproof in Rosette/Pink Haze is a hiking shoe built for young adventurers who are ready to get out there. It’s designed to handle the unpredictable stuff, from muddy trails to rocky paths, while keeping feet comfortable and secure. Let’s break down what makes it work.
First, the fit is crucial. The NAVIC FIT lacing system is a key feature.
It’s not just about tying a bow; this system is engineered to lock your heel down and wrap the midfoot snugly. This means less slipping inside the shoe when your moving over uneven ground. Your foot stays in place, which gives you better stability with every step. It’s a detail that makes a big difference in how confident you feel on the trail.
Underfoot, the cushioning is all about smart tech. The TECHLITE midsole provides lightweight impact absorption.
It softens the blow from rocks and roots but also gives a bit of energy return, so legs don’t feel as tired. Even better, part of that cushioning is TECHLITE ECO, made with 20% recycled content. It offers the same great comfort and support but with a nod to sustainability. You get all-day performance that feels good in more ways than one.
Traction is non-negotiable, and the OMNI-GRIP outsole has it covered. The rubber compound and the lug pattern are specially designed for mixed terrain.
Northside Unisex-Kid's Rampart MID Hiking Boot, medium brown, 5 Medium US Big Kid
The Northside Unisex-Kid’s Rampart MID Hiking Boot is built for young adventurers who need a reliable, all-terrain companion. Designed in a versatile medium brown, this boot combines durability with the kind of thoughtful comfort features that parents look for and kids appreciate.
It’s ready for everything from muddy trails to rainy sidewalks, ensuring little feet are protected and supported wherever they wander.
Starting with the construction, the rugged ankle-high upper is made from suede and breathable ripstop nylon. This combo provides a tough exterior that can handle scrapes and brush, while still letting air circulate.
An abrasion-resistant toe guard adds an extra layer of protection against stubs and kicks, and the heel stabilizer helps keep the foot securely in place for better support on uneven ground. It’s a boot meant to last through seasons of growth and exploration.
Weather is no obstacle for the Rampart MID. The boot features a moisture-wicking lining that works to pull sweat and dampness away from the skin, helping to keep feet feeling dry and comfortable.
Mishansha Kids Hiking Boots Toddler Girls Boys Hiking Shoes Water-Resistant Anti-Collision Non-Slip Athletic Outdoor Trekking Boots
The Mishansha Kids Hiking Boots are designed to be a reliable and practical choice for your child’s outdoor adventures. We know that finding footwear that can keep up with active kids is a priority, so these boots focus on combining safety, comfort, and ease of use in a single pair.
Starting with comfort, the upper part of the shoe uses a mix of PU leather and breathable mesh fabric.
This combination is key because it helps to keep your child’s feet feeling dry and comfortable, even during longer periods of wear. It allows for air to circulate, reducing that stuffy feeling that can make kids fussy about there shoes.
Safety is a major concern for any parent, and these boots address that directly. The anti-collision rubber toe cap is a standout feature. It wraps around the front of the foot to provide a buffer against bumps and knocks that are inevitable during play.
Whether they’re climbing over rocks or kicking around, this design adds an extra layer of protection for their little toes.
Getting out the door can be a challenge with young children, so the closure system is made for simplicity. A hook-and-loop strap paired with an elastic adjustable buckle means your child can likely manage putting them on or taking them off themselves, fostering independence.
Kids Hiking Boots Buying Guide
Kids’ hiking boots should support growing feet on outdoor adventures. But with so many options, how do you choose the right pair? This guide breaks down the key features to look for, helping you find boots that keep little feet comfortable, protected, and ready for the trail.
Fit and Room to Grow
This is the most important factor. A boot that’s too tight can cause blisters, while one that’s too loose offers no support. Always have your child try on boots with the socks thay’ll wear hiking. You should be able to press a thumb’s width between their longest toe and the boot’s end. Remember, kids feet grow fast, but don’t buy boots that are way to big—it’s a safety hazard on uneven ground.
Traction and Outsole
Look for a rugged, non-slip rubber outsole. Deep, multi-directional lugs (those bumpy patterns) provide the grip needed for muddy paths, loose gravel, and slippery rocks. A good outsole makes a huge difference in confidence, allowing kids to scramble over obstacles without constantly slipping.
Ankle Support and Flexibility
For young or new hikers, a mid-cut boot that supports the ankle can help prevent twists on uneven terrain. However, the boot shouldn’t be stiff like a ski boot. It needs to flex naturally at the ball of the foot where they bend their step. The right balance of support and flexibility prevents fatigue.
Waterproofing and Breathability
Will your hikes include morning dew, stream crossings, or surprise puddles? A waterproof membrane (like GORE-TEX®) keeps feet dry in wet conditions. For mainly dry, warm-weather trails, a breathable mesh boot might be better to prevent sweaty feet. Consider your typical adventure enviroment.
Durability and Materials
Kids are tough on gear. Reinforced toes and heels protect against scrapes and add longevity. Synthetic materials are lighter and dry faster, while full-grain leather offers superior durability. A sturdy toe cap is a must-have for those inevitable kicks against roots and rocks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Hiking Boots
How do I find the right size for my child?
Always measure their feet in the afternoon, as feet swell during the day. Leave about a thumb’s width of space (roughly half an inch) between the toe and the front of the boot. This allows for growth and thick socks. Have your child try them on with the socks thay’ll actually wear hiking.
Are waterproof boots necessary?
It really depends on where you hike. Waterproof boots are great for wet grass, mud, or puddles. But they can be less breathable on hot, dry trails. For general use, a waterproof model is a safe bet. Just remember, no boot is submersible!
What’s the difference between hiking shoes and boots?
Hiking shoes are lighter and more flexible, like sturdy sneakers. Boots offer more ankle support and protection, which is helpful on rocky or uneven terrain. For most beginner trails, a good hiking shoe is fine. For tougher hikes, a boot might be better.
How important is traction?
Very important! Look for a rubber outsole with deep, multi-directional lugs (those are the bumpy patterns). This provides grip on dirt, loose gravel, and wet surfaces. A smooth sole just won’t cut it on the trail and can be slippery.
Can I just buy a size up so they last longer?
It’s tempting, but too-big boots cause blisters and make walking awkward and unsafe. A proper fit is crucial for comfort and stability. It’s better to buy the correct size now and plan on a new pair next season as they grow.
How do I care for the boots?
Knock off dried mud after each hike. For deeper cleans, use a soft brush and mild soap. Let them air dry naturally, away from direct heat like a radiator. Applying a waterproofing treatment once or twice a year can help maintain there water resistance.
Are expensive kids hiking boots worth it?
Not always. Focus on fit, support, and good traction first. A moderately priced boot from a reputable outdoor brand often does the trick. Kids outgrow footwear quickly, so extreme durability isn’t always the top priority.
Before You Decide
Protect growing feet on their first outdoor journeys. The right boot makes all the difference between a fun adventure and a fussy walk. Remember, a good fit is about more than just size. It’s about support, comfort, and room to wiggle. Think about the trails you’ll use them on most. A sturdy pair for rocky paths is different from a light one for park walks.
Choosing the best kids hiking boots is an investment in happy memories. It sets them up for a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors. When you find a pair that works, it’s worth it. You’ll see their confidence grow with every step they take. Just double-check the return policy before you buy, incase the fit isn’t quite right. Then, you’re ready to hit the trail.