Choosing the best hiking boots for kids means a blister-free, enjoyable hiking experience. We tested ten children’s hiking shoes to find the best.
There’s nothing quite like a day on the trails, exploring nature’s beauty as a family. Whether you’re tackling rugged mountain paths in our national parks or enjoying a leisurely walk through stunning landscapes, the right footwear can make or break the experience. Let’s be honest: ill-fitting hiking shoes can quickly turn a fun family adventure into a painful ordeal of blisters and complaints.
I’ve traveled to more than 50 countries, more than 30 of those with my kids. And in each destination, hiking has been a key part of my family’s adventures. We’ve explored the best hiking trails in Colorado Springs, hiked through Iceland, and even through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
As a parent who’s passionate about both family travel and outdoor gear, I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing children’s hiking shoes, men’s hiking shoes, and women’s hiking shoes. And with two active boys of my own, I’ve had plenty of firsthand experience in finding kids hiking boots that offer the perfect blend of comfort, support, and durability, all wrapped up in a style that even the pickiest young hiker will approve of.
As you read on, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of what makes a great hiking shoe for boys. But for those who want to skip straight to the good stuff, here are our top picks for the best boys’ hiking boots on the market.
And if you’re just starting your family hiking journey, we’ve got you covered. Check out our expert tips for hiking with kids.
Our Choices For The Best Hiking Shoes For Kids
Table of Contents
| Merrell Kids Trail Chaser 2 | Salomon Child Xa Pro V8 | Salomon Speedcross Trail Runner | Merrell Moab Kids Hiking Shoe |
 |  |  |  |
| Comes in two widths | Very flexible soles | World-class grip | Classic, affordable hiker |
| Lightweight mesh | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight and Breathable |
| Excellent airflow | High durability | Easy lacing system | Available in Gore-Tex |
| Bungee laces | Easy to clean | Durable | Our Favorite Shoe Brand |
| Non-marking soles | Excellent grip | Good for long hikes | Great all-around shoe |
 | | | |
What to Look For in the Best Hiking Shoes for Kids: Setting Kids Up for Success on the Trail
Choosing the right hiking shoes for your child is about more than just finding a good fit. It’s about ensuring their comfort, safety, and, ultimately, their enjoyment of the great outdoors. The wrong shoes can lead to sore feet, blisters, and a reluctance to hit the trails again. But the right shoes can empower them to explore with confidence and create a lifelong love for hiking. Here’s what we look for when evaluating the best hiking shoes for boys or girls:
Comfort: Happy Feet Make Happy Hikers
When it comes to unisex hiking shoes, comfort is king. Let’s face it: uncomfortable feet lead to unhappy hikers. And unhappy kids? That can quickly turn a pleasant hike into a not-so-fun experience for everyone. We want to break that cycle before it starts.
Here’s what I look for to ensure all-day comfort on the trail:
- Flexibility: Shoes should allow for natural foot movement without being too stiff. Look for materials that flex easily, especially in the forefoot.
- Lightweight Design: Heavy boots can lead to fatigue, especially for younger hikers. We prioritize lightweight materials that don’t sacrifice support.
- Cushioning: A well-cushioned insole and midsole absorb impact and provide comfort on uneven terrain.
- Breathability: Nobody likes sweaty feet. Breathable materials, like mesh panels, help keep feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of blisters.
- Proper Fit: This is crucial! Make sure there’s enough room in the toe box for toes to wiggle, but not so much that the foot slides around. The heel should fit snugly to prevent slippage.
Durability: Built to Last Through Growth Spurts and Adventures
Let’s be honest: kids are tough on their shoes. And with their feet growing faster than weeds, the cost of replacing hiking boots can add up quickly. That’s why we prioritize durability – we want shoes that can keep up with their adventures and potentially be passed down to younger siblings.
Here’s what I look for in a durable hiking shoe:
- High-Quality Materials: Leather, when properly cared for, is very durable, but many synthetics are now just as tough and often more lightweight. Look for reinforced stitching and abrasion-resistant materials.
- Reinforced Toe and Heel: These high-wear areas should be protected with extra material or rubber overlays.
- Sturdy Construction: The shoe should feel solid and well-made, not flimsy. Check for secure seams and a robust connection between the upper and the sole.
- Water Resistance or Waterproofing: Keeps feet dry in wet conditions, adding to the shoe’s longevity.
Grip: Traction You Can Trust
Kids have a knack for finding the most precarious places to explore, whether it’s scrambling up rocks, navigating muddy trails, or venturing onto slippery surfaces. That’s why reliable traction is non-negotiable.
Here’s what we look for in a grippy hiking shoe:
- Deep Lugs: The lugs are the bumps on the outsole. Deeper, well-spaced lugs provide better grip on uneven terrain.
- Multi-Directional Tread: A tread pattern that provides traction in multiple directions helps prevent slips and falls.
- Rubber Compound: The type of rubber used in the outsole affects grip. Look for outsoles made from sticky rubber compounds that provide good traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
Support: Protecting Growing Feet
Proper support is crucial for growing feet, especially during activities like hiking that put extra stress on joints and muscles. We want to ensure their feet, ankles, and knees are protected, setting them up for a lifetime of happy hiking.
Here’s what we look for in a supportive hiking shoe:
- Overall Stability: The shoe should feel stable and supportive, not flimsy or wobbly.
- Arch Support: A well-defined arch support helps maintain proper foot alignment and reduces fatigue.
- Ankle Support: Mid- or high-cut boots offer more ankle support, which is especially important on uneven terrain or when carrying a backpack.
- Firm Heel Counter: A firm heel counter helps stabilize the foot and prevent excessive pronation or supination (rolling inward or outward).
The Best Hiking Boots For Boys and Girls
Without further ado, here are my choices for the best hiking boots for kids and all the details about why I chose them for this list.
Merrell Kids Trail Chaser 2
I have been a big fan of Merrell shoes for as long as I have been hiking with kids. Their combination of high-quality build and affordable prices have made them my favorite men’s hiking shoes AND Christina’s favorite women’s hiking shoes. It’s no surprise that they make the list of the best hiking boots for children as well.
The Merrell Kids Trail Chaser 2 is a long-anticipated update to the Trail Chaser. This shoe is unique in that it comes in two widths, narrow and wide. This means that no matter how your child’s feet are built, these kids’ hiking boots should fit the bill.
The Trail Chaser 2 by Merrel offers excellent support and breathability. The lightweight mesh lets air flow through the shoes, while the synthetic fabrics help keep kids’ toes dry. My kids really enjoy the bungee laces with the single hook-and-loop strap. The pull-on tab makes getting the shoes on easy and saves wear on the thumbs.
The soles of the Merrell Kids Trail Chaser 2 are built of non-marking rubber and are grippy enough to provide traction when needed without leaving rubber streaks behind.
Salomon XA Pro V8 CLIMASALOMON Waterproof
Salomon knows how to make amazing shoes. I’ve been a big fan of their runners for ages. Their 2023 mode of kids trail runner, the Salomon V8 Pro CLIMASALOMON Waterproof Trail Runners has taken their popular line and greatly improved upon them. This model hits a home run in the children’s hiking shoe department.
The flexibility of the soles lets kids’ feet really conform to the terrain, which is, honestly, one of the best ways for little feet to grow. They are also super durable. My kids rolled through some muddy hikes that would have sent other hiking shoes running. Because of their durable and waterproof design, the Salomons cleaned up and kept on hiking. The high-tensile material shows its quality over and over again.
The XA Pro 3D Trail Runners also features a unique, easy lacing system that will make them a popular hiking shoe for small boys and girls. The lacing system is built to last as well. There will be no Yank and Snap incidents with these at all.
The Salomon V8 Pro CLIMASALOMON Waterproof Trail Runners also have excellent traction. The All Terrain Contagrip design of the soles latches onto every bit of the ground, and these have among the best grip of any of the kid’s hiking boots on this list.
Salomon Speedcross
New to the 2023 list of best unisex hiking shoes is the Salomon Speedcross. These excellently designed trail runners use Salomon’s unique lacing system for a secure and easy setup. Like the Pro V8 CLIMASALOMON, these shoes feature a mountain-goat-like grip that holds onto loose, soft, rugged, and uneven surfaces with ease. If you love hiking on slippery rocks like our favorite family hikes in Iceland, these are a great option.
Unlike the CLIMASALOMON, the Salomon Speedcross is not waterproof. If you’re hiking in wet conditions, I’d recommend choosing a different model. But if a lightweight, grippy shoe is what you need, these really can’t be beaten.
The design is excellent for the wide variety of activities that kids get up to on the trails. These children’s hikers will leave your children’s feet in a good place at the end of the day, from hiking to running, climbing, and everything in between
Merrell Moab Kid’s Hiking Shoes.
Merrell has made the list of the best kid’s hiking boots more than once. This model, the Merrell Moab Kid’s Hiking Shoes, has held a consistent position on our list. In fact, the Moab hiking shoes by Merrell are the hiking shoes that I normally wear, AND my wife’s favorite hiking shoe as well!
The Merrell Moab Kid’s Hiking Shoes have sturdy laces, excellent arch and ankle support (even in their low-cut models), and real shoelaces. The shoelaces could be a struggle for younger kids, but they are well-built and not prone to breaking for those who can tie their own laces.
These hiking shoes are definitely designed for the trails. They lack the flexibility that makes other unisex hiking shoes more versatile for running and jumping. But if you’re looking for dedicated kids hiking boots, these should make your list.
Columbia Kids Newton Ridge Boot
I’m a sucker for a classic hiking boot style. And if your kids look at pictures of hiking with the kind of thousand-yard-stare that I do, the Columbia Kids Newton Ridge Boot should get them pretty excited. This boy’s hiking boot looks great, but it’s also an extremely high-quality hiking boot that will likely outlast your child’s foot size.
The Columbia children’s hiking boots are lightweight and durable. And the mid-height design makes this excellent for ankle support. The Omni-Grip rubber soles offer phenomenal traction, and the seams are designed to be waterproof. This makes this one of the best unisex hiking shoes for wet or muddy hikes.
This is my favorite waterproof hiking boot for kids. It will handle whatever the trail sends at you and keep on going.
It’s Time To Hit The Trails With These Unisex Hiking Shoes
Whether your hiking style includes adventurous trails like the Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, or short, scenic routes like the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, these children’s hiking shoes will help you enjoy the outdoors comfortably.
Enjoy your time on the trails. Please remember to leave no trace. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences with our Family Travel Support Group on Facebook.
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