Best Hiking Shoes for Kids of 2024

How We Test & Methodology

We assess kids’ hiking shoes in five different dimensions: comfort, traction, user-friendliness, durability, and water-resistance/dry time. We kitted out some kiddos and asked them what they thought and used our experience and expertise to round out the list.

COMFORT

As any parent knows, comfort is crucial for kids’ footwear, so we paid special attention to this metric. To assess comfort, we examine the space in the toe box. Ideally, there’s enough so that toes can spread naturally. We also look at cushioning in the insole and around the ankle, as well as arch support. Flexibility at the mid-foot is also important so that children can keep their natural gait while still being protected on rocky and root-filled trails.

TRACTION

Staying upright can also make or break an adventure. We scrutinize the outsole, noting the pattern and depth of the lugs pattern and depth of the outsole, noting how effectively they bite on different natural surfaces like dirt, loose soil, mud, wet rocks, roots, and sand. We also examine the pattern of the lugs, noting the degree to which each model flakes or accumulates mud and debris. We also look at the material of the outsole material, and its stickiness and flexibility.

USER-FRIENDLINESS

If a child is old enough to get their footwear on by themselves, then the shoes they are getting on shouldn’t fight back. We note any features that make it easier and faster for kids and adults alike to get them on and keep them on, including gusseted tongues, Velcro, straps, and toggles.

DURABILITY

We know parents want footwear that lasts so for durability, we evaluate the resilience against abrasion and wear of the outsole. For the upper, we pay special attention to seams, noting any fraying, and scrutinize the material for signs of blowouts and tears in high-wear areas, as well as laces, Velcro, and straps.

WATER RESISTANCE & DRY TIME

Dry feet are happy feet. For water resistance and dry time, we had little ones splash in puddles to see how effective waterproof models are at keeping water out. We also assessed how long it took for more porous options to dry out once they were wet. Similarly, breathability – how well shoes release moisture from the inside – is another dimension that falls into this category.

What’s Most Important to You in a Hiking Shoe?

We rate our hiking shoes for kids across several different metrics, but if you prioritize them differently, here are our suggestions based on:

COMFORT

Hiking shoes with a very short break-in period

• Shoes your child already wears
• BOGS Insulated Neo Classic Rain Boot
• KEEN Newport H2 Sandal
• KEEN Chandler 2 CNX

Best shoes for easy on / off

• Salomon Speedcross Junior
• KEEN Newport H2 Sandal
• Native Shoes Jefferson
• KEEN Chandler 2 CNX

How to Choose Hiking Shoes For Kids

WHY PROPER HIKING SHOES MATTER

Hiking shoes can make or break your family hiking adventure. A quality pair of footwear protects little ones from tripping, falling, or twisting an ankle as they navigate uneven surfaces, sharp rocks, and protruding roots. A smart shoe fit, sturdy soles, and ankle support create a safer outdoor experience for everyone – and that means your kids will have a better time outside.Plus, high-quality hiking shoes can help your children down the road. For years, studies have shown that hiking can help manage stress by lowering blood pressure, keeping your body moving, and strengthening the whole immune system. Kids who grow up playing in nature are also less likely to be depressed or anxious as they get older. Comfortable and functional shoes will only make those positive associations with the outdoors even stronger.

COMFORT

For children, comfort is critical. Nothing destroys a kid’s enthusiasm for hiking faster than hurting feet. Hotspots, inflexible shoes, and arch pain are a surefire way to end an adventure in tears. Be sure that little toes have plenty of room to spread out, the lacing system is easy to use and adjustable, and growing feet have space to expand. Look for kids’ hiking shoes with lots of cushion and support so they can focus on romping, jumping, and playing.

FAMILIARITY

The best hiking shoes for children are the ones they already use and like. Especially for toddlers and little kids, any shoe that gets them into nature safely and comfortably is a good choice. Since children grow so quickly, getting fresh hiking shoes may not be worth it. So, consider hiking with shoes they already have at home. What works for your kids in the backyard or the playground will likely also work on the trail. Their daily play shoes are probably already broken in, familiar, and comfortable, and in many cases, kids aren’t hiking far enough or getting messy enough to justify fresh kicks.

If you do opt for new shoes, keep in mind there’s usually a break-in period. Allow your kids to play in their new shoes until they get accustomed to how the shoes fit and feel to make the most of your time on the trail.

DURABILITY

Most children outgrow their shoes before their shoes outgrow them. It’s not uncommon to replace kids’ footwear every 6 to 12 months from when they’re a toddler until they enter high school. That’s why, in general, long-term durability in shoes is less important for most children. We’d instead recommend prioritizing other factors like comfort, traction, and support. 

However, durability matters a lot for some kids. If your child is really active outdoors, especially rough on their shoes, or is an older kid who’s hiking regularly, durable shoes matter. Active kids need footwear that’s durable enough for rough terrain and can handle frequent and agile movement. Look for footwear with flexible rubber soles, a short break-in period, and uppers made of strong materials to withstand wear and tear from dirt and rocks, running, and jumping.

SIZING & FIT

Your child’s foot shape and size will change as they grow. Finding a hiking shoe with a good fit means a snug fit at the heel, support through the arch and midsole, and lots of room for toes to stretch in the toe box. If your kid is prone to falling or slipping, shoes or hiking boots with a high cuff can offer extra support and protection from scraped or rolled ankles.

Consider the width of the shoe as well. If footwear is too narrow, it can cause discomfort from constriction and increase the chance of developing hotspots. If it’s too wide, that extra space can cause blisters or contusions from repeated bumping and rubbing.

Having said that, we have kids too. And they’re always growing. We recommend purchasing shoes a size (or two!) larger for them to grow into. Deciding on the right size for your kids’ hiking shoes is a balance between long-term cost and short-term shoe performance. Shoes that fit your child’s feet right now will likely be too tight in the future, so you’ll have to replace them in 6 months. Sizing up gives room for small feet to grow and saves money since you’re not replacing them as often, but the loose fit could cause pain and rubbing. Choosing shoes a bit bigger than your kid’s feet will accommodate their growth – and your budget.

LACING

Does your kid prefer traditional laces, easy pull-tab systems, velcro, or no closure at all? Deciding on the best lacing system depends on their skill level and age. We recommend slip-on shoes and Velcro for ages up to 12 since they are easy and fast to use and stay put through almost any terrain. Choose a hiking shoe that’s easy and fast for your child to tighten and loosen, so they can spend less time putting their shoes on and more time present in nature.

TRACTION

Good traction starts with the sole of a shoe. Wet rocks, mud, and loose terrain are real dangers on the trail for hikers of all sizes, so look for shoes with a sticky, durable rubber blend and a lug pattern to help prevent slips and falls. You never know what your kid might climb next, so a flexible but durable sole is important to handle slick, sandy, and loose landscapes.

WATERPROOFING

If you’re hiking in areas with a lot of wet weather, you might want a waterproof shoe or boot that can help keep your child dry. In general, we recommend a lightweight synthetic option with a waterproof lining. But for the wettest, messiest days a tall and comfortable rain boot with good traction goes a long way to keep your kiddo’s feet dry and comfortable.

If you hike in drier areas or hotter times of the year, avoid waterproof shoes. Often, waterproof liners retain heat and can cause hot spots and discomfort. We recommend lighter, more breathable options like trail runners or sandals for warm days on dry hikes.

INSULATION

There’s a certain magic to seeing landscapes in the wintertime. For year-round adventures outside of summer, consider insulated boots for your tiny humans. Though insulated footwear is less flexible and dynamic than many 3-season options, warm feet are no small luxury.

SUPPORT & STABILITY

Support and stability are always in style. Look for a shoe that lets your child move with their natural gait and feel secure on slopes, edges, and uneven ground. Look for shoes with a flexible sole and a lug pattern that will grip on all sorts of surfaces.

BREAK-IN PERIOD

Even the best hiking shoes can take a while to soften and mold to your foot. The break-in period helps shoes adapt to your child’s feet, which will reduce the risk of blisters and discomfort in the long run. Depending on the stiffness or construction of the shoe, some footwear can take multiple sessions to soften up. 

To avoid the short-term pain of hotspots or blisters on the trail, we recommend your child wear the shoes at least 10 times, around 10 hours, before a longer hike. Encourage them to wear new shoes in the house, on the local playground, or at school so when it’s time to rock their new kicks on a hike, your child is ready to go.

RETURN POLICY

Shoes that feel good at the store or look perfect online aren’t always a great fit when you get them home. Just in case, keep that receipt or shop with brands and stores that offer a generous return policy.