The best hiking boots for kids are hard to find. In most cases, you will come across stores selling cheap boots that can barely hold up to hours of intense use. Fortunately, we have taken matters into our own hands, done research, and compiled everything in this article for all to see.
We believe that the kid’s hiking boots we have reviewed below have what it takes to provide your little one with comfortable and memorable hiking adventures.
They are sturdy; thus, questions, whether they can hold up to abuse and extreme outdoor conditions, should not be asked. Without further ado, allow us to present to you these top quality pieces of outdoor footwear.
Contents
- List of The Best Hiking Boots For Kids
- 1. Littleplum Kid Snow Boots for Boys
- 2. Northside Cheyenne JR Hiking Boot
- 3. Northside Caldera Junior Hiking Boot
- 4. Hawkwell Kids Outdoor Hiking Shoe
- 5. Merrell Kids’ M-Chameleon 7 WTRPF Hiking Shoe
- 6. Deer Stags Drew Hiker Boot
- 7. Columbia Kids’ Childrens Newton Ridge Hiking Boot
- 8. Northside Kids’ Rampart Mid Hiking Boot
- 9. Northside Kids’ Rampart Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 10. Mountain Warehouse Rapid Kids Waterproof Boots – Hiking
- Buyer’s Guide for the Best Hiking Boots for Kids
List of The Best Hiking Boots For Kids
1. Littleplum Kid Snow Boots for Boys
The boot opening measures approximately 6 inches around and the shaft measures around 3.1 inches – 6.0 inches from the arch. Furthermore, these boots are built with a Cashmere lining that helps keep the feet of your little one warm so they can enjoy their hiking adventures more and focus less on their comfort.
They are also windproof to further provide comfort and make hiking experiences unforgettable. Additionally, these snow boots for boys are made of polyurethane leather waterproof upper that, of course, helps keep feet dry in wet conditions. There are also bungee type laces, which are great for kids in the sense that they can easily get them on and off.
These boots are not just perfect for hiking but also they can be worn during trekking in snow. Their anti-slip steel buckle makes them ideal for outdoors. Warmth, comfort, and great build quality are what make hiking boots the greatest. This particular footwear has all of them.
Pros
- Perfect for those who do a lot of hiking with their youngsters
- Super comfortable and fit as expected
- The boots feel very supportive
- Available in many different colors to choose from
Cons
- The little ice hook under the sole tends to rust easily if used in the snow
2. Northside Cheyenne JR Hiking Boot
Kids love hiking boots that are lightweight and fit perfectly. The Northside Cheyenne Hiking Boot meets that criteria, and that’s why we have included it here. The upper is made of textile and leather to help keep their feet breathable and, of course, comfortable.
The outdoor sole, on the other hand, has treads to give kids sure footing as they explore creek beds, trails, and more. Additionally, this hiking boot for kids has plenty of padding that will keep your little one happier during hiking. The padding enables them to cover a long distance without getting tired.
The boot also has a lace-up closure that ensures a perfect fit. Other features are PVC mudguard, heel stabilizer, and contoured cushioned EVA insole. Northside is dedicated to providing outdoor families with rock-solid fashions. It makes cold-weather boots and rugged sandals to help keep your family on the move.
Pros
- The boot looks very cute
- Kids seem to like it
- The support and fit appear to be okay
- Comfortable and holds up well
Cons
- A bit heavy, but this is simply a reminder of how well made the boot is
3. Northside Caldera Junior Hiking Boot
As a parent, you like it when your kid is fully protected every time you are outdoors. Well, the Northside Caldera Junior Hiking Boot is designed to provide much-needed protection. It features a rugged suede ankle-high upper, which, in turn, has breathable mesh inserts, heel stabilizer, and abrasion-resistant toe guard.
Furthermore, the mesh upper is water-resistant to help keep your kid’s feet dry all day. Another feature we find impressive is the durable rubber outsole that ensures outstanding traction to let your kid walk on wet conditions with confidence knowing that they will not skid.
The rubber outsole also offers great shock absorption. This hiking boot is designed for everyday use. It will keep the smaller feet of your kid happy during outdoor adventures. Moreover, this boot has a heel loop that makes it easier to get it on and off.
Pros
- Appears to hold up well to abuse
- The tread on the outer sole is exceptional
- Not heavy to walk in
- Laces and lace holders are nicely made
- Great for the price
Cons
- Runs small; therefore, try to go around two sizes up
4. Hawkwell Kids Outdoor Hiking Shoe
A boot designed for a young explorer should not just be comfortable but also it should be stylish. This is because kids really love vibrant-looking outdoor footwear. That being said, this outdoor hiking shoe is available in lots of exciting color options. These include Black Red, Grey Green, Grey Orange, and Navy.
It is a unisex hiking shoe designed for toddlers, little kids, and big kids. What’s more, this hiking shoe is designed with versatility in mind. It is perfect for walking, climbing, running, trekking, casual, hiking, and many more. It has a padded collar and tongue, which enable it to provide ultimate comfort.
It also has a lug pattern outsole and rubber cup sole for unrivaled traction. So, regardless of which surface your child steps on, expect them to be safe. No skidding or loss of balance. The hook and loop closure makes this hiking boot much easier to get on and off.
Pros
- The shoe is shipped on time
- Easy to wipe clean when dirty
- Looks great out of the package
- The shoe is very comfortable
Cons
- Not the most durable; therefore, should not be subjected to rigorous use
5. Merrell Kids’ M-Chameleon 7 WTRPF Hiking Shoe
We like the concept behind this hiking shoe. It is inspired by the chameleon’s adaptability to changing conditions. Needless to say, this hiking shoe is exactly what your kid needs for outdoor adventures. It has a waterproof construction that will keep your kid’s feet dry even when walking on a wet surface.
It also has superior traction that allows your kid to walk on any surface with absolute confidence. Although it is durable, this hiking shoe is very lightweight and easy to walk in. As such, your kid will not feel tired walking in it even after long hours of walking and running.
The alternative closure ensures easy on and off as well as allowing for maximum adjustability. The shaft of this hiking shoe measures around mid-top from arch; meaning it is able to provide great protection. The hiking shoe is available in several color options to choose from.
Pros
- Works well in muddy puddles
- Very easy to clean
- Provides great support to the ankles
- Holds up well to extreme use
- The sole offers great grip without being packed with small rocks
Cons
- A little difficult to put on
You should never prevent your kid from enjoying the outdoor life. Instead, all you need to do is get them a good pair of adventurous boots such as the Deer Stags Drew Hiker Boot. It is built to make sure your kid enjoys outdoor moments to the fullest.
It features a durable man-made, breathable mesh that comes in handy when the outdoor environment becomes sunny and hot. The mesh will keep your kid’s feet well aerated by wicking away moisture. This hiking boot also has a synthetic reinforced upper that performs its role really well.
Plus it is equipped with a corded lace closure system, which offers an easy and secure fit. The padded collar and tongue provide extra comfort and stability. By so doing, the two help make hiking trips unforgettable. There are also multi-directional lugs that have deep grooves for unmatched traction on any surface.
Pros
- The price is decent
- Looks nice on kid’s feet
- Kids say they feel comfortable
- The hiking shoe is true to size
- Withstands such extreme conditions as rainy and snowy
Cons
- The lace hooks could be more durable
7. Columbia Kids’ Childrens Newton Ridge Hiking Boot
You cannot talk about quality hiking boots and shoes without mentioning a brand from Columbia. This kids’ hiking boot by Columbia is loaded with great features only to enable it to perform as expected. These features include Omni grip traction rubber outsoles that will help your kid find their footing and waterproof PU coated leather upper that helps keep the feet of your kid dry.
Another feature is the techlite lightweight midsole, which ensures long-lasting comfort, high energy return, and superior cushioning. The shaft measures around low-top from arch. What’s more, this hiking boot is available in two different colors, which are Cordovan/Golden Yellow and Black/Mountain Red.
It is made of 100-percent leather and polyurethane; meaning its durability should not be questioned. This is the kind of boot, which when your kid has, you will rest easy knowing it has their back.
Pros
- The shoe cleans up well
- It looks very nice
- Waterproof; hence, great for rain and snow
- Lightweight and easy to walk in
- The fit is great
Cons
- Shoelaces are quite on the short side, but they can be replaced
8. Northside Kids’ Rampart Mid Hiking Boot
Northside is doing a great job of making sure little kids have solid hiking boots for memorable moments. The Rampart Mid Hiking Boot is one of their products. Its shaft measures around ankle-high from arch. Well, this makes us believe that the hiking boot will provide adequate arch support to your kid’s feet.
The boot also has a rugged ankle-high suede upper that features breathable ripstop nylon, heel stabilizer, and abrasion-resistant toe guard. It is an all-weather outdoor boot that works hard to make sure your kid is comfortable all the time.
It provides moisture-wicking lining to help keep their feet dry as well as boasting a gusseted tongue to help keep debris out. Furthermore, this hiking boot has removable and washable contoured EVA insole that offers superior cushioning for your kid’s little feet. There is also a padded collar to provide comfort throughout.
Pros
- Keeps kids comfortable throughout the hiking trips
- Keeps feet dry and warm
- Sturdy and fits small kids perfectly
- The price is great for what you get
Cons
- Not 100-percent waterproof, but kind of water-resistant
9. Northside Kids’ Rampart Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
It is pretty hard to get it wrong with a hiking boot made of leather. The Northside Kid’s Rampart Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is made of leather, and this shows that it can stand up to all the surprises the outdoor environment throws at it.
Its shaft measures approximately ankle-high from the arch and this is really great, given that such a measurement leads to great arch support. Another great feature is the durable multi-directional rubber outsole that ensures exceptional traction, thereby, keeping your kid safe both on dry and wet surfaces.
The rubber outsole also provides unmatched shock absorption to help keep you comfortable. Additionally, this waterproof hiking boot has a quick lace-up closure, which allows for effortless and secure adjustment. There is also a heel pull strap that makes it easy to get the boot on and take it off.
Pros
- The fit is spot on
- The tread on the bottom is excellent
- Lightweight and easy to move in
- The top hooks ensure easy on and off
- The fabric is very good
Cons
- The tongue is a bit large
10. Mountain Warehouse Rapid Kids Waterproof Boots – Hiking
When buying hiking boots for your kid, it is important to make sure that they are durable and comfortable. Mountain Warehouse Rapid Kids Waterproof Boots fit the bill perfectly because they have everything that makes hiking boots perfect.
They have suede & mesh upper, which makes them lightweight and breathable so your little one can walk in them for hours without feeling any kind of discomfort. They also have a cushioned footbed that supports the feet of your little one, thereby, making sure they enjoy extra comfort at the toe and arch.
Another thing you must know is that these boots for hiking are made of waterproof membrane and water-resistant upper. This means with them, your kid’s feet will stay dry and warm even when they walk in muddy puddles. The added rubber reinforcement at the toe and heel enables this footwear to last much longer.
Pros
- Great for outdoor adventures
- They fit as expected
- Very warm and comfortable
- Make a great birthday gift for nieces and nephews
- The boots look very cute
Cons
- The quality of the laces could be better
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Hiking Boots for Kids
These are the factors you should rely on if you want to get your kid a top-notch hiking boot.
Durability
Hiking adventures can get very intense; hence, it is advisable that you get your kid durable hiking boots that can stand up to everything the hiking activities throw at them. Make sure your kid’s boots are made of quality materials and finished correctly.
Tread
The last thing you want during a hiking adventure is to see your kid gets hurt. As such, it is recommended that the hiking boots you pick for them have nice treads that can grip both wet and dry surfaces. If possible, go for those boots with lug patterns and deep grooves.
Waterproof
Buying your kid a pair of waterproof hiking boots is a good move. This is because you should expect the unexpected during hiking. It can rain while you are in the middle of hiking or find yourselves in a place full of mud and water puddles. Waterproof boots will keep your kid’s feet warm and dry.
Conclusion
If you are an outdoor family, hiking boots for kids are a must-buy for your little one. They are comfortable, and, therefore, allow kids to hike for long hours without being bothered by any kind of discomfort. They are also durable; hence, they can stand up to regular use and extreme conditions. But not all hiking boots deliver the same results. That’s why you need to check out the above brands before buying anything.
