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Exploring the great outdoors as a family has many benefits — from instilling confidence in your kids as they hike a steep mountain to racking up core memories as everyone bonds over those campfire s’mores.
If you’re an active family, it makes sense to invest in quality gear! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the five most popular hiking shoes for kids.
Tips on looking for hiking shoes for kids
First, let go of the idea that you need hiking shoes for kids, especially if they are small! They’re still growing at a rapid rate and hiking shoes for kids can be expensive, so just grab any old pair of sneakers and hit the trail.
When our oldest turned 5, however, that’s when we decided to invest a little more and buy his first real pair of hiking shoes. Not only did these shoes provide better support and traction for longer hikes, but it got him really excited about hiking!
Here are some factors to consider when you’re looking for the best hiking boots for kids:
- Size and fit: this is a no-brainer! You want a snug fit for comfort and support but a little extra room for growth
- Support and traction: Look for boots with ankle support and a sturdy outsole for stability and traction when on uneven ground
- Waterproofing: Even if you don’t plan on hiking in wet conditions, it’s still wise to look for waterproof shoes, because kids will find that one puddle on your trail!
- Ease of use: You’ll want to make it easy for them to put on and take off their shoes by themselves; features like hook-and-loop closures or quick lasing systems are helpful
- Durability: invest in high-quality material; in the long term, this will be cheaper!
Keen is always a great choice for active kids and they have a lot of options for hiking shoes for kids. The Chandler CNX is sturdy, durable, waterproof, and easy to put on thanks to its elastic and velcro system. It’s got enough traction and stability for a moderate hike, but if you’re looking for something that provides a little more oomph then check out the Mid Hikeport boot for kids.
Technically it’s a trail running shoe, but it makes for one of the best hiking shoes for kids, too. If you have a kid who hates boots and just wants to wear their regular sneakers on the trail, this shoe is for you! It’s highly versatile — it can be worn to school or on the trails — and is waterproof. It has more support and traction than regular sneakers but feels lighter and more flexible on their feet than hiking boots. It’s also super easy to pull on and off thanks to the single lacing system.
Merrell is a quality brand and they definitely make some of the most durable hiking shoes for kids. The Moab 3 is waterproof, very breathable thanks to its mesh panel, has great traction, and a toe cap that adds a little extra protection. It’s also a great choice for kids who have wide feet because they come in wide and medium-wide options. It’s a mid-height boot, so it’s more comfortable than full-sized hiking boots while providing great ankle support.
Hiking sandals are a great option! The Newport sandal is closed-toed, lightweight, and easy to put on. Best of all, because it’s a sandal, it’s more breathable and doesn’t get as smelly as quickly as shoes do. It’s also very durable and can take any beating your kid puts it through!
Another great choice for hiking shoes for kids is Columbia’s Newton Ridge. These are classic, lightweight, mid-height shoes for kids with great traction. Plus, they’re waterproof!