If you’re looking for the best hiking boots for kids, you’ve reached the most comprehensive buyer’s guide. We have looked at many pairs of hiking shoes for both boys and girls, and we decided which would be the best as far as value and durability.
Before you begin browsing the list, we want to mention two things:
- All of the kids hiking boots we are featuring in this post are water resistant. This point is very important should you hike somewhere with a small creek or stream. Plus, if you get caught in a rainstorm, it’s vital to have shoes that will protect your little one’s feet!
- All of the boots mentioned in the post are gender neutral. Some have color options for both boys and girls, while others may only offer a brown or black color. Nevertheless, both boys and girls can enjoy wearing these boots comfortably while hiking.
Comparing the 8 Best Hiking Boots for Kids
Mishansha Boy Girls Water Resistant Hiking Boots
Designed for: Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid
Water-resistant: Yes
Suitable for: Hiking, trekking, running, walking, and camping
Season: All Seasons
The Mishansha hiking boots are designed with artificial leather (on the upper part) and a rubber sole to make them water-resistant and durable. This design makes it easy to clean the boots. These lightweight and comfortable boots also come with a safety feature.
The toe shoe shield design has an anti-collision function that aims to protect your child’s feet. Additionally, the Mishansha hiking boots are easy to put on and take off (with a 2 Hook and Loop closure Design), and anti-slip.
Pros
- Anti-collision safety toe cap
- Easy to clean
- Anti-slip rubber sole
- Hook & loop closure
Cons
JACKSHIBO Kids Hiking Boots
Designed for: Little Kid/Big Kid
Water-resistant: Yes
Suitable for: Hiking, trekking, running, walking, and camping
Season: All Seasons
From their design to their unique look and variety of colors, the JACKSHIBO Kids Hiking Boots are waterproof ankle boots made of high-quality leather material to offer flexibility and durability. The double closing design lets you adjust the tightness and fold the shoes without worrying whether the sole will break. The soft cushioning material on the sole provides a very steady and comfortable poise for your child.
If you are planning on taking long hikes, the boots have a breathable wicking inner lining that keeps your child’s feet dry and comfortable when they sweat.
Pros
- Soft sole can bend or fold without breaking
- Breathable lining
- Anti-collision safety toe cap
Cons
- Toddler sizes not available
Merrel Kids’ Chameleon 7 Access Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Designed for: Little Kid/Big Kid
Water-resistant: Yes
Suitable for: Hiking, trekking, running, walking, and camping
Season: Any Seasons except winter
These are some of the most affordable hiking boots for kids in this review. However, the company does not compromise on quality and the boots can withstand a high level of abuse outdoors. The rugged Merrel Kids’ hiking boots are made from 100 percent synthetic material (fabric and Suede), rubber soles with an ankle-reach design. The Hook and Loop design allows for ease of use by the kids.
The design also features an outsole that allows for maximum traction while keeping your child dry. The downside to these boots is that although they are a bit water-resistant, the fabric does not offer maximum comfort or protection to your child during the winter season.
Pros
- Shoelaces for a perfect fit
- Great tread for all terrains
Cons
- Not suitable for winter
- Not as water resistant as other brands
- Hook and loop closure not available
Northside Unisex Child Rampart Hiking Boot
Designed for: Little Kid/Big Kid
Water-resistant: Yes
Suitable for: Hiking, trekking, running, walking, and camping
Season: All Seasons
Parents seeking tough, battle-ready hiking boots for kids can never go wrong with the Northside Unisex Child Rampart Mid Hiking Boot. These boots are built to last and they do that without compromising on comfort and practicality.
The outer layer is built from a combination of leather and synthetic materials, while the sole is made of durable rubber. The upper part of the boot (ankle part) has breathable rip-stop nylon fabric. To protect their toes, the boot comes with an abrasion-resistant toe guard.
A heel stabilizer has also been included to offer safety to the user. It also offers a moisture-wicking lining that helps to keep feet dry. The removable insole provides the extra comfort your kids seek while hiking in the bush.
Pros
- Toe guards for protection
- Removable/washable insoles for comfort
- Shoelaces provide proper fit
- Moisture wicking lining
Cons
- Hook and loop not available
- Only one color option
Brooman Kids Hiking Boots
Designed for: Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid
Water-resistant: Yes
Suitable for: Hiking, trekking, running, walking, and camping
Season: All Seasons
The Brooman brand is well recognized for its high-quality products, and these Brooman Kids Hiking Boots are flagship products from the company. They feature synthetic soles but that should not trigger a warning bell in your brain.
The anti-skid, water-resistant soles are hardened for durability but still malleable enough to provide the comfort, stability, and durability your kid needs while having fun outdoors. The upper part of the shoe has a breathable mesh and synthetic leather. A simple hook and loop closure included in the boots provides a secure fit, while still making it easy to put the boots on or take them off.
Pros
- Hook and loop closure for easy on/off
- Breathable mesh
- Anti-slip rubber sole
Cons
- Doesn’t offer as much toe protection as other brands
Deer Stags Thinsulate Hiking Boots
Designed for: Little Kid/Big Kid
Water-resistant: Yes
Suitable for: Hiking, trekking, running, walking, and camping
Season: All Seasons
These boots are available in two options- Those for kids from ages 4 to 8 years and those for kids from ages 8 to 12 years. What distinguishes these boots from others in this review is that these boots are man-made. The upper part of the boots is water-resistant and this makes them ideal to use for outdoor activities.
The Deer Stags Comfortable Hiking Boots are designed to withstand rough terrain without compromising on style and fashion, comfort, and practicality. The additional Thinsulate lining offers extra warmth and keeps your growing kids’ feet happy.
Pros
- Anti-slip rubber sole
- Breathable lining
- Thinsulate lining for warmth and comfort
Cons
- Hook and loop closure not available
- May be too warm for hot summer months
Northside Caldera Junior Hiking Boot
Designed for: Little Kid/Big Kid
Water-resistant: Yes
Suitable for: Hiking, trekking, running, walking, and camping
Season: All Seasons
Another flagship product from the Northside Company is the Northside Caldera Junior Hiking Boot. These hiking boots are made of 100 percent suede/mesh fabric and synthetic sole. The upper part is breathable with synthetic fabric and the lower part features a heel stabilizer, a protective toe cap, and an outsole to offer more traction. The anti-slip sole allows your kids to explore rough or wet terrain without the fear of slipping. It is a great boot for families seeking to explore the extreme outdoors.
Pros
- Toe guard and heel stabilizer for protection
- Breathable mesh inserts
- Shoelaces for perfect fit
Cons
- No hook and loop closure
- Less toe protection than other brands
Amazon Essentials Unisex Hiking Boot
Designed for: Little Kid/Big Kid
Water-resistant: Yes
Suitable for: Hiking, trekking, running, walking, and camping
Season: All Seasons
The Amazon Essentials Unisex Hiking Boots are available in a variety of colors and are made of high-quality, 100 percent polyester material. Similar to most of the other boots I’ve reviewed in this post, the sole is made of synthetic material to offer durability.
The shaft of the boot measures approximately high-top from the arch and its design makes it easier to put on or off. There isn’t any marking outsole on this boot, and you can also expect to find open toe and breathability features. These ensure your child is comfortable wearing the boots while outdoors hiking.
Pros
- Rubber sole for all terrains
- Shoelaces for perfect fit
- Easy on/off design
- Breathable lining
Cons
- Hook and loop closure not available
- Not as much product info available
How to Shop for the Best Hiking Boots for Kids
When you are looking for the right hiking boots for your little ones, there are a few things you want to consider.
Sizes
A couple of the boots on our list here are available for toddlers, but most only offer sizes for little/big kids. So, they will be able to fit kids ages 4-10. Getting the correct size is important so that your child is comfortable throughout the entire hike.
Closure type
Some hiking boots for kids offer a hook and loop closure, while others offer shoelaces. Depending on the age of your child, one closure type may be better than the other. You also want to consider that hook and loop closures offers an easier on/off feature, but shoelaces can sometimes provide a more proper fit.
Waterproof
As mentioned above, all of the hiking boots in this guide are water resistant. However, that does not mean that they are waterproof. If you will be hiking in areas with lots of water/puddles, take a look at the construction of the boot. Those with mesh uppers may not hold up as well as designs that taut a full waterproof design.
Seasons
Think about the season your little ones will be wearing the hiking boots. All but one of the styles we offer in this post are equipped to handle all seasons. But, some of the more insulated offerings may be too hot for summers in warmer climates.
Price
Of course, price is something all parents want to consider when looking at hiking boots for kids. You want something of value that will hold up for many family hikes. Most of the hiking shoes for boys and girls in this post hover in the $30-40 range, making your investment worthwhile.
Get more tips on how to enjoy hikes for kids, especially toddlers!
