Best kids’ hiking boots for mini explorers

HELP little ramblers conquer new distances and terrains in comfort, with the best kids’ walking boots and shoes 

Dreaming of adventures with your children, where you don’t end up carrying or dragging them across a hillside? It is possible to get more than a few metres without complaints about achy feet (trust us), but the right kit is absolutely essential.

Step forward, kids’ hiking boots and walking shoes. Essentially mini versions of adult walking shoes, this cleverly designed walking footwear provides a lot more comfort, support, grip and protection than even the best wellies or trainers.

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What to look for in kids’ hiking boots

Before choosing your kids’ walking shoes, consider when and where you’ll be using them. Walks along muddy forest trails will need a different kind of boot to snowy mountain treks or sand dune hopping, so know what your priorities are.

The best kids’ hiking boots will be hard-wearing, lightweight and waterproof, but there are some key differences to look out for.

When picking your children’s walking footwear you’ll need to choose between high or low-top options. High-top walking boots offer more support and protection for your child’s ankles, whereas low-top walking shoes tend to be more lightweight and versatile. Look for soft, cushioned inner soles (EVA soles mould around your child’s feet) and a decent outer sole with plenty of grip.

Look at fabrics on offer too, leather boots are naturally waterproof, warm, hard-wearing and breathable, but may need a little more care. Synthetic materials are easier to bung in the wash but may be less breathable and warm.

You’ll need to check fastenings and see if your child can get them on and off without too much assistance. Some kids’ walking boots have velcro or toggle fastening to make them easier for younger ones. They’ll also need to appeal to children visually so consider design and colour, but bear in mind that children are more likely to scramble off road, jump in muddy puddles and climb up trees, so designs that are reasonably scuff-proof and easy to clean are a good idea too.

Best kids’ hiking shoes at a glance:

• ​Best all-rounder kids’ hiking boots: Berghaus Kids Explorer Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
• ​Best kids’ hiking boots for all weathers: Peter Storm Kids Snowdon II Walking Boots
• Most lightweight kids’ hiking shoes: Columbia Kids Firecamp Sledder 3 Waterproof Shoe
• Most versatile kids’ hiking boots: Quechua Kids Warm Waterproof Hiking Boots
• ​Best beginner kids’ hiking boots: Kids Freshfeet Hiker Boots, Marks & Spencer 
• ​Best kids’ hiking boots for long treks: Regatta Kids’ Holcombe Waterproof Mid Walking Boots
• ​Best kids’ hiking boots for younger children: Keen Younger Kids’ Targhee Waterproof Boot
• ​Best kids’ hiking boots for cold weather: Sorel Youth Whitney II Short Lace Winter Boot
• ​Best affordable kids’ hiking boots: Kids Walking Boots Mid Cut Gillon II, Trespass
• ​Best kids’ hiking boots for durability: Little Terra, Scarpa
• Best eco credentials: Coaley Recycled Hiking Boots, Cotswold

Berghaus

• Berghaus Kids Explorer Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, £45 at Go Outdoors – buy here

Sizes: 1-13 (kids’)

These are a fantastic first hiking boot for your child as they offer so many practical features. Our tester’s little legs didn’t get tired once while wearing them, because they are very lightweight,  yet they still have good support around the toes and ankles, plus a decent grip on the sole.

They are fully waterproof and can be worn walking through streams or jumping in puddles, but they are also breathable so they work just as well in warm weather too. They do have laces, so younger children will need some help to get them on and off, but it was easy to widen the opening and pop feet in and out.

The muted colours are practical and still quite stylish and we liked the reflective details on the lacing too.

Peter Storm

• Peter Storm Kids Snowdon II Walking Boots, £37.50 at Go Outdoors – buy here

Sizes: 1-13 (kids’)

These mini leather walking boots are waterproof, durable and they definitely look the business. Although not the lightest boots on the list, the cushioned EVA sole and pliable leather make them really comfy and they continue to get more flexible each time they’re worn.

The outsole is very grippy and did really well on loose gravel terrain. The leather upper also means they are really warm in chilly conditions, but naturally moisture-wicking if feet get a bit hot and sweaty, so they are a decent bit of all-season kit.

Columbia

• Columbia Kids Firecamp Sledder 3 Waterproof Shoe, £65 – buy here

Sizes: 7-12 (kids’)

We loved the deep navy with bright orange accents colourway we tested on these stylish little shoes. They are super lightweight and the colourful elastic toggle laces mean even little ones can get them on and off.

The fleecy inside of the shoe is soft, warm and well cushioned, and the outer sole is solid and grips the ground well. The reinforced toes are a nice touch too as they help stop trips over loose terrain. These could easily be worn as sports trainers too, so offer lots of versatility. 

Quechua

• Quechua Kids Warm Waterproof Hiking Boots, £34.99 Decathlon – buy here

Sizes: 6.5 (kids’) –1.5

Made with snowy winter weather in mind, these fluffy high-top boots have a comfort temperature of – 4ºC (!), a waterproof leather upper and a suitably grippy outer sole.

They also benefit from a velcro strap, elastic laces and plenty of pull tabs, so even for a high top, they’re pretty easy to get on. They are very sturdy boots that performed well across a variety of terrains, but as a result, they are not as lightweight as some of the other shoes we tried.

However, of all the boots we tested, these were judged to have the coolest urban style, plus they come in a whole range of colours for your child to choose from too.

M&S 

• Kids Freshfeet Hiker Boots, £29 M&S – buy here

Sizes: 4-13 (kids’)

These funky little boots work as a nice hybrid between comfy shoes and proper hiking boots and would be ideal for younger children.

They have a zip fastening so they’re really easy to get on and a velcro strap for an extra snug fit. The outer sole is quite grippy, but possibly wouldn’t provide effective grip on very rough terrain and it’s worth noting that the ‘Stormwear’ material is water-repellant rather than resistant.

However, they look really cool and come in a range of colours, plus they have M&S’s Freshfeet technology to keep little tootsies smelling sweet.

Regatta

• Regatta Kids’ Holcombe Waterproof Mid Walking Boots, £50 at Sports Direct – buy here

Sizes: 1-13 (kids)

This is another deceptively simple-looking pair of shoes that are packed full of brilliant functionality.

They are waterproof, breathable and lightweight with a moulded EVA footbed for comfort, plus toe and heel bumpers for knocks.

We were particularly impressed with the amazing grippy outer sole which has angled lugs to help keep little ones propelling forwards while walking up steep rough terrain (and off your shoulders!). They also come in various colour combos to pick from.

Keen

• Keen Younger Kids’ Targhee Waterproof Boot, £69.99 – buy here

Sizes: 7-12 (kids)

It should come as no surprise that American outdoor footwear brand, Keen has created one of the most sophisticated kid’s walking shoes.

Essentially a mini version of their ever-popular adult Targhee boot, they feature a premium leather upper, non-scuff leather outsole and PU insole with arch support for extra comfort. Even after several rough walks, these little boots still look box-fresh and, despite being sturdy, they manage to be light and agile across any surface.

They also come with bungee laces and a velcro tab for easy on and off, and a breathable lining infused with a non-toxic vanilla fragrance (yep, really) to keep them odour free. Definitely worth the higher price tag for serious walkers. 

Sorel

• Sorel Youth Whitney II Short Lace Winter Boot, £90 – buy here

Sizes: 13 (kids) – 6

Heading somewhere snowy? These ultra-comfy winter boots will allow them to make snowballs all day without the fear of frozen toes. The thick soles are fabulously insulating and they’re filled with snuggly insulation and lined in warm microfleece.

The cushioned EVA footbed is pillow-soft and they look pretty cool too. 

Trespass

Kids Walking Boots Mid Cut Gillon II, £28.99, Trespass – buy here

Sizes: 10 (kids) – 5

If you’re looking for an affordable kids’ hiking boot, then these Trespass shoes will do nicely. They are waterproof and breathable, with a bouncy EVA insole, durable traction outsole and protective heel and toe guard. We loved the supportive collar on these boots, which cushioned our testers’ ankles nicely.

Scarpa

• Little Terra, £95, Scarpa – buy here

Sizes: 9 (kids) – 5

A dinky version of the Adult Terra, these smart boots are a classic unisex walking shoe that will last through the generations (no matter how many adventures they go on).

The leather upper is reassuringly thick and sturdy – although they may need a few wears around the house to get them a little more supple. The waterproof lining means these boots can jump straight into puddles with no issue and the signature Scarpa outer sole offers a deep tread that provides grip, durability and endless support no matter how long the trek. 

Coaley

• Coaley Recycled Hiking Boots, £41.50, Cotswold – buy here

Sizes: 10 (kids) – 5

Lightweight and breathable, with a comfy memory-foam foot bed, and traction rubber outsole, these cool little hiking boots make tricky trails and bumpy tracks an absolute breeze.

We were really impressed with the thick padded collar, which offered lots of comfort and support and the waterproof shoe upper, which is made from 85% RPET (that’s recycled plastic bottles to you and me).