The Best Hiking Boots for Kids – Finding a Wide and Waterproof Hiking Boot!
I am going to provide you with a selection of the best hiking boots for kids that are capable of accommodating different foot shapes such as medium, wide, and extra wide feet. The hiking boots that I recommend are fully waterproof, supportive, lightweight, and flexible at the same time. After having fitted children’s shoes for over a decade, I became familiar with the best shoe brands and styles.
Not all children have medium width feet. In fact, most children that visit the shoe store that I work for have wide feet. If your child has a “complicated” foot shape such as wide feet and a high instep, don’t worry, the list of hiking boots that I have put together can accommodate different foot shapes.
Kindly note that if you are in a rush you can go directly to the selection of the best hiking boots for kids.
The Advantages of Providing Your Child with a Pair of Hiking Boots
Hiking boots for children have become extremely popular because of the versatility that they provide. For example, some parents who live in areas where there is cold weather decide to purchase an insulated waterproof hiking boot instead of a snow boot.
I think this is a smart decision since your child can wear hiking boots for long periods of time and for different activities, while snow boots are only meant to be worn in the snow.
Going on hiking adventures with your kids is a great way to exercise and spend time together as a family. You need to protect and support your kids’ growing feet every step of the adventure by providing them with a supportive, waterproof, pair of hiking boots.
I always tell parents that I love the versatility that hiking boots provide since they are not just for going on hiking adventures, they are also great for those yucky, rainy days when you want to keep your children’s feet warm and dry. I always recommend hiking boots that are waterproof since that feature makes them more functional, and allows your kids to be able to wear them in the snow, as long as it is also insulated.
It is not easy to choose the right type of hiking boots since they all come with different features:
1️⃣ Some have better traction
2️⃣ Some are waterproof
3️⃣ Some are insulated
4️⃣ Some come in wide widths
5️⃣ Some come up higher on the leg than others
How to Tell If the Hiking Boot is Waterproof – Check the Label!
Most of the hiking boots that we carry at the children’s shoe store that I work for are waterproof. The whole point of a hiking boot is to keep your kids’ feet warm and dry when going for an adventure or when walking on wet surfaces on a rainy day.
You have to be careful when choosing a hiking boot for your child since most of them are not waterproof. To make sure that the hiking boot is waterproof, it must be labeled on the boot. If you don’t see a label that says “waterproof”, then it means that it’s not. Take a look at the picture below for clarification:
In addition to the waterproof feature, hiking boots must provide good traction. When walking on wet surfaces your kids’ feet may slip more, and a hiking boot that provides good traction helps prevent your child from slipping and falling.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online – Retrieve Your Child’s Foot Length
Before I show you a selection of the best hiking boots for kids, let’s make sure that you know how to provide your child with the correct shoe size. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best hiking boots for kids. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
The Best Hiking Boots for Kids
Below you can find the best selection of waterproof hiking boots that provide good support, are lightweight, flexible, durable, and can fit different foot shapes. Take a look at the description below each hiking boot to find out if it can accommodate your child’s foot shape.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style Timberland
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
- Water-friendly
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Atlas II by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Atlas II by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Sam II by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Bare Steps by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Water-friendly
- Wide toe-box and an outsole with rounded edges
- Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Bare Steps by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Water-friendly
- Wide toe-box and an outsole with rounded edges
- Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style L.L. Bean
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Heel and toe bumpers add durability
- Cushioned EVA midsole for all-day comfort
- Lining and removable insole made out of textile material
- Double velcro straps
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Tokyo by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Velcro closure
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot the same size as your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Timberland
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Full-grain leather
- Lace-up vamp
- Padded puffy collar
- EVA foam footbed
- Waterproof
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Moab Speed by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Velcro closure
- FLOATPRO FOAM footbed for enhanced cushioning
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moab Speed by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- M Select DRY bootie waterproof construction to keep feet dry
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Maker by Deer Stags
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Gusseted tongue keeps the water out
- Padded insole
- Reinforced protected toe
- Double velcro straps
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style DynaSoft Trail Magic by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added strength
- DynaSoft midsole adds plush cushioning and responsive performance underfoot
- The BOA® Fit System makes it easy to adjust the fit with a simple turn of a dial
- Removable, padded insole
- Bungee lace closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style DynaSoft Trail Magic by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added strength
- DynaSoft midsole adds plush cushioning and responsive performance underfoot
- The BOA® Fit System makes it easy to adjust the fit with a simple turn of a dial
- Removable, padded insole
- Bungee lace closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moab by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Constructed with M-Select® waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels.
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Lace-up closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moab 2 by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Constructed with M-Select® waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels.
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Lace-up closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Howser II by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- KEEN.Warm® insulation rating of -4ºF/-20ºC
- Waterproof
- Removable insoles
- Lace-up system with toggle closure offer a secure fit
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Maddsen by Timberland
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof to keep your child’s feet dry
- Traditional lace closure
- Padded collar and tongue
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Chameleon7 by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- M Select Dry waterproof construction for keeping toes dry
- Traditional lace closure
- Good traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My e-mail address is:
What Makes the Hiking Boots I Recommend Effective for Wide Feet?
The boots I recommend provide a rounder toe-box: This feature helps prevent your kids’ toes from rubbing against the side of the boots or from overlapping one another. Let me show you the difference between a boot that provides a round toe-box versus one that doesn’t:
The hiking boots that I recommend also provide extra depth to accommodate the shape of children who have high insteps. Take a look at the difference between a hiking boot that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t:
Do Hiking Boots Come with Velcro Closure?- Let’s Find Out!
Most hiking boots come with velcro closure and some other ones come with toggle shoelaces instead of shoelaces. If your child doesn’t know how to tie his shoes yet, you can definitely find a hiking boot with velcro closure or toggle shoelaces.
This will give your children the independence of putting their shoes on and taking them off by themselves, and it will avoid the frustration of having to constantly tie the boots. Below is a picture of how a hiking boot with velcro closure looks like:
You can actually purchase a hiking boot with shoelaces and then replace the shoelaces with toggle shoelaces for easy adjustability.
Certain socks help cushion and protect your kids’ feet when hiking. The socks should be the same length as the hiking boot, and I strongly recommend having your children try the hiking boots with the same type of socks that they will be wearing with the boots.
The Best Socks to Wear with Hiking Boots
For those really cold days, certain socks provide more warmth and cushion than others. Also, providing your child with hiking socks allows your child’s feet to breathe better since they are made of merino wool, an ultra-soft, naturally anti-microbial, breathable material. Below you can find a selection of the best hiking socks for children:
- Socks made by Meriwool
- Merino wool’s natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep your child’s feet dry
- 75% Merino wool blend ensures comfort all day long
- Socks made by Meriwool
- Merino wool’s natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep your child’s feet dry
- 75% Merino wool blend ensures comfort all day long
- Socks made by Seeyan
- 6 pairs childs thermal socks
- Made from high-quality wool materials, durable and breathable enough for flexible movements with its great elasticity and durability
- Provide enough stretch to easily put them on and don’t squeeze legs
- Socks made by Smartwool
- Flat knit toe seam for additional comfort
- 65% wool, 31% nylon, 2% recycled nylon, 2% elastane
- Socks made by Smartwool
- Cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot
- 58% wool, 38% nylon, 2% recycled nylon, 2% elastane
- Socks made by Antsang
- Made of the 55% wool, 25% cotton, 15% polyester and 5% spandex
- Special fuzzy inner design will keep the feet warm
What is the Main Difference Between a Hiking Boot and a Snow Boot?
The main difference is that hiking boots are a lot more versatile. Your child can wear a hiking boot on a daily basis, on rainy or snowy days, or when you take him for a hike in the mountains. However, snow boots are only meant to be worn for a very short period of time since they tend to be heavier and less flexible than hiking boots.
This means that snow boots are only meant to be worn when it snows or when there is extremely cold weather, and for very short periods of time.
Some parents decide to get their child both a hiking boot and a snow boot, but if you are looking to save some money, I would recommend that you get your child a pair of insulated hiking boots instead of a snow boot.
Your children will get a lot more use out of them, and they will be able to wear them in the rain and the snow.
Insulated hiking boots are more expensive than your regular hiking boots, but you are getting two boots in one since your child will be able to use them not only as their pair of hiking boots but also as their pair of snow boots.
Do you Happen to Need a Pair of Hiking Boots for Yourself?
If you need a pair of hiking boots for yourself I suggest that you take a look at a different website that describes the best waterproof hiking boots for women.
A hiking adventure is a great idea to get your children away from the TV or their electronic devices. It will not only provide good exercise for them but also promote good, quality time with the family! For your children to have a pleasant experience and ask to do it more frequently, you should provide them with the right type of boots.
Remember that hiking boots for children with wide or extra wide feet do exist, and they will guarantee your kids’ comfort when hiking, going to school on rainy days, or playing outside in the snow.
Does your child already own a pair of hiking boots? Have you found a particular style that he/she loves the most? Please share your experiences below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
£50 for size 4…. £106 for size 4 wide!! Ridiculous
Hello Jo,
Do you know if your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet? This will help me determine other boot styles that might be offered at more affordable price points.
This article is what I need it as we are debating with my husband on the hiking shoes and snow boots all the time.
He feels that we should use the hiking boots only when we to go hiking or camping as he feels they are not very comfortable. Of course, they are not ASICS sneakers (we love those for our 2-year old), but they are perfect when the weather out is wet and cold. Snow boots, on the other hand, are somewhat uncofortable and we only use it when there is snow. Or maybe they are just uncomfortable for two-year-olds…My son had SOREL and to be honest he didn’t seem comfortable with them. What do you think about this brand? This year we bought KAMIK and I feel they are much better choice.
Lena,
I don’t review footwear that I haven’t fitted before because I like to make sure I only describe quality footwear that I am also familiar with how it fits. We don’t carry the Sorel brand but I have heard some positive and some negative things about this brand. I can tell you that Kamik makes some of the best snow boots for kids!
After reading this I hit the buy button for KEEN Kovan boot and mid-Merino wool socks for my cousin. Indeed what you mentioned in this article is true. To be more practical, I might as well go for the boot that uses for both condition-Snow and Hiking. It’s more functional and money saving for me.
Maxx,
Most parents love the versatility of providing their children with a boot that can be used for hiking and for the snow! Like you stated, it will save you money and time!
My children love taking hikes. There are a couple of state parks near my home that have long trails, and I take them on hikes pretty regularly. I do notice that after these hikes, my kids, particularly my younger daughter, complain about sore feet, as they usually just wear their sneakers. I ordered hiking boots from the ones you recommend and hopefully this will help them feel more comfortable.
Oliver,
It is important to wear the correct type of footwear for a particular activity. Your children will notice a tremendous difference not only on how their feet feel,but a waterproof hiking will keep their feet warm and dry!
Thank you for a good and informative post on the subject of hiking boots for children. Which one will you recommend for a child that has a wide foot? My grandchild always complains about his shoes feeling too tight!
I was very impressed with your information about the differences of hiking boots as opposed to a snow boot.
Cheryl,
Go over the post again, yo will notice a section where I describe the best hiking boots for wide feet!
Finally some useful information about hiking boots for my kids. It was always difficult for me to find proper boots that would be same for my kids and not ruin my wallet. Kids can be easily discouraged if anything is not comfortable for them. That’s the main problem when traveling with kids. I got the Merrell style that comes in wide and I also got a pair of the socks you recommend. My child loves them and said they are the most comfortable boots he ever wore!
Rafa,
I agree, children need to be comfortable in order to enjoy their hiking adventures. I am glad your child loves his new boots. He probably has a wide foot and you weren’t providing him with a wide width pair! From now on, always make sure you are getting your child the correct shoe size!