We hope you love our recommendations! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
If you're a particularly adventurous family with a love of all things outdoor, then you'll need a superb pair of hiking boots for kids.
We've done the research to ensure that you can purchase the best children's walking boots out there for all ages and needs: from tiny tots only just learning the call of the wild, to seasoned teenagers signing themselves up for a serious trek. Don't forget to keep an eye out for wildlife, and if you're keen for inspiration on getting out of the house, check out our list of destinations for family day trips.
Happy hiking!
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Kidadl's Top Pick
1. Reima Wetter Wash Shoes - Reima
These waterproof boots for kids are top of the range and will keep them hiking happily with no problems. They're machine washable at 30 degrees, have stretchy laces that makes getting them on and off a breeze, and reflective details. They also have a waterproof, seam-sealed insert and removable insoles, so that kids can be sure that they're wearing the correct size. Their upper is durable and also waterproof, and the boot is totally vegan.
Main Features
- Price: from £40
- Ages: 2+
- Totally waterproof
- Machine washable at 30 degrees
- Seam-sealed insert with mesh lining
- Removable insoles to ensure the boots fit to the correct size
- Elastic lacing for easy on-and-off
- Reflective details
- Vegan
Best For Families On A Budget
2. Rapid Waterproof Kids Walking Boots - Mountain Warehouse
Durable, comfortable, and with a serious discount, these waterproof kids' shoes are great as a unisex option from Mountain Warehouse. They have a suede and mesh upper, making them lightweight and breathable, and the moulded foam footbed ensures that your kid's feet will have the support they need at the arch and toe. A padded tongue provides similar cushioning, and there is added rubber reinforcement at the heels and toes to protect feet from direct impact (it also makes the boots last longer).
Main Features
- Price: £22.99
- Ages: 2+
- Durable, lightweight, water-resistant
- Supreme cushioning from the padded tongue and footbed
- Heel and toe bumpers for extra protection
- Breathable mesh upper
Best For Early Years
3. Toddler's Chandler CNX Trainers - Keen Footwear
Keen Footwear is a premium brand for active footwear, and these toddler walking boots are no different. They're streamlined, lightweight, and flexible, with a non-marking rubber outsole so you don't have to worry about scuffs and scrapes. The arches are contoured for added support, a hook and loop strap over the instep makes getting these walking boots for toddlers easier to get on and off, and they have an eco anti-odour technology.
Main Features
- Price: £29.99
- Ages: 6 months - 2 years
- Non-marking rubber sole
- Lightweight and flexible
- Contoured arch for support
- Quick-dry mesh, making it breathable
- Hook and loop over instep making it easy to put on
- Anti-odour technology
Best For Under 5s
4. Younger Kids' Targhee Waterproof Hiking Boots - Keen Footwear
Designed after the award-winning adult footwear of the same name, these walking boots for children are built to see your kids through all of their active adventures. They have a waterproof, breathable membrane and a secure-fit lace system, with adjustable hook and loop strap over the instep for ease of entry. They're built for all terrains, and have supreme traction, so that your kids can hit the mountain trails no problem. Cushioned support combines with a padded tongue and collar to minimise blisters, and there's eco anti-odour technology.
Main Features
- Price: £54.99
- Ages: 2-8 years
- Water repellant to keep little feet dry but still breathable
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned arch support
- Eco anti-odour technology
- TPU heel-capture system for stability
- Hook and lace strap makes for easy on and off
Best For Under 10s
5. Drift Junior Waterproof Boots - Mountain Warehouse
Coming in two colourways, these are ideal boys' walking boots or girls' walking boots. They're comfortable and durable, with a synthetic and mesh upper, but also provide protection and support for little feet with an EVA footbed and high traction outsole. They're also water-resistant and have a toe bumper, ensuring the footwear lasts longer and avoids any stubbed toes thanks to the rubber reinforcement. Get ready to hit the great outdoors!
Main Features
- Price: from £29.99
- Ages: 2-6 years
- EVA footbed provides moulded fit for extra comfort
- High traction outsole for super grip
- Water-resistant upper and membrane
- Synthetic and mesh upper makes for breathability
- Toe bumper for protection
Best For Teens
6. Kids Terra Waterproof - Scarpa
These are an investment, but they're worth it, and tick all the boxes for outdoor activities for teens. They're built to last, and the sole is designed for grip, durability, and constant support underfoot. Made of leather, they're super retro, but still fully waterproof and breathable to keep feet dry and comfortable. There's great ankle support, and the easy-running lacing allows for quick adjustments.
Main Features
- Price: £80
- Ages: 10+
- Fully waterproof and breathable
- Ankle support
- Sole provides grip, traction, durability, and support
- Retro look
- Easy running lace
Best Low Walking Boots
7. Kids' Samaris Low Walking Shoes - Regatta
If you're looking for kids' shoes for walking that will nonetheless stand up to longer hikes or treks, this pair of shoes is for you. They have a lightweight rubber outsole and shock-absorbing heel cushioning for all-day comfort. EVA technology at the midsole makes for further cushioning, meaning there's reduced impact on young joints and feet. The elasticated lacing system is easy to use, and the hook and loop over the instep make life easier when putting these shoes on and off. They're also vegan, and are both waterproof and windproof.
Main Features
- Price: £39.95
- Ages: 6-16 years
- EVA cushioning, shock-absorbing heel comfort
- Lightweight rubber outsole
- Elasticated lacing
- Hook and loop entrance
- Vegan
- Waterproof and windproof
- Sleek design
Best All Terrain Kids' Waterproof Boots
8. Cumberbatch Kids' Walking Boots - Trespass
Suitable as both boys' and girls' walking boots, these are sturdy but supportive, with arch-stabilising shanks and cushioned footbeds. There's a cushioned collar and tongue to minimise blisters, and an all-round mudguard for extra ankle support. They're also water repellant but breathable, with a durable outsole made for maximum traction.
Main Features
- Price: £34.99
- Ages: 5-11
- Unisex boot
- Cushioning at the collar and tongue
- Arch-stabilising shanks for extra support
- Waterproof but breathable
- High grip sole
Best Snow Boots
9. Kids' Anti-Slip Snow Boots - Elaphurus
These are great options as kids' hiking boots if your family also spends significant amounts of time in the snow. They have a soft faux-fur lining to keep little feet warm and comfortable, and have anti-slip steel buckles that provide extra grip on the shoes' soles, which are already a thick rubber. These steel buckles can fold three ways, too, depending on how much grip is required. There's extra padding at the toes to provide protection against collisions, and a hook and lace entry system combines with easy lacing to make getting the boots on and off more convenient. They're also durable and breathable.
Kidadl Top Tip: size up as these have a thick lining so run slightly small.
Main Features
- Price: £32.99
- Ages: 3-16
- The pair of boots for walking and hiking in snowy terrain
- Faux-fur lined for extra warmth
- Non-slip steel buckles that add extra traction to thick rubber soles
- Anti-collision toe padding
- Breathable but waterproof
- Easy lacing and hook and loop entry
Best Multi-Sport Waterproof Kids' Boots
10. Unisex Kids' Julien Multisport Outdoor Shoes - Trespass
If your family is looking for a boot that works well for walks but also looks sleeker than a traditional trek boot, these are a good option. They're water repellant and breathable, with a velcro entry system and hook and loop support. The sole is rubber with good grip, the insole has plenty of cushioning, and the shoes' outer layer has reflective detailing. An ideal unisex kids' boot.
Main Features
- Price: from £22
- Ages: 4-16
- Breathable but water repellant
- High traction rubber sole
- Unisex design
- Velcro entry with hook and loop
- Inner cushioning
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for kids' walking boots then why not take a look at our best family tents, or for something different take a look at the best kids pyjamas, after a long day of walking.
Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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