Hiking Shoes for Kids: How to Choose the Right Shoes and Boots

The best hiking shoes for kids are light, flexible trail shoes or mid boots with a grippy lugged sole, a firm heel cup, a rubber toe bumper and an easy closure, fitted with about a thumb’s width of space beyond the longest toe. For most children on well-made paths, trail shoes are enough; switch to mid-cut, waterproof boots for mud, wet weather, rocky ground and longer or colder hikes.

This guide covers shoes vs boots by age and terrain, how to measure and allow for growth, waterproofing, soles, closures, budget and hand-me-downs, socks and breaking in, plus practical tips for hiking with children.

Quick answer: choosing kids’ hiking shoes

Feature	What to look for
Style	Trail shoes for dry, easy paths; mid boots for mud, rocks, wet or cold
Fit	About a thumb’s width (roughly 1 cm) beyond the longest toe; heel held without slipping
Weight and flex	Light, bends at the ball of the foot, does not twist like a wet cloth
Sole	Rubber outsole with defined lugs; avoid smooth or foam-only soles
Heel and toe	Firm heel counter, rubber toe bumper
Closure	Hook-and-loop or bungee for younger children; laces for older kids and rough terrain
Waterproofing	Membrane for wet climates and cold; mesh for hot, dry weather
Socks	Merino or synthetic hiking socks, never cotton for long walks
Size checks	Re-measure every 2 to 3 months (more often for toddlers)

Why kids need proper hiking shoes

Children’s feet are not just small adult feet. Their bones are still developing and their ligaments are more elastic, and young children are poor at telling you when shoes pinch. They can curl their toes without complaint, so a shoe that is too small may not seem to bother them until they have a blister or simply refuse to walk.

Everyday trainers often have smooth soles that slip on wet rock, mud and grass, and soft uppers that offer little protection from stones. A dedicated trail shoe or boot gives grip, stability and protection, which makes walking easier and more fun. Comfort is the single biggest factor in how far a child is willing to go.

Hiking shoes vs hiking boots for kids

Option	Best for	Pros	Cons
Trail shoes (low-cut)	Dry, well-made paths, warm weather, most day walks	Light, flexible, cheaper, easy to put on, dual use for school and play	Less ankle protection, let water and stones in
Mid boots	Mud, rocky ground, wet climates, longer walks, colder weather	More protection and support, keep out water and debris	Heavier, warmer, usually more expensive, longer to break in
Hiking sandals	Hot weather, streams, beaches, camp	Cool, quick-drying	Exposed toes; not for rocky or cold terrain
Wellies	Very muddy, short outings for young children	Fully waterproof, easy on and off	Poor support and fit for longer distances; feet get sweaty

Choosing by age and terrain

Toddlers and pre-schoolers (roughly 1 to 4)

Very young children walk short distances and spend part of the hike being carried, so prioritise flexible, light shoes with soft uppers and hook-and-loop fastening. Heavy boots tire small legs quickly. Choose waterproof options only if you are regularly in mud and puddles. At this age, feet grow quickly, so measure every six to eight weeks.

Young children (roughly 5 to 8)

Children start walking longer distances and on rougher ground. A good trail shoe works for most outings; a lightweight mid boot is worth it for wet, muddy or rocky routes, especially in temperate climates like the UK. Look for a sole with real lugs and a toe bumper, since this is the age of scrambling over everything.

Older children and pre-teens (roughly 9 to 12)

Older kids may walk full days, carry a small pack and tackle hill walks or multi-day treks. Choose shoes and boots with a firmer sole, a supportive heel counter and laces for a precise fit. Many brands make junior versions of adult boots, with membranes and grippy rubber soles.

Teenagers

Teenagers with adult-sized feet can usually wear adult hiking footwear in smaller sizes. Fit them as you would an adult, using the same principles as in our guide to choosing trekking shoes.

How to measure and fit kids’ hiking shoes

1. Measure both feet in the afternoon or evening, when feet are largest. Use the larger foot to choose the size.
2. Use hiking socks for the fitting, not thin everyday socks.
3. Have the child stand, with weight on both feet, before you check length.
4. Check toe room. NHS guidance on children’s footwear suggests about a thumb’s width of space between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe. That is roughly 1 cm, and enough for growth and for toes on descents.
5. Use the insole test. Remove the insole and have the child stand on it. You should see a little space beyond the longest toe and no overhang at the sides. It is the most reliable way to check fit, because children often curl their toes.
6. Check the heel. Fasten the shoe and ask them to walk, climb a step or slope and come down again. The heel should not lift more than slightly and the toes should not hit the front.
7. Check the width. Look for bulging at the sides or red marks after a short walk. Width matters as much as length.
8. Ask simple questions. “Does anything rub?” or “Can you wiggle your toes?” work better than “Are they comfortable?”

How much growth room is too much?

Buying a size or two up to “grow into” is tempting, but shoes that are too big let the foot slide, causing blisters and trips. Stick to around a thumb’s width. If you are buying ahead of a summer of walking, a half size up is the most you should go.

How often to check size

The Royal College of Podiatry advises checking a toddler’s feet every six to eight weeks and older children’s every two to three months. Check before any holiday or trek, as a pair that fitted in spring may not fit by summer.

Soles, heel cups and toe protection

• Outsole: rubber with distinct lugs for grip on mud, grass and wet rock. Avoid smooth, flat soles designed for pavements.
• Flexibility: the sole should bend where the toes bend, at the ball of the foot, but not fold in half or twist easily. Too stiff and the child cannot walk naturally; too soft and it gives no support.
• Midsole: light foam cushioning is enough for children’s body weight. Heavy, stiff midsoles designed for adults with packs are unnecessary.
• Heel counter: squeeze the back of the shoe. It should be firm enough to hold the heel in place.
• Toe bumper: a rubber cap over the toes protects against stubbing on rocks and roots, and makes shoes last longer when children drag their feet.

Waterproof vs breathable

Waterproof shoes and boots use a membrane that keeps water out while letting some moisture escape. They are worth it in wet climates, in cold weather and for children who will find every puddle. The trade-off is warmth: in hot weather, feet sweat and can end up damp from the inside, which causes blisters.

Conditions	Best choice
Wet, muddy, cold or changeable weather	Waterproof shoes or mid boots
Hot, dry weather	Breathable mesh trail shoes
Frequent streams and water play	Hiking sandals or quick-drying water shoes
Snow	Insulated waterproof boots, with gaiters if deep

Remember that water can still pour in over the top of a low-cut waterproof shoe. If streams or deep puddles are likely, choose a mid boot or bring sandals for crossings; see our guide to choosing hiking sandals.

Laces, hook-and-loop or bungee?

Closure	Best for	Notes
Hook-and-loop (Velcro-style)	Toddlers and young children	Quick and independent; can clog with mud and loosen over time
Bungee or toggle laces	Ages 4 to 10, quick on and off	Fast to tighten, no knots to come undone; less precise fit
Traditional laces	Older children, rough terrain, longer hikes	Best fit and ankle hold; need checking for coming undone

Whatever the closure, it should be adjustable so you can fine-tune the fit as feet grow and as socks change. Slip-on styles are not recommended for walking. For older children with laced boots, a heel lock or double bow stops laces coming loose; see how to lace hiking boots.

Weight

Weight matters more for children because their legs are smaller and they tire sooner. Every extra gram on the foot is lifted with every step. Choose the lightest footwear that suits the terrain, and avoid heavy leather boots for young children unless the conditions really demand them.

Budget, sales and hand-me-downs

Children may outgrow hiking shoes in a single season, so it makes sense to spend wisely.

• Prioritise fit over brand. A well-fitting mid-priced shoe is better than an expensive one in the wrong size.
• Buy at the right time. End-of-season sales are a good time for the next size up, provided you measure first and the child will grow into them within a couple of months.
• Hand-me-downs: because children often outgrow hiking shoes before wearing them out, a sibling’s or friend’s pair can be a good option. Check them carefully: the insole and heel should not be compressed or worn unevenly, the sole should not be worn smooth, and the shoe must fit the new child. If wear is uneven or the insole has moulded to the previous owner’s foot, replace the insole or choose a different pair.
• Second-hand and swaps: outdoor clubs, school groups and online marketplaces often have barely-worn kids’ boots. Apply the same checks.
• Look after them: cleaning off mud and drying shoes properly helps them last for the next child. See how to clean trekking boots.

Socks: the overlooked part of the system

Good socks make good shoes work. Cotton socks hold sweat, stay wet and cause blisters. Choose:

• Merino wool or synthetic hiking socks, which manage moisture and reduce friction.
• The right length: socks should come above the top of the shoe or boot to prevent rubbing on the ankle.
• The right size: tight or short socks can restrict the foot even in well-fitting shoes, and baggy socks bunch up and rub.
• A spare pair in the bag for every walk, so wet socks can be changed.

Breaking in new shoes

Children’s hiking shoes are usually softer than adult boots and need less breaking in, but never save new shoes for the first big hike.

1. Wear them around the house for a few days, in hiking socks.
2. Then use them for school runs, the park and short local walks.
3. Check feet afterwards for redness or pressure marks. Children may not tell you about discomfort, so look.
4. Build up to a longer walk with some hills before a trip.

If a shoe causes red marks in the same place after several wears, it does not fit. Try a different size, width or model rather than persevering.

Tips for hiking with kids

• Start short. Some young children can walk a few kilometres; for others, one flat kilometre is plenty. Plan for your child, not an average, and leave energy in reserve for the return.
• Plan frequent breaks and make them worth stopping for: a stream, a viewpoint, a snack spot.
• Make it a game. Spotting animals, collecting interesting stones (and leaving them), building stone stacks or being the “leader” for a section keeps legs moving.
• Bring a friend. Children often walk further and complain less in company.
• Snacks and water. Children dehydrate quickly and get grumpy when hungry. Offer drinks and snacks little and often; see how to stay hydrated when hiking.
• Layers and sun protection. Pack a warm layer, a waterproof, a hat and sun cream, even on cool days.
• Give them a small pack to carry their own snack and water. It builds ownership, but keep it light.
• Carry a small first aid kit with blister plasters, and check feet at breaks.
• Turn back early. Ending while they still want more is how you raise a child who wants to hike again.

Trekking in Nepal with children

Families do trek in Nepal, usually on lower, shorter routes with comfortable teahouses. Treks such as Poon Hill, with a visit to the village of Ghandruk, or day walks around Nagarkot near Kathmandu suit children who already enjoy hill walking. These trails involve long stone staircases, so well-fitting shoes with a good grip and a toe bumper are important.

• Altitude: children can get altitude sickness, and young children may not be able to describe symptoms. Higher treks such as the Annapurna Base Camp trek need careful planning, a slow ascent and a willingness to turn back. Speak to your doctor or a travel health clinic before taking children to altitude.
• Guides: since 1 April 2023, foreign trekkers in most areas of Nepal, including the Annapurna region, must trek with a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency. The Khumbu (Everest) local government did not adopt the rule. A guide is especially helpful with children, for pacing and finding family-friendly lodges.
• Season: choose spring or autumn for drier trails. In the monsoon, paths are slippery and leeches are common at lower altitudes; see how to protect yourself from leeches.
• Safety: read our safety tips for trekking in Nepal before you go.

Next step

Measure your child’s feet this week, in hiking socks, and check their current shoes against the thumb’s width rule. If you are planning their first proper hike or a family trip, our trekking for beginners guide is a good place to start, or ask us about a family-friendly trek in Nepal.

Frequently asked questions

Do kids need hiking boots or are trainers enough?

For short walks on dry, well-made paths, good trainers or trail shoes are usually enough. For mud, wet weather, rocky ground or longer hikes, a proper trail shoe or mid boot with a lugged rubber sole, toe bumper and firm heel is safer and more comfortable.

How much room should kids’ hiking shoes have?

About a thumb’s width, roughly 1 cm, between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe, checked with the child standing in hiking socks. Much more than that lets the foot slide and causes blisters and trips.

Should I buy kids’ hiking shoes a size bigger?

No more than a half size up, and only if the heel is still held securely. Shoes bought too big to grow into slip, rub and make tripping more likely. Fit for now, with a thumb’s width of growing room.

How often do children need new hiking shoes?

Check the fit every two to three months for school-age children and every six to eight weeks for toddlers. Many children outgrow hiking shoes within a season or two, often before they wear out.

Are waterproof hiking shoes worth it for kids?

In wet, muddy or cold conditions, yes, because wet feet get cold and blister more easily. In hot, dry weather, breathable mesh shoes are often more comfortable, as waterproof membranes can make feet sweaty.

Is it OK to use hand-me-down hiking boots?

Often, yes, because children tend to outgrow hiking boots before wearing them out. Check that the sole still has grip, the heel and insole are not worn unevenly, and the boots fit the new child properly. Replace the insole if it has moulded to the previous wearer’s foot.

What age can kids start hiking?

Children can enjoy short walks as soon as they are walking confidently, and babies and toddlers can be carried in a child carrier. Distances vary hugely between children, so start short, plan lots of breaks and build up gradually.

Can children trek in Nepal?

Yes, many families trek in Nepal, usually on lower routes such as Poon Hill. Higher treks need extra care because children can get altitude sickness and may not describe symptoms clearly. Speak to your doctor before travelling to altitude with children, and trek with an experienced guide.