The Best Hiking Boots for Kids: Our Top Picks

Kids’ hiking boots have to solve a different problem than adult boots. An adult boot is chosen for a foot shape that won’t change; a kids’ boot is chosen for a foot that could be a half-size bigger by the next camping trip, which is why the best options on this list lean on adjustable lacing, roomy (not sloppy) toe boxes, and price points that don’t sting when a growth spurt retires a pair after one season. Durability matters differently too — kids drag their toes, kick rocks on purpose, and stomp through every puddle on the trail, so an outsole and toe cap built for abuse matters more than it does for an adult who’s generally trying to avoid exactly that. For most families, the KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Big Kids is the strongest all-around pick because it pairs a genuinely wide, growth-friendly toe box with the same waterproof membrane and outsole grip found on KEEN’s adult boots. Families with a toddler or early-elementary hiker who needs a smaller, easier boot should start with the KEEN Redwood Mid Waterproof Little Kids instead.

## Our Top Picks at a Glance

| Product | Age Range | Waterproof | Closure | Price |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Big Kids | 7–14 | Yes | Lace-up | ~$70 |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Kids | 6–13 | Yes | Lace-up | ~$65 |
| Columbia Youth Newton Ridge Plus II WP | 6–13 | Yes | Lace-up | ~$50 |
| KEEN Redwood Mid Waterproof Little Kids | 4–8 | Yes | Speed-lace | ~$60 |
| Salomon Outward CSWP Junior | 6–13 | Yes | Quick-lace | ~$75 |
| Northside Hargrove Mid Waterproof Kids | 5–12 | Yes | Lace-up | ~$40 |
| Timberland PRO Mt. Maddsen WP Big Kids | 7–14 | Yes | Lace-up | ~$65 |
| Merrell Moab Speed Low Waterproof Kids | 6–13 | Yes | Lace-up | ~$60 |

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## 1. KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Big Kids — Best Overall

KEEN scaled its adult Targhee platform down for kids without cutting the features that make it worth buying in the first place — the wide, rounded toe box that’s become KEEN’s signature is even more useful on a kid’s foot, which is typically wider relative to its length than an adult’s and still developing its arch. That extra room means the boot fits comfortably through a growth spurt or two instead of needing replacement the moment toes start touching the front.

The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and non-marking rubber outsole are shared with KEEN’s adult hiking line, not a watered-down kids’ version, so the Targhee IV holds up to actual stream crossings and muddy trail rather than just damp grass. A protective toe bumper — essentially a rubber cap wrapping the front of the boot — absorbs the rock-kicking and root-stubbing that’s unavoidable with kids on trail.

**What we love:**
– Wide toe box accommodates growth and wide feet without sizing up
– Adult-grade waterproofing and outsole grip, not a diluted kids’ version
– Toe bumper survives serious rock-kicking abuse
– Speed-hook lacing is fast for parents tying boots at the trailhead
– Consistent sizing across KEEN’s kids line makes repurchasing easy

**What could be better:**
– Priced higher than the Columbia and Northside options below
– Runs slightly long — check KEEN’s kids sizing chart before buying
– Break-in period of a short walk or two before a longer hike

**Verdict:** The best default choice for most families. The Targhee IV’s combination of real waterproofing, genuine outsole grip, and a toe box that tolerates growth makes it the boot worth paying a bit more for.

**[Buy the KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Big Kids on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=KEEN+Targhee+IV+Waterproof+Big+Kids&tag=allgoodsrev-20)**

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## 2. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Kids — Best for Wide or Growing Feet

The Moab 3 Kids carries over the same Air Cushion heel and M Select DRY waterproofing from Merrell’s best-selling adult Moab line, which means it breaks in fast and rarely causes the stiff, blister-prone first few hikes that some kids’ boots do. The mid-cut ankle collar is padded enough to stay comfortable during a full day on trail without rubbing, which matters more for kids since they’re less likely to speak up about a hot spot until it’s already a blister.

Merrell’s kids sizing runs true and includes half sizes, which helps when a child’s feet are between the jumps other brands offer. The Vibram-adjacent Merrell outsole (a proprietary compound tuned similarly to the adult Moab’s) grips reasonably well on dirt and rock, though it’s not quite as aggressive as the true Vibram TC5+ found on the adult version.

**What we love:**
– Minimal break-in — comfortable within the first hike or two
– Half sizes reduce the “one size too big, one size too small” problem
– Padded ankle collar prevents rubbing on long days
– Reasonably priced for the feature set
– Handed-down pairs still have life left after one season of use

**What could be better:**
– Outsole grip slightly behind KEEN and Salomon on wet rock
– Toe box narrower than the KEEN Targhee IV
– Only available in mid-cut — no low-cut version for warm-weather hikes

**Verdict:** The best pick for families who’ve had good experience with adult Merrell boots and want the same fit philosophy scaled down. Reliable, comfortable, and reasonably durable across a hiking season.

**[Buy the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Kids on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Merrell+Moab+3+Mid+Waterproof+Kids&tag=allgoodsrev-20)**

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## 3. Columbia Youth Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof — Best Budget

The Newton Ridge Plus II undercuts most of the other boots on this list by $15–25 while still including genuine Omni-Tech waterproofing rather than a simple water-resistant coating, which is the detail that matters most for a budget kids’ boot — a cheap boot that lets water in on the first creek crossing isn’t actually cheap once you’re buying a second pair mid-season. The leather-and-mesh upper is a step down from the more technical materials on the KEEN and Salomon options, but it holds up fine for weekend day hikes and campground trails.

Techlite midsole cushioning is basic compared to Merrell’s Air Cushion or KEEN’s metatomical footbed, but for kids under about 60 lbs the extra cushioning volume on pricier boots matters less than it does for an adult carrying more weight per step. The Omni-Grip outsole handles dry and lightly wet trail competently.

**What we love:**
– Genuinely waterproof, not just water-resistant, at a budget price
– Low cost makes replacing outgrown boots painless
– Multiple colorways kids will actually want to wear
– Reasonably light for the price tier
– Widely available in half sizes at most retailers

**What could be better:**
– Less aggressive outsole than KEEN or Salomon on wet rock
– Thinner cushioning noticeable on longer hikes (5+ miles)
– Break-in period slightly longer than the Merrell Moab 3

**Verdict:** The best choice for families hiking occasionally who don’t want to spend $60–75 on a boot their kid will outgrow in a year. Real waterproofing at a real budget price.

**[Buy the Columbia Youth Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Columbia+Youth+Newton+Ridge+Plus+II+Waterproof&tag=allgoodsrev-20)**

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## 4. KEEN Redwood Mid Waterproof Little Kids — Best for Toddlers and Early Elementary

Sized for the 4–8 age range that most “kids” hiking boots skip over, the Redwood Mid solves the problem of trying to fit a genuinely small foot into a scaled-down big-kid boot, which usually still runs too stiff and too heavy for a toddler’s gait. The speed-lace pull system — a single cinch cord instead of traditional laces — lets a young child get the boot snug themselves, or lets a parent tighten it in seconds without kneeling to tie bows at a trailhead with a squirming four-year-old.

The outsole is softer and more flexible than KEEN’s adult-oriented Targhee line, which matches a young child’s more limited ankle strength and lower body weight — a stiffer sole would actually work against natural gait development at this age rather than helping it. KEEN.DRY waterproofing carries over from the rest of the line, so puddle-stomping is fully covered.

**What we love:**
– Actually fits toddler and early-elementary sizing other “kids” boots skip
– Speed-lace system is fast and toddler-manageable
– Softer, more flexible sole matches a young child’s gait
– Same reliable KEEN.DRY waterproofing as the adult line
– Toe bumper survives the inevitable curb-jumping and rock-kicking

**What could be better:**
– Too soft and low-support for older kids doing real mileage
– Sizes run through little-kid only — needs replacing by early elementary growth
– Higher price than a typical toddler shoe, justified only if hiking regularly

**Verdict:** The best option for the youngest hikers in the family. It’s the rare boot actually built around a small child’s gait rather than a shrunk-down adult design.

**[Buy the KEEN Redwood Mid Waterproof Little Kids on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=KEEN+Redwood+Mid+Waterproof+Little+Kids&tag=allgoodsrev-20)**

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## 5. Salomon Outward CSWP Junior — Best Lightweight

Salomon brings its Contragrip outsole compound and quick-lace system down to a junior-sized boot, and the weight savings are the standout feature — the Outward CSWP is noticeably lighter than the KEEN Targhee or Merrell Moab 3, which matters more for kids than most parents assume, since a heavier boot increases fatigue and trips faster in a smaller, less-developed leg. The single-pull quick-lace system with a toggle lock is faster to tighten than traditional laces and harder for a kid to accidentally leave loose.

Climashield waterproofing keeps the weight advantage intact rather than adding the bulk of a heavier membrane, and the Contragrip outsole grips well on the mixed dirt-and-rock terrain of most family trail systems. It runs at a higher price than the Columbia or Northside options, positioning it as the pick for families who hike often enough to value the weight savings.

**What we love:**
– Meaningfully lighter than every other boot on this list
– Quick-lace toggle is fast and kid-friendly
– Contragrip outsole grips well on mixed terrain
– Low-cut design suits warm-weather and shorter hikes
– Streamlined profile kids find less clunky than bulkier mid-cut boots

**What could be better:**
– Low-cut means less ankle support than the mid-cut options above
– Priced at the top of this list
– Less protective toe coverage than the KEEN or Timberland options

**Verdict:** The best pick for families who hike frequently and want a boot their kid won’t complain feels heavy. The ankle support trade-off is worth it on maintained trail but less so on technical terrain.

**[Buy the Salomon Outward CSWP Junior on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Salomon+Outward+CSWP+Junior&tag=allgoodsrev-20)**

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## 6. Northside Hargrove Mid Waterproof Kids — Best Ultra-Affordable

At roughly half the price of the KEEN or Salomon options, the Hargrove Mid is built for families who hike occasionally rather than every weekend, or who need a second or third pair for siblings without a name-brand price tag on each one. It covers the fundamentals — a waterproof membrane, a lace-up mid-cut collar for basic ankle support, and a rubber outsole with a reasonable lug pattern — without the refinements (contoured footbeds, technical outsole compounds) found on the pricier picks.

It won’t hold up to a full season of aggressive, multiple-times-a-week trail use the way the KEEN Targhee does, but for car camping, occasional day hikes, and general outdoor play, it’s a genuinely capable boot at a price where outgrowing it after one season doesn’t sting.

**What we love:**
– Lowest price on this list while still being genuinely waterproof
– Reasonable outsole grip for the price point
– Easy to justify buying a size up for extra room to grow into
– Good option for outfitting multiple kids without a big spend
– Widely available in half sizes

**What could be better:**
– Materials and cushioning noticeably behind the name-brand options
– Durability suited to occasional use, not weekly hiking
– Outsole wears faster than Vibram or Contragrip equivalents

**Verdict:** The best choice for occasional hikers and larger families outfitting more than one kid. It does the job without the name-brand price tag.

**[Buy the Northside Hargrove Mid Waterproof Kids on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Northside+Hargrove+Mid+Waterproof+Kids&tag=allgoodsrev-20)**

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## 7. Timberland PRO Mt. Maddsen Waterproof Big Kids — Best Durability

Timberland scaled down its rugged, work-boot-adjacent construction for the Mt. Maddsen kids’ version, and it shows in how the boot holds up to abuse — a reinforced toe cap and a sturdier upper than most of the boots on this list make it the pick for the kid who treats every hike like an obstacle course. The trade-off is weight: it’s the heaviest boot here, noticeably more so than the Salomon or Merrell options.

The waterproof membrane and rubber lug outsole perform reliably in mud and wet trail, and the higher-durometer rubber used in the outsole resists the rock-scraping and curb-dragging that wears through softer compounds faster. For families whose kid is genuinely hard on shoes — the kind who wears through sneakers in a season — the extra durability here is worth the added weight.

**What we love:**
– Reinforced toe cap and upper survive serious rough-and-tumble use
– Outsole compound resists wear better than budget alternatives
– Reliable waterproofing in mud and wet trail
– Sturdy construction extends usable life beyond one season
– Good option for hand-me-downs given how well it holds up

**What could be better:**
– Heaviest option on this list, which some kids notice on longer hikes
– Higher price than the Columbia or Northside budget picks
– Less flexible sole than the KEEN or Merrell options

**Verdict:** The best pick for the kid who’s genuinely hard on footwear. It costs more than the budget options but survives the abuse that would wear those out in half a season.

**[Buy the Timberland PRO Mt. Maddsen Waterproof Big Kids on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Timberland+PRO+Mt.+Maddsen+Waterproof+Big+Kids&tag=allgoodsrev-20)**

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## 8. Merrell Moab Speed Low Waterproof Kids — Best Low-Cut Trail Shoe

For families who hike mostly maintained trail and want something closer to a trail running shoe than a traditional boot, the Moab Speed Low trades ankle coverage for a lighter, more athletic feel that many older kids — especially those who already play sports — find more comfortable to move in. The low-cut design also ventilates better on warm-weather hikes, which matters for kids who run hot and sweat more than adults relative to body size.

M Select DRY waterproofing and a Vibram-adjacent outsole carry over the trail performance of Merrell’s other kids’ boots in a lower-profile package. It’s not the right choice for technical, rocky, or off-trail terrain where ankle support matters, but for well-maintained park and forest trails it’s a genuinely comfortable, lightweight option.

**What we love:**
– Lighter and more athletic-feeling than every mid-cut boot on this list
– Better ventilation for warm-weather hiking
– Comfortable for kids who prefer a sneaker-like fit
– Still genuinely waterproof despite the low-cut design
– Doubles as a general outdoor-play shoe, not just a hiking boot

**What could be better:**
– No ankle support — not suited to technical or off-trail terrain
– Less toe protection than the mid-cut Merrell or KEEN options
– Not the right choice for a first-time hiker still finding their footing

**Verdict:** The best pick for maintained-trail families and kids who already prefer athletic shoes over boots. Comfortable and capable, with the clear caveat that it’s not built for rugged terrain.

**[Buy the Merrell Moab Speed Low Waterproof Kids on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Merrell+Moab+Speed+Low+Waterproof+Kids&tag=allgoodsrev-20)**

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## Best Hiking Boots for Kids: How to Choose

### Buy for growth, but not too much room

Leave roughly a thumb’s width of space at the toe — enough to accommodate a growth spurt over a season without leaving so much room that the heel slips and causes blisters. A boot that’s more than one size too big changes how a kid walks, which increases trip-and-fall risk more than it saves you a future purchase. Half sizes, where available (Merrell, Columbia), make it easier to land close to the right amount of extra room.

### Mid-cut vs. low-cut for kids

Mid-cut boots with ankle coverage are the safer default for uneven, rocky, or unfamiliar trail, since kids are more likely to roll an ankle stepping on something without looking. Low-cut trail shoes work well for maintained park trails and warm weather, and tend to be lighter and easier for kids to move naturally in. If your family hikes mostly groomed trails, a low-cut option like the Merrell Moab Speed Low is worth considering over a heavier mid-cut boot.

### Match the boot to how hard on shoes your kid actually is

A gentle occasional hiker doesn’t need the reinforced toe cap and heavy-duty upper of the Timberland PRO Mt. Maddsen — a budget pick like the Northside Hargrove or Columbia Newton Ridge covers the fundamentals for less money. A kid who wears through sneakers every season and treats trail obstacles as a personal challenge will get more real-world life out of the tougher, pricier options.

### Let your kid help break them in

New boots should get a short walk or two — around the yard, a short neighborhood loop — before a real hike, the same as with adult boots. This surfaces rubbing or fit issues while they’re still fixable with an exchange, rather than three miles from the trailhead.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**How often should I replace my kid’s hiking boots?**
Roughly once per season for younger, fast-growing kids, though this varies widely by growth rate. Check fit every couple of months during active growth periods — if toes are touching the front with socks on, it’s time for a new size regardless of how much wear is left on the boot itself.

**Do kids really need waterproof hiking boots?**
Yes, more than adults arguably do — kids are far more likely to walk directly through puddles and stream crossings rather than around them. A non-waterproof shoe that gets soaked early in a hike leads to cold, uncomfortable feet and a much higher chance of the hike ending in a meltdown.

**Should I buy boots a size up to save money over time?**
One half-size up is reasonable and gives some room to grow. A full size up or more changes gait and increases trip risk, and the loose fit at the heel is a common cause of blisters — the savings aren’t worth the discomfort or safety trade-off.

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## Related Reviews

– [The Best Hiking Boots for Beginners: Our Top Picks](/best-hiking-boots-for-beginners/)
– [The Best Hiking Boots of 2026: Our Top Picks](/best-hiking-boots-2026/)
– [The Best Hiking Boots for Kids with Wide Feet: Our Top Picks](/best-hiking-boots-for-kids-with-wide-feet/)
– [The Best Camping Tents of 2026: Our Top Picks](/best-camping-tents-2026/)

## How We Chose

We evaluated kids’ hiking boots on waterproofing reliability, toe box room for growth and comfort, outsole grip and durability against typical kid-level trail abuse, ease of use for both kids and parents at the trailhead (lacing systems), and value relative to how quickly kids outgrow footwear. Findings were cross-referenced with parent reports from outdoor family hiking communities and manufacturer sizing data across the KEEN, Merrell, Columbia, Salomon, Northside, and Timberland kids’ lines.

*Prices are approximate and may vary. Always check Amazon for current pricing.*