Kids hiking shoes fail in different ways from adult shoes. They get outgrown before they wear out, they get soaked in the first puddle, and they get kicked off when they pinch or rub. This guide leads with the two true kids shoes, one tough and waterproof, one light and fast, and adds adult shoes that work for older kids who have outgrown kids sizing. Fit matters more than features here: a shoe a child will actually keep on beats a technical shoe they hate.
The Best Hiking Shoes for Kids (2027)
Hiking shoes for kids in 2027: waterproof KEEN and light Merrell kids shoes, plus small-size adult options for older kids, ranked on fit, toughness and dry feet.
The short answer
For most kids in 2027, start with the KEEN Kids Targhee 4 Low Waterproof for wet, rocky trails, or the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof for light, fast days. Older kids who have outgrown kids sizes can move into the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX or the HOKA Speedgoat 6 in small adult sizes. Measure both feet, fit with hiking socks, and leave growing room without letting the heel slip.
Our top picks at a glance
- KEEN Kids Targhee 4 Low WaterproofThe kids Targhee: KEEN.DRY waterproofing, a protective toe bumper and the wide, sturdy fit young hikers need.Best kids waterproof shoe
- Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof (Kids)The kids Moab, made light and fast: waterproof construction and a grippy sole in a shoe kids can actually run in.Best kids light hiker
- Merrell Moab 3 WaterproofThe classic Moab formula in a low cut with a waterproof membrane: leather and mesh, Vibram grip and the fit that made the line famous.Best older-kid classic
- Salomon X Ultra 4 GTXThe proven Gore-Tex all-rounder: Quicklace closure, ADV-C chassis and Contagrip grip for steep, wet and mixed ground.Best older-kid technical shoe
- HOKA Speedgoat 6The max-cushion trail runner for hiking: CMEVA foam and Vibram Megagrip in a light shoe that eats flat miles.Best older-kid trail runner
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Membrane | Style | Upper | Toe protection | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KEEN Kids Targhee 4 Low Waterproof | Best kids waterproof shoe | KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane | 1029564 | Leather and textile | Rubber toe bumper | All-terrain rubber traction |
| 2 | Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof (Kids) | Best kids light hiker | - | - | Textile and mesh | - | Extra-grippy rubber |
| 3 | Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof | Best older-kid classic | - | - | Leather and mesh | - | Vibram TC5+ rubber |
| 4 | Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX | Best older-kid technical shoe | Gore-Tex | - | - | - | Contagrip rubber |
| 5 | HOKA Speedgoat 6 | Best older-kid trail runner | - | 1147811 (women's variant wired here) | Breathable engineered mesh | - | Vibram Megagrip rubber |
Best kids waterproof shoe
KEEN Kids Targhee 4 Low Waterproof
The kids Targhee: KEEN.DRY waterproofing, a protective toe bumper and the wide, sturdy fit young hikers need.
Strengths
- KEEN.DRY membrane keeps feet dry through rain, mud and shallow puddles
- Rubber toe bumper protects small toes from rocks, roots and playground scrapes
- Wide, sturdy fit gives growing feet room without the shoe feeling sloppy
- All-terrain rubber traction grips on trails, wet grass and loose gravel
Limitations
- Sturdier build is heavier than the light Merrell kids shoe for running and play
- Waterproofing adds warmth, so feet can get hot on summer hikes
- Higher price than basic kids trainers, which stings when feet grow fast
What owners report
Most praised
- Parents praise the toughness, saying the shoes survive rocky trails and daily playground abuse alike
- Families report dry feet after rainy hikes, with the waterproofing holding up through mud
- Parents like the roomy fit, saying wide little feet finally have space to move
Common complaints
- Some parents find the shoe heavier than expected for younger, smaller kids
- A few report warm feet on summer walks, with the waterproof build trapping heat
- Parents note the price feels steep for a shoe outgrown within a season or two
| Membrane | KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane |
|---|---|
| Style | 1029564 |
| Upper | Leather and textile |
| Toe protection | Rubber toe bumper |
| Outsole | All-terrain rubber traction |
| Closure | Hook-and-loop strap with laces |
Best for: Kids who hike proper trails in wet weather and need a tough, waterproof shoe with room for growing feet.
Skip if: Your child mostly walks pavements and parks, or you want the lightest possible shoe for running and play.
Best kids light hiker
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof (Kids)
The kids Moab, made light and fast: waterproof construction and a grippy sole in a shoe kids can actually run in.
Strengths
- Waterproof construction keeps small feet dry through puddles, mud and rain
- Light, sneaker-like build lets kids run and scramble instead of clomping along
- Extra-grippy rubber outsole holds on playground, trail and wet grass alike
- Odor-reducing lining helps after long, sweaty days on the trail
Limitations
- Light build gives less ankle and arch support than a sturdier kids hiking boot
- Kids outgrow sizes fast, so the cost per month of wear runs higher than adult shoes
- Lacing or strap fit needs a parent check, since kids rarely tighten shoes well themselves
What owners report
Most praised
- Parents say kids refuse to take them off, calling them the most comfortable trail shoes they have owned
- Families praise the waterproofing, reporting dry socks after puddle-jumping and rainy hikes
- Parents like the light weight, saying kids keep up better instead of dragging heavy boots
Common complaints
- Some parents find the laces unravel quickly and wish the closure held tighter on its own
- A few report waterproofing fading after heavy, repeated soaking on very wet days
- Parents note sizing runs tricky, with kids between sizes needing careful measuring
| Waterproofing | Waterproof construction, seam-sealed |
|---|---|
| Outsole | Extra-grippy rubber |
| Footbed | Cushioned foam footbed |
| Upper | Textile and mesh |
| Lining | Odor-reducing lining |
| Sizing | Little kid through big kid sizes |
Best for: Active kids who hike, scramble and play on trails and need waterproofing without a heavy boot.
Skip if: Your child needs a stiff, supportive shoe for rough mountain terrain, or outgrows shoes too fast to justify a trail-specific pair.
Best older-kid classic
Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof
The classic Moab formula in a low cut with a waterproof membrane: leather and mesh, Vibram grip and the fit that made the line famous.
Strengths
- Vibram TC5+ outsole gives confident grip on wet rock, mud and loose trail surfaces
- Waterproof membrane keeps feet dry through stream crossings and sustained rain
- Leather and mesh upper balances support with ventilation better than full leather
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock on long descents and hard-packed trails
Limitations
- Waterproof construction traps heat on warm days, so summer hikers may prefer the vented Moab line
- Break-in takes a few walks before the leather panels soften and the fit settles
- Heavier than the trail-runner options here, which shows on fast, long-mile days
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners keep coming back to the familiar Moab fit, saying the shoe feels right from the first walk with little adjustment
- Wet-weather walkers report dry feet after rain-soaked paths and shallow crossings that soak lesser shoes
- Long-time Moab wearers praise the durability, with uppers and soles holding up across seasons of regular trail use
Common complaints
- Summer hikers say the waterproof version runs noticeably warm once temperatures climb
- Some owners find the shoe stiff out of the box and wish the leather softened faster
- A few buyers note the sizing feels snug with thick hiking socks and suggest trying the wide version
| Outsole | Vibram TC5+ rubber |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Waterproof membrane construction |
| Upper | Leather and mesh |
| Cushioning | Merrell Air Cushion heel plus Super Rebound Compound |
| Sustainability | Partially recycled laces, webbing and mesh lining |
| Cut | Low top |
Best for: Day hikers who want one dependable shoe for mud, rain and rocky paths and who like the traditional Moab fit.
Skip if: You hike mostly in summer heat or need a featherweight shoe; the waterproof membrane runs warm and this is not the lightest shoe here.
Best older-kid technical shoe
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
The proven Gore-Tex all-rounder: Quicklace closure, ADV-C chassis and Contagrip grip for steep, wet and mixed ground.
Strengths
- ADV-C chassis steadies the foot on side slopes and uneven ground without feeling rigid
- Quicklace closure tightens the whole shoe with one pull and tucks away cleanly
- Contagrip outsole grips across wet rock, mud and dry hardpack
- Gore-Tex membrane seals out rain and stream splash on long wet days
Limitations
- Narrower last than the KEEN shoes here, so wide feet often need to size up or look elsewhere
- Quicklace cannot be re-tensioned across separate foot zones the way laces can
- Stiffer feel than the cushioned trail runners, which some walkers find tiring on flat miles
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners love how the Quicklace system locks the midfoot down on steep descents with no heel slip
- Technical hikers report sure footing on wet rock and muddy traverses thanks to the Contagrip sole
- Walkers praise the all-day support, saying tired feet stay steadier late in a long hike
Common complaints
- Wide-footed owners say the toe box pinches and the fit runs narrow compared with KEEN and Merrell
- Some buyers dislike the Quicklace feel, finding it hard to fine-tune pressure over the forefoot
- A few owners note the shoe feels firm underfoot on flat, easy paths where cushion matters more
| Membrane | Gore-Tex |
|---|---|
| Chassis | ADV-C advanced chassis |
| Outsole | Contagrip rubber |
| Midsole | EnergyCell EVA foam |
| Footbed | OrthoLite sockliner |
| Closure | Quicklace one-pull system |
Best for: Hikers who tackle steep, technical and wet trails and want a shoe that locks the foot down securely.
Skip if: You have very wide feet, or you dislike one-pull lacing systems and prefer traditional laces you can adjust zone by zone.
Best older-kid trail runner
HOKA Speedgoat 6
The max-cushion trail runner for hiking: CMEVA foam and Vibram Megagrip in a light shoe that eats flat miles.
Strengths
- CMEVA midsole delivers the soft, high-stack cushion HOKA is known for on long days
- Vibram Megagrip outsole grips confidently on dry rock, dirt and loose gravel
- Light build for a cushioned shoe keeps legs fresher over high-mileage days
- Breathable mesh upper dries quickly after stream crossings and sweaty climbs
Limitations
- No waterproof membrane, so wet trails and rain will soak through
- Soft cushion trades some stability on side slopes and technical rock
- High stack height can feel tippy for walkers used to low, firm hiking shoes
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners rave about the cushioning, saying knees and feet feel fresher after long days than in firmer shoes
- Trail runners praise the grip, reporting confident footing on loose descents and dry rock
- Walkers like the light feel, saying the shoe disappears on the foot over many miles
Common complaints
- Buyers caught in rain say the non-waterproof mesh soaks fast and stays wet
- Some owners find the tall cushion unstable on uneven side slopes
- A few report the soft midsole wears down faster under heavy daily use
| Midsole | CMEVA foam |
|---|---|
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip rubber |
| Weight | 9.8 oz / 280 g (men's size 9, maker figure) |
| Style | 1147811 (women's variant wired here) |
| Upper | Breathable engineered mesh |
| Closure | Lace-up |
Best for: Fast day hikers and trail runners who want soft cushioning and grip for long, runnable trails.
Skip if: You need waterproofing, or you hike sharp, rocky terrain where a firmer, more protective shoe matters more than softness.
How we chose
Fit for growing feet, not adult feet shrunk down
Kids shoes need room for growth without sloppy heels, and closures a child can manage or a parent can check quickly. The KEEN kids shoe gives width for growing toes, while the Merrell kids shoe stays light enough that children forget they are wearing trail shoes. Adult shoes enter this guide only for older kids, where small sizes genuinely fit.
Waterproofing that survives puddles
Children do not step around puddles, so a kids hiking shoe without waterproofing fails on the first wet walk. Both kids picks here use sealed waterproof construction, and the guide treats puddle-proofing as a requirement, not a bonus, for the younger age range.
Toughness parents can live with
Kids shoes face rocks, playgrounds and daily wear, so toe bumpers, sturdy uppers and grippy soles matter more than weight savings. The guide favours shoes that survive a season of abuse, even when that means a slightly heavier shoe, because a torn shoe ends a hike faster than a heavy one.
Questions, answered
How much growing room should kids hiking shoes have?
About a thumb's width ahead of the longest toe, fitted with hiking socks, with the heel staying put on a slope. More room than that causes tripping and blisters; less room means the shoe is outgrown within weeks. Measure both feet standing up, since one foot is usually longer, and fit to the longer foot.
Do kids need waterproof hiking shoes?
For most family hikes, yes. Children walk through puddles, mud and wet grass rather than around them, so a non-waterproof shoe soaks through fast and ends the walk in complaints. Waterproof kids shoes like the KEEN and Merrell picks here keep the day going, though they run warmer in summer, so save breathable shoes for dry, hot days.
When should a child move into adult hiking shoes?
When kids sizes no longer fit, usually in the early teens, and the foot has steadied enough that adult lasts fit properly. Adult shoes in small sizes, like the Moab 3 Waterproof or Speedgoat 6, work well at that stage, but check width carefully: adult narrow lasts can pinch a still-growing foot, and the KEEN adult shoes are the safer wide option.
Every guide on Hiking Shoes15 pages
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