Children's hiking boots

The right footwear for big adventures on little feet

Hiking together with children is a huge adventure. There is something new to discover behind every tree and stone, and the memory of every hike, no matter how small, will stay with you for a long time. However, before you pack your backpacks and set off, the kids need suitable hiking shoes. Sturdy outdoor footwear withstands significantly more wear than conventional sneakers, gives little ones better grip on slippery surfaces, and keeps their feet dry even during sudden rain or a spirited jump into a big puddle.

Do children even need their own hiking or trekking shoes?

Not necessarily for every excursion. If you are only traveling on paved paths, normal outdoor shoes or the sneakers so popular with kids will suffice. It is a different story if you spend a lot of time walking on forest paths and gravel or scrambling up mountains over hill and dale. With simple footwear, there is a risk that your child may lose their footing, lose their balance, and fall due to a lack of grip.

Hiking shoes for children are also sensible if your excursions become longer and the weather can spontaneously turn to rain. Good hiking and trekking shoes for children with GORE-TEX keep little feet dry from the outside in wet conditions. This saves your child from pruney feet and painful blisters, which can quickly bring a hike to an early end.

We recommend children's hiking shoes when:

• longer tours with a backpack are planned
• the hiking trails are slippery and unpaved
• you are heading into the mountains or onto rocky paths
• the weather while hiking is wet, cold, and changeable
• the child is in a forest kindergarten or likes to romp around in nature

What distinguishes a good trekking and hiking shoe for children?

A whole range of factors. Above all, a good children's hiking shoe should have the following features:

• Removable footbed: This allows you to check in between times whether the shoes still fit well (by standing on the insole) and to adapt them to your child's needs, for example, with an orthopedic insert.
• Grippy and flexible sole: It should be made of non-slip rubber and have a tread that is more or less pronounced depending on the terrain. Ideally, the sole should be flexible at the ball of the foot and torsion-resistant in the midfoot.
• Cushioning midsole: The constant vibrations when walking over gravel and roots tire children out faster. Good hiking shoes prevent this with cushioning (usually made of EVA or PU foam).
• Firm heel and toe protection cap: The reinforcement at the back provides little children's feet with support and guidance, while the robust cap on the toes protects sensitive toe bones from bumps against stones and roots.
• Child-friendly closure: For young children, a Velcro or quick-lacing system is ideal. If your child is already older, traditional lacing is the best choice and allows them to adjust their shoes more precisely.
• Low weight: Every unnecessary gram slows children down. Good hiking and trekking shoes for kids therefore rely on particularly lightweight materials. 400 to 800 grams per pair is ideal.
• Waterproof membrane: On hikes in autumn or when playing in streams, feet get wet quickly. A membrane like GORE-TEX keeps moisture out while allowing your child's feet to breathe.

Low-cut shoe or boot for hiking: Which shoe shape is better for your child?

That depends entirely on the terrain. For leisurely hikes on flat land or on paved paths in low mountain ranges, low-cut shoes like the Meindl Alon Junior GTX or LOWA Axos GTX Lo are sufficient, just as they are for adults. They offer support on the one hand, but at the same time leave enough freedom of movement for children's feet.

If your tours lead you over scree and roots or into steeper terrain, the risk of twisting an ankle increases, making hiking shoes that go above the ankle or even up to the calf the better choice. All-rounders include the LOWA children's hiking shoes Maddox Pro GTX Mid Jr.

Tip: For the cold and wet season, we recommend high hiking shoes for kids, preferably with a cozy warm lining for sub-zero temperatures with snow and ice.

Hiking shoes for kindergarten children, school children, or teenagers: Which shoe fits your child?

The ideal hiking shoe must suit your child's age and your tours. For little hiking novices and less challenging excursions into the countryside, the focus is primarily on a flexible sole. Later, when you go higher and the ground becomes more demanding, soles with grip, reliable ankle support, and a weather-resistant GORE-TEX membrane are required. This overview shows you which type of shoe makes sense at which stage:

Toddler hiking shoes (approx. size 20 to 26)

• ideal for first walks together through the forest, excursions over meadows and dirt roads
• extra flexible for natural rolling movement, soft soles, with Velcro fastener for putting them on by themselves
• Recommended models: Meindl Snap Jr., Keen Pagosa Kids, Meindl Catani Jr., Keen Koven Kids

Hiking low-cut shoes for kindergarten and primary school (approx. size 27 to 35)

• suitable for family hikes, romping around in the forest, hiking days at kindergarten or school
• waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, grippy tread sole, quick or Velcro fastener, shock-resistant toe cap
• Recommended models: LOWA Axos GTX Lo Jr., Meindl Alon GTX Lo Jr., LOWA Delago GTX Lo Jr., LOWA Diego II GTX Lo Jr.

Mid-cut hiking shoes for school children and teenagers (approx. size 30 to 40)

• ideal for more demanding family hikes in the mountains, tours with your own backpack, family via ferratas
• mid-high shaft for good ankle support, more stable sole, lacing for optimal adjustment
• Recommended models: LOWA Maddox GTX Mid Jr., LOWA Zirrox II GTX Mid Jr., Meindl Ontario GTX Mid Jr.

Tip: On hot summer days, kids can also head out in hiking and trekking sandals. However, these offer significantly less protection, which is why we only recommend them for excursions on flat and well-paved terrain.

Are there also trekking and hiking shoes for wide and narrow children's feet?

Unfortunately not, as is the case with hiking shoes for adults, where you have a choice between different lasts (wide, narrow). However, there are differences between the models from LOWA, Meindl & Co. that make them better suited for children with narrow or wide feet. Our table will help you find your way:

Wide forefoot and high instep

• typical problems: side pressure on the toes and instep, often numb and tingling toes
• requirements: toe box with plenty of room, few seams in the ball area, higher instep volume
• Recommended models: Meindl Snap Jr., Meindl Ontario Jr. GTX, Meindl Tarango Jr.

Narrow foot and slim heel

• typical problems: heel slips upward during ascent, foot slips forward during descent
• requirements: snug-fitting heel cap, slim last for little side play, precise fit
• Recommended models: LOWA Innox GTX Lo Jr., LOWA Axos GTX Lo Jr.

Normal foot

• with the correct size, problems rarely occur
• requirements: standard last with good heel guidance and a forefoot that promotes natural movement
• Recommended models: LOWA Maddox Pro GTX Mid Jr., Meindl Alon Jr. GTX

Good to know: Every child's foot is different, and the individual models from the manufacturers also vary. Our table can therefore only provide a rough guide. Therefore, try the shoes on in peace with your child. If you have any further questions or would like individual advice, our team is of course happy to help you by phone.

Hiking shoes for children and teenagers – order online now!

From airy, light sandals to lined winter models, we have the right hiking shoes for children and teenagers in stock for every tour and season. Take a look together now and discover new offers for brand-name shoes from LOWA, Meindl & Co. on a regular basis, which are easy on the family budget.

By the way: You can order the matching care products for cleaning and waterproofing as well as affordable hiking socks for children directly from us.