Taking time out to spend a weekend discovering the outdoors with your toddlers sure is worth it. Make every second a pleasant and memorable experience for your little one. Getting the right gear, including a pair of the best hiking boots for toddlers is a start.
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Best Hiking Boots for Toddlers for 2023 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Any decent list of must-have hiking gear for kids you’ll come across will most certainly include hiking boots. That’s because you’ll be spending most of the time walking and you want to make sure your little one is wearing just the right pair of shoes so you can all have a good time.
If you make the wrong choice, there’s a big chance you’re in for endless complaining about sore feet and blisters. Worse, you might have to carry your child along with your heavy gear all the way to camp! That’s not the way you’d want to spend your hike. That’s why we came up with just 8 of the best hiking boots out there so you can spend less time finding and comparing products, and more time bonding from prep time until the time you’re all back to home sweet home.
| Image | Brand | Material | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL   | Timberland | ● Leather & textile ● Man made sole | Check price |
PREMIUM PICK   | Adidas | ● Textile ● Synthetic materials ● Rubber sole | Check price |
BEST VALUE   | Merrell | ● 100% synthetic material ● Rubber sole | Check price |
  | HadCamxs | ● Breathable mesh ● Synthetic outer materials ● Synthetic rubber sole | Check price |
  | Columbia | ● Leather & synthetic ● Rubber sole | Check price |
  | Keen | ● Fabric ● Rubber sole | Check price |
  | Mishansha | ● Faux leather & mesh outer materials ● Rubber sole | Check price |
  | Mishansha | ● Oxford fabric | Check price |
1. Timberland Whiteledge Hiking Boots for Toddlers
- Waterproof construction
- Made by a well-known brand of boots
- Padded sole and ankle
It’s not surprising that we were naturally inclined to list Timberland as the Overall Best for toddler boots. We’ve trusted this brand for decades and I’m sure if you have done so too, you know how thankful you are to be wearing one out there.
That is, most especially when it starts to pour really hard or you’d have to cross a muddy path while heading to the campsite. I’m sure your little one will be glad to have them on as well.
2. adidas Outdoor AX2 Hiking Boots/Sneakers for Toddlers
- Rubber sole
- Breathable seams and lining
- Velcro and lace closing keep feet in
You can expect this pair of hiking boots to be lighter than the best overall pick, Timberland Whiteledge Hiking Boots for Toddlers, but this one does come with a higher price tag. Since it’s a product by long-time sportswear brand, Adidas, you can expect comfort to take front and center.
3. Merrell Bare Steps Toddler Hiker
- Water-resistant outer material
- High-flex soles
- Adjustable lace and velcro closure
For younger or smaller toddlers who may not yet find a size of adidas Outdoor AX2 Hiking Boots that fit properly, this pair of hiking boots from Merrell will be a great alternative. The highly flexible outer soles and inner material make it easy on the feet of toddlers just beginning to explore the world on their own two feet.
4. HadCamxs Water Resistant Hiking Boots & Athletic Wear — BEST HIKING BOOTS FOR WALKING
- Anti-collision toe sole design
- Breathable mesh material
- Synthetic rubber sole
If great value to you means your child can put on the best hiking boots for toddlers and still be able to use them for casual outdoor activities, this pair wouldn’t disappoint at all.
We like that it is designed to protect a child’s feet from the inside. It is lined with soft and flexible constructed foam that cushions your little one’s feet from impact. It also protects his or her feet from unnecessarily getting stressed from the recoil force exerted by the surface every time your child takes a step, runs, jumps, or stomps.
Pros
5. Columbia Redmond Waterproof Hiking Boots — BEST UNISEX HIKING SHOES
- OMNI-Grip, all-terrain traction
- Waterproof membrane material
- Lightweight middle sole
Designed to protect your toddler from slipping, he or she can easily handle slippery slopes with relative ease. We like that our own toddler rarely complains with this pair on. I can honestly say the thick and soft inside cushions must be responsible for this ultimate comfort.
When it comes to cleanup time, you’ll never have to break a sweat to get stubborn dirt off. I use surface cleaning wipes and that does the job.
6. KEEN Chandler Toddler Hiking Boots — BEST HIKING BOOTS FOR BOYS
- Counter-arched middle sole
- Soles designed with multiple traction
- Odor protect design
If you’re looking for a basic pair of hiking boots that’ll suit very young toddlers, and I’m talking about between 1 and 2 years old, this one is it. There are several features to love with this pair.
The thing that I like the most is that it’s lightweight. That means your little one does not need to carry unnecessary weight around. This matters because around 1 and 2 years, your child may still be mastering to balance his or her weight when walking. Any unnecessary weight caused by heavy shoes can cause accidents.
7. Mishansha Ankle Trekking & Hiking Boots Water Resistant — BEST HIKING BOOTS FOR GIRLS
- Faux leather
- Water resistant upper material
- Mesh outer lining
- Hook and loop closure
The most obvious reason why you’d love to have your little girl wear this pair is that they’re fash and very stylish. It will go perfectly with her jeans as well as her skater skirts. When taking this pair for a hike, the textured soles provide added grip that clings more closely to the ground.
8. MISHANSHA Low Cut Hiking Boots, Outdoor Active Shoes — BEST ALL OUTDOOR HIKING BOOTS FOR TODDLERS
- Anti-skid and anti-collision outer construction
- Breathable fabric layering
- Lightweight
Once again, Mishansha tickles every parents’ and kids’ fancy with a long lineup of colors to choose from. Plus, this option is budget-friendly. Although the caveat is not to expect this pair to last as long as the Timberland Whiteledge Hiking Boots would. But, with your child growing all the time, you won’t have a choice really but to shop for a new pair in a few months’ time.
Toddlers Hiking Boots: Buying Guide
You should double down on your efforts to find the right products to take with you on an outdoor adventure. The reason is simple. You can’t expect a dollar store popping out of the woods to cater to every product you forgot to pack, including a good pair of hiking boots for your little one.
That’s why before checking out, make sure you make careful consideration of the following factors so you know that you’re getting the right one.
Utility
If you intend to go hiking, definitely go for shoes that have been specifically designed for that purpose. Ordinary sneakers may be snug and comfy but they’re not made for the harsher outdoor terrain that you should expect when hiking with kids.
Product Weight
Refrain from unnecessarily burdening your toddler with heavy shoes. Make sure to get one that is lightweight and comfortable to wear over long hours. Keep this in mind especially when you’re shopping for younger toddlers, 1 to 2 years old.
Exterior Material
Consider getting a pair made with waterproof outer material but also waterproof constructed like the Timberland Whiteledge Hiking Boots for Toddlers. At the same time, little kids feel comfier when their feet can stay fresh throughout their outdoor activities. Those mesh materials can help let the air in to keep your child’s feet fresh.
Interior Cushioning
Hate blisters? Nobody looks forward to them, especially moms and dads of toddlers going through that awful pain. When something like that happens, you know you’ll never hear the end of it.
That’s why you should make sure that the boots’ interiors have a thick cushioning. Other than keeping feet comfy, that also gives boots a snug feet.
Style
With so many brands and colors to choose from, it’s impossible not to find the right pair of hiking boots for toddlers that do not also meet your styling taste.
You’ll also find choices that are mid-ankle or high ankle. Plus, the interior and exterior materials used vary greatly too.
Price
I’d say how much you’re justified to spend for a pair of hiking boots for your toddler depends a lot on how frequently you go hiking anyway. If you find yourself outdoors camping or taking day trips almost every weekend, then putting a few more dollars to get the most durable pair is justified.
However, if you’re only taking a hike once or twice a year, it may be best to get a pair of hiking boots that can also double for active play, such as the MISHANSHA Low Cut Hiking Boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do toddlers really need hiking boots when hiking?
It’s always best to be wearing the right gear for the right kind of activity. When it comes to hiking, that most especially holds true if you’re planning to take a rugged hike. However, if you’re driving most of the way to camp or to the picnic grove, a pair of comfortable sneakers should be fine.
Quality toddler hiking boots usually have special features like anti-skid, anti-collision, and added interior padding to help lessen your child’s risks of getting into an accident out there.
What other things should I bring when hiking with a toddler?
There are several that I can think of but other than the “always-haves” like milk, you should also pack other vital hiking gear for toddlers like a raincoat if you’re expecting the weather will be wet, as well as mittens, trekking hat or ballcap, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Q: Can toddlers wear the boots on this list when hiking in snow?
In general, hiking boots for snow belong to their own class. You’ll require boots specially constructed and designed to perform in that kind of weather.
Top of mind, you’ll need something made with waterproof material to keep your feet from freezing snow and moisture. You will also require boots that have a strong grip to keep your child from slipping.
Conclusion
Choosing the best hiking boots for toddlers can either make or break your hiking adventure. Make sure to bring only gear that is designed to perform well under your unique trekking circumstances. Out there, boots can spell the difference between keeping your toddler safe or putting your child’s safety in harm’s way.
Choose wisely. Be smart and shop only for footwear specially made for hiking.
