Best Walking Boots, Shoes & Trainers for Kids – A Parent’s Guide

There’s lots to consider when buying your child’s first pair of walking boots. That was us, just over 2 years ago. We’ve learned a lot since then, and now our boys are ready for their second pair, I thought I’d put together a helpful post on what to look for and consider, as we help them find their next walking boots!

Before I go into the details and things for you to consider, remember that choosing your child’s next footwear should be a fun experience for your child as well. Nothing gets them excited for another long walk like knowing they’re getting on that pair of shoes/boots that they fell in love with! Also remember, even though these will probably be occasional wear footwear, it’s important to focus on features that support their growing feet and encourage healthy development.

Boots, Shoes or Trainers?

Choosing between walking boots, shoes, or trainers for children depends on the specific activities they’ll be doing and the environment they’ll be in. Here’s a guide to help you decide:

1. Walking Boots:

• Best For: Hiking, rough terrain, and outdoor activities.
• Advantages:
  • Ankle Support: Walking boots typically offer higher ankle support, which is beneficial on uneven terrain or for long walks.
  • Durability: Made from tougher materials that can withstand rough conditions.
  • Weather Protection: Often waterproof or water-resistant, ideal for wet or muddy conditions.
  • Traction: Have sturdy, non-slip soles designed for better grip on varied surfaces.
• Considerations:
  • Weight: Heavier than shoes or trainers, which might be tiring for younger children.
  • Flexibility: Less flexible, which can be restrictive for everyday use or play.

2. Walking Shoes:

• Best For: Casual walks, light hiking, or everyday outdoor activities.
• Advantages:
  • Versatility: Suitable for both everyday wear and light outdoor activities.
  • Comfort: Generally lighter and more flexible than boots, offering comfort over longer periods.
  • Breathability: Often more breathable than boots, keeping feet cooler during active play.
  • Support: Offers a balance of support and flexibility, with some models providing decent ankle support.
• Considerations:
  • Less Protection: Not as robust or protective as boots in very rugged or wet conditions.
  • Moderate Traction: While offering some grip, they might not perform as well on very slippery or steep surfaces.

3. Trainers:

• Best For: Daily use, sports, and indoor activities.
• Advantages:
  • Lightweight and Flexible: Trainers are usually the lightest and most flexible option, making them comfortable for all-day wear and active play.
  • Breathable: Made with materials that allow airflow, which is great for indoor use or warm weather.
  • Versatile: Can be worn for a variety of activities, from running to playing sports.
  • Cushioning: Provides good cushioning for high-impact activities like running and jumping.
• Considerations:
  • Limited Protection: Not suitable for rough terrain, wet conditions, or hiking, as they offer less protection and durability.
  • Less Support: Typically, they provide less ankle and arch support compared to walking boots or shoes.

Which Should You Choose?

• Walking Boots: If your child will be hiking, walking on rough terrain, or spending time in wet or cold conditions, boots are the best option for their support, protection, and durability.
• Walking Shoes: These are great for general outdoor use, light hiking, or when you need a balance between comfort and durability.
• Trainers: Ideal for everyday wear, sports, and activities where flexibility and comfort are key. These are best for school, playgrounds, and light outdoor use.

Consider your child’s typical activities and the environment they’ll be in to choose the best option for their needs.

Waterproofness

I don’t remember even considering how watertight the children’s shoes were, as we rushed to grab them their first pair – a day before we headed to Orkney, with plans to walk! Perhaps I’d just figured that all walking boots and shoes would be waterproof – however we found out the hard way that they aren’t!

With modern technologies in the types of materials used, you can find some great lightweight and breathable boots and shoes that also offer a good degree of water resistance. If you don’t think you are going to go out in wet weather or ever wander across the early morning dewey grass, then consider a lightweight pair, but if you plan to get outdoors whatever the weather, make sure you check the description of the shoes – and if you are shopping online, check those reviews!

Sizing

As with any shoes, you need to try them on and make sure they fit well. Whilst style might seem important, a good fit is really what matters for a boot with a purpose! Here are some tips to find that perfect fit:

• Roomy Toe Box: Ensure there’s enough space for your child’s toes to move freely. The shoes shouldn’t pinch or squeeze the toes.
• Length and Width: Measure both feet, as one might be slightly larger. There should be about a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• Test them out: Try them out on flat ground and on a slope. When we went to Go Outdoors for the latest pair of shoes, they had a little slope set up for you to walk up and down to try them out! Make sure that your heel doesn’t lift as you walk, and your toes don’t touch the front of the shoes.
• Don’t forget socks! Make sure you wear, or bring, a pair of their usual walking socks to try on with the boots or shoes – that way you will know for sure if they will be the perfect fit for your child!

Fastenings

Laces really have become a bugbear for me in the pursuit of the perfect child’s walking boot. Whilst they are the arguably the best choice for ensuring their boot stays put, the ones included in our first Mountain Warehouse boots did not like to stay done up – even with double knots – and we’d often have to stop to re-tie boots. Our latest pair from Go Outdoors came with another flaw – they’re incredibly short! They were nigh on impossible for my 8 year old to tie by himself – even I struggled!

Laces, Velcro or Straps? Whatever style you go for, ensure the shoes can be securely fastened to prevent slipping, but they should also be easy for your child to manage if they are learning to put on their own shoes.

Terrain/Soles

• Sole Flexibility: The shoes should bend easily at the ball of the foot, not in the middle, allowing natural foot movement.
• Lightweight: Lightweight shoes are easier for children to lift and promote natural walking patterns.
• Good Traction: The sole should have a non-slip grip to prevent falls, especially on smooth or wet surfaces.

Other Considerations

• Arch Support: Look for shoes that provide adequate arch support, but avoid overly rigid support that can restrict natural movement. You might need inner soles. We came across a great device in Go Outdoors that used the heat of your feet to leave an imprint, which helped show whether your feet have a high, low or normal arch.
• Heel Cushioning: A cushioned heel helps absorb impact and provides comfort.
• Natural or Breathable Fabrics: Materials like leather or mesh allow airflow, keeping feet cool and reducing sweat.
• Sturdy Construction: Check that the shoes are well-made with strong stitching and durable materials to withstand active use.
• Safety Features: We love that a lot of children’s shoes are introducing reflective strips on the heels!

By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure that the walking shoes or boots you choose will support your child’s foot health and development while keeping them comfortable and safe for many miles to come.