When sneakers are enough
Sneakers work for most short hikes on dry, packed trails. The sole matters more than the style of shoe. In studies of adults, grip depends on the tread pattern and the rubber, and shoes with worn-smooth patches on the sole slip more often.
Before a hike, turn your child's sneakers over. If the tread is worn flat at the heel or under the ball of the foot, expect more slips on rock and wet leaves. A hiking shoe or trail runner with deep lugs should grip about as well as a boot, and it weighs less.
What boots do better
Hiking boots usually have deeper lugs than everyday sneakers, and a pair worn only on hikes is often outgrown before the tread wears down. That tread is the main reason boots grip better on rock, mud, and wet leaves. In a study of home care workers, those given winter boots chosen for grip reported about 80% fewer falls on ice over eight weeks than those who wore their own shoes.
High tops keep water and mud out in puddles and snow, and they protect ankles from knocks on rock. The evidence that high tops prevent sprained ankles is weak. A randomized trial of 622 college basketball players found no clear difference in sprains between high-top and low-top shoes.
Most of this research is on adults. We found no study that compares children's falls in boots and in sneakers.
Choose a light pair
Weight on the feet costs more energy than weight on the back. U.S. Army researchers found that a pound on the feet takes about as much energy to carry as five pounds on the back (Soule and Goldman, 1969; Jones and colleagues, 1984). Those studies measured adults, and we know of none in children.
When you compare boots, check the listed weight and pick the lightest pair that fits well. A trail runner or a hiking shoe cut below the ankle usually weighs less than a full boot.
Wool socks, all year
Wool is the better choice for hiking socks because it wicks moisture away from the skin. Cotton socks absorb sweat and dry slowly, which REI calls a recipe for blisters. Merino wool has fine fibers that don't itch the way old-style wool socks did.
Wool socks also work in summer if you buy a lightweight pair. REI describes thin socks with light cushioning as made for warm weather, so your child can wear boots and wool socks year-round. On longer hikes, pack a dry pair.
How to fit kids' hiking boots
Shop late in the day, when feet are at their largest, and have your child try boots on with the socks they will hike in (REI). Then check four things:
- Toe room: about half an inch, or a thumb's width, in front of the toes (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society)
- Heel: it should stay down when your child walks and climbs stairs
- Downhill: toes should not hit the front of the boot on a slope or ramp
- Width: snug everywhere but tight nowhere, in REI's words
Avoid buying a full size up for growth. Boots that are too big let the foot slide, which can cause blisters. Break new boots in on a few short walks before a long hike.
When girls move to women's sizes
Kids' shoes come in Little Kid sizes up to 13.5 and Big Kid sizes from 1 to about 7. For boys, Big Kid sizes continue straight into men's sizes, so a Big Kid 7 is about a men's 7. Girls jump about 1.5 sizes when they move to women's sizes, so a Big Kid 6 is about a women's 7.5.
Many kids' hiking boots stop at Big Kid 6 or 7. The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, for example, goes up to Big Kid 7 in whole sizes only. When a girl outgrows the kids' range, convert her size before you order women's boots, which come in more styles and in half sizes.
| Big Kid | Women's (about) |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.5 |
| 4.5 | 6 |
| 5 | 6.5 |
| 5.5 | 7 |
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 6.5 | 8 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
The table follows New Balance's size chart. Brands differ by up to half a size, so check each brand's chart before you order. Women's and men's boots of the same length can also differ in width, so it's worth trying both.
Where to buy
REI is a good place to start, even if you buy elsewhere. Its kids' hiking footwear page lets you filter by weight and lists the weight of each pair. If you buy on Amazon, stick with a name brand such as Merrell, KEEN, Columbia, The North Face, or Adidas Terrex.
Two boots that have held up for a child in our group are the Merrell Moab Speed Mid Waterproof and the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof. Hand-me-downs work too, as long as the lugs are not worn smooth. For the rest of the gear list, see Camping Gear for Kids.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need boots to hike with Wilderness Ramblers?
No. Kids can do our rambles in sneakers with good tread. Boots are a matter of comfort, so it's fine to hold off on the expense.
Are waterproof boots worth it for kids?
For fall, winter, and spring hikes in New Jersey, usually yes, because puddles, mud, and snow are common. Waterproof boots run hot and breathe less, so a breathable pair can be more comfortable in summer.
Can kids hike in trail runners?
Yes. Trail runners are lighter and more flexible than boots. REI lists the tradeoffs as less protection underfoot and less support around the ankle.
How often will my child need new boots?
Usually because their feet have grown. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society notes that children often outgrow shoes before the shoes wear out, and it recommends checking the fit every 3 to 4 months.
Hike with us
Wilderness Ramblers is a co-ed outdoor group for girls and boys born between July 2016 and June 2018. We meet in Jersey City, near Van Vorst Park. Our rambles run 3 to 3.5 miles over about three hours, and families camp together several times a year. Kids also work on first aid, fishing, and cycling skills, and they start backpacking in their third year.
Boots aren't required to join. If you'd like your daughter or son to hike with us, express interest here. There's no commitment, and a group leader will get back to you by email.
For first trails close to home, see Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Jersey City. For fees, see what membership costs.
