At Columbia, our primary goal is to keep people outside with high-quality, performance-driven outdoor clothing and accessories. All of our items are designed to offer comfort, protection, performance and style, no matter your adventure. From our range of women’s waterproof jackets to our collection of men’s hiking shorts, you will find the standards you have come to expect from Columbia’s products. Our selection of kids’ walking boots is no exception.

Whether you’re heading out on a spring walk through the countryside or a more strenuous trek along a rocky coastal path, every member of the family should have the same superior protection and performance in their footwear. Just like our men’s and women’s hiking shoes, our walking and hiking boots for kids include the same great features as their adult counterparts.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the top features to look for in a child’s hiking boot or shoe, as well as the best styles for different terrains. We’re also sharing our quick tips for finding the right fit for walking boots for kids. As with all of our apparel, we’ve tested tough so you can find the perfect pair to keep up with every step of your child’s adventure.

Top Features To Look For in Kids’ Walking Boots

When finding the right pair of walking boots for your child, we know you have many brands to choose from. However, Columbia’s footwear has over 80 years of expertise crafting durable apparel that performs and protects on the toughest terrains and in the harshest elements. Look for these top features for unbeatable performance and protection:

• Waterproofing: To ensure no adventure is cut short from soggy feet, many styles include our exclusive Omni-Tech^TM technology. Boots and shoes with Omni-Tech^TM feature waterproof, breathable construction to ensure feet stay dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
• Traction & Grip: For all-terrain stability and grip, many of our models feature soles with our patented Omni-Grip^TM. This core traction technology uses specially designed lug patterns and compounds to keep your child on their feet, no matter the conditions.
• Comfort: To ensure a comfortable hike, many styles feature our innovative Techlite^TM, which delivers lightweight, responsive cushioning for all-day, all-terrain performance.
• Kid-Friendly Fastenings: To keep your adventure from being slowed down, many of our kids’ shoes and boots feature convenient fastenings that let you pull them on with a quick slip or velcro strap. Others feature laces that can be tied for a more customised fit.

Best Kids’ Walking Boots For Different Terrains

No matter the terrain, we’ve got your child covered; here are our top style suggestions for every environment.

• Mountain & Rugged Trails: Choose a mid-cut walking or hiking boot for ample ankle support. Ensure it has a superb grip for any steep, rocky inclines.
• Forest Paths: Look for a lightweight, flexible shoe with plenty of waterproofing to protect against soggy leaves or muddy patches.
• Urban Adventures: Choose a versatile, sporty-style walking shoe. This will provide more support than traditional trainers, but will still be suitable for everyday wear.
• Winter Wanders: Choose a snowboot style with plenty of grip, waterproofing and insulation to keep toes warm and dry.

How to properly fit Kids’ Walking Boots

Here are our top tips for finding the right fit for your child’s walking boots.

• If possible, visit a store to try on footwear for the most accurate fit.
• Measure and fit footwear in the afternoon when feet are at their largest.
• Ensure your child wears the socks they intend to wear with the boots.
• Check there is about a thumb’s width of space between their longest toe (which is not always their big toe!) and the front of the boot. This ensures comfort and allows for some growth.
• While they walk, the heel of the boot should stay in place. If it slides up and down, it may cause blisters.

Browse Columbia’s collection of kids’ walking boots for unbeatable protection, performance and comfort. Our high-quality footwear ensures that each pair is built to last; they’re often durable enough to pass down to younger siblings. With plenty of styles and colours available, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect pair for your family’s next adventure.