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Best Hiking Shoes and Boots for Kids 2026
We tested six kids' hiking shoes on lava, slickrock, and lakeshores across five states. The Salomon XA Pro V8 Waterproof won, the Salomon Speedcross is the one our tester actually reaches for, and the $60 KEEN Newport H2 outlasted everything.
Salomon XA Pro V8 Waterproof — Kids’ Hiking Shoe Review
A five-year-old hiked all of Delicate Arch in these and never once said his feet were hot. They're waterproof, grippy, and our top pick. The toe box is the catch.
Salomon Speedcross — Kids’ Hiking Shoe Review
The shoe our five-year-old reaches for every single morning. Light, grippy, and he can put it on himself. Just don't make it the only pair.
KEEN Newport H2 — Kids’ Sandal Review
Seven months, a water park, the Painted Hills, and one very hard-on-shoes five-year-old. They still look close to new after a wash. Just keep the hikes short.
KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof — Kids’ Hiking Shoe Review
We told him not to walk into the water in these. He walked into the water. His feet stayed dry. The most protective low shoe we tested, with one stiff trade-off.
The North Face Fastpack II Mid Waterproof – Kids’ Hiking Boot Review
They look like moon boots. That turned out to be perfect at Craters of the Moon. The most protective boot we tested, and the heaviest.
Five Ten Freerider – Kids’ Bike and Hiking Shoe Review
We bought these two years ago, sized way up, and our kid is still wearing the same pair. The best bike-to-trail shoe we tested. Just not the one for a big hike.
Patagonia Block-the-Sun Hat Review
Quincy wore it, then passed it to Oren. Good ethics, good build, good coverage. The catch: at $39, it costs about twice as much as the Sunday Afternoons Play Hat, and the Play Hat has better retention.
Flap Happy Kids’ UPF 50+ Swim Hat Review
The fastest-drying hat we tested and the only one made from swimsuit fabric. The catch: no chin strap, and Oren removed it every time he noticed it was on his head.
addie & tate Kids’ Animal Sun Hat Review
We felt silly buying a shark hat for a gear review. Then Cypress chose it over seven other hats and wore it to school. Catch: low neck coverage.
