Hiking originated as a pleasurable pastime. Most people lived near the forest and open fields until the 1800s.
19th-century industrialization resulted in many people participating in hiking, and it eventually became recognized as a recreational activity.
Hiking as a recreational activity wasn’t recognized until 1933, when the forest service’s annual report of the chief adopted hiking in its recreational usage.
Although outdoor-based programs for the youth and outing clubs are examples of hiking’s earlier development as a recreational activity, in this article, we will discuss the proper shoes and boots for kids to hike in.
| Kids Vegan Shoes | Price | Material | colors / models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Gel-Noosa TRI 9 GS | Check the price | 100% Textile and Synthetic | 1 |
| Reebok Zjet Running Shoe | Check the price | 50% Nylon, 50% Synthetic | 5 |
| Adidas Performance Hyperfast | ~$40 | 100% Nylon Mesh/Synthetic Nubuck/Textile | 19 |
Table of Contents
Asics Gel-Noosa TRI 9 GS
The ASICS Gel-Noosa Tri 9 GS running shoe deserves first place on our list thanks to its lightweight construction. This shoe is designed for active kids and features unique shock absorption technology that makes every landing easier. This allows children to run safely without any problems.
With a thick rubber sole, this shoe from ASICS is made to last. The durable construction also provides ideal traction, making it suitable for children who want to run on smooth surfaces or even harder surfaces such as grass. This shoe is designed to dry your child’s feet with its moisture-wicking properties.
This shoe also comes with a removable lining. If you’re looking for a great pair of shoes that will keep your kids moving and comfortable all the time, you might want to consider the ASICS Gel-Noosa Tri 9 GS running shoe.
Reebok Zjet Running Shoe
If you’re looking for a running shoe for your kids, you’ll love the Reebok Zjet Running. This shoe is made of nylon and very durable synthetic materials. The rubber sole offers durability that will outlast your kids and traction that will allow them to go wherever they want.
The unique design is appreciated by all children and makes them stand out from all other shoes.
This shoe features Jetfuse technology in the midsole, which uses air channels to cushion each landing. This allows for a smooth run so kids can have fun without pain.
The Reebok Zjet Running Shoe is durable with incredible comfort features. It is easily one of the best children’s running shoes on the market today.
Adidas Performance Hyperfast
If you’re looking for a shoe that will keep your kids running all the time, you might want to consider the Adidas Performance Hyperfast Running shoe. This shoe offers excellent breathability to keep your child’s feet odor-free with its full-surface mesh.
With the Eco Ortholite foam insole, their feet will always stay comfortable. This same technology provides the ultimate shock absorption so that every run goes smoothly. Plus, with non-marking insoles, you’ll never have to worry about your kids leaving marks on your floors.
If you’re looking for a great running shoe for your child, you might consider the Adidas Performance Hyperfast Running shoe. Available in many colors and patterns, this shoe deserves its place on our list of the top 3 best running shoes for kids.
Hiking Foot Wear For Kids
Hiking footwear for kids comes in many forms and is an essential part of hiking. You will be susceptible to the elements without proper footwear, even if you have a portable shelter.
You should also be mindful of the type of footwear your children have because this will be essential to ensuring that they can hike effectively. Without proper footwear, they will find hiking on rough terrain tough.
Choosing the proper footwear is just as important as selecting the suitable shelter and tools for survival. It is best to choose warm, comfortable, and waterproof footwear, depending on the climate and conditions.
There are many options, so do your due diligence when deciding what’s best for your kids. And if you’re choosing hiking footwear for kids or kid’s trail shoes, make sure they are warm and comfortable.
Type Of Shoes To Buy For Kids.
Hiking Boots.
Hiking boots can be categorized in two ways:
- high cut boots
- mid-cut boots.
High-cut boots will be your best option if you are looking for better protection and stability. Especially if you’re carrying heavy loads, hiking boots offer more stability and safety.
Trail Runners.
Many hikers are buying trail running shoes even though they’re not built specifically for hiking. Their tough yet lightweight design is what’s appealing to most hikers. They’re very comfortable but provide the durability and toughness of a hiking boot to some degree.
Although they don’t last as long as a hiking boot, the comfort and toughness of the trail runner are what’s appealing to most hikers.
Hiking Shoes.
Many considered the little brother of the hiking boot. The hiking shoe is more low cut but has the same or similar durability as the hiking boot.
The ankle area is more flexible, and they offer more flexibility underfoot. The hiking shoe will probably be the best option if you’re going on weekend backpacking adventures, day hikes, or short trips.
Approach Shoes.
Approach shoes are primarily designed for climbers. They are best used on rocky terrain.
They come equipped with very thick and rubbery soles. They are also ideal for hiking because they perform better on rocky terrain.
They don’t necessarily provide the ankle support that hiking boots offer, but they perform well on rocky terrain.
The Best Shoe Material To Buy For Kids Hiking.
Mesh.
If you’re hiking in hot, dry conditions, the mesh would probably be your best choice because of its highly breathable material. Mesh allows a continuous flow of air to pass through your shoe, which makes for a much more enjoyable experience on hot and humid days.
Synthetic.
Synthetic materials like synthetic leather, nylon, and polyester are becoming very popular because they’re durable, lightweight, and quick-drying. They’re included in many modern designs because of their versatility.
Leather.
Leather material is still used in many hiking boots today because of its durability and ability to mold to the shape of your foot over time.
They’re so durable that leather uppers usually outlast the soles. Because of these benefits, they’re still the choice of many hikers.
Considerations When Buying Hiking Shoes For Kids.
Kid’s feet with plenty of support and traction are essential for an enjoyable hiking experience. They risk injury without the proper shoes because they’re hiking on uneven terrain, boulders, branches, and sticks.
The right kid’s hiking footwear provides proper support and traction. With so many shoe choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for the right pair of hiking footwear for kids. We will provide a few key points when shopping for hiking footwear.
How to buy kid’s shoes
Even though it may cost a little bit more, it’s best to invest in the best quality footwear. If you buy cheap footwear, you risk the seams tearing, ripping, or leaking.
Top-notch footwear stores, and specialty outdoor stores, should be your first choice when shopping for kids hiking footwear. They usually offer the highest quality you can buy boots and sneakers.
Testing the shoes
It’s also essential to test the shoes while you’re still in the store. Walk around in the shoes. Pound your foot on the floor to ensure you have ample space between the front end of the boot or shoe and your toes.
This is important to ensure they fit comfortably before you venture out on a long hiking expedition. There’s no worst time to realize their shoes don’t fit until they’re in the middle of a rough hiking foray. Test the shoes first while you are still in the store so they won’t be screaming in pain and regret the purchase later.
If you’re purchasing heavier leather boots for your kids, you may have to allow some time to break the shoes in.
Buy the boots well before you intend to hike and take short hikes and gradually work your way up until you can wear them for more extended periods.
This will ensure your child’s boots are well broken in before they venture hiking. This is important because it prevents the possibility of their feet blistering due to the shoes being too tight, abrasive, and cumbersome.
Hiking areas
You should always know clearly what areas you’ll be hiking in before venture out. As well as the changing climate of those specific areas. So you’ll know how to dress based on the weather and environment you’ll come in contact with.
Extra insoles
Having extra insoles available that you can insert or remove at any given time would probably also be a good idea. Suppose your child’s feet begin to hurt because of a long hiking expedition. In that case, it may be wise to have more comfortable inserts that you can insert into their shoes to ensure their experience is more comfortable and enjoyable.
Hiking environment
If you are trying to determine whether to buy low-cut or mid-cut boots for your kids, it’s best to consider what type of environment they’ll be hiking in. This is important because if you’re hiking in rough terrain, your kids will need the added ankle support high cut of mid-cut boots offers.
And in contrast, if they’re hiking in dry, hot, and humid areas, breathable mid-cut boots would probably be the best option.
This also applies if they are hiking in areas with a lot of water. In this case, water-resistant high-cut boots would be the best option.
Water-resistant
Consider buying water-resistant shoes if you plan on hiking in areas with lots of rain, rivers, and lakes.
In contrast, water-resistant shoes probably wouldn’t be a good idea if you are in hot, humid areas because they create a seal that produces moisture, precipitation, heat, and bacteria which can result in an athlete’s foot and fungus buildup.
They offer very little aeration, which can prove problematic in hot and humid areas.
Conclusion
Wherever or whenever you decide to go on your trek or hiking foray, follow these simple steps to ensure your child’s hiking experience is enjoyable.
Buying the right shoe for the suitable climate with the right fit is key and will ensure you and your child’s memorable hiking experience.