Best Hiking Shoes for Boys of 2026

"I keep coming back to these boots for my son because of their amazing traction, durability, and reliable fit. After switching to the Moab 3, he hasn’t had any slips at school, and the shoes remain in great shape after a year of heavy use. As someone who values safety and sturdy construction, I even got a pair for myself. They’re super comfortable and feel very secure—absolutely 10/10."

"My daughter is a big fan of these boots. No break-in period was needed—she wore them all week at outdoor camp with zero blisters or discomfort. The laces stay tied, and the option for a wider sole was a game-changer for us. I’m so grateful for the fit and function, and my kiddo loves how they look."

"I bought these for my 10-year-old son for hiking, and they’ve been fantastic. The traction is excellent on rocky, slippery terrain, and they kept his feet dry. The fit is true to size, and after a summer of use, they’re still holding up well. Highly recommend for active kids!"

"As someone with wide, small feet who works in construction and hikes often, I've always struggled to find shoes that fit comfortably. With these, for the first time, I can completely spread and wiggle my toes even when my feet swell, and I never feel pain after a long workday or a seven-hour hike. They’re waterproof, extremely durable, and offer great protection—I even dropped a 2x12 on my toe with no pain! Seriously, these are the best shoes I’ve ever owned, and I plan to buy more pairs for everyday use, work, and hiking."

"My 10-year-old son is very active—running, climbing, biking—and these shoes have been fantastic for him. He says they’re super comfortable, make him run faster, and the soles have excellent grip. The fit was true to size and the material is both sturdy and breathable, which is great for hot days. We’ve even washed them, and they came out looking almost new. Great value for the price—I’ll definitely buy these again."

"We bought these for our daughter, who usually wears through shoes quickly. These Merrell boots have lasted through two winters and are still going strong. They’re lightweight, weatherproof, and provide excellent support for her hikes and daily wear. Highly recommended for durability and kid-proof quality!"

"I’ve bought these shoes for my boys every time they outgrow their old pairs. They last almost a year, even with daily rough outdoor play. The velcro makes them easy for kids to put on by themselves, and the grip is fantastic for hilly yards. My boys never complain about discomfort or blisters, so I feel confident about the arch support and breathability. I’ve been a loyal fan for six years—these shoes are truly reliable!"

"As a parent shopping for three boys at once, I was relieved to find the Merrell Trail Chaser. The color variety made it easy to keep track of who owns which pair, and all three boys are happy with the fit and comfort. We recently went hiking as a family, and the shoes performed beautifully—no complaints from the kids, and the sturdy soles gave me peace of mind on uneven ground. For the price and brand reputation, these are a fantastic buy."

"I bought these for my daughter, who’s 6 and loves hiking. She found them comfortable straight out of the box, and they handled a long, rocky hike—even in wet conditions—without issue. The stability and grip are top-notch, just what we needed for mountain trails. Absolutely outstanding trail shoes for active kids."

"I've been so impressed with these shoes—my energetic son has worn them daily for months, and they still look nearly brand new. They're super flexible, handle mud and water well, and after just a quick brush-off, they're good as new. When he outgrows them, I'll definitely purchase another pair!"

"Finding comfortable shoes for my sensory-sensitive child with wide feet has always been a challenge. These have been a game changer—he actually likes wearing them and doesn't feel restricted. The heel is soft and squishy, and the adjustable strap helps with fit. We'll be buying more in other colors!"

"The shoes are lightweight, easy to slip on, and look great with my son's school uniform. The breathable material keeps his feet cool, and the sole provides plenty of comfort. He played outside on wet grass with no slipping. For the price, these were well worth it."

"I've been buying KEEN trail shoes for my kids for years, and the quality has never let me down. They're durable, unisex, and can easily be handed down from one child to the next. Even after lots of playground and hiking adventures, these shoes hold up so well that we can resell them once my kids outgrow them. A solid investment for active families!"

"What impresses me most about these shoes is the sturdy build and the beautifully designed, athletic look. My toddler loves putting them on thanks to the easy Velcro strap and flexible tongue, and I appreciate the thick, grippy sole that offers great support and traction. They're perfect for both playtime and dressier occasions."

"As a parent who's trusted KEEN for years, I can say these shoes are exceptionally well-made and durable with a wide toe box that supports growing feet. The internal waterproofing and high-quality suede leather make them stand out. I feel confident knowing my active preschooler has the support and protection needed for all-day adventures."

"I've been loyal to KEENs for years because of their outstanding quality and wider fit. As a petite adult with wide feet, I always find these shoes comfortable, no matter the sock thickness. The waterproofing is fantastic—great for rain or accidental spills—and they hold up well to all kinds of activities, from hiking to city walking. Even after long days with 30,000+ steps, my feet never hurt. They’re a real workhorse and worth the price."

"My son wears orthotic braces, and it’s hard to find shoes that fit. These have a generously wide opening, making it easy to slip them on and off with the braces. They’re very supportive and keep his feet dry, even when he’s playing by the creek. So far, they’re holding up well and I’m hoping they’ll become his go-to daily shoes."

"These shoes are a game changer for my toddler, especially during autumn and winter. The waterproof protection keeps his feet dry, and he can run around all day at nursery in total comfort. They’re easy to get on and off, which makes mornings a lot smoother for us."

"I got these shoes for my son and after several days of camping and hiking, I was impressed by their solid waterproofing and durability. However, I did notice that the fit was a bit snug, so I'd suggest going up a size if you're between sizes."

"We bought these for a mountain hiking trip, but unfortunately, shipping was delayed and they arrived late. My son loved them so much that he started wearing them to summer camp instead, finding them both comfortable and great for water activities. He also appreciates the excellent traction when running on dirt fields."

"These shoes have been a fantastic choice for my 9-year-old, who usually wears out shoes quickly. The quality and durability stand out, especially for outdoor play in wet, cool weather."

"I’ve been truly impressed by the outstanding durability and comfort of these shoes. My child wears them daily, and they’ve held up well to rough outdoor play. The fit is spot on and the material is superb."

"We chose this brand for our adventures, and it’s been a hit! The shoes are sturdy enough for everything from hiking to biking, and my child really loves both the way they look and how they feel."

"I have extra small adult feet and wish I'd worn these on my Europe trip—the grip and firm build could’ve prevented a nasty fall. They’re not flexible, but they shield well against rocks, and the laces are much more durable than other shoes I’ve tried. Just keep in mind there’s no arch support, so you might want to add an insert."

"As soon as my seven-year-old saw these, he was thrilled—he even tossed his old Nikes in the trash! The material quality is impressive, and they’re truly waterproof—tested by lots of puddle jumping. The boots have outstanding traction for outdoor adventures, look great with any outfit, and have held up to rough play. I’m so happy with this purchase, I’m considering a pair for my younger child as well."

"I picked up these KEEN Hightail Mid boots for my child and they’ve been fantastic. Right out of the box, the fit was perfect and comfortable—no complaints after long walks or playtime. The ankle support is solid but not stiff, and the lightweight build is surprising considering how durable they feel. Waterproofing works flawlessly and the traction is excellent for all sorts of terrain. I’ll definitely buy another pair when we size up."

"These boots have been great for my grandson. The waterproof leather and rugged rubber soles give them both durability and grip, even in snowy weather. The Velcro fasteners make them easy to put on and take off, and he says they’re very comfortable. His feet stay warm and dry, and the boots look stylish, too. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for quality kids’ boots."