Do Kids Really Need Hiking Boots? A Mum’s Honest Answer

If you’re planning your very first family hike, you’ve probably wondered whether you need to rush out and buy hiking boots for your kids.

The short answer?

Probably not.

For most beginner family hikes, a comfortable pair of everyday running shoes with ok grip is perfectly fine.

But, as with most things when it comes to kids, there’s a little more to it than a simple yes or no.

Start with the hike, not the gear

It’s easy to think you need the fancy hiking socks and special outdoor branded jacket, before you can head outdoors.

The truth is, if you’re heading out on an easy, well-formed track for a couple of hours, your child’s everyday running shoes will usually do the job perfectly fine.

I’ve taken kids walking who have happily spent the whole day in the same trainers they wear to school for everyday use.

Before spending money on expensive hiking boots, ask yourself these questions:

• How far are we actually walking?

• What is the track like?

• Is it mostly flat or is it rocky and uneven?

• What’s the weather forecast?

• Are my child’s current shoes comfortable and supportive?

Those answers are often far more important than whether the shoes have the word “hiking” on the box.

Every child is different

Here’s where experience has taught me that there isn’t one perfect answer.

My son could happily wear his everyday trainers all day at school, but after a few hours walking his feet would really start to ache.

Eventually we realised he needed more supportive footwear with decent arch support. Once we sorted that out, hiking became much more enjoyable for him.

My daughter, on the other hand, happily wears whatever hand-me-down shoes are on offer, no complaints, as long as she’s wearing socks of today’s favourite colour.

Same family.

Same hikes.

Completely different feet.

That’s why I encourage parents to pay attention to their child rather than trying to follow a one-size-fits-all rule.

Some tired feet after a decent walk are completely normal.

But if your child regularly complains of pain, develops blisters, starts limping, or seems uncomfortable far earlier than you’d expect, it’s worth looking more closely at whether their footwear is giving them enough support.

So when should you buy hiking boots?

My advice is simple.

Buy hiking boots once you know your child actually enjoys hiking.

How many times have we all excitedly bought something for our kids, only for them to lose interest or outgrow it before they’ve really used it?

If you’re only planning the occasional easy walk, I’d save your money for now.

As your adventures become longer, the tracks become rougher, and hiking becomes something your family genuinely enjoys, that’s the time to start thinking about investing in proper hiking footwear.

You’ll likely appreciate the extra grip, better support, and increased comfort as the terrain becomes more challenging.

You don’t have to spend a fortune

We’ve owned cheaper hiking boots that have done a perfectly good job, we've had expensive ones that were unable to be walked in after a few hours.

We’ve also discovered that what works brilliantly for one child doesn’t necessarily work for another.

Price isn’t always the deciding factor.

Comfort, support and fit matter much more.

Shoes I’d avoid

While I’ve seen just about everything on the trail from gumboots and Crocs to steel-cap work boots and jandals, there are definitely some choices I’d avoid.

High-fashion casual trainers with flat, slippery soles often don’t offer much grip or support, especially once the track becomes wet or uneven. They're also not always designed for hours of use and can become uncomfortable, creating blisters quicker that you planned.

If you can choose between everyday running shoes, trail runners and hiking boots, I’d generally recommend them in that order depending on the type of walk you’re doing.

The best shoe is the one that’s right for your child

One of my children carefully walks around every puddle.

The other actively targets them.

That’s parenting!

The same applies to hiking footwear.

Learn what your child enjoys.

Notice how they move.

Pay attention to what makes them comfortable.

Support them in making sensible choices, but remember that sometimes the best lessons come from experience. If they insist on wearing unsuitable shoes despite your advice, chances are they’ll see your side of it after the walk when they have sore feet. At which point, yes you may have a quiet "I told you so" moment.

My advice

Don’t let hiking boots become the reason you never start.

If your child has a comfortable pair of supportive running shoes and you’re planning an easy beginner-friendly walk, that’s more than enough to get started.

Focus less on having the perfect gear and more on building positive experiences together.

Because the goal of your first family hike isn’t to look like seasoned hikers, with all the gear and no idea.

The goal is simply to come home with muddy shoes, happy memories, and kids who want to go again.