Recommended Hiking Shoes for Kids

How old are we talking about here?

If under 10-12, I'd just go with regular well fitting tennis shoes and yeah if you need to cross water take their shoes off or bring a pair to get wet in.

Many people even on places like the App trail just wear tennis shoes. Not saying boots aren't good or better I just don't think its worth over thinking for kids. But I would definitely make sure they fit well and have some good socks to prevent blisters.

Sneakers.

I’ve done a good bit of western hunting in trail running shoes.

Go to REI and get each kid a pair of top of the line trail runners and then return them for a full refund within a year!

But seriously, like the other poster said, regular tennis shoes should be fine. A second pair of shoes specifically for water, like Crocs, should get you through. Just make sure the water shoes have a strap on back so they stay secure in moving water or in mud.

Trail runners will dry faster than tennis shoes. If you want socks that can handle the water, NRS or Seal Skinz should do the trick. But I’d keep it simple with 2 pairs of shoes.

Decent, broken in running shoes on their feet. Keens sandals or equivalent in their backpack for streams. They can keep them on comfortably after the crossing to dry out a bit before changing again if needed.

Pair of crocs or flip flops. Them kids gonna out walk you anyway.