Waterproof hiking shoes for kids: Keen, Merrell, Columbia

Our recommendations

Editor's Pick

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low AC Waterproof Kids

The Moab Speed 2 Low is the light one for long rocky miles. Its narrow last and standard laces make life harder for wide toes and kids who can’t tie yet.

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Worth knowing.

• Synthetic and mesh make up the upper, so there’s not much to lug around over a long trail day.
• Midsole cushioning takes some of the sting out of rocky ground.
• Low-cut, so it runs cooler than a mid and can ride in a school backpack on outdoor-ed days.

Community discussions: r/hiking · r/Preschoolers

Also Great

Keen Targhee IV Low Waterproof (Big Kids)

Wide feet get room and toes get a rubber bumper. The Targhee IV Low pays for that with extra weight and a stiff start.

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Worth knowing.

• Keen’s wide toe box gives toes room to spread out.
• The bungee laces adjust without any knots.
• Stub a root or a rock and the rubber toe bumper takes the hit.

Community discussions: r/hiking · r/Preschoolers · r/toddlers

Best for Younger Kids

Keen Targhee IV Mid Waterproof (Little Kids)

Little kids can strap the Targhee IV Mid on themselves. The taller collar that steadies ankles also runs warm.

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Worth knowing.

• The mid-height collar gives a wobbly ankle support on roots and rocks.
• Younger kids can close the hook-and-loop strap themselves.
• Keen lists a waterproof membrane, so a muddy puddle shouldn’t mean wet socks.

Community discussions: r/hiking · r/Preschoolers · r/toddlers

Best for School to Trail

Columbia Peakfreak Rush Waterproof (Big Kids)

It looks right at school and grips on wet rock. The trade is laces to manage and a firmer step.

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Worth knowing.

• Columbia builds the sole from its Omni-Grip rubber and pitches it at wet rock.
• It’s slim and less bulky than most hikers, so it passes in class.
• On descents, reinforced eyelets keep the laces from loosening.

How I narrowed it down

• Read Merrell’s and Columbia’s size charts to confirm where the big-kid and little-kid ranges fall by age and foot length.
• The Targhee IV Mid and Low close differently depending on size range, so we checked the Keen product pages for which gets what.
• Made sure each manufacturer lists a waterproof membrane on these exact models, and noted what each upper is made of.
• Read each care label to see whether the shoe can be machine washed or needs hand cleaning.
• For traction on wet ground, we noted each outsole’s rubber and lug pattern.
• Ankle height and collar padding came from the manufacturer images and specs.

I'm Matt, a dad of two boys. If we've used something at home, the card says personally tested. The rest I read up on. I keep a weekly list of kids' product recalls. How I pick.