Kids are natural explorers, so why not further develop their curiosity by hiking with them? Not only is it a good way to bond with your children, but it’s also an excellent way to connect kids with nature at an early age.

Of course, you don’t want to bring a child with you on your next trip without the essential hiking gear. That’s why Columbia has designed kids' waterproof shoes that both look good and protect their feet from the elements.

Just because they’re kids doesn’t mean they deserve less than adults. Columbia understands that more than anyone else, so we designed our kids' shoes with the same specialised technologies you’ll find in our products:

• Omni-Grip™ for unparalleled traction on any surface.
• Techlite™ for a lightweight midsole that provides comfortable cushioning with high energy return on every step.
• Omni-Shield™ to help prevent stains from discolouring your child’s footwear.
• Omni-Heat™ lining to keep their feet warm.
• Omni-Tech™ breathable membrane to keep air circulating within the shoe.

Our kid's shoes are basically the junior version of our full-sized products.

Kids mimic the style of those around them, and they’re usually exposed to their parents’ fashion sense at first. That's why we designed their shoes the same way we made the adult versions. We understand that style and character are essential to a child, and we didn’t want our range of shoes to take that away from them.

Columbia’s selection of kids’ shoes comes in different cuts depending on the type of hiking you have in mind:

• Low hiking shoes for wet or dry trails, prioritising movement speed and comfort.
• Waterproof hiking shoes to keep their feet dry, even when they’re having fun.
• Winter shoes that are designed to keep their feet warm and dry while maintaining air circulation.
• Hiking shoes to help them conquer any muddy surfaces while exploring nature with you.
• Lightweight hiking sandals to keep their feet comfortable yet protected.

When shopping for a new pair for your child, choose hiking shoes that look and feel good for them. You also must double-check their hiking boot size so you don’t inadvertently buy them a shoe that’s too big or too small. Ultimately, your child will be the one wearing them, so make sure to ask for their feedback.

Some parents may buy Wellington boots instead of waterproof shoes for their children, and that’s fine. One is more accessible than the other despite their differences:

• Wellingtons are great at keeping feet dry during rain or snow—like waterproof shoes. However, they're only suitable for walking short distances, as they don’t provide adequate ankle support. For anything more involved than a short walk to the shop, it’s better to buy waterproof shoes.
• Columbia’s range of kids’ waterproof shoes is designed with hiking soles that offer the right amount of grip and traction, no matter the surface. Wellingtons, on the other hand, have soles that are only suitable for even surfaces.
• Our Omni-Tech™ technology helps keep your child’s feet cool and comfortable, even when the shoe keeps water out. Although Wellingtons also excel at preventing water from seeping through, their lack of air circulation means they get warm after an extended period.
• Our selection of kids’ shoes is flexible enough to let kids move freely, unlike Wellington boots, which are quite restrictive.

There’s never been a better time to introduce your child to Columbia products. We’re confident that once they’ve spent time with their new pair of shoes, they won’t wish to wear anything from other brands.

And why not fulfil your hiking gear wishlist with Columbia? We offer a wide range of products for all ages, such as:

• all-terrain shoes
• hiking clothes for women
• hiking jackets
• hiking sandals for men
• hiking sandals for women
• hiking socks
• leather hiking boots
• light hiking shoes
• long hiking boots
• waterproof shoes for men
• wide shoes for men
• women's hiking boots
• men's hiking and walking shoes

Planning to go mountain hiking but need some hiking tips before you start? We’ve got you covered, too.

• How to choose hiking shoes
• How to choose the right size for hiking boots
• Learn more about hiking soles