How to choose junior hiking footwear?

Properly equipping children for hiking means choosing the best footwear for them or with them.
We detail the important elements so that your child can explore without any discomfort.

Summary: how do you choose good walking footwear?

1 1/ A supple sole but first and foremost technical
2 2/ Good foot support
3 3/ What type of hiking footwear:low or mid / high?
4 4/ Waterproof or water-repellent junior footwear?
5 5/ Depending on the season:summer or winter?
6 6/ Depending on the activity?
7 Are there differences between hiking footwear for girls and boys?
8 Test:what is the best brand for mountain footwear?
9 A last tip? hiking socks!

How to choose good walking footwear??

1/ A flexible sole but first and foremost technical

When learning to walk, it is recommended that the child's foot can feel the ground and establish balance. For this, 2 characteristics are to be taken into consideration:
- the grip: This is defined by the size of the crampons. The deeper and more sculpted they are, the more they will be able to withstand different ground conditions (mud, sand, snow, etc.) and therefore the grip will be better.
- the traction:It depends on the component, the softer the material with slightly less depth, the more it will have a " suction effect" depending on the terrain (rocks for example).
For children, it is better to favour a rather flexible sole, not very thick and slightly serrated. It provides comfort and grip on all types of paths.

2/ Good foot support

Walking stability will be guaranteed by the sole and by the (upper part of the footwear). Support can be improved depending on the adjustment system:
- The scratch system is simple and more practical for daily use. Children are more independent with this type of closing system.
- The traditional lacing system is more customisable.The longer and higher it is, the more adjustable the footwear becomes and above all it increases ankle support.

At the same time, some models have a " Quick lace", system, it is an intuitive and fast lacing system that facilitates use for children while ensuring good support.

Discover the selection

3/ What type of hiking footwear? low or mid/high?

There are different footwear models, they can be low, mid or high.
Low footwear are lighter and more flexible which offers better comfort.They are ideal on less committed paths because children will be able to run, jump, climb with greater freedom of movement.

High-upper footwear provide greater support for walking on more committed paths. The height protects the ankle from the external environment. Both diverse terrains but also variable weather conditions.

4/ Waterproof or water-repellent junior footwear?

Another big question concerns water resistance properties. Even if it is unlikely that you will go on a hike when it's raining, children love walking through puddles whenever possible! Most leathers and other synthetic components used on hiking boots are already treated to be water-repellent, i.e. repel water, or even equipped with a waterproof-breathable membrane. At best, this membrane is completely waterproof to resist water and therefore more waterproof.
It is best to choose children's hiking boots that are a minimum water-repellent so that you can go out with your child in all weather conditions.If you do more advanced hikes on a regular basis, waterproof shoes will probably simplify your daily life and your organization because they will keep your child's feet dry!

For your information, it is possible to spray the water-repellent treatment yourself or to reactivate it using a spray.

Buying a waterproof spray?

5/ Depending on the season:summer or winter?

The temperatures do not significantly change the criteria, but some materials can however be preferred.

Instead, we recommend open footwear models, such as sandals or shoes with breathable materials such as micro-perforated synthetic components;or for the sake of comfort in order to evacuate perspiration and prevent the foot from "macerating" during your summer hikes..

During winter, footwear padded with a lining or padding to insulate against the cold.Components such as wadding retain heat better.

6/ Depending on the activity?

During your walks or short hikes, fairly flexible footwear may be sufficient to ensure grip and comfort.In other words, on easy paths with low elevation, you can favour lightness.

During mountain hikes, favour models with more protection and robustness where the paths can be steeper. The terrain is often more variable and the elevation higher.
Conversely, hiking footwear are not designed for trail running.They are two different sports with different particularities and needs.

Are there differences between hiking footwear for girls and boys?

There is no difference in morphology or shape between girls and boys. Before adolescence, foot typologies are not yet characterised. The choice may change depending on the design, colours or accessories.
We do not recommend opting for footwear with an arch:indeed, the latter will gradually take shape as the foot muscles strengthen when walking; no need to artificially support it.

Test:what is the best brand for mountain footwear?

Finally, there is no perfect brand. The fittings are different according to the brands. The most important thing is that the footwear is adapted to your child's activity and habits.

It is therefore strongly recommended to go and try them on in the store to see if they feel good and comfortable when in action.
In addition to that, here are some tips and advice to test if the pair suits the child:
- Take a size above the “classic” size so that the footwear offers enough volume around the toes and that the toes do not touch the tip of the footwear.During exercise, feet swell, the larger size therefore allows for more space. In addition, it will also save you from buying a new pair every two weeks.
- Pass a finger behind the Achilles tendon and the upper to position the foot correctly and check the previous criteria.
- Try on the footwear, imitating the conditions and movements as closely as possible. Some stores offer on-site modules to test multiple terrains and angles.

Discover our favourite, the footwear that lasts and resists children!

A last little tip?
hiking socks!

The sock's function is often minimized as it connects the sole to the footwear.. When in movement, badly chosen socks can create areas of friction.
To answer this, there are different sizes of uppers and models with various zones that are more reinforced, more breathable or more stretchy in certain zones. It is therefore important to have hiking socks that provide maximum support and comfort.

Alizée

Avid hiker and former scout

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