The Best Hiking Shoes for Kids
Hiking is a great activity to get kids away from their computers and outside to enjoy the environment. The best experiences start with hiking shoes or boots that fit well and best suit the specific needs of your kids. Invest time in their selection, rather than buy the first shoes you come across.
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Types of Shoes
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Four basic types of hiking footwear match the specific activities being undertaken. Trail runners are similar to sneakers and are ideal for trail running and short hikes. Trail shoes serve for day hikes over well-established and relatively flat trails. Light hiking boots are best for longer hikes over more challenging terrain, which may be wet or muddy. Hikes over rocks and mountain terrain call for heavy hiking or mountaineering boots.
Fit
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When trying shoes and boots, ensure that the fit is snug, while allowing the kids to be able to wiggle their toes freely. The heels should be held firmly and should not be able to move up and down within the shoes. Try to buy the shoes as far in advance of hiking activities as possible, to allow for the kids to wear them in for ultimate comfort and to avoid painful blisters. While buying the shoes also buy hiking socks. These are specialty items with thermal qualities that allow moisture to be wicked away from the skin. Hiking socks are important for keeping feet warm in winter and cool in summer, and they help avoid blisters. Cotton, sports socks are not suitable for hiking activities.
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Bestsellers
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According to Galt Buying Guides the two bestselling hiking shoes for kids are the Timberland Mud Runner Reloaded Hiking Shoe, which is easy to lace, has a Velcro fastener and is easy to get on and off, and the North Face Resilience Shoe which is lightweight and easy to walk and run in.
Popular Shoes
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Not all shoes will suit all kids equally, and you will want to try varying makes and styles before selecting the shoes you are going to purchase. Once you have found the most suitable shoe, you can check in-store and online to find the best price. Some popular shoes are:
The KEEN Youth Targhee Hiking Shoe is available in brown or black leather and features a moisture-wicking lining that is designed to keep feet dry, no matter how many puddles your kids jump in. The slide on, slide off design and "quick-draw elastic cord" fastening allows them to be put on and taken off with ease and the carbon-rubber sole gives good traction.
The Merrell Siren Sport cross-training shoes are lightweight, durable and quick-drying. The trademark Merrell Ventilato rubber soles of the Siren Sport offer flexibility and grip on a variety of terrains.
Hi-Tec Youth Altitude IV Junior Hiker feature waterproof, seam-sealed leather uppers and carbon rubber soles for multiple surface traction.
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References
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- Photo Credit runing on lonely path image by jamsi from Fotolia.com
