Updated: December 24th, 2022
Signing up your kid for Boy Scouts guarantees them loads of adventures and education. A lot of their experiences will take place outdoors, which means that their feet will need to be protected. Regular old boots or shoes won’t be enough, especially when they participate in all those rough and tumble activities.
Instead, what they’ll need are some solid Boy Scout hiking boots. In this article, we’re going to take a look at eight of the best hiking boots for Boy Scouts.
Top 8 Boy Scout Hiking Boots
Hi-Tec Men’s Altitude VI Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Altitude VI waterproof hiking boots come with a rubber sole with a 1.5" heel. That's an essential factor to consider when shopping for Boy Scout hiking boots, as the sole will reduce the odds that your child will slip and get hurt.
Still being a tough boot for hiking doesn't mean that the boot doesn't need to look good. The Altitude VI includes a lovely waterproof leather upper part. Added to that, it comes with i-Shield coating to keep it stain-free, as well as metal hardware that won't rust.
Hi-Tec includes three of its unique technologies in this boot. You've got the earlier-mentioned i-Shield that keeps it stain free. But you also have the Dri-Tec waterproof membrane that keeps feet dry, as well as V-Lite which ensures that these boots are light but durable.
Your kids' feet will enjoy the cushioning provided by the OrthoLite sock liner which comes with anti-odor and anti-microbial properties. No matter how dirty those boots get, the inside will still be as clean as can be.
Northside Kids’ Rampart Mid Hiking Boot
The Northside Kids’ Rampart boot is put together with both leather and synthetic materials. The sole is made of rubber to reduce slipping and keep the wearer safe.
The thing that makes this such a great pair of Boy Scout hiking boots is that it features a rugged ankle-high suede material and rip-stop nylon. Not only are these materials breathable, but they're also great at preventing the boots from tearing apart in harsh environments. The boot also includes abrasion-resistant toe guards and heel stabilizers, which offers even more protection against injury.
On the inside, the lining is moisture-wicking, which keeps the feet dry. Also, it's got a gusseted tongue that keeps debris like stones and small branches out of the shoe.
As you can imagine, being outdoors as a Boy Scout indeed involves stepping into some very rough areas. With this pair of boots protecting the feet of your child, you won't have to worry about any of that. Oh, and don't worry about getting the inside dirty either. The insoles are entirely removable and washable.
Boy Scouts of America Heavy-Duty Work Boot
The Boy Scouts of America Heavy-Duty Work was designed by actual Scout Troop Leaders who know what it's like to go through such harsh environments, who then put their knowledge into this fantastic pair of boots.
The boot has a rubber sole at the bottom, which prevents slipping and therefore reduces the risk of injury. They also include quad-row stitching which offers only the highest strength and durability for the boot. The inside of the boot itself consists of dual-density memory foam that not only offers great comfort but also includes added support and better performance.
All-in-all, what you get with these boots is a pair that's tough, lightweight, and comfortable. Most importantly, the rubber soles that prevent slipping will give you added peace of mind that these boots will keep your child out of harm’s way.
Deer Stags Drew Hiker Boot
Deer stags made this boot out of 100% simulated leather plus a ballistic nylon fabric. That's the kind of material they use to make flak jackets, which also happens to be some of the most rigid nylon around. It's thick and tough, which means that these boots are tough to tear apart.
The upper part consists of a reinforced synthetic material that's also breathable, keeping the feet cool at all times. Other than that, the sole of this boot is also synthetic. Perhaps it's not as good as a rubber sole to avoid slipping, but it's still helpful.
The Drew Hiker Boot has a corded lace closure system that keeps these boots securely fitted. You won't have to worry about them coming off by accident when running around rough outdoor environments.
Inside, these boots come with a mesh lining and a lightweight cushion as well. The mesh lining keeps the boot breathable, while the lightweight cushion offers additional comfort without making the boot heavier.
Hi-Tec Men’s Logan Waterproof Hiking Boot
The fact that Hi-Tec has two boots on this list just shows that overall, they have a wide selection of high-quality hiking boots. This pair comes with a synthetic sole, which while it might not be as effective at gripping the ground and preventing slips as rubber soles do, they're still useful.
What's more important is that Hi-Tec produces this boot using waterproof suede, while including a high-performance mesh upper. These materials matter because they're the reason behind the boot's waterproof quality. Still, the boot does have a breathable membrane, so even though it's waterproof, it's not airtight. Air can always flow through, which keeps the wearer's feet feeling dry and clean.
Lacing it up is pretty easy since it comes with a closure that's got rustproof eyelets. Rustproof elements are essential, considering how these boots will probably go through lots of water and mud through its lifespan.
There's plenty of comfort inside the boot thanks to the fabric lining and the cushioned footbed.
Merrell Kids' Chameleon 7 Access Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Chameleon 7 Access Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a traditional lace-up hiking boot made out of suede, with a synthetic sole. As we've seen with the other hiking boots on this list, suede makes for some of the best hiking boot material out there. The synthetic sole consists of a slip-resistant M Select Grip™ non-marking outsole, which offers excellent traction no matter what terrain the wearer is hiking on. All the while, the mesh lining on the inside provides a high level of breathability, keeping the wearer's feet comfortable, dry, and odor-free.
Like some of the other brands on this list, Merrell Kids' includes a lot of its proprietary technologies. For instance, this pair has the earlier-mentioned M Select Grip for its outsole. Also, it’s got the Kinetic Fit Base which is a removable contoured insole that offers loads of support. And on top of that, it also includes the M Select Dry membrane which helps to keep the wearer's feet dry and comfortable throughout the hike.
There's also the molded TPU heel counter which provides added stability.
VITIKE Waterproof Hiking Boots
This pair of boots come with a non-slip rubber sole, as well as a rubber outsole as well. One of the most significant advantages offered by this boot is the fact that the rugged rubber sole comes with a unique non-slip metal claw. While some shoes only offer a non-slip sole, this one takes it a step further by adding an actual claw to keep the wearer from slipping, especially when hiking or walking on icy surfaces.
This Boy Scout hiking boot is exceptionally good at keeping dust and other junk out of the boot thanks to its gusseted tongue. Meanwhile, the abrasion-resistant toe guard offers an added bit of protection for the toes. Beyond that, the inside of the VITIKE hiking boot offers excellent comfort with its 100% cotton liner. It also comes with sturdy adjustable velcro straps so the wearer can adjust it to fit their feet perfectly.
Northside Cheyenne JR Hiking Boot
With its speed lacing system, getting the Northside Cheyenne JR Hiking Boots on takes very little time.
Made of 100% leather, these hiking boots look great and perform excellent as well. The upper mesh is breathable, which keeps the wearer's feet sitting comfortably in the boot throughout the day.
That comfort is also increased thanks to the contoured, cushioned EVA insole. That is important, considering these boots will probably be on throughout most of the day.
The synthetic sole does a decent job at maintaining traction on the ground, while the heel stabilizer offers the wearer a lot of added balance.
How To Choose A Kids Hiking Boots
Now that we’ve looked at eight of the best top hiking boots available on the market today, let’s highlight what you should look for when choosing the right hiking shoes for kids.
Before choosing which pair to buy, consider the following:
- The fit - That should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Be sure that the shoes fit perfectly for the person wearing them. There’s nothing worse than a pair of hiking boots that fit too tightly or too loosely. Not only is it unpleasant, but it could also be dangerous!
- The materials - The materials are more of a personal preference. If you prefer good old fashioned leather, then that’s the material you should go with. It should also go without saying, that you’ll probably want the material to be waterproof too.
- Breathability - Never underestimate the importance of breathability. Your child is going to use these hiking boots for hours on end. Remember that feet also produce sweat and start to smell after a while. With breathable materials, at least those feet will get their fair share of ventilation throughout the day.
Be sure to pack your hiking boots on the odorless compartment of your camp duffel bag or camp trunk.