The best kids’ walking boots for wannabe ramblers

These fully waterproof boots are ideal for mini adventurers. They feature Regatta's Isotex and Hydropel breathable technology to keep feet comfy. There's a lot of support and grip on these boots to keep kids upright while exploring hills and fields, while the outer material repels water causing it to bead on the surface and run off. We like the electric blue colour; they're also available in a dark green with lime detail, or a grey design. Available in sizes from 9 (infant) to 6 (adult).

One parent reviewer said: "Comfortable boots, no blisters when worn first time. Also didn't get wet feet when walking on a rainy day. Only downside is that the inner soles aren't fixed so one slipped back. I ended up supergluing both in."

With a more traditional style to these kids' walking boots, your little one's feet will stay dry and supported throughout your walk. These are probably more suited to flatter terrain, dog walks and country paths, rather than hiking up hills. They're cushioned with EVA material, and there's a soft fleece lining to keep toes warm. The outer material is water resistant, to repel water during showers and hopping over streams. Available in sizes from 10 (infant) to 5 (adult).

Our writer, Sophie Knight, reviewed these boots, tested by her son, Eli, who wore a size 13 (junior). Sophie said: "Eli loved these boots as soon as he saw them; he liked how smart they looked, and said they were really comfy.

"I like these boots because there are no laces to worry about when putting them on; Eli can easily put them on himself and tighten with the Velcro strap. He's still at that point of learning how to tie laces and can get a bit stressed when he gets it wrong, so removing that worry is great.

"These Mountain Warehouse boots are really sturdy and well-made; they'll last for plenty of walks I believe, until Eli grows out of them of course. They were great value for money. I'd recommend them to anyone wanting to invest in a good pair of kids' walking boots.

"Eli wore them for several hours while we went on a long walk to the woods, jumping over stiles and puddles, and the boots still looked in great condition after the sort of test a seven-year-old gives a pair of walking boots. They cleaned up easily too, with a damp cloth; the material is synthetic but we used a little boot polish on them to brighten them up and it worked well.

"They're comfy and breathable, and really flexible for jumping and running too. Really happy with these boots."

Made from waterproof and breathable material, these Regatta boots are ideal for adventures up hills and through puddles. We like the red detailing on the boots, making them stand out. Little feet will be supported with an EVA footbed - this is a dense foam material used to give footwear supportive cushioning. There's plenty of grip on the soles, too. They're available in two other colours; available in sizes from 9 (infant) to 6 (adult).

Our writer, Sophie Knight, reviewed these boots, tested by her daughter Matilda, who wore a size 9 (infant) boot. Sophie says: "Matilda loved her boots and said they were super comfortable; she was happily running around in them in the garden as soon as I helped her put them on. They were easy to fit on to her feet, not as fiddly as some toddler walking boots can be.

"Matilda wore these Regatta walking boots on a walk through a big park, with plenty of running and jumping into puddles. There's a large tree trunk that's been felled and is used in the park as a climbing structure for kids, and she tackled this looking sturdy and solid in her boots - much better than when she attempts this in trainers.

"She wore them for about three hours during our walk and said they were comfy throughout. She's worn them lots of times since on walks and playtime, and I'm happy her feet are being protected and supported.

"The boots seem very sturdy and I trust they'll last a long time - well, until her feet grow again anyway. Walking boots can be an investment but it's definitely worth it if you're outdoors a lot and go for plenty of walks. Where we live there aren't many hills but we certainly trek around a lot."

Comfy, protective, and supportive, these kids' walking boots offer everything you need. The EVA cushioned sole will keep feet comfy on a long walk, while the supportive sides look after little ankles. They are water resistant to keep feet dry, although one reviewer noted that they don't have a fleecing lining so they might not be suitable for the coldest days. They come in six colour combinations, and we like the cheerful pink and grey design. Available in sizes from 9 (infant) to 6 (adult).

One parent reviewer said: "These boots are waterproof, sturdy and not too heavy and my son doesn’t trip over the laces. He finds them easy to walk, run and jump and they look nice."

Keep little feet dry with the waterproof faux-suede uppers on these kids' walking boots. There are heel and toe bumpers to keep feet protected and to make the boots last longer; the EVA cushioning moulds to your child's foot shape for ultimate comfort while walking and exploring. They're also available in a grey and pink design. Available in sizes from 10 (infant) to 5 (adult).

One mum reviewer said: "My son loves these boots, they’re very durable. This is his second pair, only because he’s grown."

Ideal for mini adventurers, these Berghaus boots are ideal for beginners just getting used to longer country walks. They're lightweight and breathable, meaning they'll be comfy for little feet. They're fully waterproof - great for unpredictable weather and puddle jumping of course. There's extra support and comfort thanks to the padded collar around the ankle. They don't come up the ankle as far as some toddler walking boots, meaning they might be more comfortable for younger walkers. Available in sizes from 1 to 13.

One reviewer said: "They’ve lasted through many scrambles and sooo many hikes! Had them nearly a year and they’re still going good, I would recommend these massively."

These stylish boots are comfy and hard-wearing. There are extra details to make them cope with life with children; the extra support at the heel means they'll cope with the way kids tend to shove them on and kick them off. There's plenty of flexibility, meaning they'll stay comfy when climbing over rocks and up trees, thanks to the flex in the upper material. Available in sizes 7 (infant) to 6 (adult) and in three colours.

One parent reviewer said: "My four-year-old boy loves these boots and wears them nearly every day. From a mother’s perspective, these shoes are durable and I don’t have to worry about them flying off his feet. These shoes have given my son confidence to try more challenging outdoor activities because he knows his feet are safe and his ankles are supported. Definitely worth the investment!"

For something a little different, check out these Berghaus walking boots that are designed to feel more like a trainer. They're lightweight like a trainer, but still supportive like a more traditional walking boot. They're made from a waterproof and breathable material, with a tough tread for grip on countryside walks. Available in sizes from 1 to 13.

One parent reviewer said: "Super light and comfortable. My son loved them. Had them less than a year and probably used them about 10-15 times before they fell apart and started letting water in."

If you're looking for a toddler walking shoe, instead of a boot, then consider this version from Regatta. A walking shoe might be better for your little one in the summer months, or if you're on shorter walks on more even ground than a hike uphill, perhaps. There's obviously less support for the ankle with a walking shoe, as they finish lower up the ankle than a boot. Your toddler might find these more comfortable than a boot. They feature the same EVA cushioning and support as the Vendeavour boots we featured above, and they're also waterproof and breathable too. Available in sizes from 9 (infant) to 2 (adult).