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How to Buy the Best Hiking Boots For Your Child
Hiking boots for kids come in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns these days. While you may think all children need the same kinds of footwear, that simply isn’t true. Even children s feet are developing at different rates and that means wrong footwear can negatively impact how your children grow. Also, know that the quality of any boot you buy is going to be directly influenced by the level of activity your children get regularly. So, be certain to look over the following points before committing to a specific pair of hiking boots.
* Size – Every little one is different so it’s important to get the correct size footwear. If you have a small little one, go with women’s hiking boots. Men’s hiking boots are the perfect option if you have a larger toddler. Once your toddler has outgrown their footwear they may still want some sandals or even flip flops around the house for times out on the trails. Take the time to measure your toddler’s feet and then compare them to the sizes of several popular footwear options. This way you’ll be certain that your little one is in the proper size for hiking boots.
* Comfort – Kids need to be comfortable while they are walking around in their shoes. There is no point in buying a high-quality shoe if it is not going to feel right on its feet. Look for a boot that has cushioning in the heel and throughout the entire shoe. La Sportiva is a well-known manufacturer of quality footwear that provides plenty of comforts.
* Durability – Kids wear their footwear a lot. This means you need to make sure it is durable and will stand up to the wear and tear of daily wear and tear. There are several options from La Sportiva that will provide durability. They offer leather, synthetic leather and also have some water-resistant hiker-style sandals in their lineup.
* Cushioning – This is another crucial feature in a new shoe. If you think about it, a shoe needs to have good padding to provide maximum support and comfort. Some popular brands offer cushioning in the heel and throughout the entire shoe. La Sportiva is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality footwear that offers excellent cushioning in their Newton Ridgeline.
* Durability – Children often rough terrain when they are outside playing. They do this so that they can practice their skills and build up their muscle strength. While you do not want to spend money on a shoe with a rubber outsole that will wear out after just a few months of use, you will save a lot of money if you invest in footwear with durability in mind. Look for brands that offer durabilities such as Montrail, Duratread, and Kustom. These brands are very popular among avid outdoor enthusiasts and everyday parents who know that children need their shoes to last.
* Height – When you are an adult, your height does not have a lot to do with being comfortable in footwear. However, as children grow, their feet tend to grow along with them. To accommodate growth, you may want to purchase a pair of footwear that has slightly longer than the average heel. The goal is to allow your children’s feet to grow naturally and their long legs to stay intact for their future footwear purchases.
* Waterproofing – Many parents mistakenly believe that buying waterproofing is an added cost that is not necessary. You should know though, that waterproofing is especially important for kids’ hiking boots. Children who are constantly wetting their feet and socks will develop blisters. Waterproofing prevents this by adding an extra layer of protection. It also helps to keep feet dry after they step out from the sand or the trail and from getting moist on the inside of their shoes or socks.
