Hi-Tec Kid's Nepal Waterproof Junior Hiking Boot (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)

We purchased this pair of boots, and 2 different "air balance" (sub-$30) boots prior to BSA summer camp. I was hesitant with the price point (sub-$55) because he's still growing, but went for it anyway. The price difference was more than justified.I say this with all the conviction a parent and avid scouter can say: best product purchase ever!When my 1st year scout put them on he was immediately impressed with the great feel (as compared to the air balance products). He's VERY picky about his feet and how they feel in shoes. He was dancing around in these moments after lacing them up and delaring loudly that we'd found his boots for camp. They were broken in with in a few days (I think he slept in them one night)Observations:- Well constructed (good seam lines, well glued, interior doesn't have rough edges, etc.)- Light weight and durable- Foot bed is solid enough for a great hiking boot, but not so rigid as to be uncomfortable for an active scout- As advertised: Waterproof! This product feature was field tested in the NE Ohio summer where it rained for 2 days at camp, which left ample puddles, mud holes, and fields of wet grass for scouts to walk through. His feet stayed dry the whole time (while his tent-mate was left to suffer with prune feet and a bag full of soaking socks)- And an added bonus - the insole (which is soft, making for a comfy foot after a long hike) is removable to reveal a second (though not removable) insole (called their "big fit" system). This basically increased the life-span of the boot for a growing child whose feet will change size before the end of the summer. By Fall camps we expect to pull the insole and change the size 6 into a 6.25.I fully expect my scout to write to Hi-Tec and explain how great this product is. I have an old pair boots that will be replaced just as soon as I finish this write up.I will recommend this boot to every boy and parent of a scout! This is worth EVERY PENNY spent for a scout boot for hiking, summer camp, etc.Buy this and know you've made a great choice for your kid.

The reason I'm giving it one star rating is because my son wore them for two months and the sole literally started peeling off from the top front of the boot where the rubber of the sole starts. Very disappointed with this brand, I am not buying Hi-Tec in the future.

Bought these for my son, age 12, to wear at camp. He's a 4.5M, so I bought a 4.5M. He said they were too small, so I gave them to my 10 year old son who is a 3.5M and they fit him perfectly (with a little room to grow). So, I bought a 5.5M for my 12 year old and they fit great with room to grow--especially with the extra removable liner. He wore them for 4 days straight at camp, walking pretty much all day long. He said they were comfortable and kept his feet warm and dry. My youngest has worn his several times and likes them, too. Would definitely recommend!

I've actually had these for two years or so and just remembered to write a review. These boots are excellent and extremely comfortable to wear. I originally purchased them to protect/cushion my feet on a trip to Costa Rica and they've exceeded my expectations so well I've used them on every trip with excursions both domestic and abroad since. Not only are they comfortable, but they've kept my feet dry, warm and handled the pressures of any terrain. Doesn't hurt that's it's an attractive looking boot either. I treat my clothing with good care and these are still in great condition even years later.

I'm an adult that loves to hike but has very small feet. These fit perfectly. It has an extra insole in it for when your kid's foot grows, but my feet won't be growing any more, so I kept it in. My feet are wide but these shoes are still comfortable. They also don't let in water. You may have to re-waterproof them eventually. I've had them for a year and just re-waterproofed them using a simple Vaseline and beeswax mixture.One small problem you may have when you first get them is that after a few minutes hiking, the laces will slip and the show will become loose. To fix this I just used a knife to score the laces so they have more grip.Overall a great shoe for hiking.

Bought for my 8 year old. i had to buy two sizes to see which one fits better. in the end, we kept the size 1.5M. fits well and seem like a sturdy pair of boots. we are serious hikers and my 8 yr old hikes as long as 10-12 miles a day on expeditions.Update: 2016 MarchThese went through the Swiss mountains on biking and hiking trips recently. Held up very well. Good grips. We liked it so much we decided to buy a second pair for my younger son when REI went on sale this month (march 2016) for only $23!!!! I am still glad I bought this pair at Amazon, despite a higher price - amazon had it (and the size) when we needed it. without which, we may never have been introduced Hi-tec boots.

My younger son wore these shoes for the first time during a very muddy, soggy camping weekend. They did not get water inside them. He wore them 3 days in a row without any prior breaking in. He said they felt a little tight in one spot across his foot the first day, but after that they must have molded to his foot because the next day they were reported as "comfortable." He did a few small hikes, played soccer and ultimate Frisbee in them. There is an insert than can be removed to make them a little bigger when his foot grows, so hopefully he can wear them a long time. Also they are relatively easy to get off and on. My son liked the blue color to match his Cub Scout uniform.