Best Trail Running Shoes for Kids in 2026: 4 Trail, Mud & Wet Weather Picks
Our boys do not wear trail shoes only on trails. The pairs that get the most use also have to work for wet schoolyards, slush, light snow, recess and weekend hikes. That is why this guide starts with where your child will wear the shoe, not which model looks the most technical.
Quick pick · family tested
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low A/C Waterproof
If you want one pair for trails, school, rainy days, slush and light snow, this is the shoe I would start with. It is the version our boys actually wear, with elastic laces and a hook and loop strap that they can manage themselves.
We are now in our third year buying the Moab Speed line and have used it across four full seasons. My older son has since moved into the adult version.
Quick decision
Which Kids Trail Shoe Should You Buy?
Think about the days you are buying it for. That usually makes the choice much easier.
Trail, school, rain and slush
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof is my pick here. We have kept buying the Moab Speed line for our own boys because it gets used far beyond the trail.
Muddy or slippery trail running
The Salomon Speedcross Waterproof is the better fit for this job. Its deep lugs are made for loose, soft ground, and the upper is waterproof.
Hot or dry trail days
The regular Salomon Speedcross keeps the trail grip but drops the waterproof membrane. I prefer that tradeoff when the weather is warm and dry.
Budget trail shoe for an older kid
The adidas Terrex Tracefinder is the value option I would check first. It is a real kids trail running model with a lugged outsole and a lower price than most waterproof picks.
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What we have actually used: Our boys have worn the Merrell Kids Moab Speed line across 2 full seasons, and this is our third year buying them. The current Moab Speed 2 is newer than some of the pairs we owned, so I am not treating every year as a test of this exact model. What I can speak to is why we keep coming back to the line: it is waterproof, grippy and comfortable enough that our boys want to wear it.
Why we kept buying Merrell
The Shoe That Replaced Rain Boots for a Lot of Our School Days
Before the Moab Speed, we bought the KEEN Little Kids’ Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking shoe. The waterproofing was not the issue. One of my sons had a hard time getting his foot into the boot without help, which made it frustrating for school and everyday use.
The following year we tried the Merrell Moab Speed. Both boys loved them. We are now into our third year buying the line, covering four full seasons of use. Our current pairs are the Moab Speed 2 Low A/C Waterproof.
The biggest advantage for us is how often they get worn. On rainy days, wet fall mornings, slushy days and light snow, the boys can still run around at recess without wearing winter boots or rain boots. They also use them for trails and outdoor play. My older son has now moved into the adult version.
That experience changed what I look for in a kids trail shoe. Grip matters, but so does whether a child can put the shoe on, move naturally in it and use it often enough to justify buying it.
Trail running or cross country? They overlap, but they are not the same shopping decision. If your child joined a school XC team and you are wondering about spikes, use our kids cross country shoe guide. If they mostly run roads, gym class or a track, start with our kids running shoe guide.
Best picksCompareWaterproof?FitFAQ
Current picks
The 4 Best Trail Running Shoes for Kids in 2026
These are not four versions of the same shoe. Some are better for wet school days, some for actual trail running, and some make more sense when you want a lighter or cheaper option.
Best all around wet weather pick · family tested
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof Family
Best for: trails, school, rain, slush and active outdoor play
Waterproof: yes
Our version: A/C with elastic laces and hook and loop strap
Experience: A/C version used by our boys across four seasons
For a child who needs one waterproof pair for a lot of outdoor use, this is the first current model I’d check. Merrell describes the Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof as a waterproof hiker and sneaker rather than a dedicated trail racing shoe. That is close to how our boys use it.
Our boys have used their Moab Speeds on trails, but they also wear them when the schoolyard is wet, slushy or lightly snow covered. They can run at recess in something that moves more naturally than a winter boot while still keeping their feet protected from wet ground.
The current model uses seam sealed waterproof construction, FLOATPRO foam and a rubber outsole with extra grip. My older son liked the kids version enough that he now wears the adult version.
For frequent fast trail runs in hot weather, choose something more breathable. Waterproofing earns its keep in rain and slush, but it also reduces breathability. The Salomon Speedcross models below are more running focused.
Which Moab Speed 2 closure should you choose?
A/C version: elastic laces plus a hook and loop strap. This is the version our boys wear. I prefer it for school age kids who need to put their own shoes on quickly.
Traditional lace version: better if your child already manages regular laces easily and prefers to fine tune the fit through the midfoot.
I would not choose between them based on which sounds more technical. Pick the closure your child will actually use independently.
Why we keep buying it
- Waterproof enough for the wet days we buy it for
- Useful for trails and everyday outdoor play
- Grippy outsole
- Comfortable enough that our boys choose to wear them
- Much more versatile for us than a dedicated rain boot
Skip it when
- Your child mainly runs fast in hot, dry weather
- You want a lightweight trail race shoe
- Your child needs a wide width rather than standard medium
Best for muddy trail running
Salomon Speedcross Waterproof
Best for: mud, loose ground and wet trail running
Waterproof: yes
Closure: Quicklace
Sizes shown: 10.5K through 7 Youth
If your child is heading onto muddy trails to run, not just hike or play, the Speedcross Waterproof is the more running focused choice. Salomon uses a Mud Contagrip outsole with deep, sharp lugs for loose and soft terrain, plus a protective toe cap, anti debris mesh and a waterproof membrane.
The Quicklace system may also be easier for some kids than tying regular laces on the trail. One pull tightens the shoe, and the lace stores in a small pocket. Have your child practise with it before relying on the shoe at school or on a run.
Compared with the Merrell, I favour this one when most of its use will be trail running. The outsole is far more specific to loose and muddy ground.
Why it works on wet trails
- Deep lugs for mud and loose ground
- Waterproof protection
- Quicklace closure
- Protective toe cap and debris resistant upper
- Wide range of kids sizes
Skip it when
- Most runs are on pavement
- Your child runs mainly in hot, dry weather
- You want a softer all day school shoe
Best for dry trail running
Salomon Speedcross
Best for: dry, loose and rugged trails
Waterproof: no
Weight: about 180 g per shoe
Closure: Quicklace
Waterproof is not automatically better. If your child mostly runs in warm or dry conditions, the regular Speedcross keeps the same trail focused idea without the waterproof membrane.
Salomon still uses Mud Contagrip, a protective toe cap, anti debris mesh and the Quicklace system. The current non waterproof version weighs about 180 g per shoe compared with about 208 g for the waterproof version.
Do not treat this as a lower version of the waterproof Speedcross. It is the better choice when breathability matters more than keeping puddles out. Pick the waterproof model when cold, wet conditions are a regular part of the run.
Why it makes sense
- Trail specific grip
- Lighter than the waterproof version
- Quicklace closure
- Better choice for warm and dry days
Skip it when
- Your child regularly runs through puddles or slush
- You specifically need waterproof school footwear
- Most use is on roads or smooth pavement
Best budget trail running shoe
adidas Terrex Tracefinder
Best for: dry trails, park paths and value
Waterproof: no
Outsole: Traxion lugged rubber
Youth sizes shown: roughly 3.5 through 7 on adidas Canada
The Tracefinder is a good place to look when you want a real kids trail shoe without paying waterproof trail shoe prices. adidas sells it as a kids trail running model with a Traxion lugged outsole, lightweight cushioning and a breathable upper.
I like the role it fills for an older child running dry trails, park paths and uneven ground. The youth selection on adidas Canada is currently concentrated in roughly sizes 3.5 through 7, so it will not cover every younger child.
Do not buy it as a replacement for the Merrell if your main problem is wet recess. It solves a different problem. This is the value running pick, not the wet weather pick.
Where the value is
- Current dedicated kids trail running model
- Traxion lugged outsole
- Breathable upper
- Usually much cheaper than waterproof trail options
Skip it when
- You need waterproofing
- Your child is below the available youth sizes
- Mud and very soft terrain are the main surfaces
At a glance
Compare the Kids Trail Shoe Picks
On a phone, swipe sideways to see every column.
| Shoe | Best for | Waterproof | Closure | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof | Wet weather and all around use | Yes | A/C or traditional laces | A/C version family tested |
| Salomon Speedcross Waterproof | Muddy trail running | Yes | Quicklace | Researched |
| Salomon Speedcross | Dry trail running | No | Quicklace | Researched |
| adidas Terrex Tracefinder | Value and dry trails | No | Laces | Researched |
A useful tradeoff
Should Kids Trail Running Shoes Be Waterproof?
For our family, waterproof trail shoes get used a lot. That does not mean every child needs them.
Choose waterproof when
Your child runs or plays outside in rain, puddles, wet grass, slush or light snow. It is also useful when the shoe needs to replace a rain boot on active school days.
Choose non waterproof when
Most runs happen in warm, dry conditions and breathability matters more than keeping water out.
Remember the opening
Water can still enter over the top of a low shoe. Waterproofing helps with puddles, wet grass and slush. It does not turn a low trail shoe into a tall winter boot.
Do not buy only for one hike
Kids outgrow shoes quickly. I would rather buy a trail shoe they can also use for outdoor school days than a specialized pair that sits in the closet.
If snow, pine needles or trail grit keep dropping in around the ankle, our trail running gaiter guide explains what gaiters can and cannot do. They help block debris, but they do not turn a low shoe into a waterproof boot.
When a Regular Running Shoe Is Enough
If your child mostly runs pavement, a school track or dry packed paths, do not force them into a trail shoe. Start with our best running shoes for kids. If they are joining a school cross country team, the kids cross country guide explains when regular trainers, XC flats and spikes make sense.
Fit before features
How Should Kids Trail Shoes Fit?
Do not let the outsole sell you a shoe that is hard to put on or uncomfortable. Fit still comes before waterproofing, colour or brand.
- Make sure the foot goes in easily. This became a real buying criterion for us after one of our sons struggled to get into his KEEN Targhee IV without help.
- Keep room at the front. Toes need space, especially on descents where the foot can slide forward.
- Check the heel. It should stay secure when your child walks, runs and changes direction.
- Try the closure themselves. A school age child should be able to manage the shoe they are expected to change into independently.
- Use the socks they will actually wear. A thick fall sock changes the fit more than you might expect.
- Recheck during the season. Kids can outgrow trail shoes before they wear out the outsole.
Older Teen Moving Into Adult Trail Shoes?
Once youth sizing stops fitting, there are far more choices. Our adult trail running shoe guide compares options for road to trail routes, mud, technical trails, long runs and wider toe boxes. The Running Shoe Finder can help if your teen is not sure which category fits.
Common parent questions
Kids Trail Running Shoe FAQ
Do kids actually need trail running shoes?
Not for every run. If your child mostly runs roads, tracks or smooth dry paths, a regular running shoe can be enough. Trail shoes become more useful when grip, uneven ground, mud, rocks or wet conditions are regular parts of the run.
Are waterproof trail shoes good for kids?
They can be very useful when the same shoe needs to handle wet trails, rainy school days, puddles and slush. Our family gets a lot of use from waterproof Merrell Moab Speed shoes. For hot, dry trail running, a non waterproof shoe will usually breathe better.
Can kids wear trail shoes to school?
Yes, if the shoe is comfortable for everyday wear and the school allows outdoor shoes in class. Our boys use their waterproof Merrells for wet and slushy school days because they can still run at recess without wearing a bulky winter boot or rain boot.
Can trail running shoes replace rain boots?
For our boys, waterproof trail style shoes replace rain boots on many active school days. They are not the same thing, though. A low shoe can still let water in over the collar, so rain boots remain better for deep puddles and standing water.
Can kids wear trail shoes in light snow?
Our boys wear their waterproof Merrells in light snow and slushy conditions when winter boots would be excessive. That does not make them winter boots. Deep snow, prolonged cold or very icy conditions call for footwear designed for winter.
What is the difference between trail shoes and cross country shoes?
Trail shoes are usually built for training and running on uneven off road terrain. Cross country shoes can include very light racing flats or spikes built for meets. If your child is shopping for school XC, use the cross country section linked earlier in this guide.
Where to go next
Keep Shopping by How Your Child Runs
How We Chose These Kids Trail Shoes
The Merrell pick comes from our own use. Our boys have worn the Moab Speed line for four full seasons, and this is our third year buying it. They have used the shoes on trails, rainy school days, slush, light snow and active recess. Our older son has now moved into the adult version.
We also included the KEEN experience because it changed what we value. One of our sons found the Little Kids’ Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot difficult to get his foot into without help. That does not mean it is a bad shoe. It means easy entry became an important part of our own kids shoe testing.
We have not used every shoe on this list. For the Salomon and adidas picks, I checked the current manufacturer sizing, outsole, closure and intended use in September 2026. Salomon sells both waterproof and non waterproof Speedcross models in junior sizing. adidas lists the Tracefinder as a kids trail running shoe. Merrell currently offers both alternative closure and traditional lace versions in the Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof family.
Bottom line
If You Just Want the Short Answer
One waterproof shoe for trails, school and wet weather: start with the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof family. We use the A/C version because our boys can manage the elastic laces and hook and loop strap themselves.
Muddy trail running: choose the Salomon Speedcross Waterproof.
Dry trail running: choose the regular Salomon Speedcross.
Budget pick for an older child: compare the adidas Terrex Tracefinder.
Let fit make the final decision. The shoe your child can put on without a struggle, run in comfortably and wear often is the better buy.
