We’ve reviewed multiple Hi-Tec shoes and boots, including the men’s lightweight Altitude Lite, but what about the Altitude Lite for kids? Hi-Tec Altitude Lite Jr combines the same high-quality, low impact hiking boot for adults with a fit designed just for younger hikers.
We have three junior hikers in the family, and while each love the outdoors, finding quality gear that actually fits and feels comfortable has proven key to getting them to enjoy hiking. Our ten-year-old has been wearing the Altitude Lite Jr throughout the year, and we’ve found this boot to be a great all-purpose hiking shoe. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and comfortable enough that he describes it as a ‘shoe’. I love the high ankle support to prevent rolls, and how sturdy it’s proven through three seasons of hiking in Oregon. It does well in slush and mud, on rocky trails, and even in sand, to a lesser degree (does anything do well in sand?).
The outer material of the Altitude Lite Jr. is stain-resistant…a quality you don’t think you need in a hiking shoe until your kid dumps an entire cup of kool-aid on his feet. You also get a breathable membrane, to prevent odor and keep feet temperature manageable during the summer months, and the lacing system promises a snug fit. It even includes what Hi-Tec calls a ‘Big-Fit’ system, which allows kids’ feet room to grow with adjustable and removable insoles. This is my favorite feature, as my kids often go through two shoe sizes a year!
Otherwise, the Altitude Lite Jr has all the features you’d expect to see (and do see) on the adult version, including an abrasion-resistant toe cap for extra protection, a steel shank for support and stability, MDT traction and grippy rubber outsole, and gusseted tongue (which stops annoying pebbles from entering the shoe).
The Altitude Lite Jr comes in size 1.5-6, with a second toddler/little kid category for even smaller sizes. There are several color options. My boys like the charcoal/black/sunray, with just enough bright color to pop, but they are also available in a smoky brown and a lavender. Pick up a pair for $64 directly from Hi-Tec or look for a deal on REI, Zappos, or Amazon.