Wander Wisom # 2 - Proper Footwear for Adventuring

A muddy hiking adventure to Governor Dodge State Park, WI in March 2025.

I don’t know about you, but our family has been so ready to get outside and play. So ready, in fact, that we jumped at the opportunity to go for an early spring hike on a nice day (pictured above), with 7 children from 8 yrs to 9 months, without thinking about the trail conditions. As we didn’t realize just how muddy it would be, everyone experienced some footwear struggles. We had the casualty of a sole, and at least one hiker trudged a mile barefoot and ankle deep in mud. Despite our best efforts at following the rules, we may have brought a bit too much of the state park home with us.

Wander Wisdom #2 - Proper Footwear for Adventuring

Closed-toe is the Way To Go - Outdoor educators agree that having “closed-toed shoes” greatly improves the experience of hiking with kids. As comfortable as sandals or even crocks may be, the holes and open areas leave a lot of room for twigs, rocks, and leaves to weasel their way in and slow the pace of an excursion. Toenails and feet are also at risk of being torn or injured.

Structure Supports Function - The importance of a true hiking shoe vs. a gym shoe for children is admittedly less important for children than for adults. Still, almost every outdoor activity is made easier with by the firm, deep-treaded rubber soles of hiking shoes/boots as opposed to the cloth and foam of most rain boots and everyday casual shoes (which slip off easily and get surprisingly slippery when wet despite the appearance of tread). Naturally uneven terrain makes kids’ falls and parents’ rolled ankles a real risk. Since you can only carry so many children in a tense situation, assuming you are not the one injured, a sturdy shoe with even a slight amount of ankle support (for adults) goes a long way in preventing accidents so that everyone feels comfortable on those steep inclines and most-scenic, cliff-side trails. 

For hiking footwear, I recommend trusted brands like Keen or Merrell with enclosed heels and no holes (I am not an affiliate). Walker’s Clothing and Shoes in Lancaster, WI provides free sizing services for popular outdoor brands with a bargain closet full of discounted items. St. Vincent De Paul’s Verona location also has consistently great deals on all sizes of almost-brand-new, hike-worthy shoes throughout the summer months.

Hike Hack #4 -Sit Down So You Don't Fall Down

No matter the weather or what is on their feet, remind your kids/fellow hikers that it is always better to sit down than to fall down.