A side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus. We analyzed the sources to figure out which one actually belongs in your cart.
The KEEN wins on ankle support, fit for growing feet, and a proven track record — 47 reviews at 4.8 stars doesn't lie. The wide toe box is a real differentiator for kids whose feet are still developing, and the mid-cut design prevents the ankle rolls that low-cut shoes are notorious for on uneven terrain. The Salomon is a legitimately great shoe, but its narrow fit and low-cut profile make it a specialist tool, not the default choice.
The go-to kids' hiking boot across REI reviews and hiking communities. Waterproof, wide toe box, and
Salomon's XA Pro is the kids' version of one of the most trusted trail shoes in the world. Waterproo
The KEEN's mid-cut design isn't just a style choice — it's the reason kids don't roll their ankles on rocky, uneven terrain. There's even a firsthand account from r/AppalachianTrail of someone rolling more ankles in low-cut Targhees versus the mid version. For kids who are still developing trail awareness and balance, that extra inch of ankle coverage is genuine injury prevention, not overkill.
KEEN builds wide — it's a brand-wide design choice that makes the Targhee genuinely accommodating for kids' growing feet and thicker hiking socks. Salomon runs narrow, which is great for a snug, locked-in trail running feel but actively problematic for kids with wider feet. Getting the fit wrong on a trail shoe leads to blisters, black toenails, and a kid who refuses to hike again.
The Salomon is lighter at 14.8 oz versus the KEEN's 1 lb 3.5 oz (roughly 19.5 oz), and on a trail run that matters. But for most kids on most hikes, the weight difference isn't what's slowing them down — it's the terrain, the pack, and the snack breaks. The KEEN's extra weight buys you a stiffer, more protective platform that handles rough ground better.
The KEEN has 47 REI reviews at 4.8 stars. The Salomon has 20 reviews at 4.7 stars. Both are excellent scores, but the KEEN's sample size is more than double — that's not a coincidence. It means more parents have bought it, used it, and come back to say it held up. The Salomon is well-loved by a smaller, more specific audience of trail-running families.
The KEEN wins on ankle support, fit for growing feet, and a proven track record — 47 reviews at 4.8 stars doesn't lie. The wide toe box is a real differentiator for kids whose feet are still developing, and the mid-cut design prevents the ankle rolls that low-cut shoes are notorious for on uneven terrain. The Salomon is a legitimately great shoe, but its narrow fit and low-cut profile make it a specialist tool, not the default choice.
