Replacing the previous kids leather walking boots in Scarpa's range, this new model combines a quality nubuck upper with a springy, supportive and grippy sole to give you a children's boot that's light enough for summer valley walks, but still fully capable on rugged Munros and Wainwrights. RS Pro WP-Y may be a dishwater-dull acronym (contrast with Scarpa's former 'Little Terra', a high watermark of product naming), but this boot is a cracker.

Edith says: 

I've been wearing these boots for all our family walks from winter right through to the summer holidays. At first I had growing room and needed a thick sock, and now they're getting a bit tight, so I think I've had pretty good use out of them.

I find them very comfy. I have quite narrow pointy feet, but they should fit kids with many different foot shapes thanks to their wide toe which gives you a bit of wiggle room (if you get the right size). The padding around the ankle is squishy and soft. My ankles are better protected in these than a pair of trainers, and I've never had any blisters.

With lots of leather on the outside and a lining inside, they're so waterproof it's amazing. When we were walking through bogs and streams all day after a big storm in the Lake District my friends had soaking feet, but mine were nice and dry. We go out in wet weather a lot because we live in the Highlands, and these boots are ideal for that. I've worn them sledging and walking in the snow as well, and with ski socks my feet were warm.

The soles feel grippy on mud, and for clambering on rocks too. Even when it's wet and slippy. The sole is quite stiff compared to some other kids walking boots I've grown out of, which Dad says is good for supporting my feet on rough ground; but they don't feel clumpy because the sole is still squishy and springy like trainers. That makes them more comfy.

Hiking core! I think the plain brown leather vibe is unexciting, but they're not ugly and if you're going for a walk you don't need to look fabulous. And when they get muddy you can't tell, so I don't have to wash them [boring parent intervention: to make your leather boots last longer you should always clean and condition them].

I really like these boots and I'm just sad that I've now begun to grow out of them. Hint hint, Dad.

Dad says:

We've been impressed with the RS Pro WP-Y. Its combination of nubuck upper and springy sole is a bit of a winner, giving the protective feel of a leather boot with a more shoe-like underfoot bounce than you'd have got with boots of yore. Cheaper children's boots often seem to feature weedy, bendy soles, but here there's a high level of support, which I think is a good thing if you're venturing onto rougher, rockier ground, or even taking the kids scrambling.

For grip in the wet the tread is sensibly robust, too, with the addition of a bit of heel breast for downhill braking. If you're taking them out on steeper hill terrain - let's be honest, that's usually your idea, not theirs - then you do want your child to feel confident on their feet.

Fit is doubly important with kids footwear since growing feet shouldn't be crammed, while any hint of discomfort is sure to become justifiable grounds for mutiny halfway up your hill. We've had no such issue with this boot, which has a forgivingly broad front-end fit, and a thickly padded tongue and ankle cuff. The leather has softened up nicely, but they didn't need much breaking in even from new.

Value for money?

The price of £90 seems upper end for a pair of boots that your child will probably grow out of in six months, but decent leather boots simply don't come cheap. These are high quality boots with obvious hand-me-down or resale potential. The lack of a rand at the toe means the leather here has got a bit scuffed, but with appropriate aftercare that needn't be a big issue.

Weight

At 744g for a pair of size 38, the RS Pro seem really quite light for a full leather boot, especially considering their well-made and sturdy feel. They are a smidge lighter than other kid's leather boots in our hall floor footwear jumble, something Edith has also noted as a benefit. For example the Boreal Nevada that we reviewed a couple of years ago weigh 820g for a pair in the same size.

The verdict

With its forgiving fit, supportive and grippy sole, and quality nubuck upper, Scarpa's RS Pro WP-Y is a great boot for younger walkers. While it's not a budget option, it should have good hand-me-down potential.