My 11 year old has a pair of Merrells sandals and it has been his go-to footwear for the past year. Once, we ended up hiking for 3 hours in the harsh dessert with thorny bushes and tough terrain because we were lost looking for a landmark and all he had were these sandals - they were reliable, and did not give any blisters.We decided to try this Merrell Capra Mid hiking boot. The good news is the sole of the Capra is almost IDENTICAL as his sandal - we were so happy. The photos show the similar sole design and both shoes have slight upturn toe-box, generous and roomy for toes to breathe while the stiffness protects the toes. I am a ladies size 6.5 street size and barely fit the Capra. I can see how a bigger size would be a good fit and I can understand why some adults buy these kids shoes in the large sizes as they are good shoes and good price compared to adult boots.The bad news is it was a tad too small. They were out of size 5 which is what he needs so we tried the 4 hoping it might work. Size 4 M US Big Kid fits him snug which means no room for winter socks nor room to grow into. Sadly, we have to return. I will look out for this again when their sizes becomes available.Because we have positive experience in their sandals, i am confident these will deliver. It is in contrast to the Keen shoes they had which failed because the soles did not last. I wrote a review on that too.I bought these for my 7 year-old, who can be very destructive to footwear and is extremely picky about how his shoes and boots feel. We chose a Merrell boot because we knew we would get high quality boots that would last through his next growth spurt. He absolutely loves the look and the feel of these boots.Regarding quality, he wore them for a few days to break them in, had no soreness or hot spots, and this week tested them out on the Appalachian Trail. His feet didn't hurt at all, even after 3 miles on rocky terrain. They are also fully waterproof, so he's used them in our recent snow and rain, and they were perfect. That saves me from having to purchase separate rain and snow boots, so I feel that they have already been well worth the cost.Lastly, these boots keep his feet safe. He has a tendency to stub his toes, and the toe guard is a godsend. The high sides protect from rolling ankles, the soles are thick and well treaded, and the insoles are very comfortable.As for fit, I bought them in a half size, which is hard to find and very important for proper fitting and avoiding blisters, and they fit very well, even on his slightly wide feet.These were a great purchase, and I will be buying them again as he outgrows this pair. I highly recommend these to anyone with active kids that go through shoes quickly, even for everyday wear. It is almost impossible for a kid to destroy a pair of Merrells, and you'll get your money's worth 10 times over. If your kids don't like high tops, they make low ones, too. Great product. 100% satisfied.My very active four year-old has been wearing these daily for the past 6 months and they have stood up very well. He has a tendency to destroy shoes - climbing trees, wading in muck, dragging his shoes on the road to stop his bike, hiking, and just general rough outdoor play. I find that most kids shoes on the market tend to be more for "fashion" than actual function and develop holes or cracks easily. These boots are definitely functional and have survived with not too much visible wear. They are waterproof up to the ankle or so - ok for shallow puddles or careful walking through deep puddles - but what kid is careful in a deep puddle? For our purposes they keep the kid's toes from getting soaked from wet grass or muddy roads.I found them to be true to size 13.5 is his size and fits him perfectly. I am hopeful to be able to pass this pair down to my daughter and would definitely purchase another pair in the Fall for my son.We bought two pair for our girls for a trip to Iceland. They did not complain about them for the week they wore them. They got in water and their feet stayed dry, minus the time the water went over the top of the shoe. Not the shoes fault on that one. Had good grip and they never slipped on anything. I can't comment on long term durability at this time but they will probably grow out of them before they wear them out.I am fairly disappointed with this boot from Merrell. I bought these because I didn't have the money to shell out for the women's boot and I thought the quality would still be there in a kid's boot. The fit is somewhat awkward - I have narrow feet (size 6.5) and these felt a little snug on the sides but were the right length (I got the size 5). The arch support was not what I was hoping for but perhaps I should have expected that in a kid's boot.The biggest disappointment was that these are NOT waterproof. The first day I used them I walked around a lawn in the morning and the dew got into my shoes and left my socks slightly damp. They are semi waterproof but that was not enough for what I needed. One other complaint is that the grip on the soles is not stellar.I hiked in the backcountry all summer with these and they did hold up well - no rips or tears. If I buy from Merrell again I guess I'll have to buy the adult shoes since these were not good enough for me.Bought these boots for my son. He normally wears a boys size 4, but I wanted them a little big so that he could grow into them & get some wear out of them. They are just a little big, just like I wanted them. With a pair of heavy hiking socks these are going to be great for our summer vacation hikes & Cub Scout outings. My only complaint is that the top two lace holders are loops instead of hooks & it makes it a little hard for him to lace them himself.These boots are amazing!! They have held up through multiple seasons of wear, miles and miles of hiking, and even a few surprise snow storms. They still look new and I will be able to pass them down to the next kid. After one season I waterproofed them with the spray from the outdoor store and they've kept those kiddo feet dry. The mid-rise is great - not so low that rocks get in there, but high enough to protect from poison ivy and whatnot.FitI bought these for my 5 years old and 7 years old in sizes 11 and 2. My 5 years old currently wears size 10 Merrell sandals so I thought I should size up so that the shoes can last another few months. When he put on socks, the shoes just fit so I think these may run just a little smaller than normal.Comfort levelsThe shoes are light weight and comfortable to walk in. Both my boys did not complain and could walk hours in them.WaterproofingNot tested unfortunately. We wore these on a winter trip and they walked briefly in snow in these shoes and they were alright. The real test would be when it rains but we didn't experience that.Suggestion for improvementThe laces are a chore and it keeps coming off. They are pretty long for the size 11 shoes and my sons stepped on them several times. I would suggest that you buy those elastic no tie shoe laces to save yourself the trouble.These boots look so nice and keep your children's feet nice and dry. I was lucky to get them during a sale. They still look new after constant use.These are the best boots I've ever had! Comfy, lightweight, look good, waterproof.they arrived quickly. Couldn't ask for more!Superb quality, to the merrell standard. My son loves them and no leaks in his socks. Great pair of boots!Have worn these and appear comfortable.