Kids and family outdoor gear has to do more than simply look playful. It needs to protect young feet, support natural movement, be easy for children and parents to handle, and stand up to everyday use. The three Kids & Family winners of the European Outdoor Award 2026 show how brands are rethinking children’s footwear for outdoor adventures, school days and family hikes.
Reima Kulkuri Mid ReimaTec: All-weather protection for active children
The Reima Kulkuri Mid ReimaTec Waterproof Sneakers are built for everyday outdoor life, family hikes and off-road excursions. The shoe combines waterproof protection with a sturdy, slip-resistant outsole and “Rolling Steps” sole geometry for a more natural rolling motion. Recycled materials, a protective toe cap and removable Happy Fit insoles make the sneaker practical for children and easier for parents to manage.
Why it stood out: The jury recognised a children’s shoe that connects protection, comfort, natural movement and a more responsible material mix in one everyday-ready design.
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Reima Virta Sandal: A hybrid design for water, play and outdoor days
The Reima Virta Sandal is a lightweight, sporty hybrid shoe for children and Reima’s first design to combine a sandal and an outdoor shoe into one versatile model. Built for warm-weather movement, it works as both a water shoe and an outdoor sandal, making it useful for family travel, active play and everyday summer adventures.
Why it stood out: The product brings versatility into children’s summer footwear, reducing the need to switch between separate sandals, water shoes and outdoor shoes.
Read the Winner ArticleViking Play Reflex Glitter GTX 2V: Data-driven fit meets playful outdoor design
The Viking Play Reflex Glitter GTX 2V combines waterproof performance with a playful design that children want to wear. Developed using scans of more than 200,000 children’s feet, it adapts fit and proportions to growing feet. Gore-Tex protection, Velcro handling, reflective details, a cushioned EVA midsole and grippy rubber outsole make it suitable for everyday outdoor adventures.
Why it stood out: The jury highlighted a rare mix of outdoor performance, child-friendly aesthetics and fit research that helps make adventure feel attractive and practical.
Read the Winner ArticleWhat the winners reveal about Kids & Family gear
These three products solve different parts of the same family outdoor challenge. One focuses on all-weather protection and everyday durability, one turns a sandal into a more versatile outdoor companion, and one combines waterproof performance with data-driven fit and playful design. Together, they show that Kids & Family gear is becoming more specialised, more practical and more closely shaped around how children actually move, play and grow.
