@MAmomto4 I would not worry about it. He’s 17, frankly sneakers are probably all he’ll need for these “hikes” - probably a bit sturdier than the “lightweight” ones he’s got. I would be more concerned that he’s in a pair of new shoes (any kind!) that haven’t been broken in (all that means is worn for 10 hours or more) and “hiking” (or even walking) - that could be some serious pain and blisters -
Watch this - mostly hilarious, but yep…FRIENDS - The one with Monica's Boots - YouTube
Here’s some other information that’s good to have, though a group should handle much of this: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
If the hike is in New England, conditions could be very slippery, given the rain this year. Knowing where would be good to assess whether poles could be helpful on a wet descent (though less necessary for someone young).
Plus 1 vote for trail runners. Any brand that fits his feet. Brands have different lathes so same size is not the same fit if you know what I mean. If he has sneakers that fit, find trail runners in that brand.
Boots are for (IMHO) if you are carrying a pack or going 20 miles in a day. Or technical hikes. If he is doing that at this camp then go try on lots. but unless you are getting super leather boots they don’t need to be broken in either (usually).
and Plus 100 for GET GOOD socks. My DIL started running and got blisters and I mentioned socks and got her some and she didn’t need to change shoes.
For examples, we hiked the Inca Trail a couple years ago… boots. Because although we had porters, we were hiking almost all day.
We hiked the Great Glen way and the west Highland way in Scotland (no packs) … heavy tread trail shoes, for 10 to 15 miles a day. Mostly paths and some paved ways.
Summit Angles Landing (couple of years ago before the lottery/permit required)… soft everyday trail runners. Hiking around clouds rest in Yosemite … soft trail runners. My “sneakers” are either Hoka or Salmon or Merrill. All are good brands.
Also, for the Northeast, depending on the trail (overgrown spots, mountain laurel encroaching, or if they walk through knee-high grass, pick blueberries, or step off-trail for a pit-stop), ticks can be big concern. So, in addition to tall socks in lighter color - consider some good (high DEET) bug spray for that day, e.g.:
http://bens30.com/deet/100-deet.html
Have had days with several ticks on the socks (easy to spot, and they get trapped on the wool) but in all those years not ever a single one on my skin!
Of course, a good trick is to always be in the trailing half of the group - this way, everyone else will have collected all the ticks already on themselves. 
My go to is Moab Merrell low height in the summer and high tops in the winter with waterproof.
Another rec for the Merrells mentioned up the thread! We hiked a long coastal trail in Hawaii in them. Mud, rocks, you name it. No breaking in, just made sure we got the right sizing. Good socks make a huge difference! My husband now wears his Merrells for walks on our urban trails in our wet winters.
FYI, I bought a pair of Merrell Moabs for a trip to Scotland. We were walking about Edinburgh in the rain and I stepped on a metal curb ramp (see similar pic), slipped, and landed flat on my back. I ended up having terrible back pain a few days after we returned - it must have taken several days for the inflammation to develop. Took several months to get back to normal.
So while they have served me well on rocky trails, they do not have slip resistant soles on that type of metal ramp surface. Be careful!
Perhaps you could find a family that has been to the same camp before, has feedback about the type of hiking.
I would go with a trail runner shoe. Likely a real hiking boot will be more than he needs. You know your kid get what you think he will wear.
My husband wears a Merrill low “hiking” boot as his everyday work shoe. I also have a low Merrill hiking boot that I sometimes wear in the heavy rain. I used to take them camping but I don’t do as much hiking as I used to. I also have a pair of Brooks trail runners that I can use for light hiking. Truthfully I now just take my older pair of Hoka running shoes and wear them.
My son did a month long backpacking trip and he did get leather hiking boots.
I go hiking regularly. I’ve gone on multiday hikes, hiked on snow covered mountains, hiked slippery rivers, etc. Assuming this a basic hike that does not go on snow/ice or other especially slippery terrain, I expect just about any shoes with decent traction will work well. It does not need to be a particular brand. I’d be more concerned about breaking in a new footwear purchase. You don’t want to have shoes that are rubbing or uncomfortable while spending all day hiking.
Some individual persons will be exceptions to this generalization depending on specific needs. For example, some people do best with shoes that have especially strong angle or arch support. If you have a strong fear of being bitten by snakes when outside, you might feel more comfortable with boots that go well above ankles. Consider these types of personal needs when comparing options.
He’s probably fine in his shoes he already has. My husband and I regularly hike the Appalachian mountains in running shoes. He likes Altras and I wear Skechers. We used to wear hiking boots ages ago but haven’t worn them in decades. These are pretty tough hikes climbing up mountains, etc.
There is quite a range of hiking shoes and boots, and quite a range in terms of how strenuous a hike may be. Over the years I have been happy with Merrill and New Balance shoes for most hiking. I have one pair of more serious hiking boots but do not have them with me and can’t remember the brand. I only use them for fairly serious hikes (like mountains).
Generally the more hard core hiking boots take longer to break in. It might be a good idea to purchase whatever you are going to get really soon so that he can wear them for a day (less if his feet get sore), then not wear them for two or three days, and then wear them for a second day. The high and strong hard leather boots tend to take longer to break in compared to lighter weight shoes made of cloth and softer leather.
I purchased a pair of New Balance hiking shoes about a month ago and they did not need any break in at all. I quite like them and they would be fine for moderate hikes. I would not want to go up Katahdin or Mount Washington wearing them, but I suppose that you could. I wear them nearly every day. They are fine for just wearing when going out shopping or to a restaurant, which of course means that they will not be wasted when your son’s camp is over. The only issue is that because they have slightly more aggressive soles than normal running shoes, they pick up dirt a bit more and can bring dirt into the house if you do not take them off at the door.
Both of our kids, particularly our youngest who is somewhat less athletic and less outdoorsy, started walking a lot more after they went to university. Decent hiking shoes or moderate weight hiking boots are quite likely to be used after camp is over.
I’d agree with just trail runners or a decent athletic shoe for a one day hike that probably won’t be anything that treacherous. I’ve never owned hiking shoes in my life. We aren’t super outdoorsy people, but we hike 2-5 miles on mountainous trails a few times a year. And older S went on one of those college freshmen orientation trips. They hiked 10 miles a day on the Appalachian trail with a 50 pound pack back. He just wore his running shoes and was fine. I was more concerned about his wisdom teeth extraction that had gotten infected more than I was than his feet
Ha, the only pair of shoes he has right now are lightweight, slip-on Sketchers, with what little tread they had almost completely worn down. I honestly don’t remember the last time he owned a pair of shoes that tied. So, he definitely needs something!
I really like the idea of the trail shoe, because that seems like something he will be able to get more use out of. Hopefully, we will find some that work for him!
This is the information I was able to find:
“We will be spending Tuesday hiking in the White Mountains. Make sure you bring appropriate hiking boots or shoes, and a bag that will be light enough to carry all day, but big enough to carry your lunch and plenty of water.” So… really no more information. Since the camp is focused on service and leadership, not on outdoor activities, it does seem like a good assumption that it should be a more gentle hike. Hopefully the camp organizers have the sense to pick an easy one!
Sounds fun! In the white mountains, I highly recommend grippy trail runner type of shoes. There are a few easy mountains. I hope they’ll avoid hikes with water crossings as all the streams are overflowing, but trail runners dry out faster if wet. Definitely bring an extra pair of socks (no cotton). A lightweight waterproof jacket would also be a good idea.
(We go there a lot, but try to seek out nice weather—this year hasn’t been cooperating!)
For the White Mountains, you’ll want something with decent tread. Sure, there are a variety of skill levels in White Mountain trails, but trails are likely to be narrow and uneven, at least. I personally would opt for ankle support, but I have bad ankles – but you should opt for at least the trail runner (ideally not light sneakers). The upside is that hiking boots work really well as snow boots – that’s how I use mine in the winter. If your kid ends up in a cold-weather climate for college, the investment in decent boots could pay off.
Make sure he’s got layers, including a packable rain jacket and extra socks. The weather can change quickly, depending on how high up they are.
Given the “hints” in that description, it doesn’t sound like it’ll be a “major” excursion on challenging trails and with major elevation gains.
(People’s definition of a “hike” can vary greatly - from any walk that’s off asphalt, but involves mostly woods roads and bridges – to narrow trails on difficult terrain with tricky crossings and some hand-over-hand verticals.)
I agree. After reading that, my thoughts were that they didn’t want someone showing up in flip flops and nothing to carry lunch/water.
I envision it at worst being like Hanging Rock in NC. It’s 1.3 miles each way and 650 feet up. Most isn’t bad. The last bit there are stone steps and some railroad ties as steps. They have benches along the way if you get tired. I usually make it up in about 25 min in running shoes, but I’ve seen people do it in flip flops.
I would also bring sunscreen and bug repellent (if that’s a concern by you).
I’m an avid hiker and wear New Balance trail runners. Never had a problem.
Avid New England hiker here. Seems to be a strong suggestion above so you might have already gone with them but Merrell Moab’s. I personally would go with the non-waterproof (non-GTX) version. Depending on size you can likely find the Moab 2 on sale somewhere since the 3 is the more recent version. They’re a good general-purpose shoe in addition to being able to hike in them. I would consider some of the suggestions (hiking boots, trail runners, etc) a little too specialized for a kid that’s going on a single day hike as part of a camp.
Someone above suggested deet due to ticks. I personally stay away from anything containing deet as it dissolves/degrades plastics. Sawyer Picaridin lotion is incredibly effective (ticks, mosquito’s, deer flies) for exposed skin and anyone spending substantial time/days outdoors should be considering treating their clothing with Permethrin. Again though if only a single day on casual hike I’d emphasize the need of a simple tick check at the end of the day.
The mosquito’s in NH are INCREDIBLY active right now.
