You make an excellent point! Just go into AllTrails and look at ratings of trails. Some will look at one trail/hike as “difficult” and another will rate it “easy”. It’s about perspective and historical reference. That said, there isn’t much in the White Mountains that would be considered easy.
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I’ve had hiking boots in the past and never liked them. Too hard to break in and I thought they were overkill. Now I use Timberland Garrison Trail shoes. I’ve worn them in all kinds of western National Parks in the US and Canada over the past two years and love them.
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True - that also applies most everytime I learn about a lost “hiker” who had to be “rescued”, in our area. While they might have thought of themselves as “hiking”, but chances are if they truly were “a Hiker” they would neither be lost two hours from the nearest road, nor require “rescue” after dusk, by the county sheriff being able to drive almost all the way up to them on an ATV with headlights.
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Yes. Our kids’ camp takes them routinely to one hike near Waterville Valley that is steep and ledgy. The kids manage with whatever shoes they have but I would have been terrified not to have grippy Hokas when I went. 
Still, that particular trail is under five miles and not difficult compared to some. The “all day” thing suggested to me it’s one like that or another one, in Crawford Notch, that is truly easy.
If he is not used to trail conditions at all, some low top hikers would give him support and traction that might make him more comfortable on trail. I did a major trek in the Himalaya with supportive running shoes back in the day and hiked Arizona in runners for the most part. These days, I am more concerned about good traction, and really appreciate my low top Merrill hikers making me more surefooted. Many brands make those sorts of hikers, but Merrill can be very comfortable out of the box.
Years ago, we took a city background adolescent relative camping for the first time. He had never been on a rocky trail in the woods previously, and I was shocked to watch him flail around as he was so unaccustomed to the uneven surface. Which is why you might want to consider some low top boots if this is really very new to his experience. After all, it is on the camp list of supplies.
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I think it’s very important that the shoe be comfortable for the person wearing it. As an example, I can’t wear Hoka or Sketcher shoes. The heels and soles are just way to thick for me. And sort of rounded. I find them difficult to even walk in.
So…make sure this kid is comfortable in whatever you buy.
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D loves her La Sportiva and very little break-in time. (She also wears their climbing shoes.) She hikes in CT almost every weekend. She did go with water proof so they are also her go to snow boots, something to consider if he might go to college where walking in snow is possibility. They last forever (unless his foot is still growing).
But do think trail runners are good option and versatile.
If can get to REI or other outdoor store it is likely the salespeople will know about where he is hiking. Our experience has been their salespeople also do those sports and can give good advice.
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I’ve done most of my hiking in sneakers. Dirt trails, some rock scrambles. I do own a pair of Keen’s which I like for the steeper hikes because the ankle height keeps my toes from sliding forward on the downhill bits. My cousin did the entire Pacific Crest Trail one summer in trailrunners, which had to be replaced periodically.
For our short mountain hikes (usually under 2 miles) perhaps sneakers would work. But I like the traction and support of hiking boots. Bought a pair last year, decided on Merrill Moab low / waterproof. Trying to decide whether to take them on my fall vacation… we’ve heard it rains almost every day in Amsterdam.
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Does the same shoe company make trail running shoes that fit similarly but have more tread? These may be good for many hiking conditions.
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His everyday shoes are Skechers, which I have found to be extremely poorly made, but often low cost. I would be hesitant to buy him anything in that brand that I wanted to be reliable.
The three low-topped pairs of shoes I ordered for him to try out arrived today. He really likes the Keen Targhees. He says they are very comfortable, and we both think they are nice looking, and he could use them for a variety of things, not just hiking. They are going to be the pair to beat. He has a couple more boot style shoes that are supposed to arrive tomorrow, and we will see if he thinks any of them would be preferable.
We could still make the trip to REI tomorrow, but I would love to save the two hours if he’s happy with what he has. He is wearing the Keens around the house now and will for the next few days if he thinks they are working to make sure.
ETA These are the ones we got:
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Those look like just what he needs.
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Keen is a great brand. You’re good to go. Just make sure he has layers, including a rain jacket.
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I say…good socks are essential too!
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DH has lived in Targhees for decades. Perfect choice!
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He will have those Keens for a very long time!
Good choice!
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I’m another fan of Merrel’s Moab boots, but those Keens are great, and if he likes them and they are comfy, I’d say your search is over.
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If you will not find anything suitable from the list people suggested or will arrive from Amazon, just drive to the nearest mall (preferably outlet) with Timberland store. You will get quite a lot of options.
Merrel is great for non-hikers. Timberland can last for a long time for occasional hikers.
DH is using this model for years (hikes mostly during late fall and winter):
“Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots”
Minor comment about Keens shown in the picture above… Hiking boots should be higher unless you are walking only on flat trails. In that case, you can use any regular sneakers. Hiking boots should protect against twisted ankles on uneven surfaces.
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Those keens are a great hiking option. Ultimately want to go with what fits comfortably (no hot spots, etc).
@momsearcheng - what you’re saying is common mantra about 20 years ago and a hotly debated topic on many a hiking board. There’s a few thousand people that hike the PCT, AT, CDT every year in trail runners and low hiking shoes. Hiking boots do give a definite layer of protection against sticks/rocks/etc that many other trail shoes may not but there’s no evidence that they protect against twisted ankles.
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They actually do. When I am too hot (during summer) or too lazy to put on hiking shoes I twice almost twisted my ankle… It never happened in hiking boots since when your foot rolls on some branch on the ground your ankle is protected. My observation is solely based on my own experience and not based on any websites…
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