Recommendations for walking/hiking shoes for DS 13

[Gedge77]

My ds13 is doing his d of e bronze hike in a few weeks. He did the practice hike last month and wore sports direct karrimor hiking shoes that he already had. He thought they were comfortable but his feet were killing him by the end.

Can anyone recommend hiking shoes, he has smallish feet for his age 6 1/2 so seems to fall between kids and mens sizes.

He wants to wear his running trainers which would be more comfortable but not waterproof.

Running trainers not suitable. If he absolutely refuses hiking boots a great pair of Merrells might be ok. Mine have lasted over 10 years and while I haven't used them for hard core hiking - they've been asked to cope with some tough terrain.
Waterproof spray whatever you get. This is the thing I would spend money on.

Thanks. I had heard Merrells were good.

Its not that he is refusing hiking boots its just that that I dont think they are necessary. The hike is in gentle counyryside in May mainly footpaths through woods somewhere similar to Hampshire. So I thought hiking shoes would be best, its a lot of walking rather than challenging walking. I want him to have something that will be comfortable on his feet.

Bit reluctant to spend a fortune on them if he will grow out of them in 6 months

Boots are better as they protect the ankles. They might be gentle paths but he'll be carrying a rucksack. If the weather changes it may also get muddy and slippy.

How far roughly will he be walking? My ds did an expedition but not d of e. He had walking boots from trespass. Were only about £27 although he fitted within the kids range. His feet were perfect on his return and he walked over 100 miles over the course of 5 days. Remember a lot of these outlets will offer you a discount if you show any sort of proof that it’s for d of e.

Go Outdoors?
e.g. www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-mens-colorado-mid-walking-boots-p432743

These go down to a 7 which is pretty close to a 6.5 with thick socks?

We have similar for my DDs (but they are only a size 4) and they worked well for DD1's DofE.

Decathlon is good and very reasonably priced. My 13 year old Scout is currently away for the week with their own brand -I think it's Quechua, hiking boots.

I would get him a pack of Compeed blister plasters. You put them on (and don't peel them off). Honestly, if he gets a blister he will be very grateful for them. I also wore double walled socks.

I also have hi-gear walking boots similar to the link above. Not for D of E but toddler wearing while walking around castles etc, so wanted good grip and ankle protection as I had quite a bit of weight on my back. They have been brilliant and I'm on my second pair now. They don't look too much like walking shoes so I wear them all the time.

Sports direct do the Karrimor range. Not as great as they used to be but very cheap and do well as they have event waterproofing. They also do a mid boot. So not as high as a boot but still protect the ankle.