To let my son wear trainers for his Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition?

[Sparrow7]

I just mentioned to a friend who's son is also doing the expedition this weekend that my son will be wearing strong comfortable trainers and she was shocked and appalled! As a family we do a lot of walking and we all wear trainers as I have always hated walking boots. On the bronze trip all the kids with walking boots ended up with horrendous blisters and tired feet, whereas my son's feet were fine. The weather is going to be dry but I am now second guessing my decision as it does say walking boots are essential on the kit list (as it did on the bronze one).

My son did it in trainers last weekend. He said he found them way more comfortable than walking boots. He did however forget his sleeping bag!

I think part of the problem with trainers is that that covers a lot of different options, styles, robustness etc. And depending on how old they are, what the grip on the sole and the sturdiness of the shoe are like.

Some trainers are likely to be fine and others will be positively dangerous.

No let him wear trainers, if that is what he is used to walking in. I have always hated walking boots and do all my big walks in trainers. Whatever the weather. Can't stand walking boots

As PPs have said modern walking boots are much more trainer like (best of both worlds) and I and my DC found them comfortable from day one (no breaking in needed). Similar to these www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/salomon-womens-x-ultra-5-mid-gtx-boots-B21ABA0210.html?colour=222