What shoes do you recommend for a 12 year old boy to wear for summer touring?
He is from up north and won't be quite used to this hot humidity and I'm concerned tennis shoes and socks might be hot.
I live in Texas.
If I have to walk long distances, I always wears socks and sneakers (athletic shoes, tennis shoes, etc). Wearing sandals/flip flops or the like chafes my feet. I'm guessing there are some people who have found the perfect sandals to walk long distances in. I personally haven't found those perfect sandals (and honestly haven't purposely tested many).
I also have 2 sons. If we plan on walking long distances, I make them wear socks and shoes. Just too many problems arise with sandals. Either chafing or mulch (from playgrounds) get stuck in their toes, or risk getting your toes stepped on.
Once the temps get above 90, you're gonna sweat. You're gonna sweat in sandals. You're gonna sweat in socks and shoes.
So, the question you really gotta ask yourself is would you rather sweat in your socks or would you rather risk chafing your feet? The answer is easy to me. I can walk and walk and walk with sweaty feet (and shower later). Walking with blisters/chafed feet sucks.
This summer, I am buying my kids and my husband new sneakers for WDW. They will wear them sometimes to "wear them in." I will take sandals with us for the wet rides/rain. That way their socks don't get absolutely drenched (which can also cause chafing and discomfort).
If you decide on getting new shoes or sandals for your son, I suggest buying them a couple of months in advance so he can "wear them in" and you can see if they chafe him.