Are boots required now?

Give him some short gaiters – Dirty Girl style, and tell him to wear them when being inspected. And to insist they ARE boots.

Cheers

A scout is honest

+1

2014 Guidebook to Adventure:

"High quality hiking boots that are broken-in are required for the trails at Philmont."

Boots are not defined. There is usually a debate on this subject. I've never had a Ranger question personal choices (7 treks with two crews). We've had everything from high-top boots to Vibram FiveFingers. All survived, though the FiveFingers guy was stubborn and miserable. I didn't know his intent until it was too late.

Personally, treks 1-4 were in Vasque Sundowners, trek 5 in Vasque trail shoes, treks 6 and 7 in trail-runners. I like the lighter shoes so long as they have a tough enough sole. Some of those rocks can get sharp.

Actually, the Scout Law says" "Trustworthy" (with Honesty & Reliability being elements of that)

Anyway as Ed points outs, what constitutes suitable hiking boots is undefined. Of the three Rangers we've had (for our 2 crews in 2011 and one crew in 2013), all have worn trail runner style shoes. The Tooth of Time also sells various Trail Runners. All of our crew members in 2011 & 2013 (with the exception of 3 individuals) have worn trail runners. That is continuing plan for our 2016 trek too.

Trail runners have built up a history of success.

I was hoping this wasn't a recent change so thanks for the confirmation.

2004 Guidebook to Adventure:

"A quality pair of broken-in hiking boots are a necessity at Philmont."

No real change in 10 years.

As for the Rangers, trail-runners were observed on our treks in 2010, 2012, and 2014. I don't remember the Rangers from earlier treks.

I have done 2 treks of 3 crews each in 2006 and 2011. I and many of our Scouts used trail runners. Never had a problem. Worked great. One Ranger questioned it in 2011 but dropped it when I told him that was what we brought and that was what we were doing.