You need ankle support if your shoe lacks of stability. The XA Pro 3D, thanks to it's "low to the ground" profile sticks you to the ground. This shoe allows you to hike light (and fast) even loaded. Don't forget also that a stiff shoe not only "block" the natural motion of the foot but has a negative effect on the proprioceptive signals sent to your joints, starting with the ankle and going up to the knee. When you get used to low cut lightweight shoes, there's nothing better for short hikes. Go for these! Although I'm Marketing Director for Salomon, this is an impartial comment

I will be at Philmont in August and these are the shoes I will be wearing. I just finished a 100 mile trip on the AT wearing these and had no ankle problems at all. Most of the trip included crossing rock fields and uneven terrain. Have your son wear them on the loose side. If he happens to roll his foot then the shoe will slide and his ankle will not be injuried. This will also reduce the incidence of blisters since the shoe will not be rubbing hard against his foot. Have him wear a thin sock as this will help keep his feet dry. Good luck at Philmont especially keeping that pack weight down. My Troop is also shooting for that weight range. It amazes me that BSA still thinks "Be Prepared" means carrying the kitchen sink!

Trail running shoes are fine for backpacking. I have completed everything from 100+ mile adventure races to 30 mile backpacking trips with 50+ pound packs. He will appreciate being able to run and play with his friends after dropping the pack rather than being stuck in a bulky boot. These shoes are built with backcountry in mind. I ditched my hiking boots years ago and haven't looked back. The only hang up is durability if they are doing a lot of climbing with a heavy pack through scree and boulder fields.

Our troop has made many trips to Philmont and my son is going for the second time this year. Keep in mind if anyone twists an ankle they will need 2 people to stay with him and get him back to a base camp. We would not allow anyone to make the trip with these shoes for that reason. The fact that your son is only 95 lbs and wiry probably means that his ankles are not all that strong anyway. When we add in the weight of the water and sharing the weight of the food and the crew's cooking supplies that need to be carried, a 23# pack quickly becomes a 35# pack. I also would say that a heavy boot is certainly not needed though.

These are probably not sturdy enough for Philmont since he will be carrying a backpack. He should definitely have more ankle support. Salomon shoes also generally run a little narrow if that matters. Check out the Vasque Breeze Lite GTX or the Vasque Ranger GTX.

I never hike in boots, I like fast and light. The fact that they are hiking less than 5 miles a day (on average) would say take a chance on these. They have good support, and theyll break in faster than any pair of boots because he can wear them around for a bit before he goes. Hiking boots arent much fun to break in and you cant go outside and play with friends in them. A lot will depend on the pack too. If it has a nice frame, straps and is loaded properly, he could probably take 23 pounds over 56 miles in flip flops. They will also dry faster than boots if they get wet/sweaty. I'd say go with these. And if he rolls and ankle it would be a great learning opportunity for the rest of the group....

For me it depends on the terrain. If you sprain your ankle because you dont have good support then alot of good conserving weight did for you. So really it all depends 23# pack is not all that much, but maybe load up a pack with 25# have your son walk around and see what he would like the most, if his ankles feel like they need support get some supportive shoes. Really it is a personal preference. Normally around 25# i would use trail runners but im 6 3 225 so maybe for the small lad boots would be a good way to go. You can get some nice ones i love ASOL boots like the FSN 95 GTX Mens Waterproof Hiking Boots.