Weather
 

We will be in Grand Canyon mid September. Staying inside the park for 5 days. We hope to do moderate hiking, and lots of walking around. I am 64 yrs(female), in good shape. Can't figure out what kind of clothing needed based on the weather and activities. Do I need actual hiking shoes or would good sneakers do the trick?

Are you planning on walking down Bright Angel Trail? IF so, I would wear boots. Actually, for anything more than just walking around the paths at the top, I'd recommend boots for safety and support.

Dress in layers. Carry lots of water, sunscreen, chapstick, a hat, maybe a walking stick.

More info here:

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm

September can bring a wide range of temps from hot to cold and depending on how far you hike down in to the canyon you can find a wide range within the hike!

As DebitNM said bring and wear layers. You might want to bring or buy a rain slick because you will probably run into a thunderstorm or two!

September is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon!

Utahtea

I agree, hiking boots for the "real" trails; on the paths, you should be fine in sneakers, they're quite manicured. I think it will be hot during the day, make sure you drink lots of water and wear lots of sunscreen!

Thanks for input. I had read the gov. websites, but wasn't sure all the heat stuff still applied to September. Will look inot hiking shoes/ boots.

Just make sure if you get any new shoes/boots that you wear them and break them in before leaving on the trip!

Utahtea

utahtea is right--break in those boots before you go! I would almost rather hike in supportive sneakers that are broken in than new boots. If you get blisters the first day, you will be an unhappy camper! (Proper socks are key if you're really hiking for hours and hours.)

I tend to hike in low hiking shoes unless the terrain is really technically challenging. They're like sneakers, but they have a stiff sole, sometimes even a plate inside.

NewbE; thanks for clarification. I was thinking of what they are calling hiking shoes on-line-but they did look like sneakers, I couldn't tell what was the difference. I have to order all my size 5 shoes on-line so need to do it quickly. More help with "the right socks" What kind are "right" ?( I always get blisters the first day in any sneaker-a bent toe problem).
Please describe fabric content of right socks.-I have to find children's socks or the heel is halway up my leg.