My first hiking shoes!

Ah, heck.

Shoes are shoes. If they fit (are large enough) any shoe should work. I go for the lightest available, and am really only concerned with a more protective shoe when hiking in cactus country.

Me thinks everyone over analyses this.

Jason how is the 1110 for roominess of the toe box? Also any idea on the heel to toe drop? One New Balance rep said 4mm and another said 12mm. Having a heck of a time finding out which is true. Apologies for threadjacking.

Haven't read the whole thread so sorry if I'm repeating anything but I'd check out the Altra Lone Peak and Saucony 3.0 for lower drop shoes with good cushioning and a rock plate, and various New Balance trail shoes for the nice selection of widths (see Roger Caffin's reviews). You might also check out the Brooks Cascadia 7 and various models of Montrail shoes – most have very roomy toe boxes. I find many La Sportiva shoes too narrow in the toe box, and I don't have wide feet.

Follow Roger Caffin's excellent advice and make sure you get a shoe roomy enough in the toe box to allow for foot expansion. A lot of injuries are caused by shoes which don't allow your foot enough room to expand after hours and days of hiking.

So make sure you have enough room in the toe box, and that your heel and midfoot are secure enough that your foot is not sliding side to side, which will cause blisters and unsteady footing.

My advice is to buy a cheaper pair first off just to see if you can get on with shoes instead of boots.

I have to admit i was suckered into this "approach shoe" fad and have tried several pairs over the years, i just cannot get on with them.

I've had "advice" saying that it takes some time to get used to them, so i wore only my Salomon's for hiking for 2 months straight, STILL my feet and ankles ache more than when i wear boots.

A lot depends on the terrain and type of walking you do, over here (Greece) we have very very rocky dry terrain and there is not a doubt in my mind that boots are a better solution for the terrain i walk on.
I have read many many reports on how shoes are better, and that ankle support isn't different etc etc.

Fact remains though after a 10+ mile hike off-road my ankles are ripped the shreds from the rocks and my feet and calf muscles are aching noticeably more when not wearing boots.

Add a 2 day packed rucksack to the mix and it gets even worse in shoes for me.

The only good thing is all the approach shoes i've bought over the years do make good shoes when out and about, so they do not go to waste.

As i say though boots still work best for some people on some terrain so don't put all your eggs into 1 basket.