I purshased a size 9B because they don't come in a narrow width. Still, I've had to pad them more than other 9Bs because they are really wide on me. The heel section is also quite wide. So, I've padded the toe box and tightened the straps, and I feel OK about them.  I didn't get an 8.5 because I have a somewhat longer big toe on my left foot. But, in these shoes, I think the 8.5 would have been fine.