I just Love these boots!! I had to go down 1/2 size, normally I wear a 9, but they were too big- my heel and foot slid around in them. The 8.5 is a perfect fit. Takes a little work to get on my foot in-once I do the fit is spot on and the leather stretches so you don't want them too loose when you first get them or it will be sloppy on the foot. Very sweet boot. I have a wider foot with narrow heel so If you have a narrow foot they might be too wide in the ball area.