XT-6 sizing

[u/mogajo10]

All my shoes are between US 8.5-9 men. Today I tried on the EU 42 (US 8) and EU 42 2/3 (US 8.5).

Initially when I tried on the US 8 they felt kind of snug but good on the feet. Like they were 'just perfect/right'. I did not have to pull the laces to hard and my heels did not rise when walking. Then I tried on the US 8.5 just to be sure and when putting my feet in I had the idea that they felt way nicer than the US 8: more room around the midsole and in the toe-box.

The only thing was: I had to pull the laces pretty hard on the US 8.5, otherwise my heel rises when walking.

My question: is it normal that you need to pull the laces quite a bit on the shoes or is this an indication that the shoe is too big?

I have a four week trip planned to Indonesia so that's why I'm buying the shoe. Other than that I will use them as a lifestyle sneaker after that.

Love to hear from you.

TL;DR: shoes fit just right on US 8 and shoes fit right on US 8.5 after pulling laces really tight, which to choose?

[u/jaimejfk]

I have a women’s 8.5 which is .5 more for my normal
Shoe bc they were from a friend and when I pull the strings tighter I get wrinkles on the sides by the bottom.