"I usually get a 8.5-size shoe when I go bowling.
I wear a 9-size walking/running shoe. I originally
bought a 8.5 size Raichle Spirit II and in about 5
miles of hiking, I got hot blisters on my toes (not
the nails). It was probably due to the all-leather
construction of the shoes. I exchanged them for a
9.5 size shoe (same Raichle Spirit II). They are just
wonderful after 35 miles of hiking in rough terrain.
Not a single blister. The shoe was very very comfortable
even when I was pounding my feet on rocky trails. The
sole is intact like in a new shoe.
You should also get good hiking socks like
the Thorlo socks which have paddings at the toes and
at the heels. If you feel you feel your feet
are not stable inside the shoe, you should probably
try tieing your laces better."