I wanted a performance climbing shoe, and a friend convinced me to go for the Scarpas. After consulting with him, I sized down - I wear a size 8 and I bought the 7 1/3 (based on the euro/American size chart). When I first tried them on I was afraid I had made a terrible mistake. I could hardly walk in them. The first time I climbed in them I complained. A lot. Yet at the same time I cruised a 5.12. I decided they were keepers - they really did perform well for me. The second time I wore them climbing the pain factor was much less, so they really do break in. They are beautifully made, really quality shoes and I'm so glad I got them. They do crunch your toes, though!