Tallcane said: Thanks Roger. Is there a rationale for why? Does the shaft of the boot impact this issue? Click to expand...

For me, it's down to the fit of a particular last rather than a general rule. 8.5 Rain is a good fit but a snug fit. A boot that's a bit too small is worse than a shoe that is a bit too small, IMO. Foot and ankle are completely covered, so there is no room for forgiveness. Going up half a size allows me the choice to wear thicker socks on occasion, but isn't nearly so roomy as to be a poor, sloppy fit. If sizing up by a half did result in a boot a bit too roomy, that could easily be solved by an insole. If too small, you can only have them stretched, which is a hit and miss proposition.