I'm a true US size 8 and always purchases a size 8. 5 in heels for wiggle room and to have the option to add a comfort pad, these boots in a size 8. 5 fits like a size 8 and are a bit tighter around the ball of the foot and near the toes so wider feet beware of that. The boot tips are pointy as heck and makes the foot look longer. if you have any corns, pass on them because the toes gets squeezed. The heel is 3. 5 inches and the faux leather is very soft and looks real. they have a matt sheen. I have medium wide with feet and probably would have been more comfortable in a size 9. The shoe has hardly any soft padding so they aren't made for walking. I'd definitely recommend you size up by half unless you have narrow feet.