For shoes size 8.5 MEDIUM, this is a small size. The toe box of the shoe was ok, it was a too small hole and when the shoe is on it feels like the middle of my foot is being suffocated like the laces of the sneakers are too tight. Too bad I have to go back because the leather (nubuck) is beautiful. UPDATE 10./22. April I found the same shoe in 8.5 wide. Just ordered and fingers crossed because I love these shoes so much.