I usually wear a size 8.5 M/B shoes and this pair I decided to go up half a size, 9M.  They fit comfortably and now I can wear a thicker sock.  Most of the time with all my other athletic shoes, I have to wear thinner socks for better comfort.  I have worn New Balance shoes for several years and find them to be a good brand shoe.  But like many products these days, quality has dropped I guess for better pricing.  I like this pair of athletic shoes for the coloring and I am hoping the quality will be there.  I walk a lot on concrete streets and only time will tell whether they will hold up.  I understand some folks are having toe fitting problems.  I find the toe area a bit wider than some of my other athletic shoes so this wasn't an issue even going up a half size up.  I recommend a half size up.