Was a little nervous, because I have another pair of Merrell shoes that are a little too tight.. I wear the exact 9 1/2, and this pair is exact.  At first, I thought the toe box was going to be a little big, as others have said, but its not.  First weekend of owning them, we go to the Texas coast.. I wear them to the beach, in the water, and on a boat.  These shoes have a nice firm feel, Ill have no problem walking on rocks along the Llano River, where I rock hunt, and then walking in to the water.  The price was more than what I was hoping to spend, but after trying on other high rated brands, I felt that the cost was worth it.  I am very pleased with these shoes, and happy I did the research and read reviews.  I would recommend these to anyone that asks, and Ill buy them again when this pair wears out