I love my original Fit Flops - black nubuck, got them last year on Amazon. I wear them so much. Love the height and the fit. Got an 8 last June, got an 8 in the Frou style this year. This style is a good 1/2 inch shorter in overall length than my originals. I don't know if this is true for every pair, but I am just letting the other buyers beware. I am not sure if a 9 would be too big. Love the shoes overall. I did spray the nubuck with a suede protector last summer and they have held up really well.