I never had a pair of flats and decide to purchase the ballet flats in silver. I got a large which is like a 9, but realize they run a tad bit on the small side since these were made in another country where people's feet are smaller than American feet. I just didn't like to see my toe silhouette and they felt very uncomfortable when walking, my foot kept going into spasms. I though these would be great to wear once in a while, but i was wrong I gave these to Salvation army.
I wear 8.5 an a large is equal to a 9 and my toes still hit the end, an XL would be more like a 9 but having your toes silhouetted through the fabric, not cool.