i originally got the black shoes in a store locally. i usually wear a 7 1/2, but the store clerk said she only had a size 7 left. so i decided to try it on anyway. i'm glad i did because it fit perfectly! so yes, these shoes run 1/2 size large. i was so amazed how comfortable this shoe is that i went on amazon to get them in brown, and they were $20 cheaper! and surprisingly enough, i get many compliments on them, despite the fact that they are relatively plain in design. i bought them for the comfort factor. i can wear them all day long doing whatever, and my feet don't ache at the end of the day. and, i have bunions on both feet! definitely get them!