I wear New Balance exclusively for athletic shoes, and my size is 8.5 EEEE.  Based on other reviews, I purchased the 9 EEEE, but this seemed too large for me.  There was ample toe room, but when I buy an active hiking shoe, I prefer a snug fit.  Even with a pair of light hiking wool socks, the 8.5 EEEE fit me better.  If I were wearing heavy wool socks (I don't plan to winter hike with these shoes), there would still be enough toebox room, but the mid-foot would fit tightly.

The snug fit is not because the shoe seems smaller, but rather because there seems to be significant lateral support and bracing due to the intended use of this shoe.  This results in less flex and stretch on the sides of the shoe.

The shoes perform great.  In my mind, the size issue was overblown.  A lot of people complain of the size of this shoe because they cannot fit orthotics into the shoebed.  I don't think that's what this hiking shoe was designed for.  This is another winner from New Balance.