I am very pleased with the boots so far.  I literally wear them everywhere and as slippers too.  I was a bit worried about them being Merino wool and allergies but so far so good.  They do compress down inside for sure.  I am a 9.5 so I ordered a 9 but if they came in half sizes an 8.5 would be perfect.  They are roomy without socks so I think ordering down is a must.  I ordered the chocolate color and they are a deep rich chocolate with a grey/black hue-very nice.  Maybe the 'u' brand next time for the shearling lining, but maybe not-Emu seems so nicely made.