Help! Men's shoe sizes

[RunSweatLaughAndLatte]

DP asked for Dr Martens for Christmas but they don't do size 8.5! I always get him size 8.5 so now I don't know whether to get him size 8 or size 9 instead?!

Bigger size with an insole if necessary. Wouldn't buy smaller (unless DMs are notoriously large)

Get a pair of 9's. They take ages to 'break in' so are tight to start with.