yeah can b a pain in the buttocks [gump accent]...after working in shops for years i can say this much. u can't have comfort and performance all in one! ever sit in a ferrari? there u go.
RULE #1: if boot is comfortable in the shop: IT'S TOO BIG! boot liner will crush and eventually migrate 2 ur liner [hard or soft boots].
RULE #2: lace/buckle up all way make sure heel is deep in pocket. at this point : UR TOES SHOULD BE LIGHTLY BRUSHING AGAINST TOE BOX LINER...NOT BOUND LIKE A CONCUBINE!
RULE #3: BEND UR KNEES AND FLEX FWD...UR TOES SHOULD NOT TOUCH LINER AT THIS POINT [DRIVING HEEL BACKWARD].
I WEAR A SIZE 11 STREET SHOE [29.0] AND USED TO CONSISTENTLY "RACE FIT" @ 27.5 FOR MANY YEARS. EVEN TODAY I AIM FOR A MORE "COMFY FIT" AT 28.0. HOPE THIS HELPS. SURE MANY OF U ALREADY KNOW...ESPECIALLY DEALING W/BLACK TOE AND SPENDING UR SUMMERS W/NO TOE NAILS IN UR FLIP-FLOPS