difficulty in determining the correct size for Antonio Meccariello Optio (full brogue) with chisel 3 last

[Matteo6545]

Hi everybody, this is my firs post. I apologize if this is not the correct section.

I'm having a really hard time in determining the appropriate sizing/fitting for a pair of Antonio Meccariello full brogue ("Optio" model) with chisel 3 last.

Similar shoes that I wear in terms of last are:

- Crockett&Jones Westbourne in size UK8 with 348 last and E fitting
- Carlos Santos 8618 handgrade in UK8 in (last 389 Chiseled with a soft square toe)

It's important to note that the two aforementioned shoes fit exactly he way I specifically wished: tight with no room whatsoever (not in the heel area nor in the last section, not at the sides).
I absolutely despise wide fitting and roomy shoes in the last/toe area and in the heel and instep area.
I want my dress shoes to be compact and tight

I was suggested to step up half a size, therefore ordering a 8.5 coupled with a D fit (instead of an E), absolutely not going with my regular 8UK (going up half a numer is custom with all Meccariello's shoes I was said) but since it's a MTO order with no return option I'm really concerned.


I really beg you: could you please share your thought?

I would have never believed it would turn out to be such a difficult process.

Thanks a lot.


Matteo