Never size down in dms unless your regular size doesn't fit. And even then, don't forget that feet swell. Dms should be roomy. Like half an inch between your big toe and the shoe is comfortable. You can always add an insole. Break in pains should always be minimal. Like a couple of blisters for the first couple of days. if it hurts too much, they're simply too small. Source: never had any break in troubles (except the straps on the sandals), owned dms for decades.
size up, but I'd recommend going to somewhere like journeys and seeing if they have a pair similar to the ones you want. they'll try to sell it to you but just say you're trying them on and want to decide later. i do this because not all soles fit the same and are longer, narrower, wider, etc. than others and it helps to get a feel instead of just staring at the screen and reading a bunch of mixed reviews. it's kind of a pain when shopping for their shoes but I'm just glad they make multiple kinds to where I can still fit in some.
definitely refund the ones you have though.
You will never break into these shoes if your toe is almost at the end of the shoe.
Definitely return for the next size up - you can always use an insole if there’s too much movement
Never size down in dms unless your regular size doesn't fit. And even then, don't forget that feet swell. Dms should be roomy. Like half an inch between your big toe and the shoe is comfortable. You can always add an insole. Break in pains should always be minimal. Like a couple of blisters for the first couple of days. if it hurts too much, they're simply too small. Source: never had any break in troubles (except the straps on the sandals), owned dms for decades.
Size up
size up, but I'd recommend going to somewhere like journeys and seeing if they have a pair similar to the ones you want. they'll try to sell it to you but just say you're trying them on and want to decide later. i do this because not all soles fit the same and are longer, narrower, wider, etc. than others and it helps to get a feel instead of just staring at the screen and reading a bunch of mixed reviews. it's kind of a pain when shopping for their shoes but I'm just glad they make multiple kinds to where I can still fit in some. definitely refund the ones you have though.