My wife bought these and used them for half a year wearing socks. There is a hole in the toe tip, so we recommend resoling them before use. The shoes have been washed, but chalk marks remain, so please only purchase if you are okay with this. For reference: La Sportiva EU 35.5 Tenaya UK 2.5 Scarpa EU 35.5 I wear my shoes snug but not overly tight.