These shoes don't fit right around my very thin ankles I think they would look better on someone with normal sized ankles. I'm normally an 8 but have narrow feet and they run a little small in length. I think the 8.5 is slightly longer but wider. The 9 fits better on my foot but again I have narrow feet. Please ask questions before buying because I don't accept trades or returns. I will answer all questions. I'm not claiming any luxury brand. They just have red at the bottom.