Bikila LS - how tight is the fit? Did I make the right choice?

[Caspid]

My feet measure just below 9".  Left foot is sliiightly longer.  Slight Morton's toe (~3mm).

I've already made two trips to the local store.
The first time, I tried on some Sprints.  37 felt like a tight glove (bordering on discomfort); 38 was a tiny bit loose.  
The second time, I tried the Bikila LS.  36 was super snug (but not uncomfortable and toes weren't bent); 37 left a tiny bit of room between the toe and toe cups, which I heard (somewhere) is what's supposed to happen?

I ordered the 37 Bikila LS because of the toe cup thing and because I hear it's better too big than too small, but now I'm having second thoughts after reading a lot about people eventually getting used to Bikila snugness and the suitability of snugness for running...

I guess my question is:
How much distance should really be between the toes and ends of toe cups?  Is right up against them (like a glove) bad?
How much do VFFs stretch (or do they shrink?)?  Is it better to get something very snug and break them in, or size up?  
How much is the sizing chart to be trusted?  Because my feet are definitely much closer to 8 7/8" than 9 1/8".

Thanks for your help... my order hasn't shipped yet, but if I want it changed, I have to do it soon as it might ship sometime tomorrow!

[jmijares]

I use an M40 Bikila LS for running.  I'm actually closer to the M39 measurement, so I have anywhere between 1/4" to 1/8" space between my toes and the end of the toe pocket.  However, when I flex my toes upwards, all of them hit the end of the toe pockets.  For me, that's a good fit because my big toes like to flex upwards when I run and my other toes like to spread out more.

My feet really spread out and swell when I run, especially after long runs, so that extra bit of space works well for me.

I've washed my Bikila LSs and haven't experienced any shrinkage.

[RayKay]

I am a W37 across the board, so far.

I do use my W37 Bikila and Bikila LS for running, and run about 40-45 miles a week exclusively in them. There is more room between the toe and toe cups in the Bikila's over any of my my other models (i.e. my Jayas I have no space at all, in my KSO's I have little to no space for big toe but some space in rest, in my Trek's I have very little space). I can actually pinch the end of the toes on my Bikilas together for my 2-5th toes and not grab a toe. However, my big toe only has a little less space, and none of my toes feel like they are swimming in the pockets.

I still find they fit snug around my foot even if there is room at the end of the toes.  

When I run, my feet swell and do spread out more with the impact than they do when I am say, walking around in my Jaya's, and I find circulation is very important in my feet when I am running. I often loosen the velcro or laces a bit midway through my run, so I would not want them too tight and not have that option or have my feet go numb running (which can happen with too snug shoes).

I find the biggest thing - especially if you are going to be running or being active in them - is ensuring the "sole" of the VFF fits your foot properly. By this, I mean the toe's start where your toes start, the "arch" matches up with your arch, the ball cushioning area matches yours. If that means your toes have a bit more space, or a bit less space, so be it - that just means you have shorter or longer toes than others may.  If your sole does not match your foot, you are more likely to end up with raw spots, discomfort, or a less enjoyable experience!

Some people find they have to wear various different sizes across models, others can stick with one size. It seems to depend so much on the foot and model for people.

I should add, I also like to wear toe socks when I run - but honestly, I find that I can wear toe socks in all my VFFs, even the very snug Jaya's, so not sure if that should be a huge factor in what size to get.

As long as you do not put them in dryer (which you are not supposed to do) they should not shrink. None of mine have shrunk.

If I were you, I would probably want a tiny bit of room if you are using them for running, rather than having them super snug. Your experience may vary, of course. You may find after a while your feet shrink, or spread out, depending on where you are starting from and may need to get a different size anyway (my feet shrunk over a couple years by less than 1/8" inch though my original size still works, some people experience bigger differences).

[Caspid]

Thanks for the responses.  It's comforting to know that toe length isn't the sole determinant of fit (or even the most important one), despite what I've read from some places.  I'll post an update when they arrive next week!

PS: If it's any indication that sizing charts shouldn't be trusted: Most sizing charts for US shoes say 9" = size 5, but all my shoes are 6.5-7.

[theisgroup]

the sizing chart is never 100%. the vff sizing chart and also their foot guage says i am 39/40. in my bikila ls i am a 41 and in the bikila ls i am a 40. my ls does have quite a bit of space in the toe pockets, but i went to a 41 because the body of the shoe is pretty snug. on the ls with the body of the shoe being a little bit wider, i went with a 40. i still have a little space to the end of the toe pockets, but still very comfy. i have only put 5 mi in the LS, but seams to be working. I have 300mi in my bikila's and they do strech a little. not much. my LS's feal more glove like then my bikila's.