Redwing Beckman Sizing Advice...Please!!!

[denver913]

I usually wear a size 9 in To Boot New York, either a size 9.0 or 9.5 in Allen Edmonds and a size 9 in Magnanni shoes. I recently bought a pair of Red Wing Beckman boots. Any insight as to sizing on these? I tried the 9 and the 8.5 in the store. The 8.5 was difficult to get my foot into and it was very very tight on my toes and fore foot so I went with the 9.0. My heel slips slightly in the 9 however I have not really worn them much yet, only around my apartment in NYC. Does anyone have any experience with the sizing of these boots and the break in period, do they stretch, ect???

Thanks a lot!!!