Shoe Sizes...

What's up with shoe sizes these days? I've been wearing a size 9 since middle school or high school, but for some reason this year, I'm now an 8.5. I don't think my feet have shrunk. I did lose 10 lbs recently, but I doubt my bone structure has gotten smaller...

Also, let's talk about consistancy. I have 2 pairs of shoes from the same manufacturer. They are very similar in style but not the same and are different colors. One is size 9 and the other is 8.5. I don't get it. I envy guys who can walk into a store, look at the pants sizes and walk out with a perfectly fitting pair of pants without even trying it on! Well, maybe for me the thrill is in the hunt, so I don't really mind trying things on. I do mind the changing shoe sizes.