ya, nomen is right again, buying online (boots ne way) is pretty sketch. but if thats wut u gotta do, go to the local shop and try on a size 26 (26.5 isnt ne longer). u want ur boot to be as tight as possible and a 26 should be the perfect fit. but def go to a shop and try on different sizes to see which one feels the best. thats the answer to that q, but i just want to remind u that there r other boots out there and not to save $$$ on this portion of ur outfit. boots r just as important as the skis they control.