If your big toe is scrunched, that is too small! I personally would not buy a cycling shoe that I could not return. Sizes vary widely but many biking apparel seem to be gear towards skinny, small men. I usually buy items from Amazon where I can read reviews on sizing. walking around will certainly wear down your cleats but they are pretty durable--particularly the metal variety that are for your Shimano pedals. I personally like the road SPD clipless cleats because they are easier to engage. I will never go back to platform pedals.