riplip,
I can't say enough how great it was working with the Lathrops. I would recommend going all-out on their top package. Yep, it is expensive, but when you do the tracings and photos, they get you the right size.
I usually wear a U.S. 8.5 to 9, but after sending in the tracings and photos, I ended up getting the UK 7.5s, and the fit is perfect. My experience with Lathrop and Sons was great from start to finish, and my next pair of boots are coming from them also.
Boots are more important than any of the other gear we obsess about here on Rokslide. If your feet can't go ... you can't go.