Randi my foot size is a 7.5 american. I am living in Italy and I take a 38 here. My foot size is almost 24 cm.

So for an 8.5 american which should be a foot size of about 25 cm you would need a 39.

7.5 is NO way 39. Hubby got me a pair of combat boots that are a 39 and I have to wear 2 pairs of socks and they is still quite a bit of room in the toes.