Giro (Privateer/HV) Shoes - Sizing/Fit?

[one-eyed_jim]

I need a new pair of SPD shoes, and I'm considering the Giro Privateer or Carbide. I generally wear a 10 or 10.5 UK shoe size, 45-46 European, and my current SPD shoes are Shimano size 46. Giro shoes come in half (European) sizes. None of my local shops stock Giro, so I'd be buying mail order, but I can try them then return them if I don't like the fit.

Can anybody tell me how Giro sizes measure up, particularly compared with Shimano? How much roomier is the HV (high volume) version of the Privateer compared with the standard model? I get the impression I could wear a slightly smaller size in a shoe with a touch more width.

Any other suggestions for sturdy, practical, all-purpose SPD shoes in the £60-£100 price range?

 

[one-eyed_jim]

Just in case anyone's looking for the same information, I'll answer my own question.

I ordered two pairs of Privateer HV shoes in sizes 45.5 and 46.

The smaller pair are very tight, and will be going back. The larger pair are fine. So in summary, Giro sizes seem very close to Shimano, with maybe just a touch more room in the toe box.