Size What???

On our way home from SeaWorld/San Antonio, we stopped at the outlet mall in San Marcos to get Everett a new pair of shoes. Here's a picture of his new shoes. THANKS GRAMMY!

Before summer break, Everett was sized at a 6 1/2. We noticed his Converse sneakers (size 6) were getting a bit snug so he's been wearing them with thin or no socks at all. When the sales clerk measured him in the store yesterday, I thought he would be a size 7 maybe a size 7 1/2.

He was an EIGHT & A HALF!!

So I was freaked out because just how long have I been putting my sweet son's foot into a too-small shoe? Have I caused irreparable damage? Will his little toes curl under his feet because of me? UGH! This is awful. SIZE 8 1/2???!!!! UNBELIEVALBLE.