Replying to Between Boot Sizes

Interesting/frustrating situation today buying boots. Saw a boot fitter (inb4 just get Full Tilts), and my feet came in at just under 28.0 on a Technica foot scale (I'm 17 and wear an 11.5/12 pedestrian shoe; this measurement is echoed on a slidinig foot scale). I tried on a few boots and got settled on the Dalbello Boss. It came down to a 2015 Boss in 27.5 and a 2014 Boss in 28.5... As the title suggests, the 27.5 felt too tight, and the 28.5 felt a wee bit roomy.

I was told that it's easier to work with a boot that's too small than one that's too big, but the 27's just were uncomfortably snug even when I was leaning forward all the way. I couldn't rationalize dropping all that dough on a boot that might not break in correctly, so I went with the 28.5's and some custom footbeds.

This'll be the first pair of boots I've owned, I have been season leasing since I started skiing, and I've been told they expand a bit on day 1... Did I make the right decision? Since I won't find out firsthand for two+ months (east coast real shit), it's been on my mind.