I made a ton of alterations to the pattern to fit my feet properly and because apparently I stink at gauge. I started with a 16 st cast on vs 14
Did a size increase 2x (for my size 6.5 foot) and when decreasing before the heel adjusted for extra decreases to get down to the pattern. On the heel I added a bit too after reading others mention the low heel. They were quick to knit after many adjustments and 3 attempts before sizing success.