Inconsistent shoe size

[Figure17a]

We are a family of runners and I buy most of our running shoes on-line where good discounts are available. Usually, I buy the same style/model as previously so I know the sizing but occasionally, especially for growing Dc I get it wrong, the shoes don't fit and have to be returned (at my cost) which is fine, it's a risk you take etc etc.

DH has new shoes just after Christmas. DS liked them. After trying them on he decided he needed half a size bigger, which I ordered in exactly the same style, model number and colour.

They don't fit and when held sole to sole, the bigger size is more than an inch shorter.

AIBU to think that in a circumstance where the "bigger" size is actually much shorter than the same shoe in a smaller size, I shouldn't have to cover the cost of returning them?

[picklemepopcorn]

Sounds fair to me. Definitely worth the argument- that's two pairs to return now.

[QuackDuckQuack]

Have they confused UK and US shoe sizes? You definitely shouldn't have to pay to return as they are not as described.

[Figure17a]

No the first pair is fine, they were for DH. Second larger pair were for DS, after trying on his Dad's for fit IYSWIM.

[Figure17a]

No, they shoes are correctly marked on box and in the shoe re the US/UK sizes we ordered.

[catkind]

Do the shoes have the size number printed on them somewhere? I'm wondering if either mis-labelled or fake. Either way I think it's reasonable to expect the shop to pay for return.

[Figure17a]

Yes, the size is on a label on the tongue which is usual for trainers

[Figure17a]

I wondered about fakes too, although it's a site I've used a lot and know dozens of other runners who do too.

[catkind]

Could just be a factory error then. Could you take a pic of the sole with a ruler along the middle for one of each size and send it to the shop? Then they can check against their stock and see it's wrong.