Why oh why can't shoe retailers standardise their sizes?!

[bricka]

My feet are EU size 42 and, as high street shops don't generally stock my size, I usually buy online. The problem is that some manufacturers and retailers say that EU 42 is a UK 8, and others say that EU 41 is a UK 8. If I order a 'Size 8' I always carefully check the size guide (if I can find one) to make sure its an EU 42 but, even so, I'm sometimes sent a 41. Do other people have this problem too?

Yes - exactly the same as you. I can generally fit into a UK size 8 if it is an EU 42 but sometimes I order online an 8 and get an EU 41 - which won't fit me.

I want shoe brands to have a downloadable PDF of the shoe last size AND SHAPE before I'll buy shoes online. Odd shaped feet mean I really prefer physical shoe shops over internet shopping.

Same here it is so annoying. If happened last with a pair of Geox trainers I ordered from JL. I ordered an 8 and a 9 and when they arrived they were labelled 41/7.5 and 42/8 inside the shoe. So irritating.

I always used to be an old 6 1/2.

And now a 39 is too small and a 40 too big

Totally with you, my go-to for guaranteed size 42 /8 are Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury's and NIKE men's trainers!

Yes! I'm a 42.5