Ordering shoes from NEXT. Is the 8/42 really a 42?

[Ifonlyus]

I've become used to ordering a size 9 with other shoe shops - which will come with a 42 printed on the shoe and the box. NEXT online are equating a 42 with an 8. Is it a true size 8 or do I need to ignore and order the 9/43? They're sandals.

I find a Next 42 (8) the same as other shops’ 42 (9).

I’m a 43, which for my entire life was a 9 in the uk... right up until a few years ago (5?) when shops started saying “we now go up to size 9”. I was so excited; until I realised they meant 42=9 now. Makes shoe shopping even harder. Next 9’s are a 43. Hurray for Next

I'm a size 8 and find Next size 8 sandals only just fit, and would prefer a 9...

I think Next size 8 are much bigger than other size 8s. But I have very narrow feet so that might make them a better fit for me.

Thank you.