I have a reliable size 9 in almost all my shoes. Some of them may be a little loose or tight, but I've never come across anything as unusual as these things. I have size 8.5 shoes which are snug but still comfortable. These things are on a whole other level. They are about one size smaller than stated. The toe box is very cramped and very tapered which forces the outer toes together and also makes them feel too short. Looking at the size chart on the tongue it seems they count it as a UK 8, US 9 and EU 42 which doesn't match any size chart I've seen anywhere else. Most of them are EU 42 which equals US 8.5 which explains a lot. Even half a size up, they're a little tight, but more supportive than squeezing. If you have very narrow feet and not very high, these are your shoes. There is nothing wrong with the design and they look great. Unfortunately, my legs cannot conform to this shape.