In the real world a size 9 should be a 9 should be a 9. An 8 an 8, a 7 1/2 a 7 1/2. Do we not live in the real world? I'm out of patience with these shoe manufacturers who don't get the sizing thing. I could barely get my foot into this shoe yet it was sized in MY size. Fortunately, Amazon, as always, pays return shipping.