TC pro sizing inconsistencies

I went in to try on some TC’s at REI a few days ago. I have a size 39.5 but I wanted to try on a 39 and noticed that the size 39 shoe I tried on felt the same if not bigger than my 39.5. I checked the tag to make sure, and it said 39. When I held up the two 39 shoes sole to sole they were looked like they were 1/4 inch difference. Curious, I went home to check my pair and mine looked mismatched too. I checked one other size 40 pair and they looked off too.. I might be crazy but there's at least one other person out there who noticed the same thing and left a review (with pictures) on the La Sportiva website. I like the shoe but I guess I learned that maybe you can't count on the listed size.

“Handmade” in Italy. Not machine made. I doubt the cows are on the same skin care regime either

The size inconsistencies aren't unique to TC pros or really any rock shoe manufacturer.  I've been told by a fairly reliable source (but not a manufacturer) that the issues is due to the way multiple sheets of leather are stacked and then cut at the same time with a big press.  The piece on the top of the stack won't be the same size as the piece on the bottom of the stack.  Then throw in seem/stitching allowances and you will get some variation.  You can always buy a bunch of the same size and then figure out which ones fit the best and return what doesn't.

John Clark wrote:

“Handmade” in Italy. Not machine made. 

Exactly.  Add to that, climbing shoes take longer than street shoes to make, so each step is harder to exactly replicate.  And, since the shoes are so tight and our feet get so sensitive, we notice every variation where we overlook variations in street shoes.  

Stitching also becomes very noticeable.  The neon plastic on the TC Pros has a knot in the stitch at the top of the big toe.  That tiny knot makes people uncomfortable especially if it’s just a little more pronounced than average.  

Oh, easy way to flatten the bell curve of shoes…socks of varying weight

John Clark wrote:

Oh, easy way to flatten the bell curve of shoes…socks of varying weight

Yes

John Clark wrote:

…socks…

Trad dads, unite.   

Christian Hesch wrote:

Trad dads, unite.   

I think my trad card was revoked when I sent a V10 last month and still only climb 5.12 trad. With socks on though, so it doesn’t count. Am a dad though. Very confusing place to be. Send help

Unfortunate but I think it happens a lot. I had an approach shoe size 44.5 that felt a bit tight. I ordered a 45 (keeping the 44.5 to return later). Standing them up sole to sole the 45’s were shorter than the 44.5’s.