I am a half size.
'Mezza' — MED-za. Voiced 'z' like in Italian 'zaino'.
Use when your foot falls between two standard sizes. Italian shoes are often made in half-sizes ('mezze misure') — especially quality leather shoes — so it is worth asking.
'Mezza misura' means half size. 'Sono mezza misura' — I am a half size (between two). 'Mezzo' means half (masculine), 'mezza' is feminine here because 'misura' (measure/size) is feminine. Also: 'porto il quarantuno e mezzo' (I take a forty-one and a half).
Porto il quarantuno e mezzo.
I take a forty-one and a half.
Specific half-size stated.
Fate mezze misure?
Do you make half sizes?
Checks if the brand offers halves.
Sto tra il 41 e il 42.
I am between 41 and 42.
Describes the situation without using 'mezza misura'.
Quality Italian leather shoe brands (Tod's, Church's Italy, Fratelli Rossetti) typically produce half sizes. Fast-fashion and sports footwear brands less often. If a half size is unavailable, sizing up and using a thin insole ('plantare') is the standard workaround.