Both manufacturers and customers can benefit significantly as they will only need to produce eight sizes, eliminating the complexity of half the sizes. (Symbolic photo: AP file)
Since there is no ‘scientifically derived’ shoe size system for Indian feet, ‘Bha’ will consider not only the length of the foot but also the width to create a more comfortable fit for all age groups.
A new shoe size system has been proposed for Indians, which is expected to replace the existing UK/European and US measurements by 2025.
‘Bha’, representing India, is the proposed Indian shoe size system, developed based on a survey conducted by Chennai-based CSIR-CLRI to record the average foot size of an Indian.
But why is there a need to change the existing shoe size system?
The current Indian standard IS 1638:1969 specification for footwear is based on European and French standards. The new size system, bha, will consider not only the length but also the width of the foot to create a more comfortable fit for Indians of different age groups.
“We are bringing customization for Indians, which will help improve their comfort. For the trials, we are planning to work with mold manufacturers and then join hands with companies for the same. We will conduct user-based testing for approximately 10,000 people and track them for a year. We should be able to launch the Indian footwear sizing system by 2025,” CLRI director KJ Sriram said, as quoted Hindustan Times,
CSIR-CLRI pointed out that since there is no “scientifically derived” footwear size system in India, it is necessary to develop an indigenous size system based on the dimensions of Indian feet. “This is necessary because shoes made on the adapted English size system adopted in India can never be comfortable for our feet as their characteristics are very different from English feet,” CSIR-CLRI said. The Economic Times,
The agency said both manufacturers and customers could benefit significantly as they would not only need to produce eight sizes, eliminating the complexity of half the sizes and improving production efficiency.
survey findings
The survey was conducted across 79 locations across five geographies between December 2021 and March 2022, covering 1,01,880 individuals. It used 3D foot scanning machines, with the help of which researchers understood the shape, dimensions and structure of the average Indian foot.
The findings showed that Indians have wider feet than Europeans or Americans, which highlights the need for a better shoe size system.
CSIR-CLRI found that growth in foot size for an average Indian woman peaked at age 11, while for an Indian man it peaked at around 15 or 16 years of age.
a report of Indian Express Industry experts were quoted as saying that in recent times, Indians rejected 50% of shoes ordered online due to size mismatch.
The new sizing system will have better perimeters than the systems currently available in the markets.
The council claims that the new system will provide convenience to 85% of Indians.
suggested shoe sizes
Eight footwear sizes have been proposed:
• I- Infant (0 to 1 year)
• II- Infant (1 to 3 years)
• III- Young children (4 to 6 years)
• IV- Children (7 to 11 years)
• V- Girls (12 to 13 years)
• VI- Boys (12 to 14 years)
• VII- Women (14 years and above)
• VIII- Male (15 years and above)
As per BHA size system, half size will not be required.
“The shoes will be certified by BIS to aid in quality control, raw laboratories testing and selection of the right raw materials. 3D printing technology is also being used for this,” said CSIR Director General N Kalaiselvi. Hindustan Times,
It is often seen that the sizes shown online are preferably UK or European, which may or may not fit the buyer’s foot clearly. The UK sizing system regulated by the British was never upgraded in India.
Under the current size system, the average shoe size worn by an Indian woman is 4-6, while for men it ranges between 5-11.
