For centuries, Indians, constituting one-seventh of the global population, have grappled with ill-fitting footwear, forced to adhere to international sizing standards like UK, US, and Japanese measurements. However, a monumental change is on the horizon.
A nationwide survey, aimed at crafting an indigenous shoe sizing system tailored for Indian feet, has shed light on crucial insights. Dubbed 'Bha,' echoing the spirit of Bharat, this initiative marks a significant departure from the status quo. The survey meticulously scanned the feet of 1,01,880 individuals across 79 diverse locations throughout India.
Analysis revealed that the foot size of Indian women typically reaches its pinnacle at the age of 11, while Indian men experience their peak foot growth around 15 or 16 years of age.
A striking disparity emerged, indicating that Indians generally possess broader feet compared to their European and American counterparts. Consequently, many Indians resort to purchasing shoes a size larger to accommodate the width, leading to discomfort and compromised foot health.
The repercussions of ill-fitting footwear are profound, with injuries, shoe bites, and overall foot health concerns plaguing a significant portion of the population.
Contrary to initial expectations, the survey advocated for a unified shoe sizing system, dispensing with the need for multiple variations. The proposed 'Bha' system streamlines the process, condensing the current plethora of sizes into eight comprehensive categories, spanning from infancy to adulthood.
Moreover, the revamped sizes will incorporate an additional 5 mm of foot length and offer enhanced width, promising superior comfort and a snug fit for Indian consumers.
Conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Leather Research Institute, the survey findings have been submitted to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a subsidiary of the Union Ministry of Commerce.
In a proactive move, plans are underway to field-test the 'Bha' sizing system by distributing footwear crafted according to the new standards to users for feedback. Anticipated to be fully operational by 2025, this initiative signifies a landmark stride towards catering to the unique needs of Indian consumers in the realm of footwear.