A recent nationwide survey conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR–CLRI), under the Ministry of Commerce, to establish the Indian Footwear Sizing System had led to the proposal of a new sizing standard called ‘Bha.’.
The new proposed sizing standard would have eight footwear sizes, covering all age groups from infants to adults. Initially focusing on sizes III to VIII, the system aims to accommodate the majority of the population.
CSIR-CLRI emphasised the necessity of developing an Indian Footwear Sizing System based on the foot dimensions of the Indian population. They highlighted the fundamental differences between Indian and English feet, indicating that the existing adapted English sizing system may not provide optimal comfort for Indian feet.
Conducted across 79 locations in five geographical zones from December 2021 to March 2022, the survey involved over 101,880 individuals. Utilising advanced 3D foot scanning technology, researchers gained insights into the size, dimensions, and structure of Indian feet. Surprisingly, the findings revealed that Indian feet tend to be wider compared to European or American counterparts, necessitating a tailored sizing approach.
The adoption of 'Bha' could offer significant benefits to both users and manufacturers. By standardising to eight sizes, manufacturers can streamline production processes, eliminating the complexity of half-sizes and enhancing efficiency.
CSIR–CLRI has submitted its recommendations to the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Union Ministry of Commerce, who then forwarded them to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for approval. This signals a potential shift in the footwear industry landscape in India.
