To enable footwear brands to better serve Indian consumers, the Central Leather Research Institute, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, has launched the 3D foot mapping project. The project involves developing India-specific footwear-sizing chart. The project involves a survey of over 100,000 people in the age group of 05-55 from across 73 Indian districts. The size chart will be developed upon completion of the survey.

The survey involves collecting of 29 data from each Indian foot examined, says Sreeram, Director, Central Leather Research Institute. Indian feet generally have a wider front portion compared to European feet. This can make European-sized footwear uncomfortable for many Indians, he adds. Indian sizing standard for footwear will be published in the Bureau of Indian Standards by the end of 2022, By then, footwear makers will starting manufacturing shoes and closed footwear for men, women, and children, he adds.

Founded in 1948, the Central Leather Research Institute is also celebrating its 75th year platinum jubilee this year. The organization has released a commemorative stamp with the Indian postal department to celebrate the occasion.