A novel footwear sizing system tailored specifically for the Indian populace is currently under development. Dubbed ‘Bha,’ derived from ‘Bharat,’ it seeks to supplant the prevailing UK/European and US sizing standards.
Extensive research conducted from December 2021 to March 2022, involving 3D foot scanning of over 100,000 individuals at 79 different locations, furnished valuable insights into the size, proportions, and structure of the typical Indian foot.
Key findings from the survey indicated that Indian feet generally possess broader dimensions compared to those in Europe or America. Moreover, it was observed that the existing footwear sizing norms often result in ill-fitting shoes for many Indians. Notably, the study highlighted that the average foot size growth for Indian women peaks around the age of 11, whereas for Indian men, it occurs at approximately 15 or 16 years old.
Furthermore, the research identified a common issue of excessively tightened shoelaces, leading to compromised blood circulation, discomfort, injuries, and foot-related complications, particularly among the elderly and individuals with diabetes.
The ‘Bha’ shoe sizing system is envisioned as a streamlined solution, offering eight distinct sizes tailored to various age groups. It aims to enhance the fitting experience for approximately 85% of the Indian population.
The implementation of the ‘Bha’ system is anticipated to streamline manufacturing processes by eliminating half-sizes, while also promising heightened comfort, broader dimensions, and an additional 5mm allowance for foot length.
The ‘Bha’ shoe sizing system categorizes sizes as follows:
I – Infants (0-1 year)
II – Toddlers (1-3 years)
III – Small children (4-6 years)
IV – Children (7-11 years)
V – Girls (12-13 years)
VI – Boys (12-14 years)
VII – Women (14 years and above)
VIII – Men (15 years and above)
Production efforts will primarily concentrate on sizes III to VIII to cater to the requirements of the majority of Indian consumers.
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