"India is expected to bring its own Foot Sizing System "Bha" by 2025"

India is all set to launch its own shoe ?? sizing system called "Bha" to join the ranks of global standards such as the ones followed in UK, EU, US.

The new Indian footwear sizing system is conceived by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), and is sponsored by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Commerce Ministry.

CLRI Director?K.J. Sreeram?is the brain behind project Bha that set out to create a sizing system to fit the Indian feet. The CLRI conducted a pan-India survey dividing India into five zones with 1,01,880 samples across 24 parameters from 79 different locations around India.?

Proposed to be named 'Bha' to represent Bharat, the initiative aims to revolutionize the way footwear is manufactured in India.

CLRI Chief Scientist Md Sadiq said,?“People from different walks of life from factories to IT and societies to apartments have been included in the survey.”?

“The adoption of advanced technology like In Foot-2 3D foot scanner ensures precise measurements accommodating foot sizes up to 380mm in length and 200mm in width,” Mr. Sadiq added.

He also added, “Under the ongoing sizing system, the average size of a footwear worn by an Indian woman is 4-6 while the same for a man ranges between 5-11.”?

"Bha" reduces 14 sizes to VIII (8) codes, by providing different width options in the same size.

But, why do India need a new shoe sizing system?

The survey revealed a significant discrepancy between Indian foot morphology and the existing sizing systems in world. Indian feet tend to be wider than their Western counterparts, leading to long-term problems like bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails.

One major problem with shoes for infants is that their feet grow quickly, making the shoes unwearable. Bha has introduced a solution to this by adding extra allowance in infant footwear. Also, for the last shoe size there will be a 5 mm allowance.

India's decision to establish its own shoe sizing system stems from several key factors. One primary consideration is the vast diversity of foot sizes and shapes across the Indian populace. Current international sizing standards, such as those used in Europe, the UK, and the US, often fall short in accurately accommodating the full spectrum of foot dimensions found among Indians.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with India's broader objectives to foster indigenous manufacturing and standardization across various industries. By introducing its unique shoe sizing system, India aims to exert greater control over its footwear market, potentially stimulating domestic production and innovation within the sector.

Economic Growth, India's economy has witnessed robust growth, leading to increased consumer expenditure on clothing and footwear. A standardized shoe sizing system can streamline manufacturing and retail processes, facilitating ease of size selection for consumers and enhancing efficiency for manufacturers in production and distribution.

Globalization, While India embraces its diverse identity, it also remains integrated into the global marketplace. However, existing international shoe sizing systems may not adequately address the needs of Indian consumers. The development of a national shoe sizing system allows India to balance its global connectivity with its domestic imperatives.

Overall, the implementation of a bespoke shoe sizing system underscores India's commitment to tailoring products and services to its unique populace while adhering to global standards and economic dynamics. By acknowledging the distinct dimensions of Indian feet and customizing a sizing system accordingly, the nation demonstrates its dedication to innovation and meeting the specific demands of its consumers. This initiative not only streamlines the footwear industry but also fosters indigenous manufacturing and standardization. As India continues to prioritize comfort and convenience for its citizens, the introduction of a tailored shoe sizing system represents a significant stride towards ensuring that every step is a comfortable one.