Bha - All about Indian shoe sizing system

Original source (on modern site) | Article images: [1]

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), which comes under the Ministry of Commerce, recently conducted a nationwide survey to establish the Indian Footwear Sizing System. Following the pan-India survey, researchers have proposed a new sizing standard named 'Bha'.

In a blog post, CSIR-CLRI said that under the Indian shoe sizing system, there will be eight groups unlike the 10 size under the English sizing system. The proposed 'Bha' system suggests eight footwear sizes, covering infants to adults, with a focus on sizes III to VIII initially to cater to the majority of the population.

Explaining the rational, the agency said, "As no scientifically derived 'Footwear Sizing System' exists in India, it was imperative that an 'Indian Footwear Sizing system' be developed based on the Foot Dimensions of the Indian feet. This is essential because footwear made on adapted English Sizing system that is being followed in India can never be comfortable for our feet as they have characteristics very different from the English feet."

The survey, conducted between December 2021 and March 2022 across 79 locations in five geographical zones, involved 1,01,880 individuals. Utilizing 3D foot scanning machines, researchers aimed to understand the size, dimensions, and structure of an average Indian foot. Surprisingly, the findings revealed that Indians generally have wider feet compared to Europeans or Americans, highlighting the need for a more tailored sizing approach.

By adopting 'Bha,' both users and manufacturers could benefit significantly. Manufacturers would only need to produce eight sizes, eliminating the complexity of half-sizes and improving production efficiency.

CSIR-CLRI spearheaded the survey and submitted its recommendations to the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Union Ministry of Commerce. The DPIIT has forwarded these recommendations to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for approval, signaling a potential shift in the footwear industry landscape.

The implementation of the 'Bha' sizing system, expected in 2025, could bring about a positive transformation in the Indian footwear industry, offering consumers better-fitting shoes and enhancing comfort and foot health nationwide. To facilitate the transition, users will be provided with 'Bha'-sized footwear for trial, testing, and feedback before full-scale adoption.