Indian shoe shopping might undergo a significant transformation as an indigenous sizing system called “Bha” is set to replace the reliance on UK/European and US sizes, a recent survey suggests.
The proposed “Bha” system, named after the Hindi word for India, “Bharat”, stems from regional differences in foot shapes and sizes across the country.
It will introduce eight standardised sizes catering to various age groups, ensuring a more precise fit and enhanced comfort.
These sizes range from infants (0 to 1 year) to adults (15 years and above), accommodating nearly 85% of the country’s population.
The Chennai-based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR–CLRI) conducted a nationwide survey encompassing 1,01,880 individuals across 79 locations examining the size, structure, and dimensions of Indian feet.
The survey’s recommendations, conducted from December 2021 to March 2022, have been submitted to the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a branch of the Union Ministry of Commerce.
The DPIIT, in turn, has forwarded the proposals to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for approval, signalling a potential paradigm shift in the Indian footwear industry.
To ensure the effectiveness of the “Bha” system, stakeholders advocate for trial runs, testing, and user feedback before its anticipated implementation in 2025.
According to the findings of the survey, the average Indian woman’s foot reaches its maximum size at 11 years, while for men, it peaks around 15 or 16 years.
Notably, Indian feet were found to be wider than those of Europeans or Americans, leading to the widespread practice of wearing shoes a size larger than necessary due to the limited availability of narrow options under the current sizing systems.
Advantages of the “Bha” system includes simplified manufacturing processes, with only eight sizes required instead of the current 10 (English system) or seven (European system).
Additionally, the elimination of half-sizes and the incorporation of wider dimensions aim to enhance user satisfaction.
