All about ‘Bha’: An Indian-specific new shoe size system is suggested

A pan-Indian study of Indians’ foot sizes was recently carried out as part of a bigger effort to create an Indian sizing standard for footwear. The proposed ‘Bha’ (भ) size system seeks to replace the current US and UK/European sizing methods, possibly transforming the Indian footwear manufacturing sector.

In order to accommodate the varied foot morphology of its populace, which deviates greatly from Western norms, India requires its own technique for measuring shoes.Because Indian feet are often broader and have different development patterns than those of the UK/European and US, the existing dependence on these size standards frequently leads to footwear that is poorly fitting, especially for children and teenagers.

The creation of a native sizing system such as Bha (भ) will guarantee that footwear is customized to meet the specific requirements of Indian customers, enhancing comfort, foot health, and general pleasure. It will also help the expansion of the Indian footwear sector, improve production procedures, cut waste, and be in accordance with India’s goal of innovation and independence.

Between December 2021 and March 2022, 1,01,880 people were surveyed at 79 sites in five different geographic zones. Researchers aimed to determine the typical Indian foot’s size, measurements, and structure by using 3D foot scanning scanners. The study found that, in contrast to early assumptions, Indians often have broader feet than do Europeans or Americans. Many Indians have been wearing shoes that are bigger than required, which causes pain and may even pose health risks, as a result of the narrow footwear that is accessible under the current size regulations.

The investigation also revealed that the average foot size of Indian women peaks at age eleven, but the average foot size of Indian males peaks at age fifteen or sixteen. Furthermore, it was noted that a considerable proportion of Indians—men and women alike—wore tight, ill-fitting shoes, which often led to accidents and worsened foot health, especially in older adults and those with diabetes.
Prior to India’s independence, the British imposed UK sizing on the country; an average Indian lady would wear a size 4 or 6, and an average male a size 5. Nevertheless, up until now, the creation of an indigenous sizing system has been hampered by the lack of thorough data on the structure and measurements of Indian feet.

Eight shoe sizes are recommended by the Bha system, spanning from newborns to adults. Initially, the bulk of the population’s needs will be met by commercial manufacture, which will concentrate on sizes III to VIII. Users and shoe makers stand to gain a great deal from the adoption of Bha. Only eight sizes would need to be developed by manufacturers, doing away with the necessity for half-sizes and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Leading the survey was the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR–CLRI), which then sent its findings to the Union Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). These suggestions have since been sent by the DPIIT to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for approval. When Bha is put into effect, which is anticipated to happen around 2025, it may completely transform the Indian footwear market by giving customers better-fitting shoes and improving comfort and foot health all throughout the country. Before widespread implementation, consumers will be given Bha-sized shoes for trial, testing, and feedback in order to ease the transition.