What is Bha
Proposed to be named ‘Bha’ (भ) to symbolise Bharat, the Indian sizing system for footwear aims to replace the existing international standards. The survey’s statistical analysis suggested that a single shoe sizing system could effectively accommodate the diverse foot sizes observed among Indians. Bha proposes eight footwear sizes tailored to different age groups, ensuring a more precise and comfortable fit for users.
The survey
A groundbreaking survey conducted across India has unveiled the potential for a revolutionary change in the footwear industry. The survey, conducted between December 2021 and March 2022, aimed to understand the unique foot sizes and dimensions of Indians. Spearheaded by the Chennai-based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR–CLRI), the survey encompassed 1,01,880 individuals across 79 locations in five geographical zones.
Why do we need Bha
Historically, India has relied on UK/European and US sizing systems for footwear, which may not accurately cater to the diverse foot sizes and shapes of the Indian population. The absence of data on Indian foot structure posed a significant challenge in developing a localised sizing system. However, with the comprehensive data obtained from the survey, the prospect of introducing an Indian sizing system gained momentum.
What are the current footwear challenges
One of the key findings of the survey highlighted the prevalent issues faced by Indians due to ill-fitted footwear. Many individuals were found wearing shoes that were either extra-long, tight, or simply unsuitable for their foot structure.
Women, especially those wearing high-heeled footwear, faced inconvenience and potential injury due to wearing larger sizes. Similarly, men often tightened their shoelaces excessively to compensate for loose-fitting shoes, leading to discomfort and circulation issues.
What are the survey recommendations
Bha proposes eight footwear sizes: I – infants (0 to 1 year), II – babies (1 to 3 years), III – small children (4 to 6 years), IV – children (7 to 11 years), V – girls (12 to 13 years), VI – boys (12 to 14 years), VII – Women (14 years and above) and VIII – Men (15 years and above). For commercial purposes, initially manufacturing of footwears ranging in sizes III – VIII would be sufficient. Footwear manufactured as per Bha could give nearly 85 per cent of the country’s population the right fitting and better comfort.
The biggest advantage of adopting Bha would be that footwear manufacturers would need to develop only eight sizes as against the present 10 sizes (English system) and seven sizes (European system). In addition, the last size will have an additional 5 mm foot length. The Bha system will also be wider at its girth than the footwear currently available commercially.
Current status of Bha
The CSIR–CLRI has conducted the survey. It has submitted its recommendations to the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which comes under the Union Ministry of Commerce. The DPIIT has forwarded them to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the Indian authority to implement this sizing system, for its approval. Since Bha will completely overhaul the existing sizing systems, the departments have suggested that footwear manufactured as per Bha size standards should be given to users for trial, testing and feedback. Bha is expected to be implemented sometime in 2025.
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