India is celebrating 75th anniversary of her Independence from the British rule. However, in these many years, India could not get own independent footwear sizing system. As such, despite being the second largest footwear producer after China, India has been using the USA and the UK footwear sizing systems. But, thanks to the initiative taken by CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), India is developing own Footwear Sizing System. CSIR-CLRI, under the aegis of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Union Ministry of Commerce, has conducted a nation-wide survey to collect reliable data on foot dimensions of the Indian population. National Sample Survey Office identified 79 locations across the country, including Nagpur from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Accordingly, a total of 1,01,880 footwear measurements were collected in five zones through the field work completed by 28 teams. The foot dimensions were collected using 3D digital imaging technique to establish the Indian Footwear Sizing System. “We have been following the USA or the UK systems for footwear.

 

However, the foot size in the Indian sub-continent is different from that in the USA or the UK. So, with an aim to maximise comfort level for Indians, CSIR-CLRI has taken the initiative to develop Indian Footwear Sizing System,” said Dr Jai Prakash, Scientist, CLRI. Dr Jai Prakash told ‘The Hitavada’ on the sidelines of the 108th Indian Science Congress that the foot dimensions were collected from across the country between December 2021 and March-April 2022. Now, he added, the data collected is being analysed to have in place a standard system. The exercise has been undertaken as the foot characteristics in India are very different as compared to those of people from where the sizing system has been adapted so far. Once the Indian Footwear Sizing System is finalised after analysis of data, the process of approvals of various agencies will start. Once the system gets final nod, transfer of system to footwear manufacturing companies will take place. Accordingly, the Indian footwear makers will produce footwear that would be fit for use by the Indians. The design of footwear is a complex and multi-disciplinary task. It spans various fields of science and engineering. A proper footwear size ensures comfort of a shoe as well as proper foot health for the wearer. However, in the absence of India’s own footwear sizing system, the wearers face various problems while using footwear. But, not many know that the problems relating to fitting and comfort of footwear are because of lack of Indian footwear sizing system. Once the Indian system is in place, it will prevent foot debilitation caused due to wearing of improper footwear, apart from ensuring comfort and proper fitting.

 

The Indian system will ensure that footwear is designed and promoted to meet the demands of variety of movements and improve ambulatory functions of human feet. When the CSIR-CLRI had undertaken this exercise in 2021, it had set several objectives that included arriving at different length and width groups required for Indian population, specifying the Last Grading parameters viz, the length and width increments required, establishing equivalence with other sizing systems followed Internationally viz. English and French ones, deriving a chart to compare equivalence with other sizing systems. Now, the Indian Footwear Sizing System may be put in place shortly. It will be very important to enable Indian products to be sold in International markets.