Introducing ‘Bha’: India’s New Shoe Sizing System

A new shoe sizing system called ‘Bha’, short for ‘Bharat’, has been developed to replace the current UK/European and US sizes. The system is based on findings from a recent survey conducted between December 2021 and March 2022, which involved 3D foot scanning of over 100,000 Indians in 79 locations.

The survey provided insights into the size, dimensions, and structure of the average Indian foot. The findings revealed that the current footwear sizing system often results in many Indians wearing shoes that are either too large or have poor fitting.

The survey also highlighted that the average foot size growth for Indian women peaked at 11 years old, while for Indian men, it peaked at around 15 or 16 years old. Furthermore, it was discovered that excessively tightened shoelaces can disrupt blood flow, leading to discomfort, injuries, and foot health issues, particularly among the elderly and people with diabetes.

The ‘Bha’ system aims to address these issues and provide a better fit for about 85% of Indians. The change is expected to simplify manufacturing by eliminating half-sizes and promises increased comfort, wider dimensions, and an additional 5mm allowance for foot length.