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

A recent survey, conducted between December 2021 and March 2022, involved 3D foot scanning of over 100,000 Indians across 79 locations. Named ‘Bha’ for ‘Bharat’, the intent of the survey was to replace existing UK/European and US sizes.

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

The survey’s findings further showed 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. The survey also highlighted that shoelaces were often tightened excessively, leading to disrupted blood flow, discomfort, injuries, and foot health issues, especially among the elderly and people with diabetes.

The ‘Bha’ sizing system aims to provide a better fit for approximately 85% of Indians. It is expected to simplify manufacturing by eliminating half-sizes.

Additionally, it promises increased comfort, wider dimensions, and an additional 5mm allowance for foot length.