The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) initiates the first ever Development of ‘Indian Footwear Sizing system’ in consultation with Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)

The new system to accommodate for demographic, anthropometric features of the Indian feet

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has initiated the first ever Development of ‘Indian Footwear Sizing system’ in consultation with Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai to identify the footwear size ranges required to cover the need of the local population for footwear and to define proportions and rules of constructing shoe lasts required for providing well-fitting and healthy footwear. 

The present Indian Standard IS 1638:1969 specification for sizing and fitting of footwear is based on the European and French Standards. This standard requires a revision to accommodate for demographic, anthropometric features of the Indian feet, leading to a more comfortable footwear and health of individual.

Since the anatomy and functional requirements of footwear for children, juveniles and adults (both Men and Women) are demography dependent, it is necessary to design and develop correct footwear exclusively for Indian population.

The project includes anthropometric survey, statistical analysis and development of an Indian foot sizing system and involves foot biomechanics and gait study, materials identification, lasts fabrication, development of design patterns and comfort parameters, wear trials, generation of specification.

The Department has approved an expenditure of ₹ 10.80 crore to complete this project.

This project will lead to carry out accurate measurement taking into consideration all the variations due to region, gender, age, health condition towards indigenisation of key products essential for realisation of an AatmaNirbhar Bharat.

Indian Footwear Sizing system launched to replace foreign-derived standards and set specifications for domestic anthropometric needs. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has commenced development of a Indian Footwear Sizing system with the Central Leather Research Institute to replace sizing based on European standards by conducting an anthropometric survey, biomechanical and gait studies, materials identification, lasts fabrication, design pattern development and wear trials to generate a specification defining size ranges and lasts construction rules for diverse Indian demographic groups.