DPIIT teams up with Central Leather Research Institute to develop ‘Indian Footwear Sizing system’
20 Dec 2021
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in consultation with the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has initiated the first ever exercise to develop an ‘Indian Footwear Sizing system’ to identify the footwear size ranges required for the local population and to define proportions and rules of constructing shoe lasts required for providing well-fitting and healthy footwear, says a commerce ministry release.
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 demographic, anthropometric features of the Indian feet, leading to a more comfortable footwear and health of the 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 release pointed out.
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 Rs10.80 crore to complete this project.
This project will lead to accurate measurement of foot sizes, 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.