DPIIT initiates ‘Indian Footwear Sizing System’ to replace UK, French standards

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has initiated the first-ever development of the ‘Indian Footwear Sizing system’ in consultation with Chennai-based Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI). DPIIT has approved an expenditure of Rs 10.80 crore to complete this project.

According to a statement issued by the DPIIT on Friday, 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 the Indian population.

“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,” said the statement.

See Zee Business Live TV Streaming Below:

The statement further said the proposed ‘Indian Footwear Sizing System’ will lead to the development of more comfortable footwear in the country.

“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 more comfortable footwear and health of an individual,” the statement added.

The project includes an 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.

CLRI will also carry out accurate measurements 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.