Gone are the days of guessing shoe size or using measuring tape to find the perfect fit!
For decades, Indians have enforced to wear shoes sized as per US or European standards. Sometimes, this led to discomfort, blisters, or even foot deformities. The time has come to change the tradition. Now, Indians are going have a new shoe sizing system named ‘Bha’.
With this, we entering into a totally advanced era of footwear technology.
In this article, we will discuss about existing problem of manufacturers as well as modern technologies with benefits.
One of the main issues faced by footwear brands is extremely high rate of returns. When the customer is not happy with the size, they are returning back the product. This is due to existing system of UK/US shoe sizing system. Indians have a wider feet than Europeans and Americans. This is never considered during shoe manufacturing in India.
A pan-India survey by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR–CLRI) revealed that Indians are wearing wrong sized footwear which is causing numerous health issues.
‘Bha’ is proposing a streamlined approach with eight sizes for Indians. This will serve different age groups to ensure a comfortable fit for more than 85% of the Indians. Planned for implementation in 2025, these footwears will undergo rigorous trial and user feedback sessions.
As per survey, majority of men don't know their shoe size. Here comes modern technologies as a rescue.
Artificial Intelligence: We are living in AI era. Forget about frustrating experience before choosing proper shoe, now AI will help you finding the right pair. Instantly, it will take the measurements without any need for visiting shops. The cherry on the top is virtual try on facility. The customer will be able to try the shoe virtually through smartphone.
3D Printing: This is totally a new method of manufacturing shoes. Some start-ups are cute developing footwears using fused granulate fabrication 3D printing technology. In this technology, raw materials are used in granule, or pellet form, enhancing comfort.
Self fitting Shoes: This may sound surprising, but Nike has already manufactured self fitting sneakers. The shoe is carrying power-lacing system along with an app to customize the size based on the person.
With accurate foot measurements, customers are more likely to get the perfect shoe instantly. Along with increasing customer satisfaction, return and exchange rate will be decreased. Eventually, the sale will increase with advanced technologies. It will improve inventory management and personalized recommendations by retailers. Overall, it's a win-win situation for both customers and manufacturers.
BHA proposes eight different footwear sizes: I for infants between 0 to 1 year, II for kids of 1 to 3 years, III for small children of 4 to 6 years, IV for children of 7 to 11 years, V for girls of 12 to 13 years, VI for boys of 12 to 14 years, VII – for women over 14 years, and VIII for men over 15 years.
It is currently seeking the approval from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
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In summary, advanced technologies have the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry for both customers, retailers, as well as manufacturers.
Now, walk with more confidence!
