Development of new shoe-sizing system for Malaysian women using 3D foot scanning technology

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop and propose a standard shoe sizing system based on anthropometric measurements of Malaysian women's foot sizes and shapes. Participants were from the primary ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) aged 20 to 60 years old. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using a 3D foot scanner. Foot length was chosen as the primary parameter, while foot breadth and ball girth circumference were secondary parameters. A 5 mm increment is used to classify 15 sizes from size 4 until size 11, including half sizes. The increments taken to be 3 mm for foot breadth and 6 mm for ball girth. The eight shapes for these two parameters were then developed using alphabetical labels a, b, c, d, e, ee, eee and eeee. Finally, this new standard shoe sizing will be proposed to the manufacturers who will then create the corresponding lasts for the specified sizes.