Development of a Foot Sizing System for Malaysian Women

Abstract

In this study we used the INFOOT USB 3D scanning system (I-Ware Laboratory Co., Ltd, Japan) to collect foot size data measurement. Based on this study, we used five measurement definitions based on their anatomical landmarks: foot length, ball girth, instep length, foot breadth, and fibulare instep length. The reliability and accuracy of the observers were evaluated using intra-and inter-observer errors measurement. Accuracy of the measurement is based on Technical Error Measurement (TEM). A TEM value of less than 2 mm for the determined landmarks is considered accurate and consistent. Result from the experiment showed that the reliability is between 93.3% and 98.3%, respectively thus, foot-landmarking was consistent and reliable. We hope to develop a new shoe sizing system based on the Malaysian women's foot sizes and shapes, and to replace the current sizing system used in the country. This research will eventually advocate the interest and needs of shoe manufacturers to produce women footwear based on the new sizing system and ensure customer satisfaction for shoe size and shoe fitting.

Malaysian Women Shoe Sizing System Using Multivariate Normal Probability Distribution

“…One survey done by Shariff et al [19] found that 60% of Malaysian women did not have enough choices in choosing shoe size while 66.3% were dissatisfied and faced difficulties in choosing the right shoe size. The survey also shows that more than two-thirds of the sample thought that Malaysia should have a newly-developed standard for shoe sizing.…”