{
  "id": 11307839,
  "title": "Why are we still buying shoes designed for someone else’s feet?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/why-are-we-still-buying-shoes-designed-for-someone-elses-feet",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/02/why-are-we-still-buying-shoes-designed-for-someone-elses-feet"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysian women have long known that products made overseas may not always fit them perfectly. This realization has led to regional rethinking in areas like bra sizing, foundation shades, and skincare. However, when it comes to footwear, the issue of \"Asian fit\" has not been widely discussed. Shoes that look fine on paper can still be uncomfortable due to poor fit, causing pressure, rubbing, and discomfort. Shoe sizing often focuses on length, but a 2018 analysis of 3D foot scans found that Asian participants generally have shorter feet than those in other regions, along with wider feet relative to their length. This discrepancy in foot proportions means a shoe may fit in length but still cause discomfort due to narrow forefoot width or inadequate toe room. Poor fit can be especially noticeable in styles with little adjustability, such as ballet flats or pointed shoes. Malaysians often face challenges from the country's climate, which involves moving between heat, humidity, rain, and air-conditioned environments. Shoes designed for cooler climates may not perform well in Malaysia's conditions, as feet can swell due to heat and moisture. In response, some Southeast Asian footwear designers are now paying more attention to factors like softer straps, heel cushioning, and humidity-resistant materials. Better fit does not mean sacrificing style; subtle changes in forefoot width, strap placement, heel stability, or flexibility can improve comfort without significantly altering a shoe's appearance. While consumers increasingly demand clothing and accessories that fit their bodies better, footwear has lagged behind in this regard. The concept of \"Asian fit\" acknowledges that foot proportions differ across populations, but it's essential to recognize that there is significant variation within any group. Factors like age, weight, pregnancy, and medical conditions can also affect foot shape. The real question is whether shoes can be designed with better understanding of the people, climate, and everyday conditions they serve. If shoe design takes these differences into account, \"breaking in\" a new pair may become less of an accepted norm and more of a sign that the shoe was never truly suitable to begin with.",
  "summary": "Asian consumers have long been offered beauty and fashion products tailored to local needs, but footwear has been slower to catch up.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Why are we still buying shoes designed for someone else’s feet?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/why-are-we-still-buying-shoes-designed-for-someone-elses-feet-11311150",
        "published": "2026-10-01T23:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}