{
  "id": 11311150,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "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": "Shoes may appear properly sized on paper, but fit can be poor if their shape doesn't match the wearer's foot, resulting in pressure, rubbing and discomfort. Malaysian women, like consumers elsewhere, have long faced products designed for other body types and climates. However, the conversation around footwear fit has lagged behind other areas such as clothing, cosmetics and skincare.\n\nPoorly fitting shoes can be physically uncomfortable, causing problems like pinching, rubbing and pressure on various parts of the foot. For decades, people have been told to simply \"break in\" problematic shoes, despite the fact that the issue likely lies with the shoe's inadequate design for the individual's foot.\n\nFoot sizing tends to focus on length, but research shows Asian feet tend to be shorter than other regions while still being proportionally wider relative to length. This discrepancy matters because shoe construction relies on a \"last,\" which determines width, toe room and heel contour. A narrow last may cause pressure on the widest part of the foot even when the shoe is technically the correct size.\n\nCertain shoe styles, like ballet flats or strappy sandals, have even less room for adjustment, making fit issues more noticeable. Factors like humidity and climate further complicate matters in Malaysia, where people frequently transition between heat, rain and air-conditioned indoor spaces. Shoes designed for cooler climates may not perform as well in these conditions, leading to increased discomfort over time.\n\nFootwear designers are beginning to address these issues by focusing on softer straps, better heel cushioning, and humidity-resistant materials. Smaller modifications in forefoot width, strap placement and heel stability can improve comfort without significantly altering the shoe's appearance. As consumer expectations grow, footwear can balance style and comfort through thoughtful design.\n\nWhile the term \"Asian fit\" acknowledges the differences in foot proportions across populations, it's essential to recognize that there is significant variation within any group. Age, weight, pregnancy and medical conditions can also influence foot shape. Ultimately, the goal should be for shoes to be designed with a deeper understanding of the people, climate and everyday conditions they serve. This approach could shift the notion that \"breaking in\" a new pair is inevitable and instead highlight when a shoe was not properly suited 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",
        "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."
}