Summary
- Research suggests Asian feet are generally shorter but proportionally wider than those in Western markets.
- Global shoe lasts may therefore feel narrow around the forefoot despite being the correct length.
- Southeast Asian brands are increasingly designing footwear around regional foot shapes and tropical conditions.
- Singapore footwear label Sunday Staples recently opened its first Malaysian store at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
KUALA LUMPUR, September 18 — Footwear brands are increasingly exploring “Asian fit” designs as research suggests Asian consumers tend to have proportionally wider feet.
Singapore-founded Sunday Staples says it designs shoes with broader forefoot shapes, softer straps and materials suited to tropical heat and humidity.
Founder Cherriann Wong said discomfort is often blamed on customers when the shoe may simply not have been shaped for their feet.
The brand, which says it has sold more than 200,000 pairs in five years, recently opened its first Malaysian store at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
