At a SEMS shop in Putian, Fujian Province, a device scans a customer's feet to collect data for a bespoke pair Tuesday. Consumers simply remove shoes and socks and stand on the device; the screen instantly displays foot measurements such as length, width and arch height. The system automatically generates a personalized template. After selecting a preferred style and color, customers can pick up their made‑to‑measure shoes in just over an hour.

As one of Putian’s pillar industries, the footwear and apparel sector comprises more than 4,200 shoemaking and shoe‑material firms, with annual production capacity exceeding 1.2 billion pairs. Recent intelligent upgrades and digital transformation have injected new vitality into the industry.

Xinhua