From School Shoes To Stylish Kicks, Here's How Bata Has Evolved Over The Years
Did you know Bata has been in Malaysia for 90 years, but goes back even further than that? :O
By Timothy Tuan — 23 May 2023, 02:36 PM
There's no denying that the mere mention of Bata brings all of us back to our childhood, amirite?
From the white school shoes we used to run in (and get all muddy), to when they introduced easy-to-wear velcro shoes, Bata has been a mainstay for Malaysian households. But it's not just school shoes we remember Bata for — many of us would visit the iconic shoe store for slippers, sandals, sports shoes, and leather shoes.
Bata has become so part and parcel of our lives that it's understandable how many Malaysians have mistaken the humble shoe store for a homegrown brand. ICYMI, while Bata has been in Malaysia for over 90 years, its history actually goes back even further! :O
If you didn't already know, Bata was actually founded in Zlin, Czechoslovakia, in 1894 by Thomas Bata, a ninth generation shoemaker in his family
The brand only landed on Malayan soil in 1930, when their first store opened at Capitol Building in Singapore (then a part of Malaya).
Five years later, Bata's first local factory was built in Klang to produce quality rubber shoes for all Malaysians.
Since its humble beginnings, Bata has certainly made a name for itself
It has grown into the world's largest shoe manufacturer, with 5,000 retail outlets across more than 90 countries, hiring more than 40,000 employees, and selling more than 180 million pairs of shoes a year.
In Malaysia alone, Bata has more than 240 outlets.
While most Malaysians recognise Bata as their go-to brand for school and office shoes, the shoe manufacturer is much more than that
They've produced shoes worn by cultural icons for the last 130 years. We've seen rock royalty Kurt Cobain from Nirvana rocking the Bata Hotshots and former professional basketball player Magic Johnson launching his career while wearing Wilson by Bata.
Even the late Robin Williams was photographed for the cover of The New York Times Magazine while holding the Bata Hawaii flip-flops like a phone.
Even after 90 years in Malaysia, Bata still shows no signs of stopping. In fact, they're launching a new line of footwear that's both stylish and comfortable!
Enter Bata Red Label, a new shoe collection perfect for style-conscious young professionals.
With the tagline, 'Koleksi Baharu Bata Red Label, Memang Bergaya Memang Selesa,' the new range features a variety of styles that cater to modern consumer demands, while allowing wearers to express and celebrate their own individuality.
Here's a look at some of the shoes from their new collection:
1. They're versatile for every occasion
Cute, trendy, and incredibly versatile, the Bata Red Label collection offers a host of options to suit all manners of personal style, allowing you to transition effortlessly from day to night, work to play, and all else in between. In other words, whether you're headed to the office, meeting friends, or going on a date, Bata Red Label shoes are capable of elevating your fashion game instantly.
2. You won't have to compromise on comfort
Selected shoes from the collection have LifeSole by Ortholite technology, making them lightweight, 50% more comfortable, along with humidity control and unbeatable breathability. This means you will be able to live a full and active lifestyle without having to compromise on comfort.
Ladies will also have a selection of comfortable heels to choose from — platform, block, and kitten heels — all of which will make being on your feet all day a breeze.
3. Enjoy fashionable footwear with their affordable price points
With prices ranging from RM119 to RM399, the Bata Red Label shoes will never break the bank, offering accessible price points that do not come at the expense of comfort, quality, and style.
Ready to elevate your fashion game? You can shop and explore the full Bata Red Label shoe collection here or at your nearest Bata outlet.
