Bata Aspen 12 Sporty Spice Women's Shoes (Floater's) Review
I have a story based on the purchase of this pair. I suffered from an ankle injury around May this year and didn't do much about treating it. I kept walking on it and finally came a day when I couldn't move. When I finally met the Orthopaedician, he asked me to get myself completely new pairs of shoes, sneakers and floaters with arches attached to them. Here in Mangalore, there is only one place I know of that does that. It is the Lions Limbs Centre at the Government Wenlock Hospital. But before I could go there I had go purchase myself some footwear. It takes me a really long time to find anything I like. I think, obsess, walk around shops and anyone who comes along with me gets annoyed so I tell everyone to lay off while I shop, think and purchase.
Reliance Footprints were the only store that had a brand selling shoes for flat-footed people like me. They were already made and you can't resize the custom made inbuilt-arches. But atleast they did have a selection. They were probably around the range of Rs.2000 and sturdy but when I wore them they were too heavy and bulky for me. I walk alot so I didn't want to lumber around in bulky looking footwear. I wanted something more fashionable and dainty. I am mentioning these options because they stock shoes for people who have fallen arches. Adidas makes one too but I forget the model number.
I still wanted something custom made so I wandered around for two weeks till I zeroed in on this pair.
He took my bag with the shoes and threw it down to where he was possibly going to work on them. He didn't say anything and I asked him if he was not going to measure my foot. Again, he barks,"For what?"
So I patiently and calmly said, each pair of feet are different and you need to measure where the arch needs to be attached. He said,"No need!"
Me: When can I get them? (I gave him three pairs). Thinking inside my head but doubting at the same time that he was that much of an expert?!
Grumpy: I don't know. Come around some time.
Me: Excuse me? I will be back by noon. Keep them ready.
Grumpy: Like I have nothing better to do.
Me: Fine, if this is not your job call the person in charge or I shall speak to the medical superintendent.
Grumpy: Come back at 3, *Rooooooooooooaaar* I will have one pair ready. Other two I cannot do.
Me: Oh sh@#!, We have LIONS at the Lions Limb Centre!
Went back at 3, he called me aside and said give me something extra. By then I wanted to bang my head on the wall but this is how our country works. If you are a woman or a man, and this is a government setup..mind you, everything in this country needs greasing someone's dirty palms. I would have just slapped him with my brand new floaters and walked off but I don't know anyone else doing custom fit arches in this city, I handed over the bribe. Then he asked me to go pay for the arches outside. It cost me Rs.210 totally for three pairs excluding the bribe, ofcourse.
Now look at the magic that happens, my dear readers.
When I went back to the limb centre, the same man was so loving and kind. A totally different person than the one I met a few hours back. He got down on bended knee and put the footwear on me, checked if the measurement was correct, adjusted and cut off all the excess which was not required. Had I not oiled his palms, he would have given me ill-fit arches and had me beg for mercy?
And, he spoke very kindly and fitted the arches in the other two shoes within 5 minutes!!!
He also gently asked me to return if there were any more adjustments for any pair of shoes at any time.
And then he smiled....Kindly!
The same pair of shoes he had flung on the floor, he sweetly packed it and gave it to me.
What does it take to do your job with sincerity? A little more on the hind side?
It's a government hospital. Now you can imagine the treatment the poor are met with.
I left with a very sad feeling in my heart. I don't mind parting with the cash but why and what about the others who can't?
Anyway, back to Bata, mates. You can get these lovely shoes and more here and if you want this particular pair, you can check them out here . They are Rs.799. The Bata price tag :) I think they are a real steal.
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26 comments
These look so comfy. Hope ur legs have healed now. Tc :)
ReplyDeleteThey are on the road to recovery, Megha. I walked in these today. Since I am just breaking into them, they sort of hurt. The floaters in themselves are very comfortable and worth the purchase. It's the arches that need getting used to :)
DeleteI love this brand! This pair is looking so comfy! Interesting experience honey <3
ReplyDeleteMe too!!! I really think I should raid Bata showroom more often. <3 <3
DeleteI have loved since chidhood. they have reasonable and everyday wear. And now their marie claire section has got some really nice stuff!
ReplyDeletehope you visit my blog!
www.gulaabigirl.com
Me too, Sanaya. It's an awesome brand. Yes, Marie Claire does have a lovely collection. thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteNice color selection and I like it cc <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gowmi, they have only two colours in this. The other one is a little more blue. :) <3 <3
DeleteLooks comfy.. Hope your legs are better now..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karishma, they are much better.
DeleteBata is great, good selection at a nice price. Hope your ankle is better now? I felt quite sad reading the bribery account... that is truly how things work in this country :( In big cities like Mumbai it's a little better in these matters, but more serious government or BMC work bribery is a must even if you are 100% right & clean. I'm glad you wrote about it though.
ReplyDeleteI always walk into the mall Bata showroom to see if they have new collections. Great prices. Ankle is far better but not up to running mark yet, sadly :( I wish I had not abused my feet. Who knew! It's good to hear that in Mumbai things are better. I feel it is a very citizen conscious city and people speak out against bribery there more strongly. Here somehow people are very complacent and have that sab chalta hai attitude which doesn't work. I hope some day revolution comes up strongly and people get together and fight for rights and honesty. I guess we can't wipe it all out but we need to start spring cleaning somewhere,
DeleteBribe.. Argh!! And, That Crappy Men! *One Tight Slap*
ReplyDeleteSo Bad! But Seriously, I Feel This is The Reality Everywhere :|
Hows Your Foot Now?
I know, I wish I were more bold enough. It sadly is the reality everywhere.
DeleteFoot is far better, Heena but not in great shape.
Oh! Hope You Get Better :)
DeleteThey look good and comfortable!! :)
ReplyDeleteI can imagine what the poor people go through... and what sought of treatment they undergo!! really sad. :(
Nice post Coral!
So true, Niesha. I hope things change for the better. I will pray for it to happen in my life time atleast.
Deletewow..looks good n comfortable...hope ur foot is alrite nw n aise logon ko chaar paanch thapar lagane chiyae...
ReplyDeletenice post coral
my recent one :http://www.indianbeautyforever.com/2013/10/nail-polish-aqua-shimmer-and-lolita.html
Hahhahaaha but you are so right. Kaam aisa hi chalega. People don't understand when you say nicely. Better is take a stick and start beating all these government goons up. Come we'll do it together. I know I am not strong alone :)
DeleteNice pictures! Loved reading this post.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Sahana :)
DeleteThe issue of bribery is something that has more meaning than what we see at the surface. I do not believe in giving bribes to get a work done but maybe they do not get paid enough to make both ends meet. When politicians take crores as bribes, these people who hardly earn any income need the extra money to run their daily life. I'm not supporting the system of bribery but I'm just saying that it's a vicious circle and as commoners we really can't break it unless a drastic change comes about.
ReplyDeleteTrue that. Most of the people who ask for bribes are government employees. Who knows what conditions they have to live in and how many mouths to feed but the problem lies in the treatment they give to patients as most of the people going there belong to a very low economic strata. First of all, the arches are unaffordable for them and to top it the bribe and indecent behaviour. But your point is extremely valid. We need a revolution to occur and when it happens I will support it full on. Sometimes I wonder how much can these politicians eat, man!! I mean there is a limit to hoarding public wealth. And what about a conscience?
DeleteI love the shoes you bought. They are gorgeous and a real steal indeed for that price. The story you said is a sad one. Hate bribery and how it made that guy treat you better. But the way you narrated the story was actually funny :P. Grumpy and rooooar made me laugh!. Anyways, I have heard Hush Puppies has an amazing selection of shoes for flat footed people. But they are always on the damn expensive side. You work at a hospital and you sat on your ankle injury until you couldn't move!. I can' believe that. You are a silly girl!. You should take care, hun <3
ReplyDeleteI am still wearing these every single day, they have not worn out and are superior quality. Unfortunately, they don't seem to stock this particular style anymore at Bata, it's really really worth the money, babe. I know, I tend to neglect my own health some times. but not anymore. I have started working out and taking care of my body too. Thank you for all your love and concern,Naz <3
DeleteI am using Bata from my childhood and have an internal attachment with this brand. Nice one."Shoes online"
ReplyDelete