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.
Published by coralcrue
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