Bata Malaysia celebrated a major milestone this week, marking 95 years in Malaysia alongside the brand’s 131-year global heritage, with a celebration at its KLCC flagship store that brought together legacy, style and innovation.
Founded in 1894 in Zlín by visionary shoemaker Tomáš Baťa, the brand has since grown into a household name across 56 countries globally. In Malaysia, meanwhile, Bata has been part of everyday life since 1930, from school shoes and first jobs to timeless footwear for families across generations.
Themed “From First Steps to Forward Futures”, the celebration was attended by Christine Bata, representing the founding family, and industry guests, underscoring the brand’s deep ties to heritage and community.
Reflecting on Bata’s journey, Bata Malaysia and Singapore Managing Director Rabi Hasnabi said the brand remains committed to balancing affordability, style and innovation.
“For 95 years, Bata has been part of Malaysian families. Today, we are investing in comfort technology and design innovation, while keeping our promise of accessibility.
“The future of Bata is not just about selling shoes; it’s about shaping how Malaysians move forward, stylishly and confidently,” Rabi said.
He highlighted that Bata continues to connect with consumers by combining modern style with everyday comfort at accessible prices. Current highlights include:
- Victoria Ballerina (from RM59.99) — effortless comfort at an affordable price.
- Men’s Moccasin (from RM89.99) — refined style for everyday wear.
- Power Hotshots (RM119) — a revival of the iconic pair once worn by Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain.
- Power EasySlide (from RM139) — slide-in ease powered by comfort technology.
Rabi shared that the brand’s enduring relevance was also recognised at the Putra Brand Awards, reaffirming Bata as one of Malaysia’s most trusted names in footwear.
He emphasised that from Tomáš Baťa’s early dream to “shoe the world” to today’s innovations, Bata continues to walk alongside generations of Malaysians, a journey of first steps and forward futures.
