Getting your Correct Shoe Size

At least 72% of people wear the wrong shoe size. This is according to a research that was conducted by shoe health experts in the US. The findings revealed that more often than not, the shoes we wear are usually either slightly small or slightly larger than our feet. Lack of awareness of our correct size has been attributed to incorrect ways of getting measurements for our feet.

Taking a trip down memory lane when our parents used to make us place our feet on a piece of paper then use a pencil to trace their outline in order to get our shoe size, it’s amazing how this method still remains one of the most accurate ways to find out our correct shoe size.

The logic behind measuring both feet is that many people tend to have one foot a bit larger than the other. It is often advisable to choose the larger size. For a more comfortable shoe fit you are required to take your measurements late in the afternoon since feet tend to swell – which is often the case for most people.

Here are some time tested tips on how to get your correct shoe size:

You need a large piece of paper bigger than both your feet, sticky masking tape or scotch tape, a ruler, pen or pencil, and notepaper to mark your measurement numbers down.

  1. Place the large piece of paper on a flat surface and smooth it out so it is flat.
  2. Tape the corners of your large piece of paper securely to the flat surface so it won’t move around when you stand on it.
  3. You can put on the socks you will be wearing with your new shoes (if applicable).
  4. Have your small piece of note paper, pen or pencil within easy reach.
  5. Stand in the middle of the large piece of paper with a few inches of space between both your feet. Make sure your feet are placed firmly on the floor. Don’t wiggle or curl your toes.
  6. Take your pen or pencil and trace the outline of one foot onto the paper you are standing on. Make sure your pen or pencil is straight up and down and firmly against your foot as you trace your outline. Sometimes it is easier to have another person do the tracing for you, but it can be done by yourself.
  7. Repeat the above step with your other foot.
  8. Now you will remove the taped paper from the floor and put it flat down on a table or place where you can take your ruler to get the exact numbers.
  9. For your length, place your ruler at the bottom to the top of one of the traced outlines i.e. base of heel to tips of toes. Draw a straight line from top to bottom of the outline. Mark this length measurement on your notepad paper.
  10. Then draw a straight line going side to side at the widest part of the outline. Mark this width measurement down on your notepad paper.
  11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for your other foot traced outline.
  12. You will want to use the largest length measurement for your shoe size.
  13. Use the Bata Comparative Size Chart below to convert the measurement to your shoe size. Measurements are available for men, women and children’s sizes.

BATA SHOE SIZE CHART

For best results, it is recommended that you measure your feet once or twice per year. In fact, it would be ideal if you had your feet measured every time you bought new shoes.

Info courtesy of eHow.com

Boot Up!

Just because it is raining, it does not mean that you leave your style at home! Drop by a Bata shop and you will love what we have! Select either knee high or calf length boots from our Marie Claire boots collection now available at a Bata shop near you.

Be sure to check out these tips on how to look hip in boots.

 

Happy Easter from Bata!

The Easter Bunny will be visiting some selected Bata stores this Easter to give you a surprise gift! Visit a Bata store this Easter and you could be in luck.

Remember if you are looking for a gift for your loved one , you can buy then a Bata gift voucher. They come in 4 denominations 300,500,1000 and 2000 and are redeemable in any Bata retail shop.

But whatever you do, don’t miss out on the true meaning of Easter, which is well captured in this quote by Clarence W. Hall  : ”You can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.” 

From the Bata Kenya family to yours , have a splendid Easter holiday!

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What Not to Wear on a First Date

Going for a first date, though exciting can be a nerve-wrecking affair for most. You want to make a good impression. No, you want to leave a good impression. You want to impress but at the same time look like you did not try too hard!

You will appreciate that the first thing to consider is where you are going. How much standing will you be doing for example? Here are some tips on what to wear or what not to touch when it comes to choosing an attire or shoes to go with on a first date :

How to dress up for a first date – Ladies

Photo courtesy of modernman.com

Find out where you are going on the date. This is highly important, because you need to know how much walking or standing you will be doing. Knowing this in advance will greatly affect your shoe choice. Consider where you might end up. Is the date going to involve one location or a few? Think about this as well before deciding on shoes.

Ballet flats - When in doubt, choose ballet flats. They come in casual and dressy styles, most are fairly comfortable, and they go with every type of outfit: skirts, dresses, pants, jeans, shorts and anything else that you can think of. Therefore, they are suitable for any occasion or circumstance. Flats are appropriate for miniature golf, bowling, movies, dog walking, dinner, dancing–you name it.

Choose heels  - (and wedges) for a more formal date, or when you know the shoes are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. Make sure that you are comfortable walking in them. This is another reason why it’s so important to know where you’re going on the date. You may love your 3″ heels. But if they kill your feet, they are not a good choice. Plus, what if you fall? That would hardly make a good impression. Leave your sky high heels at home , unless you are very comfortable in them..

Think twice about sandals - Choose sandals–whether flip-flops or heels–cautiously. Are you sure that you want to show off your feet, especially if it’s a first date? When was the last time you had a pedicure, or painted your toenails?

Choose boots cautiously – Choose boots in the same way that you would choose heels or flats. The same rules apply. There are two particular problems here, though. First, boots are not all-weather footwear, and are obviously not an option in the middle of the sunny season. Second, they can make you somewhat sweaty, even if it is 20 degrees outside.

The outfit  – You can never go wrong with a feminine look , a dress, a ruffle top and jeans…You may want to leave the cleavage-revealing top and fishnet stockings at home though. It’s the first date.

How to dress up for a first date – Men

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Your shoes - It’s not just their own shoes or shoes on other women that ladies are obsessed with. They want to see your shoes. Remember, shoes tell tales. Also remember that your lovely date will judge you by your shoes.

Pick an appropriate pair — lace-ups or loafers for the evening; driving shoes, moccasins, or simple sneakers for the afternoon…….Whatever you wear , make sure your shoes are clean — and you’ve scored points before the handshake.

Don’t wear flip-flops to a date. Unless your toes are really something or your date venue is at the beach.

Tie or no tie ? – The first date is an occasion. Dress for it. However, don’t sweat the tie unless your destination requires a tie – then, you should wear one. A jacket would be an excellent idea though. All in all you don’t want to feel too dressy. You want to feel comfortable.

Wear clothes that fit you. Period.

Grooming – clip your fingernails, wash your hair. Women check the details. They look at a man’s hands more often than a man looks at his own. Make sure yours are presentable.

Take it easy on the cologne. – They like it when you smell nice, but there’s no need to bludgeon the poor woman.

What NOT to wear

 Don’t wear a suit - If you are going to the opera, fine. The theater, maybe. Otherwise, you’ll seem uptight. And uptight is not good. A sweater is more preferable. You are going to a date. Not a boardroom meeting.

How casual? - Don’t wear T-shirts with sayings on them. In fact, don’t even wear t-shirts at all.

Anything else?

Don’t wear skinny jeans. – Simply because your date is more interested in seeing your personality first. ;)

As a general rule, whether you are a man or a woman, don’t wear something you are wearing for the very first time, to a date.

Now, put your phone on silent mode and have fun! A first date is like an interview. Only better.

Sources : www.esquire.com , www.ehow.com , www.princesswithapen.hubpages.com

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