In this detailed comparison article, we will analyze the key differences between Skechers and Bata shoes across factors like comfort, style, price, durability, and more.
We will also look at the history and reputation of both brands. Read on to find out which shoe brand is the right fit for your needs and preferences!
Skechers vs Bata
The main difference between Skechers and Bata is their brand image and market focus: Skechers is a well-known lifestyle and performance footwear brand in the mid-market segment, while Bata is a more budget-friendly brand catering to the mass market with its affordable everyday footwear.
Feature | Skechers | Bata |
---|---|---|
Company Overview | American footwear and lifestyle brand founded in 1992, known for its casual and comfortable shoes | Global footwear company founded in 1894, known for its affordable and widely available shoes |
Product Range | Casual shoes, athletic shoes, sandals, boots, apparel, and accessories | Casual shoes, sandals, slippers, and footwear for various occasions |
Target Market | Casual consumers seeking comfortable and stylish shoes | Mass-market consumers seeking affordable and functional footwear |
Materials | Wide range of materials including leather, mesh, and synthetic fabrics | Leather, synthetic materials, and canvas |
Comfort and Cushioning | Strong focus on comfort and memory foam cushioning for all-day wear | Emphasis on functional comfort and cushioning |
Price Range | Affordable to mid-range prices, typically between $50 and $100 | Budget to mid-range prices, typically between $20 and $80 |
Retail Presence | Widespread retail presence in malls, department stores, and dedicated Skechers stores | Extensive retail presence with Bata stores in various countries and regions |
Brand Perception | Casual, comfortable, and affordable | Affordable, functional, and widely available |
Global Reach | Significant presence in the United States and other Western markets | Global presence with a strong foothold in emerging markets |
Design and Style | Focus on casual, stylish, and trendy designs | Emphasis on functional and affordable designs |
In summary, key differences between Skechers and Bata in terms of their company profiles, product offerings, target markets, materials, comfort features, pricing, retail presence, brand perception, global reach, and design and style approaches.
You May Also Like:
Skechers vs Bata
Pros and Cons
Pro: Skechers
- Global brand recognition and widespread availability
- Known for comfortable, casual footwear styles
- Offers a wide range of styles for men, women, and children
- Often has sales and discounts available
- Strong focus on innovative technologies and designs
Cons: Skechers
- Can be viewed as a mass-market, lower-quality brand in some markets
- Limited high-end or specialty footwear options
- Heavily reliant on partnerships and third-party retailers
- Product quality can be inconsistent across different lines
Pros: Bata
- Affordable pricing compared to many other footwear brands
- Long history and reputation, especially in some markets
- Focuses on quality craftsmanship and materials
- Offers shoes for casual, formal, and specialized needs
- Strong presence and brand loyalty in certain regions
Cons: Bata
- Limited global brand recognition compared to larger competitors
- Product selection and availability can vary significantly by region
- May not offer the latest styles and trends
- Technology and innovation may lag behind other major brands
- Customer experience can be inconsistent across different markets
Which Shoes are Good for Different Activities
Shoes for Running
- Skechers: The Skechers Arch Fit line is designed with performance features like responsive midsoles and stability elements that make it more suitable for running compared to their casual/comfort lines.
- Bata: Bata is primarily focused on casual, everyday footwear rather than performance athletic shoes. Their running shoe options are fairly limited.
Shoes for Walking
- Skechers: Both the Goga Mat and Arch Fit Skechers lines offer good cushioning, arch support and comfort features that make them well-suited for walking.
- Bata: Bata offers some walking shoe styles, but they tend to be more basic in terms of technology compared to Skechers’ comfort/support features.
Shoes for Standing All Day
- Skechers: The plush cushioning of the Goga Mat line, as well as the arch support in the Arch Fit shoes, make Skechers a great option for prolonged standing.
- Bata: While Bata makes comfortable casual shoes, they don’t have the same level of specialized cushioning and support geared towards standing for long periods.
Now that you have an overview of Skechers vs Bata differences, read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison.
A Brief History of Skechers and Bata
The Story of Skechers
Founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg in Manhattan Beach, California, Skechers is an American footwear company that designs, develops, and markets lifestyle and performance footwear for men, women, and children.
Some key facts about Skechers:
- Skechers pioneered the concept of tone-up shoes and introduced the first-ever sneaker with a curved bottom. This innovative design helped tone and strengthen leg and buttock muscles.
- Today, Skechers offers shoes across categories like athletic lifestyle, work, casuals, boots, sandals, and relaxed fit. They have over 3000 styles for men and women.
- Skechers is the third-largest athletic footwear brand in the United States.
- The company works with celebrities like Camila Cabello, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Brooke Burke to promote its brands.
- Skechers has expanded internationally in over 170 countries through a network of subsidiaries and distributors.
The Bata Shoe Organization
Bata Shoe Organization is a family-owned footwear and fashion retailer founded in 1894 by Tomáš Baťa in Zlín, Czechoslovakia.
Here are some key facts about Bata:
- It is one of the oldest shoe brands in the world. For over 120 years, it has established itself across multiple footwear segments.
- Bata has a retail presence in over 70 countries and production facilities in 26 countries.
- It is one of the key manufacturers and retailers of shoes globally, serving over 1 million customers per day.
- Bata offers footwear, accessories, and bags for men, women, and children across categories like formal, casual, school, sports, and industrial shoes.
- The company has diversified into retailing apparel as well in recent years.
- Key innovations by Bata include the introduction of celastic as a shoemaking material in the 1930s and a unique ventilation system for tropical shoes in the 1950s.
So while Skechers is relatively younger, Bata has more than a century’s experience and global reach in the shoe industry.
Skechers vs Bata: Detailed Comparison
Now that we have looked at the history of both brands, let us do a detailed comparison across various parameters:
1. Product Range
Both Bata and Skechers have a diverse product range across casual, formal, sports, and other categories.
Skechers Product Portfolio
- Lifestyle: Casuals, sneakers, sandals, boots
- Performance: Running, training, golf, walking, cardio, gym, sport
- Work: Safety, boots, uniform, food service, slide sandals
- Kids: Sneakers, sandals, boots, light-up shoes
Bata Product Portfolio
- Formal: Formal shoes for men and women
- Casuals: Floaters, sandals, sneakers, slip-on
- Sports: Running, training, tennis, basketball
- Industrial: Safety, security, uniform, chef, clogs
- School: Canvas, leather shoes for boys and girls
- Accessories: Shoe care, socks, bags, wallets
From the range, you can see that Bata covers more formal and industrial categories while Skechers is stronger in the lifestyle zone. Skechers has more sneaker options while Bata offers floaters and slip-ons.
2. Comfort and Fit
Comfort is one of the most important factors we consider when buying shoes. Both brands offer options in different fits and comfort levels.
Skechers Comfort Technologies
- Air Cooled Memory Foam: Provides comfort and support
- Relaxed Fit: Roomy toe box for wide feet
- Ultra Go Cushioning: Absorbs impact while walking
- FlexSole: Flexible outsole that bends with the foot
Bata Comfort Features
- Cool Walk Technology: Allows air circulation inside shoes
- ErgoStep: Memory foam and latex insole for cushioning
- Superflex and TPR sole: Shock absorption and flexibility
- FitFOAM: Customizable foam insole for perfect fit
Users feel Skechers lifestyle and athletic shoes are more comfortable for all-day wear while Bata’s office wear range wins for the insoles. Bata safety shoes are also appreciated for the cushioning.
You May Also Like:
Skechers vs Asics
3. Style Quotient
When it comes to style, Skechers has an edge with its youthful designs and athleisure shoes. Bata’s styles lean towards the more formal and basic.
Skechers Style
- Chunky sneakers, mono-color pops, denim
- Dad shoes, retro joggers, high-tops, boots
- Mesh fabric, imitation leather
- Collaborations with brands like Madden Girl
Bata Style
- Oxford loafers, lace-up formals, glossy finish
- Solid colors and simple outsoles
- More textile and leather options
- Contemporary options in PVC, prints, chunky outsoles
Skechers wins with the GenZ and millennial crowd given its casual style while Bata is preferred for office wear and by older consumers.
4. Durability and Quality
Durability is a function of the materials used and the quality of the manufacturing process.
Skechers Durability
- Outsoles made of durable rubber compounds
- Leather, synthetic leather, canvas, textile uppers
- Stitching, overlays, and panels reinforce high-stress areas
- Skechers Work line specially designed for workplace safety
Bata Durability
- Rubber, PVC, PU, TPR outsoles resistant to abrasion
- Leather uppers sourced from top tanneries
- Use of back counters and toe caps for protection
- Goodyear-welted process for flexible durable outsole
- OEKO-TEX certified materials
The consensus from user reviews is that Bata shoes last slightly longer than Skechers of the same price range. But Skecher sneakers get high marks for withstanding wear and tear.
5. Price Range
Bata shoes are generally more affordable than Skechers.
Skechers Price Range
- Lifestyle: $50 to $100
- Performance: $70 to $150
- Work: $75 to $120
- Kids: $35 to $60
Bata Price Range
- Formal: $50 to $100
- Casuals: $20 to $80
- Sports: $30 to $100
- Industrial: $60 to $150
- School: $10 to $50
Bata wins when it comes to budget-friendly school shoes, slip-on and sandals. Skechers sneakers and specialized workout shoes cost more.
6. Size and Width Options
Both brands offer shoes in a range of sizes and widths to suit different foot shapes.
Skechers
- Men: Size 6 to 13, Medium and Wide Widths
- Women: Size 5 to 11, Medium and Wide Widths
- Kids: Size 10 to 6, Medium Width
Bata
- Men: Size 6 to 13, Medium and Wide Widths
- Women: Size 3 to 11, Medium and Wide Widths
- Kids: Size 8 to 13, Medium and Wide Widths
Bata offers more size options for women while Skechers has a slightly better kids’ size range. In terms of width fittings, both are quite similar.
You May Also Like:
Skechers vs Allbirds
7. Traction and Grip
Shoes need sufficient traction to give stability on different surfaces and conditions.
Skechers Traction
- Multi-directional or specialized traction lugs based on the use
- FlexSole outsole provides flexibility without losing traction
- GOGA Mat technology improves ground contact
- A stable platform for weight lifting and high-intensity training
Bata Traction
- Anti-skid rubber outsoles with patterns or lugs
- Durable abrasion-resistant outsoles
- Tread patterns optimized for formal, athleisure, and industrial use
- Rubber toe caps for protection in industrial shoes
For lifestyle wear, Skechers may have slightly better grip while Bata leads for industrial use and safety shoes.
8. Availability and Purchase Options
Consumers prefer shoe brands that are readily available in stores near them and online.
Where to Buy Skechers
- Exclusive Skechers retail outlets across India
- Large format stores like Lifestyle, Central, Brand Factory
- Online marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra
- International availability in 170+ countries
Where to Buy Bata
- Bata stores across 1,500+ cities and towns in India
- Multi-brand footwear stores, Authorized Service Vans
- Bata website with over 5000 options
- Availability in 70+ countries globally
Given its 120-year presence in India, Bata has a much larger offline retail footprint. But Skechers comes close in terms of online availability across major shopping sites.
User Reviews and Ratings
Brand | Stars | Review |
Skechers (Sneakers) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | I’ve been loyal to Skechers sneakers for years now. Great cushioning and arch support at very affordable prices. They also come in wide sizes which is important for my feet. |
Bata (Formal Shoes) | ⭐⭐⭐ | I picked up a pair of Bata leather oxfords for work events. They looked nice and classic but the soles felt stiff and took awhile to break in. A bit uncomfortable for all day wear. |
Skechers (Clogs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Love my Skechers clog shoes! The memory foam cushioning feels like I’m walking on clouds all shift long. Super lightweight too and very slip resistant. |
Bata (Sandals) | ⭐⭐ | I was disappointed with the Bata sandals I ordered. Even after properly adjusting the straps, they still rubbed badly along my heel and toes leaving blisters. Cheap quality. |
Skechers (Boots) | ⭐⭐⭐ | The Skechers work boots I bought are decently waterproof and have good traction, but they run large and I had issues with blisters around the ankle which required bandaids. |
You May Also Like:
Kuru vs Skechers
Conclusion
- Skechers has an advantage with younger consumers given its cool styles and performance-oriented features. The brand excels in casual, athleisure, and kids categories.
- Bata is better value for money and offers greater breadth in its range with formal, industrial, and special use shoes. It wins in terms of durability and offline reach.
- For regular lifestyle and athletic shoes, Skechers are preferable. For safety, uniform, school, and formal wear, Bata has the upper hand.
- So choose Skechers for fashion and comfort. Opt for Bata for affordability and functionality. Let your specific needs and preferences be the deciding factor during your shoe shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand offers more comfort?
Most users find Skechers casual and athletic shoes to be more comfortable for daily wear. Bata also offers comfort technologies but comfort levels vary across individual styles.
Which brand is more durable?
Bata shoes tend to last longer than Skechers of an equivalent price range as per user reviews and experts. But Skechers sneakers score high on durability.
Which brand has more contemporary styles?
Skechers products have a more youthful, fitness-focused aesthetic compared to Bata’s classic and basic styles.
Where can I buy Skechers/Bata shoes online?
ou can shop online for both brands at Amazon Fashion, Flipkart, Myntra, AJio, Paytm Mall, and Snapdeal. The official websites Skechers.in and bata. in also have the full range.
Does Bata offer only formal shoes?
No, Bata has a diverse product range including casual, school, industrial, and other categories besides formal shoes for men and women.
Share your love