MY BALLY SHOES

My Bally shoes have been with me since the day I was elected a district governor of Lions Clubs International in 1997. 

The shoes have traveled far and wide, almost around the world. What led me to purchase this rather expensive pair of shoes? Here's my story.

Initially, I was not a believer in wearing branded shoes. The shoes I owned were usually unbranded and cost as little as RM9.90, as I did not see the value in expensive footwear. However, as the leader of a Lions district, I was advised to dress decently from head to toe. People are very particular and often judge you based on your appearance.

For this reason, I decided it was time to update my wardrobe with new fashion attire and shoes.

During a visit to Kuala Lumpur to attend a banquet at the Palace of the Golden Horses, an old friend of mine, ST Yeoh, noticed my old shoes and remarked that I needed a new pair. He pointed out that I did not look respectable in my old, worn-out shoes. I agreed to what he said as I had bought them 15 years ago and they were falling apart at the edges. I hadn't even bothered to polish them. The next day, I asked my brother-in-law, Ah Teoh, to take me to a mall to look for a good pair of shoes. It was love at first sight when I came across the Bally brand. They were priced at RM1K, but the brand and the shine were worth it. It was the first time in my life that I had worn such an expensive pair of shoes.

I soon realized that branded shoes made a significant difference in the way you walk and how you are perceived when sitting down. On my way to the function, there was a heavy downpour and some roads were flooded. I decided to remove my new shoes and wear my old ones for fear of ruining the new pair. Once I reached the hotel, I changed back into my new shoes in the restroom. This was my first experience with my Bally shoes.

The Bally shoes have never let me down. There was no necessity for any repair until I decided to add an extra sole due to my advancing age and the fear of slipping.

I took my Bally shoes to Mr Kee, a cobbler who has a long career in the shoe industry. He mentioned that it was a privilege to work on such a well-known brand. A week later when I picked up my shoes, he enthusiastically displayed his assortment. He described my Bally shoes as a valuable addition to the vintage collection.