While I have always enjoyed style, I have never considered myself a shoe girlie. If I find a pair or style of shoe that works and is comfortable for me, I usually stick with those. One pair of cult favorite shoes that caught my eye is Tieks by Gavrieli. My sister-in-law has long sworn by them and when Tieks reached out to send me a complimentary pair in exchange for an honest review, I lept at the opportunity. Tieks ballet flats have received many accolades, including landing on Oprah’s favorite things list. Their iconic teal bottom is eye-catching and they are known for their comfort, versatility, and sustainability. One big hesitation I personally had was the price tag, so I was definitely interested in learning more to see if they are worth the price. So, today, I am sharing my honest review of Tieks ballet flats.
An Honest Review of Tieks Ballet Flats
An Honest Review of Tieks – Classic Flat Styles
There are so many color options available, whether you want a classic color, a pattern, metallic, or patent leather. When you land on the website, there is the option to play with the color palette available that highlights the different options within that color pattern. Tieks ballet flats are made from high-quality, full-grain Italian leather with a cushioned insole that is perfect for everyday wear. There is a split rubber sole that provides flexibility and comfort. Tieks offers vegan options as well!
My favorite feature of Tieks is that they are foldable, which makes it easy to carry in a handbag to swap out if you are walking a lot or for travel. I took these on a recent work trip and they took up such minimal space and I really appreciated having them to wear while walking long distances before switching into heels for meetings. From my research, this is one of the biggest features that make Tieks worth it for people.
An Honest Review of Tieks – Price Point
In full transparency, I am rough on shoes, so the price point of Tieks has always been a bit daunting to me. Tieks are an investment with their prices ranging from $185 to around $300. Prices vary depending on the style and material, though each pair is handcrafted. This I what contributes to the price point, which is why their quality and comfort are often raved about.
An Honest Review of Tieks
This feels odd to call out, though it is part of the honest review, right? I have bunions and I am really particular about shoes. I also tore my ACL in my right knee when I was in middle school and had reconstructive surgery, so my knee can get sore with lots of walking in uncomfortable shoes. I am also particular about the way shoes cut across the top of my feet because of some arthritis in my feet. So, now that we have determined all my ailments, I picked a funky pair, so I opted for the Starstruck pair.
Starstruck is crafted from soft, Italian leather that is pressed with a delicate foil, then tumbled to give the leather a crackled, antiqued appearance. The leather is unique in that it has a subtle, iridescent pattern which provides the leather with an uncommonly brilliant shine with a unique pattern. This leather’s warm, metallic luster creates a dazzle that the typical glitter leather cannot match. I love how fun these are and while they are not a neutral, I love a little statement pair of shoes, and these are it!
Tieks Sizing
Tieks are in whole sizes, so if you are a half size, Tieks recommends sizing down. If you have a wide foot, you would want to size up. Another benefit to Tieks is their return and exchange policy, which helps ensure you get the perfect fit. I wear between a size 8.5 and 9 and I opted for a size 9 because of my aforementioned bunions and that size fits perfectly.
Tieks Benefits
Every pair of Tieks comes with a reusable nylon tote in the signature teal color that unfolds into a travel bag that is the perfect size for a pair of heels when you are swapping to your Tieks. Tieks also comes with a compact storage pouch that compresses your Tieks to the size of your hand, which makes it really easy to take them with you when you are traveling, tucking them into a clutch or handbag, or for any other place you need the extra space.
The Comfort of Tieks
I opted to wear my pair of Tieks to work on the first day I received them. While I normally do not like rounded toe shoes or ones with elastic like Tieks, these are so lightweight and comfortable. I wore them for all my normal daily activities, that I usually wear broken in shoes. That meant, walking the dogs multiple times, walking from the parking garage to my office, and running casual errands. I could not get over that I did not get any blisters, the back heel did not slip down, and no new shoe slippery issues. More importantly, my bunions and knee never ached.
While I would say that these shoes are normally more expensive than what I would pay, they are worth the price point for their versatility and comfort, especially if you have … complex feet. They pair with everything from shorts and skirts to dress pants and dresses.
Have you ever tried Tieks? What was your experience?
Thank you to Tieks for reaching out and providing a pair of Tieks in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Visit the blog for more.
After spending so much money on a pair, I was so excited to get them. After a day of wearing them, I realized one was cut shorter than the other at the toes and it cut into my foot. I took pictures and sent to them because it was clearly defective but they would do nothing because I had worn the shoe. I was so disappointed because I really had to scrap and save to afford that pair of shoes that I can’t wear because one is defective.
I’m so sorry to hear that was your experience, Shirley! I can imagine that is really frustrating.