I just received my first pair of Tieks, stunning leather ballet flats that fold up and are ideal for travel. The brand is very clever on social media (check out their Instagram if you don’t believe me) and has become a favorite of celebrities like Oprah, brides, and most recently, bloggers.
I first heard about the shoes from my friend Brooke and have seen other rave reviews from half a dozen travel gals since then, including a recent post over on Her Packing List. I even included them in my picks for Caroline’s Favorite Things. So what is all the fuss about?
The turquoise soled flats come in dozens of colors and patterns made in leather and vegan fabrics. They fold down to the size of your smartphone and come with their own carrying case plus a foldable shopping bag. The sturdy soles keep you from slipping around.
Tieks can be worn casually with jeans, as I have often worn, or dressed up for special occasions. I’m looking forward to bringing them to my temp job where I have to dress up and stay on my feet for over eight hours per day. My Tieks will also be perfect for my trip to Thailand for a friend’s wedding in May.
They are, of course, ideal for travelers like myself, particularly as I’m always stumped about which pairs of shoes to pack and typically have at least one occasion to dress up for on every trip.
What initially stumps people is the price. Starting at $175 per pair, they definitely aren’t cheap. But I would rather spend more money on a durable pair of black flats than replace them every year, which is what I do right now. I got some responses from my shoes like “I wonder how they will look in a year” or “I bet they will continue to be uncomfortable.”
Well, let the haters hate. As with most things in life, including experiences, you get what you pay for. These are not the type of shoes you will find at the register of Target. These are high-quality shoes that take the team three days to create.
I will admit that mine did pinch my heels for a week or two, especially as I’m a half size (which they don’t carry), but they stretch with your feet. Brooke recommended wearing them with socks around the house to stretch them out, which is exactly what I did. When I had surgery on my foot almost a year later, I was able to exchange them for a different size. I can’t tell you if Tieks are right for you and your travels, but I can tell you that they’re right for mine!
Tieks sent me a pair of their matte black ballet flats to try out, but all opinions are my own.
You’re about the 4th person I’ve read who has raved about these flats. Could be interesting!