So many of you asked, so I bought a pair to review. Let me just say for the record I have zero issue spending money on quality. I do, however, have an issue spending money on things that are trendy- just for the sake of peer pressure. I’ve had a lot of friends tell me that they loved these shoes and swear by them. I don’t like elastic flats unless they stretch out quickly. (Those Tory Burch flats that had elasticized heels were the WORST.)
Fyi: these are handmade leather shoes costing anywhere from $175-$295 for one pair.
I thought I would do a daily diary of my week with my Tieks. Just so that you could see my mindset the entire week through.
Day One. They arrive.
Ok, let’s be honest. That gigantic gerber daisy reminds me of when gerber daisies were popular … a decade ago. It looks like a baby headband. I like the idea… but if you’re spending $175 on flats, I would assume some more thought would go into packaging. Eh, apparently not. Hopefully the shoes are better. I tried them on and wore them an hour. Key takeaways: zero arch support and the elastic band edge is digging into my feet after 30 minutes. BOO. They feel like really expensive bedroom slippers.
Day Two: Mom’ing about town.
Alright. I gave myself a pedicure to make sure my nails were as short as possible to help with the tightness over my toes. No dice. The small toe box is pushing my toes down onto the sole. Constantly. It feels weird to have as much pressure on my toes with my feet propped up. Ouch. Tonight I’m going to stuff socks in the toe box to stretch it out and fold these suckers backward to hopefully stretch out the elastic. I don’t have abnormal feet or anything- I promise, so this is an odd problem to have.
Day Three: Investigation
I have figured this out- they are the old lady flats my grandma wore (Isotoners) with rubber shock-absorbent soles glued to the bottom. They are SUPER thick but don’t have any special bounce to them. The inner soles are pretty thick, but debating the purpose of the obnoxiously colored outer-soles.
Day Four:
I MacGuyver a way to make them more comfortable. So they sit like this all night long.
Day Five:
I RE-engineer a way to make them stay stretched out at night- because I need both shoes to stretch out, and I don’t have limitless lotion bottle/toothbrush/headband options.
Day Six:
They’re more comfortable, but they still dig into the top of my feet and the sides- so when I take them off, I have a ring around my feet from the elastic. NOT pretty.
Day Seven:
I sort of see the allure of the Tieks. They’re slowly getting more comfortable. That being said, so far the are NOT more comfortable than my ballet flats from J. Crew factory and they’re 3x the price.
The Verdict:
No. They are not worth the money.
I get it. They come in every color imaginable. They’re trendy. Oprah likes them.
Here’s the deal.
- When Oprah made them a “Favorite Thing” she was impressed with their packability. She loved that there was a pair of quality made, foldable flats. BUT she didn’t wear them except after a night of heels. There are NOT her go-to daily flats. (In that list she actually stated her go-to favorite flats. Not these.) You need the entire story to understand why these were a favorite of hers. That being said, they’re still great for that specific use.
- The colors are amazing. I, however, was bummed my “feather grey” was more of a “light nude.” In no way are these any sort of gray. Annoyance, but that could be my fault for not picking the right color.
- The sole color is ATROCIOUS. They NEED to offer some in a black sole, because it’s just stupid.
- They look like a leather version of the Isotoner slippers my sweet grandma used to wear. Hello, that is NOT stylish.
- Zero arch support.
- They get more comfortable as you wear them, but they’re NOT COMFORTABLE AT FIRST. AT. ALL. That brings me to my next point…
- The outer soles are not engineered with superior quality so that they provide any sort of added foot comfort- it’s just solid rubber. You’d be better off buying an insert for the flats you already have.
- The thick outer sole makes the shoe look like an oreo from the side. Bad design and just weird.
- You can see your toe through the leather on the top- which means that leather will wear off first. (Showing wear over a toe looks creepy.)
- The website is misleading. They have “reviews” but ALL ARE POSITIVE. They filter out the negative reviews and thus you don’t get any HONEST opinions before you go and spend $175 on shoes. This is why I love Nordstrom and Amazon. LET ME HAVE REAL REVIEWS, Tieks. Controlling the opinions that go out into the world is misleading and annoying.
I hate to be such a Debbie downer because I know people that have them and love them. BUT, you know me, and I’m not pulling any punches here. I spent my own money on these and I want my money back. These would be worth $75 at MOST to me. They’re not “walk all day long as Disney World” worthy. They’re not magical. They’re very much something that “the cool kids” wear because, well, the cool kids wear them. If you have $175 to plunk down on shoes because you want a fun color, do it. But if you want to replace your daily ballet flat, I would advise against it.
Look, I don’t hate them outright. We all know I spend a lot on shoes, but that’s the thing. I KNOW good quality and when something is worth the money. It’s not. It’s annoying because I WANTED to like them. The hype is SO BIG and people constantly talk about how much they love them. This mom did not. I’ve had so many people that are asking if they should save up for these, and honestly, no. Unless this is in your normal price point for flats, they’re not something I would recommend a client invest in. These flats are known for being the most comfortable. Buy these instead.
I won’t change my mind because even if they suddenly get more comfortable the sole is still obnoxiously colored, ugly and non-functional. I will keep wearing them just to see if they get any better and because I spent so stinking much on them, but in the end…
Not. Worth. The. Money.
**Update: I spoke with Tieks customer service and they said “It depends on each women. They are a perfect fit for some out of the box, but some women need a bit longer to stretch them.” And then said if I wore them outside, I couldn’t return them after a week. Also, she suggested I purchase wooden shoe stretchers to stretch them out a bit.
So… I’m supposed to buy wooden shoe stretchers (more money) and hope they eventually stretch out? Smh. Literally. I wore then (with discomfort) with the goal of stretching them out, but because I did that in the real world (ie not on carpet – which I only have in my basement), they won’t return or exchange them.
Let me also note that after extensive chatting, the rep said I have the correct size (makes sense. I’m ALWAYS a size 6 in EVERY shoe), they just need to stretch out. Y’all, this is a LOT of work for some flats.
Thanks! If you are looking for arch support try Vionics next 🙂 I like them
I’ll have to try them, thanks Kara!
Vionics.are extremely comfortable, even when old and worn out. I’ve been wearing them for almost 2 years. I don’t think they’re stylish, but I get a lot of compliments on them. They were $130 a pair, which is a lot, but a lot less than Tieks and much cuter than Tieks.
I ordered my first pair. I wanted to like them but they don’t come in half sizes. Feet come in half sizes. I have a wide foot so having to size up was too long but honestly it was still a little tight in the toebox. They don’t feel comfortable or expensive. They are cute but I don’t understand how people say these are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn I found them to be very uncomfortable and I’m probably going to send them back I haven’t worn them outside.
Thanks for the comprehensive review – we all need a pair!
Come stop by my blog for my latest collaboration with Los Angeles-based indie brand BACIANO and let me know what you think!
HappySpring!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Hi lady! I love your festival look on the blog!
Great honest review! I have 3 pairs & only one pair I consider comfortable. I too don’t think they are worth the money. One thing that has been bothering me is that they never go on sale @ any time for any reason!
Right?!?!?! It’s annoying.
Everything I suspected wa true but never mentioned. Finally an honest review. I was one click away from purchasing them. Now I think I’ll try the Sam Edelman’s .
I agree with this blog post 100% – I had to go up a size and they still dig into the top of my feet. I do a lot of walking during the day for work and there is not enough cushion under the front bottom part of my foot – especially when walking outside on rougher surfaces.
Thanks for the honest review. Saw way to many used tieks for sale on eBay and other sites. Wanted to know why. Glad I saw your blog. Price is crazy for little flat shoes and no arch support was a big concern. Thanks again.
I agree with you, they are not worth the money. I had wanted to buy a pair for so long because of all the hype and also because I’m a tall girl that wears a lot of flats but I got a pair for a Christmas present. The worst part for me was how they smash my toes. I felt like I had ingrown toenails after wearing them for a day and I keep my toe nails very short! Thanks for an honest review!❤
YES! They smash my toes and it feels SO WEIRD!
How terrible that these did not deliver, specially considering the price.
I’ve been eyeing them but 175.00 USD for flats is not something I go for.
Oh and I loved the MacGyver stunt you pulled ! Whenever I need to stretch shoes out, my Grandmother taught me a trick: Stuff em with wet newspaper !
Ooooh! Lorena, that is a fantastic idea! Your grandma had a fabulous idea!
Thanks for the honest review!!
My pleasure Liz!
LOL – I loved your review. I had a pair of Tieks & sold them because I didn’t find them to be comfortable at all. I actually have a ‘narrow’ foot and the elastic was still digging into me. I’ll stick to Sam Edelman flats 🙂
Thank you! I’ve had so many people tell me the same thing- they got them, hated them and then purchased the Sam Edelman flats! HA!
hahaha! Love your refreshing honest opinion on these shoes!! Keep up the reasons, pros and cons, and surviving the peer pressure! I like to get more intel before making choices!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
Well, if I feel like I can’t find answers (and I shop for a living) no one else can either! I’m so glad you appreciate the review, thank you!
Thanks for this honest and thorough review! I am not a big of these because they aren’t really flattering because of the rounded toe. I like the Sam Edelman flats you suggested instead.
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
You’re so welcome! Yeah, Tieks are not worth the hype.
Thank you so much for such an honest review!! I always liked the look of those Tory flats too but heard they were not comfortable so I never gave in. It’s a shame these didn’t work out. I don’t know why designers even bother with the elastic back :/ Beautifully Candid
Right? WHY do they do those stupid elastic backs? So stupid! It’s not like my shoes without elastic fall off the back of my heel! Lol!
I totally disagree, but think Tieks run small and only come in full sizes, so maybe yours are too small and therefore are pinching your toes. I have two pairs (my first were a very generous bridesmaid gift) and would 100% wear them all day at Disney or wherever. I have a well-worn pair that still looks great 4 years later. Also, are Tieks really trendy? Like I said, I’ve worn them for years and have had maybe two people comment on them. I don’t care what other people think though (even if they find the sole color “atrocious.”) I love my Tieks!
Love mine… Teiks are shoes ..! They won’t be great for everyone. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t great..AGAIN they are shoes just like any other shoe or sneaker….find the ones that fit you! Thankful that Teiks fit and feel wonderful on my feet ❤️
I spoke with customer care and they said that they fit perfectly for some out of the box but others need stretching. So they suggest I buy shoe stretchers to help with this. #faceplam
I appreciate the honest review, but I’m one of the many that loves Tieks. In fact, after wearing Tieks any other flats are not comfortable at all. Many people expect $200 flats “to be like waking on pillows” but that’s just not the case. Their comfort is more Song the lines of my feet noy hurting after wearing them for 10 hours. I really don’t find the soles and stripe any more obnoxious than any other brand that has a trademark (Coach bags, Louboutin soles, Vuitton bags, Nike, etc)
Presictive text for the win. Sorry for all the typos, but it won’t let me edit.
hahahah u sound like u need to upsize …ur review doesnt affect me ??? and definitely love tieks design or i will not buy them ? i love tieks and will continue to collect them .. plus good customer service perfect..also u can visit tieks BST on facebook so u will know that all the reviews are true and so many of us love it …
I spoke with customer care and they said I had the correct size for my foot, I just needed to “stretch them out more.” Yikes.
When they stretch out they will be molded to your feet and it will be so worth it!
To everyone complaining about their toes and digging – your flats are too small. If you’re a true 8 and it’s digging horribly, return and ask for a new pair (the sizes vary due to being hand made). If you’re an8.5and tried 8, go up to 9.
I talked to customer service and since I wore them outside (hello, I’m a mom, I HAVE to go outside) they won’t exchange them out. Even after a week and with minimal “wear” to the shoes. Not an awesome return policy, but I would totally have been game for trying a 7. Although they did tell me it sounded like I had the correct size.
You should sell them on Poshmark or Mercari. You can get almost as much as you paid for them.
No, you cannot wear them outside or even inside. How would you like to be the person who orders new shoes and receives a pair who have been worn already? I have purchased Tieks and they’re okay. I’ve also returned Tieks with no problem . I never wore them outside or inside. They just didn’t work for me .
I have them and have to say because they are hand made some require breaking in some don’t. My ballerina pink pair are my most comfortable pair. I wore them all over Europe they are the most comfortable shoes I own. I walked over 20 miles in one day. They don’t hurt my feet and to me they are worth the money. I researched them before I bought them. I bought a second pair and they weren’t as comfortable right out of the box required breaking in but are now as comfortable as my pink pair. So for many of us these shoes are definitely worth the money. And many of us love the packaging as well.
See, THIS. I wanted THIS. So bummed that they didn’t fit- at all! I’ll keep trying to break them in, but it hurts!
I get the toe thing, but I have to say I think they are very comfortable. I have two pair and both were comfortable right out of the box. I am on my feet all day and they are way way better than any flat I have tried before. I’m not one who follows trends, I pulled the trigger because I heard they were comfortable, and I have to agree that they are.
The customer service rep said that they do have people with the issues I have, but I just needed to “stretch” mine out more. They suggested wooden shoe stretchers. 🙁 I want to experience this awesome comfiness!
Hmmmm. I own 6 pairs of these and they are my go to flat. All day. Every day. I did get one pair that felt the way you describe and promptly exchanged them.
See, I wish I would have known to immediately exchange them! Because they are SO uncomfortable! But I get conflicting opinions. Some say go up in a size and some say that I just need to stretch them out! Customer service told me that I just needed to stretch them out and I had the correct size. So confused.
Sell on eBay and then try tieks the next size up…just a suggestion
I just think you’re missing out! I have three pairs and I’m in LOVE! After an auto accident left me with 3 herniated discs in my neck and a ruptured disc in my back, I needed help. As a teacher, I’m on my feet all day and need good shoes. My back pain is no longer an issue! FYI, Tieks are handmade. With that being said, people should know there could be some variation from one pair to the next. Tieks website tells you to try them in and if you’re not satisfied, exchange them.
Your review also leaves out that they are are full grain leather. The leather will mold to your feet and give you that feel you’re looking for over time. It takes longer than a week.
I’m so glad you love them! I WANT to love mine and I am stretching them out per the customer service suggestion, so hopefully they’ll be better. Right now, they’re still horrible. 🙁
Love!! Thank you for such an honest review and not getting sucked into the Tieks fad. They definitely, aren’t my favorite pair of go to flats. Most don’t wear them while driving because of the wear in the heel. What?! $195 (metallic pewter) and I’m advised not to wear them while driving…
Anyway, thanks again for the review!!
Yeah… they seem to be pretty high maintenance for an expensive flat.
I definitely don’t think they are for everyone and can understand how they may not work – but I love mine! Pending your size, I’ll totally buy yours off of you if you don’t like them 🙂
Haha, I’m a size 6! 😉 I’m going to keep trying to stretch them out so if they ever magically get comfortable, I can write a new review. So bummed they aren’t working out!
mine came today and i couldn’t wait to wear them. I put them on immediately and they were too tight. Left ridges around the front top part of my foot from the elastic. Not comfortable, not even cute to me. Sad. I so wanted them to be cute and comfortable.
You absolutely have every right to your opinion but it does sound like you had the wrong size-if thru were that tight out of the box you needed to size up
That’s what I thought too, but customer service told me I had the correct size and then told me I should buy wooden shoe stretchers to fix the tightness. So confused!
I can wear mine all day in Disney world, 30,000 steps without blisters. I feel sad you didn’t have the same experience!
See, that’s what I wanted! That sounds AMAZING!!!! So sad mine aren’t comfy!
Interesting. I have many pairs and have found all except for my patents comfortable from the get go. I am wondering if you needed a bigger size. What you described is not typical of my experience for any of my pairs and my foot is NOT narrow. But hey, we like what we like…Tieks are clearly not for you.
It’s so weird because I hear both sides. Many people LOVE them just like you do, but I’ve had a lot of people tell me they had the same experience with the tightness. I wish it was more consistent!
Wish I had this review before my kids shelled out all this money to give them to me as a Christmas gift! I have been trying since December to love them.. it’s not happening!
My toes are actually numb after wearing them for a few hours.
Right?? Weird feeling!!!
It’s a shame they didn’t work out for you. Tieks have been a great fit for me and I also love all the different fun colors!
I love the fun colors!!!! Wish they were in Nordstrom or some large retailer so I could try them out first to figure out the right size. Although I’m a size 6 in everything from Target shoes to high-end designer, so it’s weird these didn’t fit. 🙁
So I kind of wish I had had this review a year ago. I will admit I bought my Tieks because they were the cool thing, all the colors go great with all my leggings, and now I have 3 pairs and I’ve been itching to get another. You may have talked me out of it. I will agree with many of your points. The first pair I bought was super uncomfortable, I stretched them for many nights finally able to get them to a much more comfortable fit only to have the inside stitching start coming undone. I had to return them 2 times for them to fix it. I will say customer service was great at the beginning, I got gift cards both times I sent them back. But I could also tell they were getting annoyed after the 2nd time, when I had to wait weeks to get them back. And this was only after owning them for a month or two. I ended up selling them and buying a brand new pair. The 2nd pair I bought were amazing right out of the box. Fit perfectly, and felt like butter and are still one of my favorite pairs. I used my gift cards to buy a 2nd pair and my 3rd was a gift. I really do love them, and I wear them all day everyday. Another pair has the stitching coming out on the inside and I just ignore it because they said it was comsmetic and I didn’t want to deal with it. I love the soles, that teal is one of my favorite colors so I think they are pretty. I also love being able to fold them up and throw them in my purse in the wilnter so a I can change into them from my boots. I do have an issue with the flaking on the toes and heels. All of mine are less than a year old and all of them have wear on the toes and heels and to me to pay so much for them they should stay pristine longer. But I over look it because I find them so comfortable. I’ve read that some people don’t drive in them for that reason and I find that crazy because I buy shoes to wear them. All in all, I agree with you that the are probably not worth $175, and I will probably look into the other options you posted about. I’ve never really owned flats until my Tieks and now I don’t want to wear anything else but I need comfy ones!
Jessica, thanks for the response!!! Yes, I feel like it’s just a LOT to deal with for some flats, ya know? I actually LOVE teal (whoohoo Tiffany’s!), but I don’t like it on the soles of a shoe. It shows dirt easier than black and generally makes them look less chic if you just want some cute black flats.
Regardless, between the wear, the flaking, the price, etc… it’s just more effort than I’d like to make.
You said you loved your second pair. What kind were they? Color/type of leather
I know people who love them and those that didn’t. I have wide feet and problem ankles so am hesitant to take the plunge. Your review was thorough and I appreciate a blogger who’s not fawning over everything. However, I had to snort when I read this bit: “It’s annoying because I WANTED to like them.”
Gonna have to call shenanigans on that whopper right there. Maybe I misread your tone but it seemed like you were sneering at them from the start. Hard to shake the impression that you were happy to dislike them.
I wish they had a brick-and-mortar location so people could try them on before buying. Did you try to exchange them for a larger size? That sounded too painful for a correct fit. Oh well. Back to my quest for comfy shoes that don’t age me 30 years.
Haha, no that’s just me and my personality. Deep down, I would have LOVED a flat that (although not the prettiest option) held up to the hype. I love when products prove me wrong! I mean, if I’m walking around somewhere traveling, I would opt for something less cute but awesome in functionality. I was just overly skeptical of the shoe being able to deliver after all of the hype.
And YES! They should sell them somewhere for people to be able to try them on first! Also, they don’t have a satisfaction guarantee- so if you hate them, you can’t return them (unless unworn). Shenanigans.
Looove this- I’ve never really understood why Tieks were so flippin’ expensive. And the fact you had to MacGyver these flats into something wearable is insaaaaane! As usual, an honest + transparent review! Love it, babe.
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
They are expensive because they leather and handmade. They are totally worth the price. Woman will shell out hundreds for a LV and then put $30 shoes on their feet. That I will never understand.
UGH!!! Sorry! Let’s try this again, LOL
They are expensive because they “ARE” leather and handmade.
Haha, I do that all the time too when I comment! But I agree! Shoes SHOULD be well made! I mean, your feet are super important! After so much feedback, I’m going to size up. It’s just weird because I’m a 6 (euro 36) in EVERYTHING, so sizing up to a 7 feels weird. But, I’ll try it to see if they’re any better!
Update, they won’t let me size up and told me that I had the correct size and just needed to purchase wooden shoe stretchers to make them fit better.
Ugh.
Wow, this hasn’t been my experience with Tieks at all. They’re really the only flats that don’t hurt my feet or leave me with blisters on my heels. Did you see about trying a different size? I did the side by side try on for my first pair when I wasn’t sure if an 8 or a 9 would work best for me. It’s too bad you didn’t have a good experience. I would give them another try in a size up.
They won’t let me exchange them after a week, and there’s zero chance I spend another $175 on a shoe that already annoys me. I wish they had either fit better OR they would let me exchange them. Either way, no dice.
I’m sorry your pair didn’t work out but for me it’s the only pair of flats that hasn’t hurt or rubbed my heels raw. Just because you’ve had a bad experience, doesn’t mean everyone will. These are the one pair of shoes I can wear all day and be truly comfortable in (aside from tennis shoes) and I just ordered my 5th pair today for that reason. Maybe it was a bad pair of shoes or even the color but they really are adorable and comfortable!
I was so bummed they didn’t work for me because so many people do love them. I have had many people tell me they had the same experience I did, which is sad and frustrating.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve been so tempted by these but they honestly don’t look that comfy with all that elastic. The Sam Edelman Felicia’s have a little elastic and fit well and are super comfy. Now I can wipe Tieks from my mind!
Glad I could help Lisa!
You should visit their website! They are elastic free! RESEARCH is key!
this!!! you have no idea how helpful this honest review was for me. whenever i travel i do tons of walking and in the back of my mind i contemplate tieks. confidently no longer! thank you. i swear by my crocs…and yes, they are adorable and get compliments all.the.time when i wear them. the hurache flats are the best, but will only work for summer.
b
Glad I could help!!!!
Have you ever heard on junieblake dresses? Would you do a review on one if I sent you a dress?? All I ask is you tag my website in your review. They specialize in modest trendy high fashion dresses!
Thanks for your honest Tieks review. I recently bought a pair of Tieks for a friend while vacationing in the USA so I tried them on. I’m a size 10.5 and these Tieks were 11. His 11’s were too big and I suspect 10’s would have been to tight. I knew Tieks weren’t going work for me because they aren’t made in half sizes. My friend loves his and they look great on him. I know you don’t like the old styled Tory Burch Reva flats with the elastic but have you seen the new Tory Burch Minnie travel flats? I spent many hours with similar MacGuyver like setups trying to stretch my beloved TB Reva flats. Some are very comfy now and other not so much. The new TB Minnie’s are comfy right out of the box. Looking thru your blog you seem to be a fan of several Tory items, I’m a huge Tory Burch fan. I’ve been told I’m their best male client.
Thanks for sharing your Tieks review.
Brian
There is a Tieks BST page on Facebook. You should consider selling your Size 6 shoes there! There are tons of Tieks obsessed ladies. I personally hated the pair I bought and sold them after about a month. I was able to resell for around $145 if I remember correctly which felt like a win to me! Have you tried Lucky Brand flats? Compared to Tieks they are wonderful, so much more support, especially in the arch.
Thank you for this long and thoughtful review. I have always wanted to try Tieks. They look comfortable. Plus they are stylish and beautiful. How much does a pair usually cost? I love that these are nude and go with everything but the bottom turquoise sole is perfect for Spring+Summer. =)
Girl thank you for this! I always thought that they looked uncomfortable and a little ugly when I saw them on other people…and now I know someone else feels the same way!
I always go for pointed toe flats…I actually really dislike this rounded shape and the way they show the toes through the top. And at the price!? Ugh.
I’m sorry you weren’t able to return them, but honestly I think you did womankind a favor by posting this so I hope that makes you feel a little better!
-Kristin
countdowntofridayblog.com
What an interesting review! Great job. I have heard of these, but have to have flats with some support. You had me laughing with the Gerber daisy being so….. years ago! I agree though, if you have to go through all of this for them to “maybe ” fit, not worth it!. Enjoyed your review.
thanks for linking with turning heads tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I couldn’t agree more with your assessment. I wore mine and ended up with a blister and pain under my second toe which wouldn’t resolve. It ultimately let to me having surgery to correct the torn ligament. Six weeks post surgery I’m still walking with a cane. Thanks Tieks!
STAY AWAY from these shoes. And save yourself some money in the process!!
Thank you!! First Honest REALLY Honest Review I could find and I appreciate it so much, I was on the verge of convincing myself because some of the colors really do look amazing.. But I am a HUGE fan of Sam Edelman’s Felicia and Now I know to STICK To it 😉 Thank you really!
A bit late commenting, but appreciate the honest review. I’ve only ever paid that much $$ for quality leather boots, so to buy pay that flats which are far less material seems a bit crazy to me.
Plus, if all you need them for is to be a packable flat I bought the Butterfly Flat in the Vienna airport and they work perfect for that at just $40. They’re from Europe, but even with shipping from there it’s still far cheaper than Tieks. Not leather, but when packable is what I’m going for I don’t really need that.
I did not like them at all. My toes pointed out the top and they looked weird. I didn’t find them comfortable at all and the price is too high obviously.
I had a blast reading your review! I agree with the gerbera flower being sooo old-fashioned, and I’m sorry they didn’t offer you a better customer service experience. I’m still trying to figure out whether I want to venture on a Tieks adventure or not! I guess if I end up buying them, I’ll try them inside so I don’t have any problems in the returns department 🙂 I hope they do something to help instead of telling you to buy shoe stretchers!
Awesome honest review. Some will love Tieks, some will find them unbearable…nature of handmade products. In my experience, they are also not worth it. Went thru the same route of stretching them out, even after trying on two different sizes. Then, the real test was wearing them on an outing to an amusement park in a walking city in Asia. BIG MISTAKE! Took the subway ride to the park, which was only 15-20 minutes from home base to park, and my feet were already aching (and I’ve worn them outside before, so NOT the first time out with them.). The worst part was that it was a raiiny day and slippery, and. I almost took a spill in them–those rubber soles are supposed to be non-slip! As if that wasn’t enough, the metallic paint (bronze metallic) has started to chip off, and I’ve only worn them for 2 months tops. Do I regret buying them? No, because I was curious and there’s a cost to curiosity. Would. I buy another pair? NOPE, with capital N O P E.
Are there any comfortable flats that you do recommend?
I love the Rothy’s I own and the Sam Eldeman Felicia flats!
I’m so glad you mentioned R othy’s! I happen to love Tiek’s, but just purchased my first of R othy’s, and they are amazing. The pointed toe is very stylish, and they are supper soft, too. The fact that they use recycled materials is a bonus. Have you reviewed them? If not, you should!
I am happy to find I am not the only 1 on the planet to not love Tieks. I purchased a pair of the vegans, sized up a 1/2 size and they are too small. I relate to the comments about smashing your big toe down because the toe box is too tight. After walking for about an hr in them they feel soo flat and I don’t feel any cushion from the “memory foam” Will not be buying any more.
Haha, yes!!!
I treated myself to a pair of these shoes after speaking to others who wear and swear by these shoes. I had been eyeing these for over a year and finally did it. They are a pretty shoe – I got the chestnut color. They were comfy at first,!then I too had them digging into my feet by my toes, like you and experienced the toe popping out as well. Very disappointed because I wanted them to work for me. I sized up as am a 1/2 size also with a wide foot. I’ll keep trying to stretch them. Day 2 of wearing them was the same discomfort
Oh no!!! I’m sorry, that’s horrible! Hopefully, you can get them more comfortable!!
So glad to know my initial impression that they can’t possibly have arch support is true! Comfortable and supportive I guess are two different things for many people. And many many people (even people giving positive reviews) have mentioned how they squish the toes – so weird! The outer sole color is my favorite color BUT I wouldn’t want it all the time and it definitely doesn’t suit every shoe color.
I am so thankful for your review of these! I’ve wanted to buy a pair but was concerned about the arch support. I love the honesty of your review and not that you were just supporting tieks on you blog to get a free pair!
Thanks for the review! I found this through googling “honest tieks review” because I just cannot believe the hype — especially with the atrocious sole color, like you said! Seems like it is a case of trendiness rather than real worthiness. I have a terrible time finding shoes that are comfortable. I like the look of ballet flats but very few of them don’t kill my feet. I don’t want to look like an old lady wearing sneakers all the time. Next I’m going to look up Rothy’s, which supposedly have the comfort of sneakers but look like flats. Why is it so hard for designers to come up with a ballet flat that actually has arch support and doesn’t rub ankles raw???
I have the Rothys in round toe. They do not dig into my heels. I’m a 9-9.5 and I ordered the 9.5. They would probably be better on a normal width foot; my feet are between narrow and regular. They feel slightly loose but don’t come off my foot at all. They look absolutely fine though and not sloppy…they just feel a tiny tiny bit loose.
I seriously coveted the Tieks but didn’t buy them because they’re sooooo expensive. I have a ton of ballet flats and the Sam Edelman Felicia’s I got on sale at Nordstrom Rack 3-4 years ago still look like new and are so comfortable. I did see that there’s another flat that folds that people are posting about for about $70. I might try those. Thanks for the review…I’ll stop coveting the Tieks now.
Hahaha. I just bought 3 pair of leather folding ballet flats from aliexpress (likely from a factory that makes Tieks) and they are great. I only paid $100 for all 3 pairs combined so I perhaps am a bit more forgiving but these are really great shoes. All leather, soft, and true to the size 40 (9 to 9.5) I usually wear. I have 3 young boys I chase all day and stand on my feet for 8 to 13 hours at a time as a pharmacist and would not hesitate to wear these shoes at work. Perhaps it is time we stop investing in brands for the sake of owning a brand name item and start utilizing our dollars better. Just a thought.
what seller did you use?
Let’s talk about quality. My tieks were comfortable out of the box, so I have no issues there. However, I’ve had them for approximately a year, wearing them 3-4 days a week to work, and the stitching on the back of the soles has come off causing the soles to peel away from the shoe. Customer service is also less than stellar; when I sent in a photo, I was told that the shoes are not repairable, but if I’d like to replace or add to my collection, they can give me 30% off a new pair. Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve had $7clearance target flats last me longer than these tieks. Save yourself the money.
WOW!
I have had similar problems with the fit as Adrielle. I also got the same story from a Tieks rep–get wooden stretchers, or have a cobbler stretch them, or wear heavy socks to break them in. I wear a 5B in all the shoes in my closet, so I ordered their size 5 because they are supposedly “true to size”. NOT! I can’t imagine trying to add socks to my feet when they are already digging into my flesh. I am not happy after spending that kind of money.
Thank you soooo much for your honest and comprehensive review. I appreciate that you honestly gave them a chance but I completely agree that these are all hype. I, unfortunately, did not read your review before putting them on my wishlist and my husband gifted me 2 pairs for my birthday. I was so excited at first but was immediately disappointed when I tried them on. They were too tight and the elastic dug into the top of my foot. I could see my toes pushing against the top. For this price, I expect immediate comfort. There should be no breaking in period or the need to stretch them out beforehand. Also, the fact that they don’t make half sizes makes no sense. I am a solid 9 and these are too small. A 10 would be too big. I’m also willing to pay for quality but these are so not worth the price.
I couldn’t agree more! I’ve been pretty pleased with my Rothy’s if you want to try those! (Machine washable!!!)
I dont care for my tieks either. I purchased the flat black ones, and heard so many good things about them. They leave huge red spots along the top of my feet. I did have surgery on my right foot years ago, but I thought these would stretch and get better. My feet are actually relieved when I take them off. It’s like the blood finally gets to go back to where it needs to be. I am very disappointed in them. And the price is horrible for the “comfort”. I will not be purchasing anymore of these. I actually have a $15 pair of flats from Kohls more comfortable. My opinion…dont waste your money.
I know this post is old but I needed to say this: I would anyone considering buying Tieks to take into account the lack of support in the midfoot area. I broke one of the bones in my midfoot when I slipped on a step while wearing a pair of Tieks. My toe planted on the ground and my foot twisted in on itself and the bone on my side midfoot just snapped. I can’t say for certain that my foot wouldn’t have broken in a shoe with a standard sole, but I personally believe it would have been a lot less likely. I could feel as I was falling down how there was just nothing there protecting or stabilizing the side of my foot. I know ballet flats are not the world’s most supportive shoes as a general rule, but if you wear Tieks, please consider that Tieks are that much less stable due to the split sole design and be careful!
Thank you so much!!! You just saved me from disappointing my wife. I was about to buy a pair or 2 for Christmas for her but the color that she really wanted was sold out so I went to eBay and found hundreds of Tieks for sale with minimal use, so I was like WTF?! After reading your now I know why. What a great and comprehensive review. So many other reviews that I came across seemed to be paid for.
I love my Tieks but not all of them came out comfy right outta box. My first pai was camel in classics and boy oh boy I love them the minute I slipped them in. But I didn’t get the same feeling and experience with my Taupe and Matte Black in classics. The other 2 took me 2 weeks to break in and when they did, they’re comfy. However, I find that they stink after wearing them for good 10-14hrs a day and I needed to air them out for a day before wearing them again. Or is it just my feet?! I have worn mine in all my travels and I find them making the cut on the demands of long walks, being on foot all day long. I travel at least 4x a year and Tieks are my staple footwear unless I go during winter. I like them but I don’t like that they stink and I cannot were the same pair in consecutive days. That’s a bummer for me!
I wish I had seen this before I bought some! I wore them today for the first day at work (I spend 8 hours on my feet and only sit down for potty breaks..) and they were soo uncomfortable! My toes and Achilles didn’t hurt, but they have absolutely no arch support and the soles are SO HARD. I’m not sure how people say they are comfortable at all because I even put my heel inserts in, and my feet hurt after a couple hours. I didn’t wear them outside, so I’m hoping they will return them.
Do you have any suggestions for good, cushioned flats for people on their feet all day?
Hey Chelsea! I like Rothy’s because they’re made for me to put my own insert in, so I can choose how cushy I want them! I just go a half size up and get a big memory foam insert off of Amazon and they’re AMAZING. I wrote a post about them here!
I’m so glad I came across your review! I was about to take the plunge, but I won’t bother. The fact that $175 shoes aren’t offered in wide width is insane, and I get the feeling I will have the same issues you had! Sam Edelman’s Felicia is my favorite shoe right now and they are 1/2 the price! I have 5 pairs and love the way they fit, so I will stick to what I know and love! Thanks for your honest review! It is very much appreciated!
I just received my first pair of Tieks in the mail, and I agree with everything you’ve said here. They squash my toes, hurt my heel and sides of my feet, even when wearing them with thick socks to break them in as suggested – and they told me that a 6 was the correct size for me as well. The sole is unbearably ugly – I didn’t realize just how visible it would be from the sides.But the worst part is that I’m Canadian, and their customer service is absolutely TERRIBLE for international orders! I’m returning them, but I’m out the cost of priority FedEx shipping to me (this was the only option, $42 Canadian), duties and taxes ($15), AND return shipping ($26). I’m really disappointed, because I was buying them with my Christmas bonus money – taking the exchange rate into consideration, I wouldn’t normally spend this much on shoes, ever – and now I’ve just thrown away ~$75 of it for nothing.
Thank you for a real review! It seems like every single one of my co workers have at least one pair and they all look worn out. For $200+ my target flats better not outlast them!!
I wish I read this before my husband got me a gift certificate for Christmas. I got a pair they hurt just as you described, exchanged for a second pair and they hurt. My next exchange is for a bigger size but I don’t have much hope. They won’t refund because it was a gift certificate.
I agree with everything you had to say. Had to exchange first pair for a larger size. The heels don’t fit flat to my foot in the back, and you can see my big toe sticking up through the leather. They just don’t look very pretty. Definitely not worth the price. Just proves all the hype on media can sell any product.
I am in between on these shoes, which I shouldn’t be for the price. I got them and they were tight like you said. So tight that I couldn’t wear socks, which made me feel so gross. I can wear socks in them now, but the damage is done. They are stained dark on the inside, the outside has scuffs and scrapes all over. I wear them about once a week, and I just don’t get the hype. I miss my old flats I got rid of(everytime I buy new shoes it’s to replace). The toe thing is super weird. I am so glad I wasn’t the only one who thought the packaging was lame! If they just removed the flower, it would be 100x better looking.
Why did I not find this sooner!!! I had THE EXACT same problems with mine. I mean…dead on, the exact same. ugh….I wore mine outside too….1 time….and I’m hoping I can return mine. It was such a huge let down!
I’m just curious as to why you bought them in the first place if you think the sole color is ATROCIOUS. It’s not as if that’s a hidden feature. I just bought a pair and I agree that having my toes poking out at the front is unsightly and for now, they feel pretty snug, but not terribly uncomfortable. However, I’m hesitant to wear them outside – in the hope of breaking them in – if I can’t return them. I bought them for the express purpose of wearing them on my vacation which is going to involve a lot of sightseeing. I read a blog similar to this one in that the woman who wrote it questioned if they were worth the money and after testing them she thought they were and so many of the comments were positive so I took the financial plunge. I work in a major city where labels are the name of the game, but I’m not trying to keep up with the Joneses because I have no interest in bankruptcy. I bought them because I was looking for a very comfortable flat. Now I’m feeling indecisive, and I leave for vacation tomorrow. Waahhh!
SOOOO refreshing to read something honest and candid. I’m very much into walkability and I’ve been tempted to get a pair of Tieks, but your post has just saved me a bundle. I hate the obnoxious sole colors, too:)
Hey, your link to “these flats” just goes to Zappo’s web site. Can you post which specific ballet flat your recommend? Thanks again!
I had the WORST experience with Tieks and will not buy again. Sure, they’re pretty and versatile, but you’d better pray to the shoe Gods that you never have an issue. I had a pair for 3 weeks (worn 5 or 6 times total) and some stitching came undone to no fault of my own- a defect. I contacted customer service and sent the shoes back in per their request. They came back with crazy glue on the area and down the side. I contacted customer service again and asked they replace the defective shoes and was told no, because they were worn and that it had to be something I did. I had the email chain, the photos, everything. This company is terrible. Check them out with BBB and don’t waste your hard earned money on this product. The company has no concept of customer service. All I wanted was the shoes I paid for in a condition that was normal. Too much to ask for over $200. SMH.
I agree, Tieks are not worth the money but I found it after soending $175 and had never bought that costly shoes in my before. Shoes just sagged from behind and hard to keep them in my feet while walking. I wish I can share the pics that I have and they started sagging after only wearing for a month. I also reached out to costomer service and they asked for tons of pictures. When I shared the pictures, there response was either take it your local cobbler or spend 30 more dollar to fix them. How foolish I was spending $175 dollar on shoes which did not stay for 1 month. I could have bought many pairs of other shoes with that much money. I wish I could have never spent this much money and I wish I could have read your blog before. We all work hard to earn money and it’s so hard to see getting hard work money wasted this way. I really urge everyone please think before buying Tieks shoes and trust me they are not worth of your hard work money. Contact me personally if you need to see pics, I can share pics without any problem. I am very disappointed with the quality and customer service that I got from Tiek. I wish no one else get cheated.
I wish I had come across your review before I bought a pair. They are, hands down, the least comfortable pair of shoes I own. Like you, the elastic digs in all the way around my foot and my poor toes are like WTF. They’re beautiful shoes but damn I feel like I bought $200 garden shoes because I can’t wear them out! Plus, good observation that they only post positive reviews. I was stupidly sucked in by them. …looks like I’ll be trying some of your MacGyver tricks..thanks!
Yeah I had the exact same experience. I don’t get all the hype surrounding them. I think they must be working overtime with advertising and hiring people to do fake reviews or something… I mean at the very least they aren’t worth the high price they ask.
Thank you for an actual honest review of Tieks!! I thought they were the ugliest things ever (that blue sole just sticks out way too much) but everyone was raving about them. Glad to know I’m not missing out!
I TOTALLY AGREE. I was interested in purchasing these, and I went ahead and did the plunge because I friend bought them, and liked them (she did have to stretch them out too). I put them on and for $175, I feel like they should be the best shoe out there. Its not. Its cute, and I like the quality of the leather, but overall its just. not. worth. $175.
You did not give the tieks enough time to get comfortable. It took me a few weeks to break mine in and I wore them all over at Disney World. I go there several times a year and they were SUPER comfy alll day long. I have had them for about a year now and i just received another pair for Christmas. I was so excit3ed to get them.
I used foot glide with my first pair. You put it on the areas where they are rubbing and it makes the shoe glide right over the area to prevent blisters.
Oh, how I wish I had seen your review before I bought mine. But I only ever saw positive reviews. Every single woman in the world said they were the best ever. 1.5 years later they are the most expensive and least worn shoe in my closet.
Same exactly. Two weeks in and I still can’t wear mine for more than a few hours. Can’t believe people buy them more than once. For so much $, they should be so comfortable. They aren’t.
Worst $195 shoes ever! The elastic digs into the skin over my big toes causing severe pain and blistering on my right foot.
I just bought shoe stretchers. If that doesn’t work, I’m going to sell them. So irritated!