It is no secret that I am a loyal Tieks customer. The stylish, foldable ballet flats frequently make an appearance in my Stitch Fix photos and in my kindergarten classroom. I wear my Tieks so much, that I often find myself answering a variety of questions about these fashionable flats and I’m happy to answer many of your questions today. As the owner of 4 pairs of Tieks (and a customer that has returned several other pairs), I have a lot of insight to share and I’ll fill you in on my Tieks experiences.
This post is not sponsored by Tieks in any way, but it does contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of our links, which helps to support the blog. All opinions are my own and we only promote brands and products that we truly love.
In the above photo, I’m wearing a pair of Romantic Blush Tieks – my favorite pair. I love the light neutral color and the metallic snake print adds just a hint of texture and interest.
NOTE: This post was originally published in June 2016. Since then, I’ve benefitted from an additional three years of experience wearing my Tieks and I’ve learned so much from all of you! There are over 300 comments on this post from other Tieks customers who shared a wealth of knowledge in their discussions at the bottom of the post. There were so many pearls of Tieks wisdom in the comments, that I sprinkled reader quotes throughout the post as well. All comments from blog readers will be designated as a block quote in pale blue boxes.
I wasn’t exaggerating when I titled this post “Everything You Want to Know”. Get ready to read answers to every question I’ve ever been asked about my Tieks. The list is expansive and I wanted to make things as simple as possible for you to find answers to your specific questions. You are welcome to scroll through and read the entire post or click any of the questions below to instantly jump to that section of the blog post. I hope that you will find this review helpful as you contemplate adding a pair of Tieks to your own closet.
Do you really love your Tieks?
How Tieks Fit & Feel
Are Tieks really that comfortable?
How do Tieks fit?
Does your foot ever slip out of the heel when you wear Tieks?
Why do some pairs of Tieks fit so differently than others?
Do Tieks stretch?
What if I want my Tieks to stretch? Is there anything I can do?
Do Tieks hurt your big toe?
Do Tieks hurt your heel?
Ouch! Are Tieks supposed to hurt this much?
Are Tieks comfortable for people with plantar fasciitis?
Do Tieks provide enough support?
Sizing Tieks
Should I size up or down?
What about the patent leather Tieks? Should I size up for those?
Do Tieks fit people with wide feet?
Do Tieks fit people with high arches?
Wearing Tieks
Do Tieks make your feet sweat?
Do your feet smell when you wear Tieks?
My Tieks smell bad. What can I do?
How durable is a pair of Tieks?
My big toe is starting to wear through the top of my Tieks. Is there anything I can do?
Why do my Poppy Tieks look so worn out?
Can you wear Tieks in the rain?
Can you wear Tieks on the beach?
Is it normal for Tieks to squeak?
Styling Tieks
Is there a no show sock that works well with Tieks?
Can you wear Tieks with tights?
Purchasing Tieks
Do they sell Tieks in stores?
Does Tieks offer good customer service?
What if my Tieks arrive and I’m not satisfied?
What is the packaging like for a pair of Tieks?
Which color Tieks should I purchase?
Which color Tieks are in your closet?
Which pair of Tieks is your absolute favorite?
I just bought a pair of Tieks! When can I expect them to arrive?
Do Tieks ever go on sale?
How do you justify the price of Tieks?
Do you really love your Tieks?
I’ll just cut to the chase and answer your biggest question (in case it isn’t already apparent). I’m a budget-conscious repeat customer that keeps returning to drop upwards of $150 on a pair of shoes.
Yes, I really do love my Tieks. They’re comfortable (more on that in a bit), they look professional when I wear them to school, and they can easily be worn with a casual pair of jeans.
Does that mean they are perfect shoes? Of course not. No shoes are. Sometimes you get a pair that hurts. Sometimes they don’t look dressy enough. Sometimes my feet sweat in them. Sometimes they stretch out. And every pair is expensive.
Despite all of that, I do really love them and I’ll share everything I have learned from purchasing my own Tieks to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. And just in case you need a little more convincing than my own opinions, here are what several other women who read this blog post had to say about Tieks:
I’m about to order my 12th pair in a year! I love them and wear them daily in some fashion or color. My goal is ruby red for Christmas, tieks blue for New Year’s, lovestruck for Valentines Day and and azure snakes for May birthday. Workin’ my plan! – Pedsgirl77
Took the plunge and ordered my first pair of Tieks in ballet pink. I thought I would play it safe to start with. I was certainly not disappointed, felt like butter first time I wore them! Definitely more tieks in my future, this time I will kick it up a notch with the starstruck! I felt like a kid at Christmas when they came! – Dianna
Just gotta say that I read this review last year and it inspired me to buy my first pair. Then I bought my second, my third and now my fourth is on the way. Absolutely love Tieks and they’re practically the only shoes I wear anymore! – Elle
I just ordered my 7th pair (a replacement for my first matte black ones that I purchased years ago) and I truly LOVE them all! I agree that some fit like a glove a first and others are a bit tighter. I too teach K and walk all day on my Tieks – no achy feet at the end of the day for me either! – Amy
I’ve already bought a 2nd pair! They are the most amazing and comfortable flats I’ve ever worn!!! Customer service is amazing also! I will definitely be adding more pairs of Tieks to my collection! – Rebecca
I love my Tieks! I have three pair (matte black, pewter, and cream) but wear my matte black ones the most. – Pam
I LOVE my mustard yellow Tieks! I have worn them in fall, summer & now many spring wardrobes feature mustard! … I have worn mine on days I am on my feet actively monitoring for STAAR testing, in Austin at conferences where I’m walking from session to session all day, and just got back from New York and these were the most comfortable shoes I brought on my trip! I wish I had a color for every outfit I own. – Lori
After reading this post and all the responses, I made the plunge and ordered my first pair. My lilac Tieks arrived today and the color is just lovely. Had a hard time deciding on a color, so I can see purchasing another pair down the road (camel, olive, or patent red). I wear size 7.5, and I ordered size 8. Seems to fit very comfortably right out of the box. So far, I’m very happy with the purchase. Thanks for throwing me over the fence!!! – Michelle
I do own 8 pairs & never where the same pair two days in a tow. – Kymberly
But I still loooove them and wear them all the time and feel they are worth the price because they are so much more comfy, and adorable than any other flat I’ve ever owned. I highly recommend them! – Laura
GIRL. I cannot say enough good things about Tieks. It’s honestly my favorite brand out there right now. Every time I wear the leather street shoe I get compliments. They are a littttttttle too tight on me (mostly up by my toes) but as they stretch out they’re getting more comfortable. If you’re in-between sizes I’d say order up. – Ameilia
So glad that I purchased them, they are the most comfortable flats I have ever worn…my skin is very sensitive and I usually am unable to wear flats without getting blisters. Totally worth the money! – Emma
How Tieks Fit and Feel
Are Tieks really that comfortable?
I am going to start off by saying that this is a loaded question. My Lovestruck pair is the most comfortable pair of shoes in my closet. I can (and have) worn those shoes all day long and if I know I’m going to be on my feet for an extended period, they are my go-to pair of shoes. They are also the only pair of closed-toe shoes I could comfortably wear when my feet swelled during the third trimester of my pregnancy.
I’m certain that this pair of Tieks is so comfortable because I have worn them so much. They are, without a doubt, the pair I’ve worn the most. They’re delightfully stretched and never leave my feet in any type of pain or discomfort.
I know that you probably have specific questions about various features of the shoes so I will address each of those as well.
How Do Tieks Fit?
Ideally, your Tieks should fit comfortably around your foot without being too snug or feeling as though they might slip off. If your Tieks arrive and they feel way too tight or way too loose, contact customer service and request an exchange. Tieks has an amazing exchange policy and will ship you a second pair free of charge so you can compare the two sets of shoes to determine which pair is right for you. They also offer free returns so you can ship back one or both pairs after you reach a decision.
I have noticed that there can be a significant amount of variance between different pairs and styles of Tieks in the same size, and I’m not the only one to make this observation. If you’re curious about sizing or fit, keep reading for lots of wisdom from many other Tieks customers.
Great review and totally on point! I am a #tieksgirl, too and have quickly abandoned all other flats and most high heels in my closet for Tieks! I completely agree that some pairs are more comfortable right out of the perfect packaging than others. For instance, my navy and poppy Tieks felt like perfection on my feet immediately; my rose gold Tieks took a few wears for them to feel more comfy! – Evie
I have several pairs of Tieks and I wear them every day. I have seen a variance in the fit from one pair to another. I’m a 7.5 with wide feet so I wear a size 8 in Tieks. They fit great but as I said some are better fitting than others. I’ve never had discomfort in the heel but did need to break in a couple pairs around the toes. The patent are more stiff but I love them as an option for wet weather (not waterproof but I don’t like to wear the soft leather on rainy days). – Laura
Does your foot ever slip out of the heel when you wear Tieks?
If your Tieks fit properly, you shouldn’t have any issues with your heel slipping out of the back of the shoes. Even if you wear them with tights, and even after they stretch.
Why do some pairs of Tieks fit so differently than others?
With so many comments about the variance in tightness, comfort and fit across different pairs of Tieks, you may be wondering why there is such a difference. It has everything to do with the way the leather (or fabric for vegan Tieks) is treated. Tieks currently has 17 different types of treated leather and fabric that they use for the upper portion of their shoes. Some are matte leather, others are burnished leather, some are metallic, others are painted. Each treatment creates a different texture and also affects the stiffness and durability of the shoe. The most common complaints about fit or wear often appear to be a trait of the specific type of leather used in a pair of Tieks.
In my experience, the Napa Classics, Metallic Prints, and Metallic Sparkle Prints have been comfortable enough to keep. I personally found the Snake Prints and Crock Patents to be much too tight. I haven’t tried the Smooth Patents myself, but I have heard good things about their comfort level if you size up or might take a bit longer to break in.
I noticed that the patents do sometimes need a bit longer to break in. Each shoe that I’ve ordered has definitely been different from each other. Of my 6 Tieks, I have 2 leather, 3 patents and 1 vegan. My third patent and the 2nd leather Tieks only needed one day of breaking in while the others needed at least a week. I’m a size 8, with narrow feet. My big toe did hurt, but after about a month of wearing them about once or twice a week, they were broken in and now only squeak when I walk. I also get blisters on the knuckles of my outer toes. I just put a band-aid on top until the shoe has been broken in (usually the first two or three days, depending on the shoe). – Mel
Do Tieks stretch?
Yes, Tieks absolutely will stretch over time and in my experience, that means they also gradually become more comfortable as you wear them. I honestly believe that the reason my Lovestruck pair is so comfortable is that they stretched and became more supple with time. Many women receive their Tieks in the mail and are concerned because the shoes fit, but feel too tight to comfortably be worn for an extended period of time. (I was one of those women, too, and I can completely relate to the stress and worry about whether to keep or exchange the pair in question.) Your Tieks shouldn’t make you wince in pain after only a minute of wear. If that’s the case, I would recommend exchanging your Tieks for a different color or style, because fit can vary greatly among Tieks styles.
What if I want my Tieks to stretch? Is there anything I can do?
A broken-in pair of Tieks is a comfortable pair of Tieks. If you’re looking for a way to fast-forward through the break-in period, a few customers have commented that they had success stretching their own Tieks that felt a little too snug when they first arrived. These tips are great and I can’t wait to try them myself the next time I purchase a new pair of Tieks.
I loved your very thorough review, especially the part about the toe box. My first pair was California Navy and they fit great right out of the box. I bought a pair of the bronze ones and the toe box was so shallow I had the beginning of a bruise on both big toe nails the first day. Since I wore them to work I didn’t feel I could call about a replacement. My secret was to buy cedar shoe trees which helped stretch the toe box. I wore them today for the second time and they were better. It’s going to take a bit of time before they are perfect. One trick that I learned when selling shoes at Nordstrom is to spray the inside with some warm water and then put the shoe tree or stretcher in them overnight. – Stacy
When I purchased my first pair of tieks I was frustrated because I got the Rose Gold Glam for my wedding and while I was gently breaking them in I was in pain were the top boney part of the big toe is. It was leaving a red mark from the shoe. I called customer service and they said a lot of costumers use a blow dryer but they gave me a better tip…they said take a golf ball and put it under that area that needs to stretch, this is a common place of the shoe that needs to stretch. Check the shoe in 3 days and if not stretched enough do it for another 3 days. Worked perfectly, the golf ball did the stretching for me. No pain. … Oh, also I am a true 7 1/2 and I always size up to 8. I called customer service and explained my big toe is longer then the other toes and my feet are narrow. They suggested sizing up due to the length of my toe. – Kelli
Do Tieks hurt your big toe?
It is worth noting that my other pairs of Tieks do hurt my feet after a particularly long day. Specifically, they put pressure on my big toe. I truly think this has more to do with me and my weird toes than the shoes themselves. But it is an issue for me and if your big toe sometimes hurts from too much shoe pressure, it might be an issue for you as well.
Even my beloved Lovestruck Tieks caused this pain the first time I wore them. I recall the day vividly because it was the day Rob and I got engaged. We were in Chicago and I was just excited to finally wear my new shoes. I had no idea he was going to propose that day (nor did I know how many miles we would end up walking). By the time we arrived back at our hotel (sporting my newest accessory), my big toes were both in a lot of pain and I had switch to sandals when we went out later that evening.
Do Tieks hurt your heel?
This question is easy. No, they don’t. No pair of Tieks has ever hurt or dug into my heel no matter how much I wear them. This is one distinct advantage they have over the competition. All Tieks have a cushioned back, which allows them to sit gently across your heel and Achilles tendon. There’s no painful elastic and the supple leather makes for a very comfortable experience.
Ouch! Are Tieks supposed to hurt this much?
The answer to this question is no, Tieks are definitely not supposed to hurt. The very first pair I ordered was a pair of Lavender Snake Tieks. I adored the print, but for some reason, this particular pair was way too tight around my toes and they hurt so much! I exchanged them for a Mustard Yellow pair of Tieks and the new pair fit much better.
I have since talked to another teacher who purchased the same pair of Lavender Snake Tieks and hers fit comfortably from day one. Perhaps it was just my pair that was a poor fit. Or perhaps she sized up. Either way, she was a very happy customer.
Are Tieks Comfortable for People with Plantar Fasciitis?
I can’t speak from personal experience on whether or not Tieks are comfortable for people who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, but some readers can and did! I was pleasantly surprised to see that women with plantar fasciitis have found comfort wearing their Tieks.
I have it and they don’t bother me! – Tiffany
I can wear these all day and my feet are good, I have a high arch and plantar fasciitis so my feet hurt easily. I sometimes put the small arch insert into a pair when it is really flared up. These do not work well for me on vacation when I’m going to do a lot of brisk walking, I need a more supportive walking shoe for that, they killed me. But I still loooove them and wear them all the time and feel they are worth the price because they are so much more comfy, and adorable than any other flat I’ve ever owned. I highly recommend them! – Laura
Do Tieks provide enough support?
I get asked this question often. The support in Tieks suits my needs perfectly. My feet are never sore at the end of the day when I wear my Tieks (other than the big toe pressure). I don’t have particularly high arches or suffer from very much foot pain due to a lack of support, so these shoes provide enough support for my needs.
Tieks do offer more support than you would expect from a flat pair of sandals that folds in half. Rob and I recently had a weekend getaway in Saugatuck. I wore my Romantic Blush Tieks on a very long walk one day and didn’t suffer from any support-related tiredness or pain in my feet.
The next day, I opted for a basic pair of flat sandals and could feel the effects of poor support on concrete sidewalks after about 6 blocks.
Do Tieks offer support? Yes, it’s pretty good, but not amazing.
Is it better than the average pair of flats? Absolutely.
Sizing Tieks
Should I size up or size down?
Tieks don’t come in half sizes, so people often ask if they should size up or size down if they typically wear a half size. The FAQ page of the Tieks website says you can go either way, but they recommend that people with wide feet size up. I typically wear an 8.5 and I always size up to a 9. Sometimes Tieks are so tight around my toes that I can’t imagine how much worse it would be to try on a smaller size.
In contrast, another Tieks customer, Evie, found that it worked best for her to size down. She wrote:
One thing that it important to note is the sizing, originally I sized up to a 7 (I wear a 6&1/2), but found that as they stretched out they were TOO BIG for me… Now, I buy a 6 and have no issues just out of the box or after some stretching. It truly depends on what you find comfortable. Since Tieks has no issue with you trying different sizes, take advantage of that and figure out what works best for you! – Evie
I absolutely agree with Evie’s advice – try on a few different sizes and see what works best for you.
What about the Patent Leather Tieks? Should I size up for those?
Many women wear a larger size in the patent leather Tieks than the regular leather styles. I personally tried on the Obsidian Black a few years ago and they were far too tight in my regular size. I had ordered them at the same time as my Matte Black Tieks, intending to keep only one pair. I decided to keep the Matte Black since they were more comfortable. After reading so many helpful comments, I will definitely try sizing up the next time I order a patent leather pair. Here’s what other women had to say about patent leather Tieks sizing.
I am a 9.5/10 and always get a ten in Tieks but needed an eleven in my red patent Tieks. I find my patent the most indestructible… Yup, I have never even bought a size 10.5 shoe but I am an eleven in the patents. I was pretty shocked, but I tried the tens and eleven on at the same time and the elevens were the clear winner. I have also tried an eleven in the leopard print and they were like boats-fell off my feet. – Julie
I already knew that the patent leather Tieks were more stiff and snug-fitting than the regular Tieks, but it never occurred to take advantage of the difference in fit if you’re between sizes. One customer, Morgan, was in just that predicament and Jess had such a brilliant suggestion:
Morgan: I am having the same exact issue, same size and everything. I wear a 9.5 and have both a 9 and 10 right now in the matte black while I decide. I really want a black pair but the 9 feels way too small and killed my feet but the 10 feels like my foot may slip out of them especially if they stretch any.
Jess (in response to Morgan): Maybe try the patent leather black (I think it’s obsidian) in a 10. I believe the patent leather fits a little tighter than the full grain leather and it might be just what you need as a happy medium.
Do Tieks fit people with wide feet?
I personally don’t have wide feet, so I can’t attest to this one myself. I checked the Tieks website and it assures customers that the flexible Tieks design is made to shape and mold around a variety of feet – whether they are wide or narrow shouldn’t matter. Here’s what a few other Crazy Together readers had to say about their wide feet and Tieks:
I also have wide feet and struggle with finding shoes that fit well. I have two pairs of tieks and love them both! – Kelley
I’m an 8.5 wide also and after ordering a 9, ended up exchanging them for 8s. So, if they seem too loose or anything, don’t hesitate to request another size – Tieks will mail them out and you can try on both sizes at the same time and return the pair that don’t work for you. – Jess
Do Tieks fit people with high arches?
According to the Tieks website, Tieks do not have built-in arch support, but the shoes can accommodate some styles of orthotic inserts.
I have high arches, I have two metal anchors in my right foot, my left foot is wider than my right foot and the right foot is longer than my left! And if I’m on my feet for any length of time I experience horrific foot pain to the extent that I have difficulty walking the next day. Needless to say, I have a lot of trouble finding shoes that are comfortable as well as attractive. I’ve owned my Tieks now for about 4 months and yesterday I bravely decided to wear them for a long day of traveling. I walked in my Tieks for a total of 3.7 miles through 4 airports and my feet never hurt! No foot pain at all this morning! P.S. I usually wear an 8.5 wide and my Tieks are a size 9. – Nelle
I can wear these all day and my feet are good, I have a high arch and plantar fasciitis so my feet hurt easily. I sometimes put the small arch insert into a pair when it is really flared up. These do not work well for me on vacation when I’m going to do a lot of brisk walking, I need a more supportive walking shoe for that, they killed me. But I still loooove them and wear them all the time and feel they are worth the price because they are so much more comfy, and adorable than any other flat I’ve ever owned. I highly recommend them! – Laura
Wearing Tieks
Do Tieks make your feet sweat?
I know this is a big question for a lot of people. And the question of “Do Tieks make your feet smell?” is of equal importance to people who worry about these things.
Let’s start with the sweat question. No, I don’t think Tieks make my feet sweat. Yes, my feet sometimes sweat while I am wearing my Tieks. I’ve read a lot of blog reviews about these shoes and some people claim that their feet have never sweat while wearing Tieks. I only think that’s true if your Tieks are still pretty new and you wear them indoors with the AC on. Or if you cover your feet in antiperspirant ahead of time.
As a person who often goes out in the world while wearing my Tieks, I can assure you that sweat happens. Especially on hot summer days. I often wear my Tieks to school in the summer to work in my classroom and those are the days they seem to sweat the most. Because it’s summer. And because I’m working so hard and those types of activities tend to cause bodies to sweat all over. Including feet.
The thing about Tieks is that they are made from 100% Italian leather. And since leather is a natural material, they breathe much better than synthetic materials (which is what all of my bargain flats are made from). As a result, my feet tend to sweat less while wearing Tieks than while wearing many other flat dress shoes.
Do Your Feet Smell when You Wear Tieks?
Now let’s talk about the concern about smelly feet and shoes. Remember my Lovestruck Tieks? The pair I have worn so much that they are now insanely comfortable? My feet have sweat a lot in that pair of shoes. So much so, that the insoles are a different color. They used to be light brown, but now some areas have turned dark brown.
If you have a pair of Tieks that you wear as often as I do, your shoes might look like this too.
While my feet have sweat a lot in those shoes on multiple occasions (think of all the hot summer days in my classroom with minimal air conditioning), those are the only days I have been aware of a smell when I took my shoes off.
But I know how important this question is to some of you.
So I just went into my closet and stuck my nose into every pair of Tieks I own. My matte black, ballerina pink, and romantic blush pair all just smell like leather.
The Lovestruck pair … well, they smelled like feet. Again, I haven’t noticed a smell when I handle the Tieks to put them on or take them off on most days. Even today, I am only aware of a lingering smell after deliberately sticking my nose inside of them. So, no, they really don’t make your feet smell that much and the shoes themselves don’t retain a lot of odor.
My Tieks Smell Bad. What Can I do?
If your feet are prone to a lot of sweat or foot odor is a particular concern for you, here are a few things you can do to manage any unpleasant odors so you can keep enjoying your Tieks.
I use spray [deodorant] in the shoe before putting them on in the morning! I was so nervous they would get stinky, I just did it from the beginning! – Jess
Dryer sheets work well, too! They absorb wetness and odor. – Deborah
I have 3 pairs and I wear them almost daily. After a while, I noticed they started to smell like feet. I sprinkled baking soda in them, left it overnight, and cleaned them out the next day. For anyone concerned about them smelling like feet, I recommend using baking soda to freshen them up every now and then. :) – Tiffany
try deodorant on the bottom of your paws! i use the roll on and let it dry for a few seconds. works like a charm :) – Irene
I also noticed that my Tieks do sometimes get a smell, so I use a wet (not soaking, only damp paper towel and mild hand soap to wipe down the inside of my Tieks and let them dry over night. The smell goes away and is ready to wear the next day, although I wait an extra day to ensure that the inside of the Tiek is dry. – Mel
How Durable is a pair of Tieks?
When I find a good pair of shoes to wear in the classroom, I usually wear them until they are destroyed. I recently threw away of synthetic black flats that my big toe eventually wore a hole into the top of. Other pairs have been discarded because I wore the rubber sole down so much, that the inner layers of the sole were revealed.
Needless to say, I’m pretty tough on shoes.
Since I’ve worn my Lovestruck pair so much, it’s the pair I’m most informed about to comment on any durability issues with Tieks. You already know that the soles are discolored from a few years of foot sweat.
You can also see the crinkled leather is worn in the place where my big toe sits on each shoe. That area doesn’t sparkle anymore and it is notably darker than the rest of the leather on the shoes. The leather on the inside is also worn down in those same areas.
With the leather showing visible signs of wear, I was pleasantly surprised to turn this pair over and examine the soles. Other than a little dirt worn into the crevices, these soles were in nearly pristine condition. I have walked miles and miles in these shoes from all the days I wore them in the classroom and the soles don’t show any sign of extended wear. (I wiped them down with a Clorox wipe before taking this photo so you could get a better look at the detail). I knew my Tieks were durable, but I honestly didn’t think the soles would hold up this well.
My big toe is starting to wear through the top of my Tieks. Is there anything I can do?
If your Tieks put pressure on your big toe (like they do for me), you may begin to notice that your big toenail actually starts to wear down the inside of the leather fabric. The same thing is currently happening in my Tieks and I loved this idea to prevent too much damage inside of the shoe.
I’ve heard that you can apply moleskin to the inside where your toes sit and apply pressure to the shoe. It’s suppose to reduce the wear on the inside and it hides the mark from your big toe. – Stefanie
Why do my Poppy Tieks look so worn out?
Tieks applies several different leather treatments to their shoes to create a variety of styles. Some of the treatments are easy to spot (like the patent leather, the matte leather, and the painted snake patterns.) There are a few styles available for purchase in the Boutiek that look like a basic matte leather pair of Tieks but are actually crafted with distressed leather. Those pairs are Clover Green, Cobalt Blue, Pacific Green, and Poppy. The Poppy style is a Tieks limited edition that women went wild for when it was released. And since the finish looks so much like the basic matte leather, many women were surprised to see that they looked worn out and came here for answers. I learned a lot from their discussions.
JoAnn: I got my first pair for Mother’s Day, the poppy ones- and the leather looked cracked, color worn away and very beaten up within 3 weeks! I was shocked, but they let me exchange them for a patent pair (great customer service!) which I’m hoping will wear better. I’m kind of scared of the softer leather now! Have you seen any wear in the leather like that?
Jennifer: My poppy Tieks did the exact same thing!!! I also have a pair of camel Tieks that over one year old and worn daily look like new. Apparently the poppy is a distressed leather as is the cobalt blue and clover green. I am currently working with customer service for an exchange as well and am having a hard time deciding on another color since I loved the poppy color so much.
Alesa: Actually I treated my poppy with leather conditioner, and it did not go well at all.
Can You Wear Tieks in the Rain?
Since most Tieks styles are made of leather, they really aren’t designed to endure a lot of moisture. Every time I wear my Tieks, I check the weather forecast to make sure there won’t be any rain or snow. If it will be a particularly wet day, I either wear my boots out and change into my Tieks later or just opt to wear a pair of Rothy’s instead (find out why I love my Rothy’s in this blog post.) I have always babied my Tieks because I didn’t want to risk anything happening after investing so much money in them.
The only time I wore my Tieks in the rain was on a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando a few summers ago. I wanted to wear my super-comfy Lovestruck Tieks, but I knew there was rain in the forecast later that day. I had already owned my Lovestruck pair for several years and they had certainly seen better days. We got caught in a downpour and my shoes were soaked. I let them drive overnight and was pleasantly surprised to discover that they hadn’t sustained much damage or even stretched any significant new amount. Some of the interior coloring rubbed onto my feet, leaving me with brown and black spots on my feet that was easily washed off. In the end, it wasn’t a crisis that I wore my Tieks in the rain, but I really don’t recommend doing it unless you are willing to risk your Tieks getting ruined.
Here’s what a few more women had to say about wearing Tieks in the rain.
I read on their website that they can be treated with a water repellant as you would do with leather boots etc to wear in the rain. – Ives
I have worn my matte black Tieks (my very first pair) in the rain (unexpected down pour) and they got completely soaked. I immediately got paper towels to dry them off as much as I could, then I stuffed the toe section with more paper towels (to hold the shape and reduce the amount of shrinkage) and let them dry for about three days (the outside dried in about 12 hours and the inner sole took about 24 to 36 hours). I periodically would [] put them on to make sure it wouldn’t shrink. Also, to reduce the amount of shrinkage, I dried them indoors in a hallway away from direct sunlight (I didn’t want to risk the direct sunlight shrinking the leather too much, and drying the shoe too fast). It did shrink back to its new state and I had to break them in again for about two days (I now use my patents for rainy days). Definitely recommend wearing the patents for light rainy days. If its storming, and there is going to be large puddles, I don’t recommend wearing Tieks. – Mel
Can you wear Tieks on the beach?
As a California-based company, it’s not uncommon for Tieks to share photos on social media of women wearing their shoes on the beach. I’ve always been a little curious to know how Tieks actually hold up in the sand, but have been too nervous to try it myself. Luckily, one person tried it and only had good things to say about the experience.
I wore my black mattes to the beaxh the other day. Between the forestry, sand & a [curious] dog, I was certain that they were ruined. Came home & other than the foot bed (which all of mine [look] the same from living where I do), I was pleasantly surprised of their aftermath. No marks & cleaned up perfectly. I do own 8 pairs & never [wear] the same pair two days in a tow. – Kymberly
Is it normal for Tieks to squeak?
Every time I try on a new pair of Tieks, I notice that they squeak at first. It’s different from the sound of wet tennis shoes on a tile floor. This squeak comes from inside the shoe.
I’m pretty sure the squeak is due to the fact that I size up and my feet slide a tiny bit inside of the shoes. When my feet slide on top of the leather, the friction and pressure make a squeaking sound. The good news is that the squeak is only temporary. It generally lasts a few days and gradually decreases throughout the day. As the leather insole softens and conforms to your foot, the squeak goes away.
Styling Tieks
Is there a no-show sock that works well with Tieks?
I have always worn my Tieks barefoot and the most significant issue I’ve had is darker coloring of the leather insole from so much wear. Tieks don’t cause blisters, so there isn’t a need for socks to be worn for personal comfort. But if you are concerned about sweat, odors, or even the possibility of uncomfortable rubbing, I highly recommend checking out Sheec no-show socks. I wear Sheec socks all the time with my Rothy’s and have absolutely loved the socks because the Secret 2.0 Ultra Low-Cut style is a true no-show sock that stays out of sight while also staying in place. Try them and you’ll be amazed. Even better you can, save 15% on your order when you use the code CRAZY15 at checkout.
Can you wear Tieks with tights?
I hadn’t actually tried wearing my Tieks with tights until someone asked this question. I figured tights would be too slippery and would cause my Tieks to slide right off my foot. When I finally did try wearing my Tieks with a pair of tights, I was pleasantly surprised. The Tieks stayed in place without slipping off, and somehow felt even more comfortable paired with tights than they did with bare feet. Even though I can’t explain why, it alleviated the pressure on my big toe and felt like my Tieks had a bit more room in the toe box.
Yes, I have worn by Tieks with tights in the winter. For me, they are much more comfortable wearing them with tights than with bare feet because I’m still trying to stretch them out. – July
Purchasing Tieks
Do they sell Tieks in stores?
Tieks are not available in stores and can only be purchased online. I know how intimidating it can be to take the leap and purchase such an expensive pair of shoes online without trying them on first. I had a hard time with that too. The good news is that Tieks offers free shipping and free returns on all orders. Which means you can purchase a pair risk-free and see how it goes. If you love Tieks, keep them. If you don’t, send them back free of charge for a full refund. That makes it less scary, don’t you think?
Does Tieks offer good customer service?
Tieks doesn’t just make beautiful shoes; they also have exceptional customer service. I have been blown away by their helpfulness, attention to detail, and quick response whenever I have had an issue, question or concern. So many women have reached out to the Tieks customer service team and raved about the experience.
I got the Love Struck for Christmas and was so excited! They were so comfy and so pretty. But I had to return them because after wearing them for only half a day, the sparkle started to rub off on the toes. I was so disappointed! But customer service is AWESOME and even after I dropped the ball and it took me like 3 months to actually return them, they still took them back and sent me a new pair. – Angela
I just bought my first pair – love them but was on the fence about the color. i got wild cooper and just did an exchange for the romantic blush based o[n] seeing them here. the customer service is amazing. they’ll send me the new pair and then i just decide which one to keep. wow – that’s great service too. – Jill
It can be really frustrating when there’s an issue with a product you’ve invested in and things just aren’t going your way. All Tieks are handmade, which can sometimes cause an occasional quality issue. I found a few conversations in the comments of this post that started with a frustrated customer because they had a problem with their shoes and their first contact with customer service didn’t go as they had hoped, but a few helpful readers chimed in with suggestions on how to proceed. The once-frustrated customers found a solution that made them happy and were overjoyed with Tieks customer service in the end.
Sandy: Just purchased my third pair of Tieks. Unfortunately, the interior stitching (which according to Tieks is cosmetic) started to unravel. I had the shoe about 2 months and didn’t have much wear on them. They wanted me to send them in so they could fix them. Given the cost of the shoes and the fact that I hadn’t worn them much, I found that unacceptable. I would expect that they stand behind their shoes and replace them. Their response when I said as much to them: “Thanks for letting me know. We’re typically unable to take back Tieks that have been worn for an exchange. I’m sorry about that. From what I can see in those pictures, it looks like something may have snagged the stitching on the insole of one of your Tieks, causing it to come up. Since it’s decorative and doesn’t affect the structural integrity of the shoe, that’s something we can fix rather easily so that you can continue to enjoy your pair for a long time to come. We’d be happy to cover the shipping both ways and repair that free of charge. If we aren’t completely satisfied with the repair, I’d be happy to talk the team to see if we can exchange this pair for you. I want to be able to help you have a pair you can enjoy for a long time to come. Please let me know.” Not sure what they think “snagged” the stitching. Only my foot went into the shoe and my feet are in great condition! Too Bad…. Not so impressed with their customer service.
Rebecca: I understand how frustrating it is when customer service doesn’t give you what you feel you deserve, but after reading your experience, I feel Tieks IS being very fair. They aren’t telling you that you are stuck with the shoes, they are offering to repair them. I’m not saying you should be glad they are offering to repair, Tieks ARE expensive and you SHOULD love them!! Please allow the company to repair your shoes, I think you will still love them AND want anther pair very soon!! I’m already on pair number 3, and know that I want more. I actually returned a pair that I kept past the 30 days and they still took them back. I hadn’t worn them outside the house, but I just felt underwhelmed by them!
Sandy: Thanks for your comments. Tieks has replaced the shoes!
I am wondering if anyone has had the same luck as I have. I received mine as a gift in June (it is now December). My husband got me a size 6 matte black bc I normally wear 5 1/2 and it was too large to feel comfortable keeping them. I emailed Tieks and they quickly sent me a size 5. The 5 fits however is pretty snug!
Fast forward 6 months with less than 50 wears of my Tieks in an office environment with carpet and the sole of my Tiek ripped on the back of the heel where the stitching is.
Update! I contacted Tieks about the sole ripping and they have asked that I return the old pair (and provided postage) and I will be receiving a new pair!
I am excited that they are sending the new pair however I am bummed I have to break in a new pair! Guess breaking in a new pair is better than owning Tieks with a ripped sole. – Tiffany
Tieks customer service was amazing about the color chipping away (since they said I had only had them for such a short time they offered me an exchange). I asked instead for a discount on a second pair. They were ok with the discount so I got me a pair of lemon patent and LOOOOVE them so much! – Tonya
What if my Tieks arrive and I’m not satisfied?
Tieks has a truly amazing return policy. If you purchase one pair and you’re unsure about them for any reason you can begin the exchange process online. Here’s what makes it truly amazing: Tieks will let you hold onto the first pair of shoes so you can compare them to the new pair they send to you. And they won’t charge you for the second pair while you decide which pair to keep. They just ask that you return the pair that doesn’t work out in the same condition they arrived in.
Whatever you do, make sure you only wear your Tieks inside your house while you make your decision. Tieks won’t accept returns of any shoes that have been worn outside. If you have any doubts, keep wearing them inside your house until you are certain that you plan to keep your Tieks.
What is the packaging like for a pair of Tieks?
Opening up a new pair of Tieks is a lot like opening a gift on Christmas. And the signature beaded flower on top is better than any bow I’ve seen. Each pair of Tieks also comes with a hand-written note, a compact carrying case that you can slip your Tieks into while you travel, and a larger tote to hold a pair of heels. You can read a detailed description of a Tieks unboxing in this post on my teaching blog.
Which Color Tieks should I Purchase?
If you are ready to invest in a new pair of Tieks, you have probably spent at least an hour scrolling through “The Boutiek” debating about which color to purchase. I know I did!
I know Tieks come in lots of beautiful colors and I once ordered a bright pair of Mustard Yellow Tieks because they looked so fun. After several months, I realized that I didn’t wear that yellow pair often enough because they only went with a small fraction of clothes in my wardrobe.
I sold that pair online and put the money toward a new pair of Matte Black Tieks (which I can wear with most of my professional clothes.) I highly recommend investing in a neutral pair your first time around to maximize your use and really break them in. Then, if you love them, consider adding a “fun” color to your wardrobe later on.
Here are a few favorite colors from other Tieks customers.
It took me months to decide on a color. I was so in love with all the beautiful colors but ended up with a neutral chestnut, which I think for my first pair was a good decision. – Annie
I LOVE my mustard yellow Tieks! I have worn them in fall, summer & now many spring wardrobes feature mustard! Black and Gold are the colors of the school district I work for, so anytime I can wear a spirit shirt to work, these are my go to shoes! … I wish I had a color for every outfit I own. Not on my teacher salary though! I need to start saving for special things like this. – Lori
I just got my second pair of Tieks (taupe this time) in the mail a couple of days ago. Taupe is close to a nude on me and I love that they go with everything. My first pair is Cardinal Red and they are just so much fun! I buy gift cards as my way of saving up for them. – Jess
I ordered the taupe and they looked too boring (almost like real ballet shoes) and after reading your report I just ordered an exchange of the romantic blush. Love how they look neutral but not boring. I think if I worked outside of the house more I would keep them because the taupe would be a great professional color. I really wish they weren’t almost $100 more though!! Yikes – Casey
Which color Tieks are in your closet?
I currently own only neutral colors of Tieks. I love that at least one pair pretty much matches anything in my closet. Below you can see the four pair of Tieks I own: Lovestruck, Romantic Blush, Matte Black, Ballerina Pink. Click any of the images below to see them on the Tieks website.
Which Pair of Tieks is your absolute favorite?
Even though they have seen better days, the Lovestruck pair is still my very favorite. They are so well broken-in, they feel like an old friend every time I put them on. I also love their depth of color and the fact that they are metallic is just an added bonus.
I just bought a pair of Tieks! When can I expect them to arrive?
One thing you can count on when you order a pair of Tieks is incredibly fast, free shipping for US customers that arrives within 2-4 days (returns are always free too!). Additional options for express delivery are also available at check out. International shipping is also available. These options display during the checkout process before you supply credit card information. I love that one customer, Jess, even knew Tieks shipping times:
As long as they aren’t marked out of stock, if you order before 2pm PDT, they ship priority mail the same day – delivery in 2-3 days depending on where you live. – Jess
Do Tieks ever go on sale?
Several years back, I recall seeing a Tieks sale near the holidays, but those days have long past and I haven’t seen or heard about a Tieks discount since. Rather than offer a sale, Tieks usually runs a big Christmas giveaway where they give someone their entire Tieks wishlist. How amazing would it be to win THAT giveaway?
If you really want to give Tieks a try, check Poshmark or eBay for gently used listings. You’re likely to find a pair in great condition for a fraction of the original price.
How do you justify the price of Tieks?
If you read the blog on a regular basis, you know that Rob and I are very money-conscious. We make a budget every month and stick to it. We also paid off $180,000 in student loan debt in 2015 and did a debt-free scream on the Dave Ramsey show. We account for every dollar in our budget and we don’t take household expenses lightly. So how, exactly, do Tieks fit into my budget?
I view Tieks the same way that I do any item I want to purchase that costs over $100 – I look to see if there is room in the budget and if there isn’t any room yet, I start saving. I don’t buy a new pair of Tieks every month. I start setting money aside and dream about the perfect color to add to my wardrobe while I save. Sometimes I sell items from my closet to help me reach that goal faster.
I do occasionally get little flashes of guilt for investing so much in a pair of shoes. (Guilt comes so easily to Catholics.) But then I remember that we always pay extra toward our mortgage and we save like crazy. And if I know that we can afford them, then it’s ok to splurge a little on something nice once in a while.
I also ask for Tieks gift cards around the holidays. Even if someone just gives me a $20 gift card, that is a contribution to my “new Tieks fund” and every little bit helps!
Share Your Thoughts and Questions
And there you have it! A very honest Tieks review with answers to just about any Tieks question you could possibly have. If you happen to have a question that wasn’t addressed in this post, feel free to ask it in the comments. I will try my best to answer any additional questions that come my way. I’d also love to hear your thoughts about Tieks.
You may also want to save this image on Pinterest so you can refer back to it later. Thanks so much to Brian from BTW Photography for taking such amazing photos for this post. You already know that I’m wearing Romantic Blush Tieks in most of these images.
An Honest Rothy’s Review
And just in case you’re curious about Rothy’s – I tried those shoes, too, and shared all of my thoughts on the latest kind of comfortable flats to hit the market. Rothy’s are eco-friendly and come in four gorgeous styles (including pointy toes, loafers, and sneakers!) Click here to check out my honest Rothy’s review.
Patti says
I’ve always been curious about Tirks. Your post is so very honest and helpful. Inwontnbeninvestingn150.00 in a pair of shoes right now, but if I were going to do that, your post clarified so much! Thank you for your honest evaluation!
Heather says
What a thorough review! I especially appreciate that you addressed durability. I wear the soles of my shoes down so quickly, and I’ve never found a review that discusses this concern before yours. Thank you.
Patti says
Oh those typos! Should have proofread!
Kate Himmelsbach says
Wow – way to focus on all the great info shared with her followers! Thank you, Maria, for taking the time to share your experiences and give guidance to anyone looking to purchase a pair of Tieks.
Kate says
She was talking about the typos in her post, above. :)
Nikki says
I appreciate all the info since i just purchased a pair and I am experiencing pain as referred to in this article. I could care less about the typos (and didnt see any that jumped out as a big no no). Thanks for an honest and informative review!!
Anna says
I think Patti was talking about her own typos from her previous post…if I’m not mistaken
Karen says
Patti was referring to her OWN first post and the mistakes she made. She was not saying anything about the writer of the blog.
Ra says
I thought it was so cute! And I might intentionally run my words together in the future to create a special effect.
Emily says
I jumped into two pairs at once with my first purchase because the poppy color was debuted. That’s the color of my life but I also wanted the safe black pair as well. I was scared but they are amazing. It took me even less time to break them in than most people say. I waiver between 8.5 and 9 in shoes so maybe the Tieks size 9 was easy to break in for that reason. I’ve written the two pairs almost exclusively since I bought them. My big toe pushes up on the leather but it’s not a problem, just a visual detail. Now to pick my next neutral color. I’m curious how the vegan line feels.
Maria Gavin says
I love those poppy shoes! So glad you love both pair that you own and I’m a little jealous of the immediate comfort!
Marivi says
Hey there just got my first pair and so comfy
My question to you is there a little gape on the side
I have a thumb length from big toe to the end?
I’m afraid a size down would be too small!!!
I’m usually an 8!in my shoes sometimes a 7. 1:2
Thanks for your post!!!
Annie says
I just got my first pair today. I am usually a 7 or 7 1/2 so I ordered a size 7. When I first put my Tieks on I was worried that they may be too big but I can’t imagine going to a size 6! I do love them as so far feel very comfortable. It took me months to decide on a color. I was so in love with all the beautiful colors but ended up with a neutral chestnut, which I think for my first pair was a good decision.
Maria Gavin says
I agree that a size 6 would probably be WAY too small! So glad you’re happy with your first pair and it was so smart of you to order a neutral color! I bet you’ll get a ton of wear out of them.
Stefanie says
I’ve heard that you can apply moleskin to the inside where your toes sit and apply pressure to the shoe. It’s suppose to reduce the wear on the inside and it hides the mark from your big toe. I just got my first pair of tieks so excited to try them!
Anika says
I have a very wide foot with a high arch. My ideal size is 7.5 EE, which I don’t find often! After reading many reviews about tieks, I started saving up. I ordered my first pair this past Spring and they fit!!! I was pretty shocked! I was able to wear them for a whole day almost immediately. I will definitely be a repeat customer.
Maria Gavin says
That is so great to hear, Anika! Your feet must be so happy!
Marste says
Oh, I’m glad to hear this! I also have a wide foot with a high arch, and I’ve been reading reviews a bit skeptically, since so few shoes fit me well! Thanks for the comment, I’ll start saving for a pair. :)
Daniella says
Did you size up to an 8? I’m in the same
Boat and thinking of getting a pair.
Amy says
Anika, what color did you get? I also have wide feet and wear a 7.5-8.
Jennifer says
Having flat feet, I’ve never seemed to find a pair of flats that do not slip off. I have wide feet too. I really wish there was a store nearby. Even with the no hassle return policy, my wide-flat feet might not like Tieks.
Kelley says
I also have wide feet and struggle with finding shoes that fit well. I have two pairs of tieks and love them both!
Pam says
I love my Tieks! I have three pair (matte black, pewter, and cream) but wear my matte black ones the most. The inside of mine looks just like your Lovestruck pair. Great review!
mike says
Girls sweaty smelly shoes ha ha ha
Tina Bender says
Do you like your cream color. I’m buying my first pair and want a really neutral, but no black. Cream or the ballet color, or something else. I saw a review that someone returned the cream because they said the color was nothing like the photo. Any feedback?
Janinne says
Maria…great review…because of you I bought my first pair a few months ago…I love them, but had some questions that you answered…so thank you!! One last question… Do u fold yours up or leave them flat when you are not wearing them? Thank you!
Maria Gavin says
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it Janinne! I keep my Tieks open when they’re not in use, but that’s more out of laziness than anything.
kayla says
i am planning to wear tieks at my wedding this november! for the life of me, i cannot decide what color to get! but anyway, do you ever wear some sort of footie or sock with flats? when i say my feet/shoes smell i mean it haha! i am on the hunt for a pair that doesn’t show too much during everyday wear and that also doesn’t slide off my foot! thanks!!
Maria Gavin says
Oh my goodness, Kayla that is such a big decision! Maybe order 2 different pair and take them both to try on with your dress. I took about 8 pair of shoes to my fitting before finally making a decision. As for the socks, I wish I could help, but the ones I have are made for booties and they show way too much.
kayla says
thanks! that is the plan. our reception is in an old train station that is now a museum and has an old art deco feel. and my dress is champagne, so that sort of limits it a bit. and thanks! i am on a mission to find a perfect pair!
also, sorry my comment posted twice – i have multiple tabs open and am packing so i may have gotten distracted! whoops!
Maria Gavin says
I’m a big fan of the Romantic Blush- they blend well with many things and aren’t too pink in person.
Heather says
Hi Kayla!
Try Gekks. They are a no show liner. I haven’t tried them myself, but have read lots of great things about them. They may be what you’re looking for. Good luck!! Also, congratulations on your upcoming wedding :)
Maria Gavin says
That’s a great suggestion! They’ve been advertising a lot on my Instagram feed and I am definitely curious about the Gekks. Would love to know how they work out!
Cindy says
I wear Gekks in my tieks and they are perfect. I haven’t noticed much sweating since I started using the Gekks. My daughter also wears the Gekks in her tap shoes to help with smell. Definitely makes a difference.
Maria Gavin says
That is SO good to know!
Maeghan says
Cindy you mentioned that you wear Gekks with your Tieks. Does the shoe fully cover them or can you see a little bit of them?
Jen says
For smelly feet, soak them in apple cider vinegar at night.
Connie says
I was a teacher too and understand how important pair of shoes are. I rarely sat down and having support and comfort were essential. Thanks for a thorough review … the free shipping and return policy would convince me to give these a try if I were still in the classroom. BTW, my big toes also were always stress points in my shoes and I often think that that was a point upon which I would often rotate. A comfortable pair of shoes is always worth the money … divide that cost by the number of days & hours that you wear them and the cost is pennies per day!
Rachel says
Maria, thanks for the post! I own one pair of Tieks and love them. Can you tell me how you care for yours? I have the nude color and parts of the leather seem to be wearing away around the edges.
Maria Gavin says
I don’t have any great secret. I pretty much never ever wear them outside in the rain or snow. Other than that, I store each pair individually in a fabric shoe organizer in my closet. That’s about all!
kayla says
i am wearing tieks at my wedding this november! for the life of me, i cannot decide which color to get! but do you ever wear footies or some sort of sock with your flats? my feet can really smell, and i haven’t found a pair that doesn’t show too much or move around during the day!
Tiffany says
I have 3 pairs and I wear them almost daily. After a while, I noticed they started to smell like feet. I sprinkled baking soda in them, left it overnight, and cleaned them out the next day. For anyone concerned about them smelling like feet, I recommend using baking soda to freshen them up every now and then. :)
Maria Gavin says
That’s a great tip, Tiffany! Thank you for sharing!
Deborah says
Dryer sheets work well, too! They absorb wetness and odor.
Jess says
I use spray deoterant in the shoe before putting them on in the morning! I was so nervous they would get stinky, I just did it from the beginning!
JoAnn says
This is a great review! I got my first pair for Mother’s Day, the poppy ones- and the leather looked cracked, color worn away and very beaten up within 3 weeks! I was shocked, but they let me exchange them for a patent pair (great customer service!) which I’m hoping will wear better. I’m kind of scared of the softer leather now! Have you seen any wear in the leather like that?
Maria Gavin says
Not at all JoAnn. That is so odd! I’m actually scared of the patent ones because I tried on the Obsidian Black and they were too tight on me. My 2 regular leather pairs are still quite supple (otherwise I would have mentioned a quality issue in the post).
JulieY says
(Julie–Nora’s Mom) Well thanks to your original post a couple years back. I now have *cough* a few pairs. I am a 9.5/10 and always get a ten in tieks, but needed an eleven in my red patent tieks. I find my patent the most indestructible.
Maria Gavin says
I knew it was you when I saw “JulieY” :) I NEVER would have thought so size up so much for a patent pair. That is GENIUS! Now I have to reevaluate a few things :)
JulieY says
Yup, I have never even bought a size 10.5 shoe–but I am an eleven in the patents. I was pretty shocked, but I tried the tens and elevens on at the same time and the elevens were the clear winner. I have also tried an eleven in the leopard print and they were like boats–fell off my feet.
Jennifer says
My poppy Tieks did the same exact thing!!! I also have a pair of camel Tieks that over 1 year old and worn daily that look like new. Apparently the poppy is a distressed leather as is the cobalt blue and clover green. I am currently working with customer service for an exchange as well and am having a hard time deciding on another color since I loved the poppy color so much.
Sheri says
I have bought two pairs of tieks and both pairs have had marks on the edge of the heel just above the teal soul. Is this a problem you have had with any of yours?
Maria Gavin says
I haven’t noticed any marks near my heel. It might just be a difference in our gait when we walk. I read about another blogger having a similar problem and she used a baby wipe on her heel and the marks came right off. (It may have been a Clorox wipe… I can’t remember but I would feel safer using a baby wipe!)
Jess says
I bet I can explain that one, because it happens to me too – when you drive and have your foot on the accelerator, does that part of your shoe rest on the floor mat of your car? If so, that is most likely why (especially if it is happening more on the right shoe than the left).
Maria Gavin says
You are so smart! That happened to me with a pair of leather heels. I bet that’s the cause!
Katherine Martinez says
I know what my school shoes will be in August. I have been on the fence about purchasing a pair. Now I just need to decide on a color.
Maria Gavin says
I’m on #teamneutral :)
Lori East says
I LOVE my mustard yellow Tieks! I have worn them in fall, summer & now many spring wardrobes feature mustard! Black and Gold are the colors of the school district I work for, so anytime I can wear a spirit shirt to work, these are my go to shoes! I have worn mine on days I am on my feet actively monitoring for STAAR testing, in Austin at conferences where I’m walking from session to session all day, and just got back from New York and these were the most comfortable shoes I brought on my trip! I wish I had a color for every outfit I own. Not on my teacher salary though! I need to start saving for special things like this.
Angela Nerby says
I got the Love Struck for Christmas and was so excited! They were so comfy and so pretty. But I had to return them because after wearing them for only half a day, the sparkle started to rub off on the toes. I was so disappointed! But customer service is AWESOME and even after I dropped the ball and it took me like 3 months to actually return them, they still took them back and sent me a new pair. I’m glad yours are working out for you, though!
Maria Gavin says
That’s so sad to hear about your Lovestruck pair, but I’m glad customer service was so helpful about resolving the issue!
Yorker says
I too was going to comment on here about my toes rubbing off/ collecting dirt/dust on my love struck tieks! It breaks my heart because I planned on wearing them to my wedding! I am considering ordering a different type of finish. How do you clean your love struck tieks. In the photos in your blog, they look new. I can’t keep mine looking that way after 2 days of wearing them!?
Yorker says
They did not offer me an exchange when I contacted them. Only a different option.
MA says
I debated asking for a pair last year for my birthday or Christmas, but decided against it because I was unsure. But, the colors are so fun to look at that I go back to the website a lot just to look…maybe this year I’ll “bite the bullet” and make up my mind. I have narrow heels, so I’m guessing I would need to size down to a 7 (I wear a 7.5)…any idea? Often with cheaper ballet flat shoes, my heels slip out, which is why I like to know the brand or try things on first. Even thought it’s free returns, it’s an extra hassle.
Maria Gavin says
In your case, it sounds like sizing down may be the best way to start!
Kim Henrichs says
It pains me SO MUCH to buy them for the price but oh are they worth it. I love them!!!!
Krista says
Do the Tieks ever rub your heel? I seem to have that issue a lot with shoes, especially new ones.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Krista, I can honestly say that they’ve never rubbed on my heel. I think as long as they are the correct size, you should be ok
Jess says
I just got my second pair of Tieks (taupe this time) in the mail a couple of days ago. Taupe is close to a nude on me and I love that they go with everything. My first pair is Cardinal Red and they are just so much fun! I buy gift cards as my way of saving up for them.
Maria Gavin says
I love the Taupe ones and I’ve been drooling over the new Feather Gray Tieks!
Jen says
What about wet weather? So you ever have issues with water soaking through?
Maria Gavin says
I need to add that to the post. I never wear mine out in the rain or snow. Ever. I’m too scared to risk ruining them.
Ives1979 says
I read on their website that they can be treated with a water repellant as you would do with leather boots etc to wear in the rain.
carrie says
Do you wear any kind of liner with your Tieks or just wear them barefoot?
Maria Gavin says
Hi Carrie,
I always just wear mine barefoot and I don’t have many issues. I have heard good things about Gekks liners and these could be a good solution if you are concerned about going barefoot: https://www.mygekks.com/?variant=18247857668
Claire says
I took the Tieks plunge and bought my first pair a few months a couple of months ago. I picked Matte Black since it was the most practical for me. I’m a 6.5 and decided to size down since I knew the leather would stretch. They fit, but I definitely had to break them in. My toes hurt the first few long days of wearing them. Now, they fit perfectly.
I just ordered a pair in Burgundy in both a 6 & 7. The 6 was snug. The 7 just fit. However, when I compare the new size 7 to my broken-on size 6 Matte Black… the black shoes felt slightly looser/comfortable. I decided to keep the 6 and used the hair dryer method. That worked for me.
Thanks for such an honest review. When people ask me about them, I pretty much tell them the same things you tell people, that this is how it works for ME.
Maria Gavin says
Thanks so much for sharing, Claire! It’s a little crazy how different varieties of Tieks can fit so differently and I think women need to be willing to experiment a little until they finally find the perfect pair. Thankfully, the customer service department is so helpful. I’ve been using my hair dryer a little on my Romantic Blush pair and I think it is (slowly) making a difference.
Jennifer Bodenheimer says
Thank you for sharing your experience about your new Tieks. I just received my first pair – feather grey, and they are a bit tight, especially around my left big toe. I may try the hair dryer on them if they don’t stretch naturally.
By the way, if anyone is interested, the feather grey looks more nude or taupe than grey. I suppose this is okay with me but I was surprised.
Evie says
Great review and totally on point! I am a #tieksgirl, too and have quickly abandoned all other flats and most high heels in my closet for Tieks! I completely agree that some pairs are more comfortable right out of the perfect packaging than others. For instance, my navy and poppy Tieks felt like perfection on my feet immediately; my rose gold Tieks took a few wears for them to feel more comfy!
One thing that it important to note is the sizing, originally I sized up to a 7 (I wear a 6&1/2), but found that as they stretched out they were TOO BIG for me… Now, I buy a 6 and have no issues just out of the box or after some stretching. It truly depends on what you find comfortable. Since Tieks has no issue with you trying different sizes, take advantage of that and figure out what works best for you!
I get so many compliments on my Tieks and have sung the praises of this company from a quality and customer service mind set, but also because of their philanthropy.
I support American companies, buying American and companies that do a WORLD of good for people. Tieks truly is a good company. I don’t mind paying for the quality and knowing that I am supporting a company that does everything they can to keep my feet happy and make the world a better place. It’s a win/win!
Maria Gavin says
Thanks so much for your comment, Evie! I currently just have one pair that is stretched out and I will be curious to see how my other pairs do over time. I don’t think it will be an issue for me, but it’s interesting that everyone has found their own little Tieks “secret” to a great fit.
Cheryl Reeves says
Your review is thorough and intelligent. I know you must be a very good teacher! I was wondering if the stitching on the insole can be felt — specifically does it bother you? This past school year I have been suffering from Morton’s neuroma that is now healing, but I want to get a pair of flats (cute ones!) that does not squish my now wider toebox area — if I can relax this area on my shoes after a week then that would be sufficient. How long did you have to wear your Tieks before the big toe area did not bother you? THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Cheryl,
I’m so happy to hear that the review was helpful to you. I personally don’t notice the stitching at all but it might bother your sensitive feet. The toebox has sometimes been an issue for me. It might be best for you to call Tieks and ask which type typically feel roomier in the toebox (since everyone that wears Tieks can attest that different styles can fit very differently even if they are the same size). I really hope you finally find a comfortable pair of shoes that works for you.
Andrea says
Thank you so much for posting this!!! I’ve been reading reviews for months and I finally took the plunge and got a pair. I’m normally a 9.5, but have been known to size up or down depending on the shoe. I got a 9 and they are very tight and uncomfortable. Several other reviews have said that they should be tight and they will stretch a little, but I am concerned that it won’t be enough. I took advantage of the exchange policy, so I now have a 10 here as well. I plan on wearing them both around the house before sending one back, but I have to say that even though the 10 is slightly big, they are very comfortable and not pinching anywhere at all right out of the box. They are a bit big in the heel though, so I don’t want that to cause a problem in the future either. Why can’t they just make half sizes?!
Maria Gavin says
I don’t know why they don’t make half sizes and I feel your pain! You may want to try a different color (if it’s not too late). Sometimes a totally different color is just a better fit.
Morgan says
I am having the same exact issue, same size and everything. I wear a 9.5 and have both a 9 and 10 right now in the matter black while I decide. I really want a black pair but the 9 feels way to small and killed my feet but the 10 feels like my foot may slip out of them especially if they stretch any. I am a teacher too and desperately trying to find some comfortable and professional flats.
Jess says
Maybe try the patent leather black (I think it’s obsidian) in a 10. I believe the patent leather fits a little tighter than the full grain leather and it might be just what you need as a happy medium.
Maria Gavin says
I think that’s a great suggestion! I have tried them both as well and I agree that the obsidian has a fit that’s more snug.
Ives1979 says
I have size 7 matte black and just had them send me an 8 to compare. I’d the 8 then is to big and the 7 to tight, would they then let me try a pair of patent leather black before I send either other pair back? Bc your right, if I stay with an 8 a little big they maybe to big but then the seven is tight and might not stretch enough in which case the 8 patent leather would be perfect fit im guessing? Does anyone know if customer service would allow this, also where do the sizes you Yusuf saying fit hit on your heels I think mine may be hitting to low. Thanks for the help!
Kara says
Love the depth of your review! I’ve looked at Tieks for a long time and I am so thankful to be the proud owner of 2 pair! I am a perfect half size of 6.5 so I ordered a 6 in Chestnut. Too small. Went to 7 and they seemed a bit big. Then got the vegan Brentwood in a 7 and they fit perfect! Like they were made for a 6.5 footed person! Then I ordered a 7 in Poppy cause they are so fun and for my wardrobe they were the perfect match and fun at the same time. They are slightly big but my feet get puffy in the summertime heat so I’m sure they will be perfect. I haven’t worn the vegan long enough to make recommendations and the Poppy are still carpet only but so far I’ll say the vegan are a more snug fit. Not tight but more form-fitted. The Poppy are leather and fit looser and more flexible. Love them both and I’m considering saving for one more pair. Dressy and neutral colored!
Maria Gavin says
I love, love, LOVE those poppy Tieks! I think they are a little too vibrant for me and I would always talk myself out of wearing them. But I’m happy you own them and love them so much. It definitely takes some time to finally find the perfect fitting pair. I feel like Cinderella trying them on sometimes and I’m glad you found the pair and size that works for you!
jill says
thanks for the review. I just bought my first pair – love them but was on the fence about the color. i got wild cooper and just did an exchange for the romantic blush based o seeing them here. the customer service is amazing. they’ll send me the new pair and then i just decide which one to keep. wow – that’s great service too.
Maria Gavin says
Isn’t their customer service just out of this world? The wild copper Tieks are gorgeous and you already know how I feel about the Romantic blush. Sounds like you have a tough decision to make!
sandi says
Just purchased my third pair of Tieks. Unfortunately, the interior stitching (which according to Tieks is cosmetic) started to unravel. I had the shoe about 2 months and didn’t have much wear on them. They wanted me to send them in so they could fix them. Given the cost of the shoes and the fact that I hadn’t worn them much, I found that unacceptable. I would expect that they stand behind their shoes and replace them. Their response when I said as much to them: “Thanks for letting me know. We’re typically unable to take back Tieks that have been worn for an exchange. I’m sorry about that. From what I can see in those pictures, it looks like something may have snagged the stitching on the insole of one of your Tieks, causing it to come up. Since it’s decorative and doesn’t affect the structural integrity of the shoe, that’s something we can fix rather easily so that you can continue to enjoy your pair for a long time to come. We’d be happy to cover the shipping both ways and repair that free of charge. If we aren’t completely satisfied with the repair, I’d be happy to talk the team to see if we can exchange this pair for you. I want to be able to help you have a pair you can enjoy for a long time to come. Please let me know.” Not sure what they think “snagged” the stitching. Only my foot went into the shoe and my feet are in great condition! Too Bad…. Not so impressed with their customer service
Rebecca says
I understand how frustrating it is when customer service doesn’t give you what you feel you deserve, but after reading your experience, I feel Tieks IS being very fair. They aren’t telling you that you are stuck with the shoes, they are offering to repair them. I’m not saying you should be glad they are offering to repair, Ties ARE expensive and you SHOULD love them!! Please allow the company to repair your shoes, I think you will still love them AND want anther pair very soon!! I’m already on pair number 3, and know that I want more. I actually returned a pair that I kept past the 30 days and they still took them back. I hadn’t worn them outside the house, but I just felt underwhelmed by them!
sandi says
Thanks for your comments. Tieks has replaced the shoes!
Toni says
I’ve been avoiding your review because I haven’t wanted to fall in love with them. But, I read it and now I’m currently on the site. I’ve put my Stitch Fix on hold until late August for fall items and got a nice quarter bonus this month, so I’m going to use my “clothing” budget for Tieks and splurge a bit! Thanks for the awesome review! I love the Lovestruck ones and am going to order those right away!!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Toni,
I’m so glad to hear that the review was helpful to you! I hope you love your little splurge as much as I love mine!
Gina says
Maria,
I just bought the ballerina pink Tieks as my first pair. Ive been back and forth about returning them as they were quite a splurge for me and don’t feel any more comfortable than some of my go-to flats. However, reading your review of their durability has convinced me. I also teach and wear my shoes down to nothing. It’s good to know Tieks will last me a long time.
So now I’m debating exchanging the ballerina pink for the Romantic Blush. Which pair do you wear most often? Which pair works better with prints and patterns? How pink is the Romantic Blush as compared to the ballerina pink?
Maria Gavin says
Hi Gina,
These shoes are definitely made to last!
Ever since I got my Romantic Blush, I wear them way more often than my Ballerina Pink Tieks. They don’t look very pink on (even though the base is a soft pink). They look much more silvery-metallic than pink. They snake print gives them the impression of having a little extra texture and dimension and they look great with all sorts of prints and patterns. Since they look metallic, I think it makes them more neutral and versatile.
Hopefully that helps a little!
Brandy says
Hi!
I am definitely going to dive in head first with my first pair of Tieks. Thanks to you review, I am super excited!! I am now trying to decide between my top 2 favorites, Lovestruck and Romantic Blush, leaning towards Lovestruck. I wear all types of accessories but have much more silver pieces than others. Would Lovestruck still be a good option since is in a darker neutral? Its so hard to tell when you can see them up close before purchasing.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Brandy,
I have loved the heck of my Lovestruck pair. They are fabulous and they go with silver jewelry about the same as a black pair of shoes would coordinate. It hasn’t really been a problem for me. That being said, I have ADORED my Romantic Blush tieks and they look downright fabulous when they are styled with silver jewelry. It will be interesting to see how often I wear the Romantic Blush in the winter though… they naturally lend themselves more to my summer wardrobe.
Rose says
Does anyone ever wear their Tieks with tights or long socks in winter? I’m looking for a comfy pair of shoes for a trip to Europe in Oct and haven’t worn ballet flats before!
July says
Yes, I have worn by Tieks with tights in the winter. For me, they are much more comfortable wearing them with tights than with bare feet because I’m still trying to stretch them out. I haven’t had much luck in stretching them and it’s too late to return them.
Maria Gavin says
That is so interesting! Now I want to try wearing them with tights!
Katie says
Alright, I’ve been debating about getting a pair of tieks for a few weeks now, and I think I may now buy a pair! My biggest concern is that I have intense heel pain when I wear any type of heel, and there are very few flats (or heels for that matter) that stay on my heels. I don’t think I have narrow feet overall, but I do think I have narrow heels.
I have 3 pairs of “Me Too” flats I bought at DSW. I have to put powder in them every time I wear them or they will SMELL. But otherwise they are incredibly comfortable. If Tieks don’t require that step, I would be happy.
SarahM says
I currently have a pair of Hush Puppies brand ballet flats that are the classic elastic type. I’m concerned that they will feel like they aren’t staying on well or that they will slip and slide up and down my heel as I walk. Do you have that happen? Loved your review, but that is the only question I still have. Thanks!!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Sarah!
My shoes never feel like they are going to slip off. Even my Lovestruck pair, which are very stretched out sometimes feel a little loose when I first put them on, but never like they will flip off during the day.
SarahM says
Alright. I took the plunge. Thanks for the shove. Cannot wait for them to arrive. Went for the 8 since I’m an 8.5 and I thought 9 might be too big. Thanks for your review and answering my question! :)
Maria Gavin says
You are very welcome! I hope that size 8 is a perfect fit!
SarahM says
I got my beautiful metallic pewter Tieks last week and I am so in love I have my next 3 to 5 pairs picked out! Still working on getting them broken in, but these are so great.
Maria Gavin says
I love that you have a list of future Tieks to purchase!
Katie says
I just got mine, and was wondering how should they fit? I read many reviews that said they started out tight and you had to wear them in. Mine are not tight, and I have a full thumb-width at the toes. They haven’t slipped off, but my foot does slide a bit. I’ve only worn them for maybe a total of 20 minutes around the house so far. They mostly feel okay except because they were bent in the box, I’m noticing the shoe still bends upward in the middle under my arch as I walk.
I usually wear a 7 in flats (7 1/2 in anything requiring a sock) and I ordered a 7. I can’t imagine a 6 would be better, but I’m just concerned that so many reviews I’ve read said they are tight when you first wear them.
Jess says
That sounds way too loose. They have a great exchange policy – you can go online and request another size and they will just ship them to you so you can try on both pairs at the same time, then send back the size that doesn’t fit (all shipping is free).
Michelle says
After reading this post and all the responses, I made the plunge and ordered my first pair. My lilac Tieks arrived today and the color is just lovely. Had a hard time deciding on a color, so I can see purchasing another pair down the road (camel, olive, or patent red). I wear size 7.5, and I ordered size 8. Seems to fit very comfortably right out of the box. So far, I’m very happy with the purchase. Thanks for throwing me over the fence!!!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Michelle! I am so glad to hear that you live your Tieks and that they are pretty comfortable for you already! And I’m always glad to throw someone over the fence :)
Shaela says
I have to say, your review is the most thorough I have ever encountered. Thank you! My big hangup has always been the durability issue. I LIVE in flats pretty much from September until March, and end up having to buy new shoes almost every year because I wear them out. Sometimes I’m lucky and can make a pair last for two years. But in order to justify the cost, I need to know that these shoes will last me at least three years (seasons) with almost daily wear. What do you think? I probably just need to take the plunge and risk it, but when I’m used to spending $30-$40 on a pair of flats, $175 sounds insane.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Shaela,
I’m so sorry for my very delayed response! Tieks are pretty durable and the soles are insanely durable. The only issue of wear I have seen on my Tieks is that my big toenail is slowly cutting/wearing into the leather and I can feel that part thinning out on my Lovestruck pair. My big toenails curl up as they grow, so I think my problem is somewhat unique. I’m pretty sure the Tieks can easily outlast a regular pair of flats, but I’m not certain if one pair could be worn every day for three years. Although I am VERY curious to see how yours hold up if you do bite the bullet and invest in a pair!
Kymberly Daniels says
I wore my black mattes to the beaxh the other day. Between the forestry, sand & a curiosu dog, I was certain that they were ruined. Came home & other than the foot bed (which all of mine llok the same from living where I do), I was pleasantly surprised of their aftermath. No marks & cleaned up perfectly. I do own 8 pairs & never where the same pair two days in a tow.
Those that have Poppy, did you trat them with anything?
Alesa says
Why do you ask about treating the poppy? Actually I treated my poppy with leather conditioner, and it did not go well at all.
Have you treated yours? Do they feel scaly and dry like my poppy did/do? Very interested in your experience with this color.
Thanks.
Maria Gavin says
I haven’t noticed any dryness with my Tieks and I haven’t had to worry about treating them. I wonder if they used a different kind of leather on the poppy flats.
JoAnn says
Hi Maria: Thank you so much for your article on Tieks. It is very informative and provide the answers no other reviews I have read had.
My main concern is that I have a sort of big bunion on my left foot.
Do you think:
1) the shoes will stretch enough and not cause pain across my toes due to pulling of the leather to the left of my big toe?
2) it seems like the leather is very soft and so shows the outlines of your toes. How do you feel it will look with my bunion?
I really need a comfortable pair of shoes. Have been wearing Toms because they have lots of room in the toes, but I would like a pair of something else to wear.
Thank you!
Maria Gavin says
Hi JoAnn,
I’m so sorry for my very delayed response! It’s been a crazy-busy couple of weeks in the Gavin household :)
I have a small bunion on both of my feet and the Tieks don’t bother my bunions. The leather is pretty soft and they sometimes show bumps on toes. The softness is what will make the Tieks comfortable to wear with your bunions, but I know it’s a catch-22 because they are more likely to show the bunions. I would stay to try a metallic pair. They have the same softness, but the metallic finish adds texture that helps camouflage the toe outline and anything else. Tieks has free shipping and returns, so you won’t be out anything if you try a pair and decide you don’t like them. Hopefully that helps at least a little bit!
Irene says
Just bought a pair Matte Black. I got 8 and I normally wear 7 and 1/2. How should my Tieks fit? They fit perfect but you can see the edge of my toe line! Is that normal or are my Tieks too big?
Maria Gavin says
Hi Irene!
The bottom line is that the Tieks should be comfortable on your feet and not like they are going to fall off. If you can see a little “toe cleavage” that doesn’t necessarily mean they are too big. It might just be the way your Tieks are cut. My Tieks have never felt like they are on the verge of falling off. If yours feel loose, you should request and exchange for a smaller size. I hope that helps!
Laura m says
I have several pairs of tieks and I wear them every day. I have seen a variance in the fit from one pair to another. I’m a 7.5 with wide feet so I wear a size 8 in teiks. They fit great but as I said some are better fitting than others. I’ve never had discomfort in the heel but did need to break in a couple pairs around the toes. The patent are more stuff but I love them as an option for wet weather (not waterproof but I don’t like to wear the soft leather on rainy days). I can wear these all day and my feet are good, I have a high arch and plantar fasciitis so my feet hurt easily. I sometimes put the small arch insert into a pair when it is really flared up. These do not work well for me on vacation when I’m going to do a lot of brisk walking, I need a more supportive walking shoe for that, they killed me. But I still loooove them and wear them all the time and feel they are worth the price because they are so much more comfy, and adorable than any other flat I’ve ever owned. I highly recommend them!
Maria Gavin says
You shared so much helpful information! Thank you for chiming in! It’s always good to know how Tieks fit for people with wide feet and now you have me completely curious about the patent leather Tieks for when it’s raining lightly!
Susan says
What about plantar Faciitis? I have this in both feet.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Susan, there have been a lot of comments about how Tieks work with plantar fasciitis. The general consensus (if I recall correctly) seems to be that they are better than some shoes, but not a comfortable option to wear all day every day.
Kymberly Daniels says
I wore my black mattes to the beaxh the other day. Between the forestry, sand & a curiosu dog, I was certain that they were ruined. Came home & other than the foot bed (which all of mine llok the same from living where I do), I was pleasantly surprised of their aftermath. No marks & cleaned up perfectly. I do own 8 pairs & never where the same pair two days in a tow.
Those that have Poppy, did you treat them with anything?
Jennifer says
Do they click on tile floors?
Maria Gavin says
Not at all! The soles are rubber so no clicking. But they will squeak a little when you first wear them (even in carpet). Fortunately, the squeaking goes away with time.
Kymberly Daniels says
This is my 7th pair of Poppy & I am on the fence of selling them or keeping them. All od my others, I waterproofed with no issues. I am terrified to touch this pair of Poppy. Why would an intelligent woman buy 7 pairs? Ugh…
Maria Gavin says
What’s different about the poppy pair? Is it a special leather?
Ivan says
Hi Maria,
Thanks fro your wonderful review. I hope you don’t mind but I am a small frame guy and after and injury in the top of one of my feet, I’ve been wearing ballet flats for a while.
I have 3 pairs of Tieks and it took me one or two weeks to break them in as I have flat feet but after those weeks my Tieks (I wear women shoe size 9.5 so I always order size 10 on Tieks to be comfortable)feel like slippers. Personally I put arch inserts to add comfort and I can walk almost all day long with them.
They are expensive but I have 2 of my 3 pairs for two years and I am surprised how resistant the leather and insoles are. I have in black matte, cobalt blue and gold and my next pair will be in blue navy or chesnut. These flats have replace my old cheap flats and even home slippers, so I think they worth the money as I wear them almost everyday except in rainy days.
Have a nice day !
Ivan
Ivan says
By the way yes the breaking period was painful specially cause the flats tended to close like a clam and then leather pinched in my big toe, so whay I did I wore them with socks at home and beded in the opposite direction and then I put under a moderatly heavy couch for 2 days. then I wore them again with socks and I used a hair dryere to soften the leather where it pinched my big toe, then the trick of the couch (extreme but it worked)and after two weeks wearing them at home with socks I decided to wear them the 3rd week barefoot at home. When I found them comfortable I wore them outdoors, Hope it helps.
Ang says
I have to be honest in saying I hated my Tieks the first three or four times I wore them. True, the box is cute and I kept it because it is so fancy. True, the shoes smell wonderful like a plush leather easy chair. True, the hand-written note is a cute touch. But I was buying shoes, not a fancy box or a friendly note. I wanted the SHOES to be amazing. The first day I wore them, it felt like my feet were on fire…literally. I had paid so much for the shoes, I didn’t want to give up. Plus, they are so darn cute. Even now when I wear them, my feet hurt at the end of the day. Every day is a little better and I am waiting for the day that my feet finally aren’t killing me after wearing the shoes so I can join the ranks of those singing their praises. But for now, I never, ever recommend the shoes and when people ask me, I am brutally honest. I wish someone would have been honest with me because I might not have bought the beautiful bits of leather loveliness.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Ang and thank you for your comment! It’s always appreciative and sometimes they really do hurt. I’ve sent some back because I wore them around the house and the Tieks were too painful. In those situations, I always recommend exchanging for another pair to try and get a more comfortable fit. I’m so sad that yours still hurt! That being said, I have FINALLY reached the point where all 4 pair of my Tieks are equally comfortable. I can wear them all day long without any discomfort on my big toe at the end of the day. I think wearing them more in the summer heat helped break them in faster. I hope yours feel more comfortable soon!
Susan says
Such an informative post. I hope to order a pair, maybe for my birthday , which is on Monday. Hard to treat myself, but know it’s important to take care of me too.
Elizabeth says
I am wondering if you had ever worn the no show socks with them? I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Tieks and I bought the no show socks to go along with it.
Maria Gavin says
I have a few low cut socks and they still show. I have heard lots of good things about Gekk liners and I’ve been wanting to try them!
Kymberly Daniels says
Did someone really put a couch on their shoes to stretch? I own many pairs & would never suggest that! There are many other options that I would explore first.
Shelly says
I bought my first pair in the spring and I am very upset at how they have worn in only 4 months. All around the toe area, the color has come off. When I sent pictures to their customer service department, they said they do not usually allow returns after a few months, but if I paid to send them to back they would consider it. I live in Canada….NOT inpressed and will not be purchasing another pair. I really liked them, but the quality for the price is not there.
Maria Gavin says
Oh no! That is so sad to hear! What style was it?
Shelly says
Wild Copper…I loved them but now upset with the customer service. I bought two pair and the second pair is fine….manufacturing mistakes happen but they should stand behind their products.
Emily says
Hi, thanks for the great review! It was so helpful. I just recently learned about this brand and I’m having a hard time deciding which color to buy. Sorry if you’ve already addressed it and I missed it, but have you tried the patent? I’m thinking of going for the patent nude in a size 9 (usually wear a size 8.5). I’m wondering if they break in easily?
Shelly says
I have the patent black and have had no problem at all with about the same amount of wear time. They look brand new. Love them….I think the problem is in the animal patterns as they are a different type of leather. I wish I could up load pictures :(
Shelly says
oops…I forgot to add. I had not problem with wearing them in, never a blister. I think you are smart to go with the 9.
Maria Gavin says
I once tried the matte black and obsidian black at the same time. I kept the matte black because they were more comfortable and I thought they would stretch more easily but that has been my only experience thus far with the patent Tieks.
Ava Defreest says
What about for narrow feet? I’m a aa.
Heidi says
Thanks for the thorough review! I would love to save up for a pair of Tieks someday. I think they would make excellent travel shoes.
Meg says
I recently bought Lovestruck Tieks and they hurt out of the box. I emailed them and they suggested wearing thick socks with them initially around the house, to break them in. I’m doing that right now and hoping for good results! Thanks for the honest review.
Maria Gavin says
Mine hurt at first too. The best thing that happened to them was suffering through a walk all through the streets of Chicago. I’ve heard thick socks as a hair dryer sometimes helps. Good luck!
Jacqui says
Wow! What a very thorough, detailed review, and was so helpful! You didn’t hold back on showing your old shoes with the used insoles. (We all know shoes end up looking like that.) I don’t think you are a paid sponsor but based on your blog, I think I’m gonna get a pair :-) I have an “extended size” foot and they call it “specialized”. It’s almost impossible to find shoes above a 10 that aren’t athletic. Based on the fact that they sell up to a size 13 women’s I’m super happy and planning to buy!
Sara says
How do Tieks do in the rain and snow? Thank you for such a thorough description of your Tieks! I’m seriously considering buying some!
Maria Gavin says
Honestly, I never wear my Tieks in precipitation. If it’s going to rain or snow, I wear boots and change into my Tieks after I’m at work. I’m just too scared to damage them. Another person commented that the patent leather ones hold up well in light rain.
Emily says
Hi! I would just like to start off with saying how much I truly appreciate your honest review! It makes me want a pair of Tieks so much more now!
I am an Elementary Education major and I am doing observations in classrooms for 40+ hours and need shoes that I can wear with professional attire for long periods of time. I went to a classroom yesterday for only six hours with my $30 flats and I have blisters on my heels and on my baby toes (it’s horrible).
Taking the plunge to buying $175 flats scares me, but having the return policy is comforting. I’m nervous about having size 10 wide feet.
As a teacher, can you wear your Tieks all day without blistering? (Have you ever experienced any discomfort on your heals from rubbing?) Is the pressure on your big toe painful? Sorry for the questions, I’m trying to read reviews and watch YouTube reviews to ensure that I’m making a good decision.
I’m trying to build my wardrobe of clothes for student teaching next semester and I am debating on making this investment…
Thank you so much!
Julie says
Loved this post – wish I would have read this one before I bought mine… Other blogs and comments from people I know who have them told me to size down if I am a half size – so I bought a 6… I wore them around the house and it didn’t bother me too much, but the big toe thing was very accurate after the first full day of wearing them! Now they are rubbing my foot on the side… I am going to give them some more tries and hope they stretch out – if not I will def order a 7 for the next pair – I can see the potential of the comfort!
Nelle Woodruff says
I have high arches, I have two metal anchors in my right foot, my left foot is wider than my right foot and the right foot is longer than my left! And if I’m on my feet for any length of time I experience horrific foot pain to the extent that I have difficulty walking the next day. Needless to say, I have a lot of trouble finding shoes that are comfortable as well as attractive. I’ve owned my Tieks now for about 4 months and yesterday I bravely decided to wear them for a long day of traveling. I walked in my Tieks for a total of 3.7 miles through 4 airports and my feet never hurt! No foot pain at all this morning! P.S. I usually wear an 8.5 wide and my Tieks are a size 9.
Maria Gavin says
Oh my goodness, that is SUCH great news! I’m so happy that you were finally able to find a pair of shoes that were comfortable enough for your walking needs. And THAT is why I love Tieks so much!
Nelle Woodruff says
By the way, I taught elementary school for 25 years. Sure wish Tieks were around then!
Neeki says
Thanks for your review. Are there ever any sales or coupon codes/promotions for the shoes? They sell from $175 and I would like to get a discount.
Maria Gavin says
A few years back, I noticed that Tieks would have one sale all year and it was during the holidays. Last year, I kept my eye out for the sale because I really wanted to buy a new pair and I never saw one. I’m not sure if they plan to have a sale this year or not.
Samantha says
I was wondering, if you wear Tieks out in the rain, do they get soaking wet? Do you feet get soggy? How does the leather feel after they’ve dried?
Maria Gavin says
Hi Samantha, good question! I’m too nervous about my Tieks getting damaged by water so I almost never wear them in rain or snow. Instead, I usually wear boots to work and change into my Tieks after I arrive. I hope that helps a little. It is just too much of an investment for me to risk ruining them!
margarita_fernz says
Hello Maria! I would just like to ask about the size you got in LOVESTRUCK? I am size 8 in classics but i tried size 8 in vegans and its too tight for me.. Is lovestruck the same material as classics ? Should i try size 9 if i get lovestruck?or just 8?
Thank you so much!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Margarita,
I would say the the Lovestruck sizing feels very similar to the classics. I’m a 9 in both!
Erika says
Thank you so much for your thorough review!
Sorry if you’ve already mentioned this and I missed it… but about how long did you have your Lovestruck flats before you started noticing the wear in the big toe area?
Elise says
Hi Maria! Great post! I loooove Tieks but so far I have only purchased the classics. I’m currently struggling over which to get, Romantic Blush or Lovestruck. In your experience which holds up best and which fits most comfortably? Thank you!
Maria Gavin says
That is such a tough choice! Both pair require the same amount of breaking in but the crinkle texture of the Lovestruck make them a little more delicate. It’s not bad, but it’s something in my head when I wear them. The Romantic Blush seem a little more durable.
Elise says
Thank you so much Maria! I plan to get both in the future but for now I have enough in my “Tieks fund” for just one pair so Romantic Blush it is!! You have great taste I want all four of yours!
Maria Gavin says
I love all 4 pair that I own and I hope you adore the Romantic Blush!
Windy says
Thx for the great review! Just bought first trial pair on posh. I’m fine with them being being broken in!
Soci says
Don’t ever buy the vegan ones… i have worn mine less than 5 times and the sides are coming off due to the very minimal cloth that extends to the sole… i have given Tieks feedback and they provided me with a discount on the next pair instead… i’m still thinking if its worth it to buy a other pair with the steep price and my disappointing first buy. :(
Lucretia says
I have a question, I just bought my first pair and they’ve arrived and I wasn’t sure they fit correctly so I asked for a second pair… and not I’m more confused. The smaller size fit snugger and don’t feel like they would slip off but they are almost to tight… I was wondering if over time Tieks stretch with wear… Help! I don’t know which pair to keep
Maria Gavin says
Hi Lucretia, did the larger pair feel too big on you? I have found that Tieks do stretch a bit, but it takes a while for that to happen. And if they feel too right before you even wear them for an hour, it makes me nervous that the breaking in process will be very painful for you. You could try the blow dryer truck to help them start softening up. Whatever you do, don’t wear your Tieks out of the house while you debate what to do.
Michele says
Hi Maria,
I was just told we need to have red shoes for our choir Christmas concert. I broke my foot 2 years ago and have to have comfortable shoes. I have extremely high arches, a wide toe (kinda hobbit-like feet) and wear a 6.5 wide shoe normally.
I keep seeing Tieks – and they’re adorable – but I now need to use foot arch support inserts. Is that possible in Tieks? We stand for hours singing (Catholic too, you know how long those Christmas Evening services are) and I am desperate now to find and break in a show before then.
Please advise? Also why the heck aren’t you getting paid for being a Tiek’s spokesperson? Yours is the most honest and comprehensive info on them I have found online so far.
Thank you so much. God bless.
~Michele
Maria Gavin says
Hi Michele and thank you for your kind comments. I’m definitely not a Tieks spokeswoman, but I do use affiliate links, which allow me to make a commission when people make a purchase through the site. I honestly don’t know much about support for high arches and I’m not aware of people using an arch support insert. I have heard of a few people adding a Gekk liner to their Tieks to control odor so I wonder if it would be similar. I recently purchased a pair of Tory Burch flats. They are also very expensive but have a lot of cushioning and did not require me to break them in. They also come in red. Again, I’m not sure if an insert will fit in them, but they sell Tory Burch flats at Nordstrom so you could at least try them on and see what you think. Here’s an affiliate link to those shoes. http://rstyle.me/cz-n/b5ixarbjbcf I WISH I could refer a nice inexpensive flat for you, but you know how cheap flats fit and unfortunately, when it comes to shoes, you get what you pay for.
Virginia says
Hi! Do you have any experience with their vegan line? I’m interested in those but wonder if the comfort/durability is any different for the vegan options.
Thanks!
Amelia says
GIRL. I cannot say enough good things about Tieks. It’s honestly my favorite brand out there right now. Every time I wear the leather street shoe I get compliments. They are a littttttttle too tight on me (mostly up by my toes) but as they stretch out they’re getting more comfortable. If you’re in-between sizes I’d say order up. Let me know if you buy :D
Stacy Hart says
I loved your very thorough review, especially the part about the toe box. My first pair was California Navy and they fit great right out of the box. I bought a pair of the bronze ones and the toe box was so shallow I had the beginning of a bruise on both big toe nails the first day. Since I wore them to work I didn’t feel I could call about a replacement. My secret was to buy cedar shoe trees which helped stretch the toe box. I wore them today for the second time and they were better. It’s going to take a bit of time before they are perfect. One trick that I learned when selling shoes at Nordstrom is to spray the inside with some warm water and then put the shoe tree or stretcher in them overnight.
Maria Gavin says
That is SUCH a great tip! I will have to look into getting a shoe tree or stretcher. Thank you!
Tiffany says
I am wondering if anyone has had the same luck as I have. I received mine as a gift in June (it is now December). My husband got me a size 6 matte black bc I normally wear 5 1/2 and it was too large to feel comfortable keeping them. I emailed Tieks and they quickly sent me a size 5. The 5 fits however is pretty snug!
Fast forward 6 months with less than 50 wears of my Tieks in an office environment with carpet and the sole of my Tiek ripped on the back of the heel where the stitching is.
I emailed Tieks and they said we typically don’t give exchanges for signs of wear in Tieks and asked for pictures. I am waiting to hear back.
I hardly think that the sole ripping is a sign of wear that should be occurring after less than 50 wears for a shoe that costs $175. Hopefully I have an update soon!
Tiffany says
Update! I contacted Tieks about the sole ripping and they have asked that I return the old pair (and provided postage) and I will be receiving a new pair!
I am excited that they are sending the new pair however I am bummed I have to break in a new pair! Guess breaking in a new pair is better than owning Tieks with a ripped sole.
Jordan Petty says
Hi! Thinking of investing in a pair of these! Wanted to get your opinion… I’m debating between the Lovestruck and the Black Matte. Do you feel like the Lovestruck can go with black and browns? The price makes me want to get something a little more fun than just the black but the Lovestruck is quite a bit more and I am trying to decide if it is worth it. Thanks!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Jordan! Yes, I have worn my Lovestruck shoes with a variety of neutral colors. I found that I wore them more often with tans, browns, and blues. I also sometimes wear them with black pants when I wore a coordinating color on top.
Bailey says
Hi there. Thanks for your blog! Very interesting. I purchased my first pair of Tieks 3 months ago (in sept). I got the Taupe and absolutely love that I can literally wear them with anything as the color is so incredibly versatile.
After about a month of straight wearing them just about every day I started having problems with my big toe… after about another month and it not getting any better, I finally realized it was the shoes. :( I now only can wear them for a day or two max and then have to take a break from them. I have been trying to decide if I should try a size up and hubby has said he thinks they are too big and I should try a size down… I have about 1/2″ from the end of my big toe and the end of the shoe. Do you mind telling me how yours fit?
Also, the wear on them has been crazy… the entire edge of the leather around the bottom near the sole looks completely scuffed… note I sit down in an office all day and have never noticeably tripped or scuffed them. I am super disappointed in how fast they have become worn – I thought they would last longer being so expensive. Have you seen or heard of wear like that on these before?
Maria Gavin says
Hi Bailey! Hmmm… I don’t have that much room at the end of my toe. That’s kind of a lot of space, but if you size down, I wonder if you won’t have enough space. Also, my Lovestruck pair has similar wear near the soles, but that leather is a different texture and it’s more delicate. I haven’t had that problem with my other pairs. Do you have wide feet? If so, maybe that’s the source of your issue. If your feet are wide, I could see them causing the leather to spill (for lack of a better word) a bit over the sole. If you buy a second pair, I would definitely say to try a size up (which is recommended for wide feet) just to see if you prefer the fit. If not, you could always exchange them for the smaller size.
Karen says
Have you or anyone found a good no show sock that works well with tieks?
Maria Gavin says
Hi Karen! I personally think the expression “no show sock” is an oxymoron when it comes to flats since they always show. I’m not aware of any socks that are discrete enough to remain unseen with a pair of Tieks. That being said, I have heard good things about Gekk liners. You may want to check them out.
Katie says
i love my matte black, but am considering buying another pair. Admittedly I’m *not* much of a flashy person. I always opt for neutrals (white, tan, black) esp b/c I can wear them to work. That said, I’m considering buying the Lovestruck but b/c they’re so sparkly, I was wondering if you consider them work-acceptable or not? I work in an office, business casual. My other top option is the Taupe, which sounds painfully boring, lol. Last is the Slate Grey Croc, but I’m not sure how well the patents hold up.
I am NOT a person who buys expensive shoes, and I can’t see myself buying 10 pairs of Tieks, but 3 total at some point seems reasonable. Especially since they seem pretty durable.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Katie! I personally think that metallics make great neutrals and I have worn my Lovestruck Tieks to school at least 100 times. I absolutely think they are work appropriate. If you’re going to invest so much in a pair of shoes, you should love them. I don’t think you’ll regret investing in a Lovestruck pair :)
Michelle says
I just got my first pair and was so excited. However, I put them on and started to walk around the house in them and on the very first step I noticed them making noises. This sounds bad to say but it sounds like fart noises when I walk. Has anyone had this problem? The noise is so bad that I can’t wear them and I am sad to return my Tieks.
Jess says
Mine do that too! It went away as soon as the leather started warming up. (Within the first day.)
Tiffany says
Mine did this also you just need to break them in.
Maria Gavin says
I agree with everyone. I promise that goes away! The first day (maybe 2 days) are “noisy”, but it does lessen and completely go away if you continue to wear them.
Amy says
This is a wonderfully accurate overview of Tieks! I just ordered my 7th pair (a replacement for my first matte black ones that I purchased years ago) and I truly LOVE them all! I agree that some fit like a glove a first and others are a bit tighter. I too teach K and walk all day on my Tieks – no achy feet at the end of the day for me either! Thanks so much for all you post about your classroom and your personal style! I follow and love all of your ideas, tips and reviews! Thank You – Thank You – Thank You!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Amy and thank you for such a sweet comment! I’m curious to know what were your most comfortable and least comfortable styles to try on. (So I can invest wisely in my next pair!)
Donna says
What about stretching of the leather? I’m considering the Fuschia but after reading the comments, I’m not sure if I should order the 10 or the 11.
Rebecca says
How much do Tieks stretch? I. Or ally wear a 9 but like a 9.5 in a flat. (I’m also a kindergarten teacher). I’ve ordered a 9 and thought I may want a little more room in the toes. The 10 fits but I’ve heard that Tieks WILL stretch and I’m afraid the 10 will end up being too loose. Any advice?
Maria Gavin says
They do stretch a bit. I have to size up because I am a true half size. The stretching hasn’t been too much for my feet so I dint imagine it will be for you either. My Lovestruck pair have the most stretch, but not so bad that they won’t stay on my feet. Hopefully that helps answer your question a little!
Rebecca says
I guess I should really ask HOW much they stretch? Was a significant difference? My toes are near the end of the 9s right now, and my toe shoes (like yours I”m thinking!), but in the 10 I have a touch of room, and I also have a high arch, I’m worried the 10 will end up being too big, but I”m also worried the 9 won’t stretch and I”ll end up selling them on eBay in order to buy the 10s after all. I’m starting to think I”m just going to have to try them and take the chance! Any (more) advice you can give is VERY much appreciated!
Susan says
I just received my first pair and thought for the $$ I spent, they would feel phenomenal from the start. My biggest issue is due to the way they are forever folded which means every time I try them on, there is simply no support for my arch, th footbed doesn’t even touch my achildren. Does this get better with time? Has anyone with high arches been successful wearing these? Thx
Jessi says
Susan I’m stuck with he same dilemma. What did you end up doing? I’m waiting for the smaller size now to compare the two. I noticed the bigger size (8 for me) felt like it rubbed on my sides. I was expecting fireworks when I tried them on but didn’t get that! :( Hopefully the 7’s fit better. Dang I wish they had half sizes. lol :)
Cathy says
I too was expecting to be amazed. I had 5 colors i was going to order. They’re horrific. Kill my big toe nail and it’s not that’s it’s small in length but a super round small toe box. And it’s so wide in the arch area! They barely look left or right. Soooo sad.
Susan says
I am a 6.5 and ordered 7. High arches here as well. I have a bit of room around all toes but not much for big toe, so I think I sized correctly.
Cindy says
I just bought 7 in lovestruck and after wearing in house toes feel good, but heels a little loose. Why couldn’t I wear foot petals I the heels to just tighten them.hate things too tight on my toes as I Almohad every ingrown toenails an too tight is very painful.my normal size is 6or 6.5 and the 7 are comfortable. Why buy something you hurt in when going up a bit will give toes more room and foot petals will fill it he back if a bit loose.
Sam says
I impulsively bought a pair earlier this week because I’ve been browsing for a good flat for a business casual environment, and the lack of support in Tory Burch shoes made me decide to keep looking for something new. I used to wear a pair of ballet flats from Paul Green which were amazing in the comfort arena, but everything they’ve released in the last year or two has been pretty unappealing aesthetically.
I stumbled across Tieks and their website does advise you to size down if you’re a half size (I’m an 8.5 like you), but I found that the 8 was a bit too snug around my toes. I was debating whether to return them or exchange them for a 9, and reading your article really helped! Thanks so much for sharing your experience, I’m looking forward to breaking in my own pair. They sound like a pretty great shoe, my only hesitation is for $175, I’d rather they be assembled somewhere with a better humanitarian background than China.
Thanks again!
Rebecca says
I wear a 9/9.5 depending on the shoe. I’ve found that a 10 in Tieks just worked better for me. I’ve already bought a 2nd pair! They are the most amazing and comfortable flats I’ve ever worn!!! Customer service is amazing also! I will definitely be adding more pairs of Tieks to my collection!
Nicole Gallop says
I made the leap and bought these shoes. They were really uncomfortable when I got them, but I stuffed them with socks to stretch them and wore them in and we got to a comfortable place. In month 2 the front plastic of the shoe came apart. After that much $$ I was really disappointed!
I emailed them and they were happy to fix them but I live internationally so they said I have to pay for the cost of shipping because their shoes broke. By time I pay for that shipping it will be $60-$100, I could have bought another pair of flats here that are decent.
Not happy.
Patty W. says
I have plantar fasciitis & very little sensation in my feet due to MS, so I’m supposed to be wearing supportive shoes to avoid additional foot problems (doctor’s orders). Its frustrating b/c I feel like I never get to wear cute shoes anymore. I know you said above that these are not the most supportive shoes but do have more support than most flats. Do you think it’s enough support people with foot ailments?
Maria Gavin says
Hi Patty! I don’t have foot any foot ailments, so the last thing I want to do is pretend to be an expert about how the shoes feel to someone who does suffer from plantar fasciitis. I looked around and this person LOVES her Tieks even though she also suffers from plantar fasciitis. So they just might work for you as well. http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/2016/02/my-take-on-tieks.html
Erica says
Really loved this post! I’m getting ready to have my second child (#1 is a toddler) and desperately in need of some “quality” flats which can be dressy or casual. I’m really drawn to the olive green color as carrying me through spring, summer, or fall. I’m also a wide 8.5 so I will take your advice and size up. Thanks!
Jess says
I’m an 8.5 wide also and after ordering a 9, ended up exchanging them for 8s. So, if they seem too loose or anything, don’t hesitate to request another size – Tieks will mail them out and you can try kn both sizes at the same time and return the pair that don’t work for you.
Bailey says
Hi Maria.
Im working on setting up a Tieks Raffle to raise money for breast cancer. I’m waiting to hear back from Tieks as I submitted all my paperwork to them a few days ago. If this goes through, are there any tips you may be able to give to help make the raffle a success? With your familiarity with Tieks and blogging and communicating with people about Tieks, I thought you may be able to offer a couple tips. :)
Thank you!
Andrea says
Hi! I loved your informative blog about Tieks and I have a question… How long did you own your oldest pair? I’m a fellow Tieks lover and considering ordering a new pair. My original/only pair was purchased in the summer of 2014. It has took me through my pregnancy with my daughter and I just love them, but upon further examination I noticed the worn down leather at my big toe inside my shoes. Is it going to end up as a whole? 😱 How long is it before it happens?
Do you notice a difference in comfort, stretch, flexibility, durability between the original leathers and the prints? (Pink ballerina/romantic blush)
Thank you for your time!
Alesa says
Hi. Love your review. Thanks! I own one pair: poppy. They have never given me one pain, and I love them. They felt scaly and dry, though, so I put a leather conditioner on them. The result was not good at all.
Do you clean and condition yours? If so, what do you use? Tieks really doesn’t give any guidance on this that I’ve been able to find, and that is not good. I’ve called them and need to send them a photo of them. Thanks for any recommendations or “official” cleaning/conditioning instructions from Tieks that you may be aware of.
Meg says
Thanks for this detailed review! I just ordered my first pair – they arrived this weekend. I’m looking forward to wearing them around the house for a few days to make sure I’m happy with the fit in case I want/need to exchange them. Can’t wait to show the love to them you have. I travel a lot for work and was hard pressed to find something for a long day of meetings/conference and flight home. I think this might finally be the solution I’ve been looking for.
Mina says
I love my Lilac ones, I’ve had them about a year and they have reached the point of being pretty broken in though I still stuff the toes in between each west. (I, too, have weird toe issues and toe nails sensitive to pressure in shoes).
A few months ago I bought my second pair – Arabian Nights! As a patent they are a little tighter and I had to exchange the first pair because the stitching inside the side of the shoe seemed unfinished or just the patent felt rougher. My second pair was much better so I stuffed them for a week or so, walked around in them, all good, so I wore them out… and then something started rubbing/cutting on my heel. It’s either the stitches right on the heel or the rough edge of the patent right there. Any ideas? They’re fine with tights and such and I was hoping it might just soften up because it’s on the edge so I can’t really use moleskin anything else.
Briteny Mcnair says
Hi! I have a question, I am a waitress at a restaurant. I walk through the dining room and kitchen a lot, how slip resistant are tieks?
Erin says
Does anyone with plantar fasciitis have experience wearing Tieks? I’d love to hear your opinion. I’m considering these for my wedding, and then using as an everyday shoe for teaching. I do feet exercises daily to ward off the plantar fasciitis plus I had a cortisone shot in my heel about 2 years ago, but I am very careful about my footwear. Normal flats are a big no-no for me. Thanks for any info on this.
Tiffany says
I have it and they don’t bother me!
Erin says
Thanks Tiffany. Are you able to wear them all day? I have it so bad that a day of wearing normal flats with no support makes me hobble by the end of the day, so I haven’t worn flats in years. My doctor tells me I must wear shoes with support. I’m wondering if Tieks with my insoles would work for me. They are really beautiful, but I’ve had such terrible luck in the past with flats. Thank you!
Jennifer says
I am curious how the love struck are different. You made me want them so bad but $265 :( which i swear was 235 two weeks ago when i purchased my taupe, but could be wrong. Anyways I have only taupe would you spend the extra for lovestruck or get black?
Sheena says
Do you wear no show socks or just barefeet?
Jacqueline says
Just wanted to let you know I was going to already buy the matte black tieks then I ran across your blog and decided to click it from you site to help support you from afar. If I am paying the whole thing might as well give some of it to a helpful friend. Keep it up!
Maria Gavin says
Aw, Jacqueline, thank you SO much! I really appreciate the support!
Deborah says
I did not read every post, forgive me it this is a repeat.
How do Tieks hold up to water/rain??
Maria Gavin says
The answer to that question is mostly a mystery! I never wear mine in the rain because I dint want to damage them. Someone commented previously that the patent leather Tieks do ok with exposure to rain.
Deborah says
Thank you for your response. I’d like to try a classic pair in the cardinal red. Struggling justifying the cost!
(Thank you for letting me chat without creating yet another account🙄)
Maria Gavin says
I am such a neutral girl, but I LOVE the cardinal red Tieks!
Elle says
Just gotta say that I read this review last year and it inspired me to buy my first pair. Then I bought my second, my third and now my fourth is on the way. Absolutely love Tieks and they’re practically the only shoes I wear anymore!
Beth says
Thanks so much! I’ve been considering which flats to save up for. The ones I was looking at are lauded for comfort except for cutting into the heel, something I’ve had a problem with in the past and am not eager to repeat. I’m so glad you covered that in your post.
Thank you for being so comprehensive in your review.
Joy says
I’m thinking about the Rose Gold Glam….has anyone ordered a pair of them?How long does it take to receive them?
Jess says
As long as they aren’t marked out of stock, if you order before 2pm PDT, they ship priority mail the same day – delivery in 2-3 days depending on where you live.
Bri says
I will NEVER buy another pair of Tieks. I purchased 2 pairs- The Black & Nude Patent. BOTH pairs ripped after only a handful of times being worn. I contacted the company and informed them, but they said there was nothing they could do. I saved up my hard earned money to be able to purchase these because I was told they were long lasting, durable shoes… but they didn’t even last a month before both pairs being ruined. Such a huge disappointment. I don’t recommend the shoes at all.
Laurie says
Bri, how awful. Did they feel tight while you wore them?
A national store would not accept a return on a turnic that was ruined after one laundring (it pilled horribly; the dye blotched; just awful). “You have laundered it — we have no idea if you followed the tag instructions.” I literally had it balled up to throw in the trash and decided to write a nice note (with my account number so they could see my ordering history) and mail the top back at my expense with a pleasant note a la construction criticism abut the fabric. Voila! They gave me a refund. I would try the same with Tieks — you never know. That is a LOT of money for shoes that fell apart.
Laurie says
Tunic! Sheesh.
Casey says
I ordered the taupe and they looked too boring (almost like real ballet shoes) and after reading your report I just ordered an exchange of the romantic blush. Love how they look neutral but not boring. I think if I worked outside of the house more I would keep them because the taupe would be a great professional color. I really wish they weren’t almost $100 more though!! Yikes
Joy says
I ordered Rose Gold Glam last Sunday….shipped out on Monday, received them on Wednesday….PERFECTION!!!!! I love them!!!!!!!
Nancy says
Two questions.
1. I usually wear a 7, so that’s what I ordered in Tieks. They arrived very quickly! I’ve only worn them in my house. But they feel too tight And my feet hurt inside the ball of the foot. I’m nervous about sizing up to an 8 – seems too big.
2. Do they ever “uncurl”? That curling seems counter-intuitive with the shape of the foot – leaving a gap when I wear them.
Really – I want to like them, but this is what I have experienced on my first 2 days of trying.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Nancy! I think you should stick with a 7 but you may have an exceptionally tight pair (which has happened to me before). I would exchange them for a different size 7 if they hurt that much. I’ve never had the ball of my foot hurt, but you’re probably not the first to experience it. To answer your second question, none of my Tieks are perfectly flat. In their “resting” position, they are all probably about 25% folded up.
Laurie says
This was an interesting read. I have wide feet and am a solid size 7 (once in a while a 6.5 will work if they are W widths). I think I am just one of those people who aren’t meant to wear Tieks. The 7s are just a titch too short and tight. I wore them around the house for a bit and decided “nope”; to my frustration, I dribbled hand lotion and it felt inside the shoe so there is a oil blot on the footbed so I cannot return them.
I tried an 8 and the width was good, but they were far too long.
As I type this, I have on my 7s with thick athletic socks, hoping I can stretch them out enough to wear.
Sigh.
Joy says
I think will happen to me….I’m waiting for the 8’s to arrive, but afraid they will be to long:(
Joy says
My Rose Gold felt fine st first…I thought perfection….but then my right foot, more specifically, toe to joint felt like it was being compacted and would hurt hours after taking them off!! We’ll see how the 8’s do when they come
Megan Berry says
Do you find you need to waterproof your Tieks to protect them from the rain?
Sarah says
I have a narrow long foot. I usually wear between a 9 or 9.5. Do you think these shoes will work with a narrow foot?
lauren says
NO! I ended up falling out of mine. And support said to by inserts…
Ben Davis says
Thank you for the in depth review! I’m looking at getting a pair for my girlfriend. She does have big toe issues but these look better than most shoes.
By the way if you suffer from sweaty feet, look up iontophoresis on youtube. For 30-40$ you can have totally dry feet for weeks/months at a time.Good for people with sweaty palms too.
Michelle P. says
Hi! Thank you for your honest review. I do actually own a pair of Tieks; the burgundy patten ones, and I love them. They are very snug but not uncomfortable at all. I usually wear an 8.5 so I went up to a 9. The only problem is although they are comfortable like I said, I can see my toes right there at the tip, and I think it looks a little awkward. Not so much in a dark color maybe, but I want to purchase the blush next. But since a 9.5 is not an option I’m debating going up to a 10. Of course I realize if they stretch they may not fit. I’m aware of the excellent return policy, but I really don’t know if I want to go trough the trouble when odds are they will likely be too big…Any thoughts? Or Do I just need to realize that snug toes are justs what you get with this shoes? Any insight would be appreciated…Thanks in advance.
Maria Gavin says
The toes used to bother me too and now I don’t even notice it. I have a pretty strong suspicion that the 10 will be too big on your foot and still look snug around your toes. If it really bothers you, sizing up may be worth a try but I’m not sure how successful the attempt will be.
Emma says
Hello Maria,
Thanks so much for your honest review! I recently purchased a pair and they came today (Amazed by how quickly they shipped!). When I took them off after walking around the house in them for about 20 minutes, I noticed that some parts the leather insole (near my toes) had turned a different color. (my feet get very sweaty!!) At first I was scared but after reading your review I realized this is normal!
So glad that I purchased them, they are the most comfortable flats I have ever worn…my skin is very sensitive and I usually am unable to wear flats without getting blisters. Totally worth the money!
(I got the metallic gold in a size 6 and love the color!)
Maria Gavin says
So glad to hear you had a good experience! When I started reading your comment, I thought it was going to be a horror story about how the insole changed color and you couldn’t return them. I’m thrilled to hear that Tieks are as comfortable for you as they are for me!
Jewels says
Thank you so much for your in depth review! I just got my 1st pair, I finally decided it was worth the investment since I wore through the $15 pairs I had every season and was tired of replacing them what seemed like ALL the time.
I just got my 1st pair and man are they squeaky! I am so glad to hear that goes away once you wear them a bit. Looking forward to getting mine a little more worn in but they are already pretty comfy and way more supportive than my cheap pairs.
Maria Gavin says
I know how bad that squeak can be! I promise it will get WAY better soon. So glad to hear you are otherwise satisfied with your purchase!
Vanessa Parsons says
Hi Maria! I just found your blog doing some research on my 1st pair of Tieks. I got the Diamond White Croc. I can wear anything from an 8 to a 9 and usually an 8 or 8.5 so I got the 8. They are literally KILLING my outsides of my big toes and the top of the toenail on my big toes. I had them send me a 9 to compare and the 9 had for sure been worn a lot by someone. It had stains on the inside of the soles and they were huge compared to the 8s. I believe someone had worn them a lot trying to stretch them and then decided they needed a 10. So, my question is this…what do you recommend? Should I try another 9 or should I just try to stretch out my 8s? I have worn my 8s for approx. 9 hours with no socks or anything. I just took them off about 30 min ago and my big toes are still throbbing. Please give me your feedback for this. Thanks!
Maria Gavin says
That’s so weird that you got a pair that had obviously been worn by someone else. I think you should contact customer service and let them know the problem, then try to get a new pair of 9s. I know that big toenail pain well! Even my most comfy pairs did that for a while at first, but if it’s REALLY, really bad; that’s not a good fitting show for you. Try the 9 and if they still hurt, you may need to try a different style. It’s crazy the comfort difference I have noticed between styles. Some are a lot stiffer than others.
Eshika Roy says
Thank you for posting this informative review of tieks. I totally love the vibrant color of the shoes. Each shoe has a quirky vibe to it. I would love to buy the lovestruck pair. Looking forward to reading more amazing reviews in the future.
Tania says
This was a great review! Thank you so much for such an informative and honest take. These shoes are very expensive for my budget, so I like to gather as much “intel” as possible!
Dina says
I had a terrible experience with Tieks customer service! The Tieks I ordered never arrived and the rep I have been communicating with has emailed me twice referencing the wrong order and wrong address. Still waiting to see if I get my Tieks…..
Tonya says
I’m so glad to read all these helpful reviews! My first day wearing my first pair at work, the burgundy tieks, I wanted to cry after the first hour! My right big toe was throbbing in pain.
I’m a size 7.5 and originally bought size 8. They were too big in the heel area so I exchanged for a 7. These fit much better but I could tell the snugness in the big toe area might be a problem and sheesh I was right! Just wearing them for one day at work I could not wait to go home and take them off. My toes hurt for a good hour even after taking them off.
Also after only one day the burgundy paint has chipped away at the toe area.
I LOVE the style and variety of tieks, and would sooooo love to buy more but after this experience, and the price, I’m understandably hesitant.
I’m gonna take the advice of the reviews and try stretching them out with socks. Hope it works!
Maria Gavin says
Your toe problem should be resolved with stretching, but I’m so sad to hear about the color chipping off! You may want to contact Tieks and see if they can repair that problem.
Tonya says
OK i’m officially obsessed with Tieks now. I have to admit I hated them at first, but after the first couple weeks, stretching them out, etc they feel like they are molded to my feet now. Tieks customer service was amazing about the color chipping away (since they said I had only had them for such a short time they offered me an exchange). I asked instead for a discount on a second pair. They were ok with the discount so I got me a pair of lemon patent and LOOOOVE them so much! I love the smell, shine, color, everything about the patent tieks. I was worried they would be really stiff but so far they are fitting better then the classic burgundy. I LOVE TIEKS!
Maria Gavin says
That is so great to know! I’ve been nervous to try the patent style because I feared they would be too tight.
Celeste says
Ordered my first pair for matte black tieks. Was very hesitant but knew many who swore by them. After reading that they send you the new pair and let you decide made me so happy. I think my size 8 are just a tad too small so I’m interested in seeing how the 9 fit. I also ordered gekks to go in them, which may also mean a 9 will be better for me. Super fast shipping too!!
Maria Gavin says
Good thinking about sizing up with the Gekks!
Dianna says
Took the plunge and ordered my first pair of Tieks in ballet pink. I thought I would play it safe to start with. I was certainly not disappointed, felt like butter first time I wore them! Definitely more tieks in my future, this time I will kick it up a notch with the starstruck! I felt like a kid at Christmas when they came!
Mandy says
Thanks for sharing your experience to help me decide if I made the right decision!
I finally decided to go for my first pair of tieks after my beloved gray Coach flats fell apart. I never spent this much on shoes before – and my Coach ones were on discount at my local Marshalls – so I was really nervous being also budget conscious. I chose the slate gray crocs, which is the perfect neutral to go with my wardrobe for both casual and chic. Today is my first day of wearing them to work. I put them on in the building only so they wouldn’t hit the payment outside. So far not too bad, but the elastic feels tight on one big toe joint. As the day is goes on, they feel like they’re softening.
I generally use the EUR sizing to determine what size to buy shoes online ( I discovered this after buying Vibram five fingers for running, which uses that size guide). It seems to be the most consistent size corresponding to the physical measurements of your foot. I’m about 9.25″, which becomes a size 38 EUR and fluctuates between a size 7 and 7.5 US. I sized down to 7’s based on tiek’s sizing guide, and I think 8’s sole would have been too long, even with the tight feeling to start. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, but I’m getting more confident as the day goes on!
Maria Gavin says
Thank you for sharing about your experience! I’m going to have to look into EUR sizing.
Brianna says
I just tossed my pair of pewter Tieks the other day because I literally wore them to shreds. I had pieces of leather coming out of the inside. As a full-time traveler, I am very hard on the things because I wear them constantly, but I still expected these to hold up better with that price tag.
Ashley says
I love your review on tieks! I just bought my first two pairs recently. On one of my pairs that I’ve had for 6 months the inside string is coming out on one side. Is this normal? What should I do? How long does a a pair of typically last?
Maria Gavin says
I think you can contact Tieks customer support and they will repair those stitches for you. I have owned my Lovestruck pair for over 3 years. They are stretched out, but wearable and actually the stretching was a blessing. They were the only closed toe shoes I could wear at the end of my pregnancy!
Susan says
After seeing many advertisements for the Tieks, I finally took the plunge and purchased my 1st pair of Taupe. I normally wear a 7-7.5 to I ordered a size 7. I work in an office so I brought them into work to wear on the carpeting. After about 2 hours i noticed the elastic around the top was leaving marks across my big toes. They felt snug but not extremely uncomfortable. I went on line and ordered a size 8 to see if they fit better. I am currently wearing them in the Office and they feel a tad loose at the heels but perfect at the toe area with no pressure on the toe nail. I think I will try the stretching method on the 7’s to see if they will feel better. If they are going to stretch then the 8’s may be too big in the long run.
Danika says
Thanks for your review! I just bought my first pair, I hope I love them!
Shenna says
I’ve gone to many stores looking for a new pair of shoes for work but trying to find a cute comfortable pair has proven to be difficult. I’m on my feet off and on for about 8 hours a day and the flats I wear now aren’t working for me. Some days my lower legs and feet are so achy. I’ve gotta do something! The price of Tieks is scary but given the return policy, I’m considering giving them a try. I know many people who wear Clarks, how would they compare to Tieks? I typically wear a size 8 or 8 1/2 in shoes, just depends on the shoe and I have flat/wide feet…based on the comments below, I’m guessing I should order a size 8?
Shenna says
I’ve gone to many stores looking for a new pair of shoes for work but trying to find a cute comfortable pair has proven to be difficult. I’m on my feet off and on for about 8 hours a day and the flats I wear now aren’t working for me. Some days my lower legs and feet are so achy. I’ve gotta do something! The price of Tieks is scary but given the return policy, I’m considering giving them a try. I know many people who wear Clarks, how would they compare to Tieks? I typically wear a size 8 or 8 1/2 in shoes, just depends on the shoe and I have flat/wide feet…based on the comments below, I’m guessing I should order a size 8?
Pedsgirl77 says
ThanKS for your great review, it was the 1st one I read a year ago and I kept coming back to it to make sure I understood all about Tieks. I’m about to order my 12th pair in a year! I love them and wear them daily in some fashion or color. My goal is ruby red for Christmas, tieks blue for New Year’s, lovestruck for Valentines Day and and azure snakes for May birthday. Workin’ my plan!!
Mrs. Vickie says
May I ask where these are made? I have a client that bought a pair and she said they were made in China. Are they made in different countries? I am wondering if the ones she bought were a pair of knock offs.
Rebecca says
They are hand made in California.
Penelope says
I’m glad I ran into this rundown on Tieks issues and your experience. It would be super-helpful if you posted a photo of your foot so we could see exactly how your experience with the shoe would compare with ours.
Also, please forgive my indiscretion in asking this, but do you get free shoes or discounts from Tieks in addition to the affiliate dividends?
Thanks very much for the thoughtful site!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Penelope, good question! They sent me a free pair of Ballerina pink shoes once a few years back during the month of October to help spread awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness month. But that’s it. I was already a customer at the time and everything else since then has been out of my own pocket (without discounts). I hope that helps!
Brooke says
Thanks for the thorough review! I’m sorry if this has already been asked, but Ive been debating between the lovestruck and ballerina pink. Is the leather much more soft/comfy on the ballerina pink’s? Thanks for your time!!
Maria Gavin says
The leather comfort is about the same but I wear my Lovestruck WAY more often than ballerina pink – they just seem to go with more of my outfits!
Nancy says
About those blue / turquoise soles….I’m not so fond of them….feel they lack the professional look I’m going for. Wish they made them in black or matched the shoe. (I only own black obsidian.)
Carol says
Hi Maria- thanks for your informative Tiek review. I had surgery on my right foot, and now wear an orthotic. Is there room enough for an orthotic in Tieks?
Carol
Genessa says
Thank you so much for your review. I plan on purchasing via your affiliate link. Before I do, I wondered your thoughts on this…I have a small bunion on my right foot. Do you think these shoes will make this worse?
Mindy Benn says
Hi Maria,
This was a great review of Tiek’s. I just bought my first pair and I bought my daughter her first pair. We both have narrow feet and these fit great, we did both size down .5 size. The question I have is, do you wear peds with them or do you always wear them barefoot. I am comfortable with them barefoot but I’m thinking my feet may be warmer with peds but I can’t seem to find any that won’t show.
irene says
i’m a little late to the post, but thank you for the thorough review, esp w/suggestsion for which color to pick. re: sweaty, smelly feet … try deodorant on the bottom of your paws! i use the roll on and let it dry for a few seconds. works like a charm :)
Wanda Price says
Thanks for the insightful review! I have a question about a problem I have in most flats. I have a bunion on the top of one foot and an arthritis bulge below my big toe on the other. Most flats hurt hurt those spots after wearing for a while. Do you think the Tieks would stretch in those spots so that they would not continue to hurt? Thanks for your opinion!
Barbara H says
Thank you for the thorough review. Ordered my first pair in Burgundy and just received them. I have a wide foot and normally wear 8.5 so ordered a pair in 9. They just hurt too much I could cry. I love them but no way can I just let them hurt my feet like this. Only wore them inside the house with Vero Monte socks and also with thicker ones. I know they are supposed to stretch out but they hurt a lot in the big toe on both feet and also leave a dark red mark on both feet near where a bunion would be (I had a bunionectomy years ago so no longer have that huge bump). My toes are still throbbing after taking them off an hour ago. Wondering if I need to size up or maybe these shoes are just not for me. I worry that if I order up again to a 10 they will be too long. thanks for your opinion. Love your blog.
Mel says
Thank you so much for posting such a thorough review. I have 6 pairs of Tieks and absolutely LOVE them!!
I noticed that the patents do sometimes need a bit longer to break in. Each shoe that I’ve ordered has definitely been different from each other. Of my 6 Tieks, I have 2 leather, 3 patents and 1 vegan. My third patent and the 2nd leather Tieks only needed one day of breaking in while the others needed at least a week. I’m a size 8, with narrow feet. My big toe did hurt, but after about a month of wearing them about once or twice a week, they were broken in and now only squeak when I walk. I also get blisters on the knuckles of my outer toes. I just put a band-aid on top until the shoe has been broken in (usually the first two or three days, depending on the shoe).
I have worn my matte black Tieks (my very first pair) in the rain (unexpected down pour) and they got completely soaked. I immediately got paper towels to dry them off as much as I could, then I stuffed the toe section with more paper towels (to hold the shape and reduce the amount of shrinkage) and let them dry for about three days (the outside dried in about 12 hours and the inner sole took about 24 to 36 hours). I periodically would periodically put them on to make sure it wouldn’t shrink. Also, to reduce the amount of shrinkage, I dried them indoors in a hallway away from direct sunlight (I didn’t want to risk the direct sunlight shrinking the leather too much, and drying the shoe too fast). It did shrink back to its new state and I had to break them in again for about two days (I now use my patents for rainy days). Definitely recommend wearing the patents for light rainy days. If its storming, and there is going to be large puddles, I don’t recommend wearing Tieks.
They are now better than ever and are my go to pair of Tieks! But because they are my go to pair, (I have ran and walked all over downtown Honolulu with them) the outer thin strip of the sole (at the tip of the toe area) has cracked and needs repair. My Tieks are less than a year old, but I use them almost everyday. I reached out to Tieks and sent them a picture asking if it was possible to have it repaired. Within 24 hours they responded and are going to repair my Tieks. They sent me a printable return label and all I have to do is send my Tieks in and they will let me know when my Tieks are on their way back. I am not sure if anyone has had any problems with the soles of their Tieks, but if they contact customer service with a picture and explaining the issue, it’s possible that they could have it fixed.
I also noticed that my Tieks do sometimes get a smell, so I use a wet (not soaking, only damp paper towel and mild hand soap to wipe down the inside of my Tieks and let them dry over night. The smell goes away and is ready to wear the next day, although I wait an extra day to ensure that the inside of the Tiek is dry.
Their customer service is amazing! I have not had any problems thus far with their services!
Your page has been very helpful and I hope that my experiences can also help. Thanks for sharing your experiences with everyone!
Sue Nelson says
OMG what am I missing? 1st of all, I can’t decide how a pair of shoes work for me inside the house on carpet – it is not the same as wearing them in the real world. I absolutely HATE these flats. Absolutely NOT worth the $ and I can’t figure out for the life of me how they have so many great reviews. Although, I will say I’ve searched high and low for places to review my Tieks on their website and they conveniently have either hidden it or don’t have a place once you request a return. So, now I’ve worn my flats ‘outside’ and that’s $195 I’ll never get back.
Maria Gavin says
Oh no! I’m so sad to hear that. If your Tieks are very gently used, I’m sure you could sell them on EBay or Poshmark and get a great price for them.
Joy Michele says
Sue Nelson….you might try selling them on eBay! I have sold two pairs that I didn’t wear very often and got almost all my money back. Many people who might not be able to buy directly from Tieks are able to purchase on eBay. Just a thought!
Laura says
I am really debating getting the Lovestruck tieks but am concerned about durability. Have yours held up pretty well? Is there really noticeable wear?
Vivimar says
My daughter is getting married and I saw a pair of Tirks (never had heard of them before!) that said “I do” on the undersole. Are they sold this way or did the person paint them? Sorry if this is a very dumb questions but it was particularly well painted!
Jessica says
Can you wear Tieks in the rain? (Sorry if this question was already asked/answered, but I didn’t see it when I was scrolling through the comments just now.) Thanks!
Maria Gavin says
I don’t recommend wearing the regular leather ones in the rain, but I’ve heard that the patent leather ones hold up well in light rain.
Casie says
I normally were size 7 – 7.5 in most shoes and I have orders a couple of tieks in size 8. I tried size 7 a while back but ended up exchanging for 8 because I was worried the 7’s would be too tight. After really wearing in the 8’s, I’m thinking I should have maybe gone with 7 because with two of my pairs, the shoes seemed to have stretched out quite a bit and it feels like the shoe could just pop off on its own (although it hasn’t :)). Has anyone else experienced this and have any suggestions as to if sizing down would just be better in the long run?
Amy says
Your honest review was SO helpful! I just purchased my new black Tieks through the affiliate link, as your reviews were the most comprehensive that I have found. Thank you for sharing!
Ann Marie says
Hi Maria. I really enjoyed your review and learned a lot. I ordered my first pair on February 28th and in a little over a week, my 5th pair arrived. I know I can be a bit OCD, but each pair is a little different fit. I’m assuming since handmade and so much time goes into each pair, they may run a bit different. I currently have the following: Chocolate Brown, Taupe, Cardinal Red, Matte Black, and California Navy. The colors are just gorgeous!
Summer Ann says
Hello Maria,
Thank you so much for posting such an honest, comprehensive review! It answered all of the questions that I had, as I sit here in my new matte black Tieks, debating on keeping them or sending them back. Like you, I have major Christian guilt about spending so much on a pair of ballet flats…somehow I can justify the high cost for a pair of boots with more leather because they get worn multiple times/year for multiple years. Flats are harder to justify! The fact that you’ve had yours for years and gave such an honest review on the stink issue has helped me decide to treat myself and keep the pair I ordered :) Thanks!
Maria Gavin says
I hope you LOVE the pair that you treated yourself to!
Dawn Warren says
I was wondering about the slipping in the Tieks, I wear a 7.5 in sneakers & an 8 in most other shoes. However, when I was younger, I wore a 6.5 then a 7 and so…my mother the same lifetime growing foot! I digress, I opted for the 8 but felt like my foot was sliding around & thought a 7 might be better. I got a 7 as a comparison but didn’t know you couldn’t wear them outside when comparing! I have both sizes now & still can’t decide which feels best! Honestly, I don’t even wear either shoe much. Any help & insight is much welcomed!!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Dawn,
If the Tieks are slipping off your foot when they are brand new, you definitely don’t want to keep them. If they feel like they might be a little loose, but don’t actually slip off while you try them out around the house, they might be perfect. My oldest pair is very stretched out and I sometimes worry that they might start to slip, but that hasn’t ever happened to me. Hope that helps!
Linda says
I finally got my first pair of Tieks today in Black Matte, after much debating on taking the plunge! I ordered my regular size 9 and am disappointed that they are snug. However reading all of your comments, I am comforted to know that they will stretch out and am even wearing my new Tieks with thick socks in the house to shorten the break in period. After reading your review, I also may order the Lovestruck since they caught my eye. I never noticed them before. I had a tough decision between the Matte black and the Cardinal Red. While I love how they look, I’m still hopeful they will be comfortable and I will order more.
Cara says
Hi. Curious question. I bought my first pair of Tieks last year. Patent lemon. They are adorable! However I feel like my foot twists in them and ends up looking lopsided. Weird I know. Any suggestions? Also I had some color transfer from a bag that had fallen against them in the closet so now my left shoe has faded purple spots on the toe of them. I’ve tried alcohol and acetone with no luck. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Maria Gavin says
Everyone has a different gait and wears their shoes in different ways as a result of how they walk. Your “lopsided” look is probably unique to you, but I doubt that anyone would notice. As for the color transfer, that is such a shame! I suspect that the pigment has been absorbed by the leather and I’m not sure if you will have any luck getting it out. Alcohol and nail polish remover are both my go-to tricks for permanent ink so I don’t have any additional suggestions.
Brooke says
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.
Brenn says
Great review. I am another guy who has found the wonderful comfort of wearing Tieks ballet flats. It has gotten to the point that I wear them almost all the time. Three pair down and many more to go.
Kathrynn says
Do Tieks slip off when wearing them with tights?
Kelli says
I must say this has been such an informative review that I have ever read. When I purchased my first pair of tieks I was frustrated because I got the Rose Gold Glam for my wedding and while I was gently breaking them in I was in pain were the top boney part of the big toe is. It was leaving a red mark from the shoe. I called customer service and they said alot of costumers use a blow dryer but they gave me a better tip…they said take a golf ball and put it under that area that needs to stretch, this is a common place of the shoe that needs to stretch. Check the shoe in 3 days and if not stretched enough do it for another 3 days. Worked perfectly, the golf ball did the stretching for me. No pain. Rose Gold Glam makes for a Beautiful Wedding Shoe and now I own 5 pairs of Tieks. I did not need the golf balls for Clover Green and Moonstruck. They were just a tiny bit uncomfortable for first couple times out. I ordered for my wedding and now I am a tieks addict. Ordering Cardinal Red tomorrow. Wanted all to know about the golf ball trick. It really works. Oh, also I am a true 7 1/2 and I always size up to 8. I called customer service and explained my big toe is longer then the other toes and my feet are narrow. They suggested sizing up due to the length of my toe. I called and thought my questions were stupid but they did not make me feel stupid. They were so helpful. Love my Tieks…Kelli
Kris says
My Lovestruck pair is the most comfortable pair of shoes in my closet. I can (and have) worm those shoes all day long and if I know I’m going to be on my feet for an extended period, they are my go-to pair of shoes.
Don’t you hate when you misspell a word with a correctly spelled word? I have included the sentence with the word above. Feel free to delete this comment when corrected. I didn’t edit your whole review I just ran across this reading the first few paragraphs and skimmed the rest. Thanks for the detailed review however, I’m a Rothy’s girl for sweaty feet purposes. I need a dress shoe I can wash and don’t have to throw away due to the smell. Also, I have learned to spray my feet with anti-perspirant to prevent sweating in the first place. I purchase those small $ 1 cans from Dollar Tree.
Jillian says
LOL I wish i had come across this blog sooner! I just got my very first pair, the tiek blue patent leather, and they are definitely tight! though while wearing them in my house they seemed fine so I wore them to work and they dig into my heels. but reading that the patent leather seems to be a little tighter than the others i am wondering if I can rish going up a size (bc of course i am a half size, and always size down for flats or they slide off my heels) not sure if they will exchange since i already wore them out of the house, or if the shoes will stretch enough after some wear that they will be fine.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Jillian, OH NO! I’m so sad to hear that your Tieks hurt your feet that much. You can try contacting customer service and see if they can help. At the very least, you can size up to order a second pair just so you know whether or not they will be a better fit. If it turns out that you need the larger size and customer service isn’t able to help since you’ve worn them outside, you can probably get a VERY fair price for your shoes on Poshmark that you can put toward a new pair of Tieks.
Jillian says
I ended up buying shoe stretchers on Amazon and they seem to have done the trick! Put them in for 2 days and they already feel so much better! I’ll know for sure once I wear them for more than 20 minutes in my house, but I figured spending $15 to get these awesome shoes to fit is better than not being able to wear them at all! I may have to invest in a black pair in the near future!
Elizabeth says
I did not see any comments on people who have bunions. What do you know about this?
Maria Gavin says
Hi Elizabeth, I haven’t heard many women with bunions comment on the comfort level (or lack thereof) with Tieks. I have a suspicion that they may not be super-comfortable because the elastic may cut around or into the bunion and put pressure on it. It’s worth a try since shipping and returns are free or you may want to look into Rothy’s – which are a similar style of shoe, and I know not everyone with bunions loves them, but some women say that the fabric feels soft and comfortable against their bunions. If you’re curious, you can read more about Rothy’s here: https://crazytogether.com/honest-rothys-review-everything-you-want-to-know/
Kim says
I want to love mine so badly (matte black leather) but they are rubbing so badly on the heel and the top of the shoe (left and ride side). So much so that it’s leaving red marks and indentations. And I’ve definitely been trying to break them in but it feels like it’s taking way too long. I did buy a shoe stretcher and will be using as soon as it arrives. Just very unimpressed with fit thus far and could not honestly recommend them to others with how they have felt when I wear them. :(
Maria Gavin says
Oh Kim, I’m so sorry to hear that! I had a similar experience when I tried to wear the Lavender Snake Tieks, which I decided to exchange for another pair and had a lot more success at that point. If you’ve already worn them outside and stretching doesn’t help, you can sell them online (I use Poshmark) and get a lot of your money back. A good pair of Tieks is always in high demand.
Carol Cox says
I received my first pair and wore them once and noticed that the right shoe was not stiched PROPERLY! Called customer service they said to send back and would repair! I was disappointed because I believe they should have replaced!!! Makes me think twice about buying more at that price if this is their policy!!
Masuka Magambo says
Thanks so much for your great review/blog. I bought my first pair today for my 47th birthday. Felt a little guilty but hubby said: Happy birthday! Can’t wait for them to come.
Maria Gavin says
That’s a GREAT birthday gift! I hope you love them!
Kathy Walker says
Does anyone have flat feet and wear Tieks??? Would inserts fit in Tieks?
Nancy says
I have custom made orthotic insoles due to feet issues. Was SO hoping they would work in Tieks, but no, they don’t. Tieks do not have removable insoles and do not have the depth to slip something else in. I wear my black patent leather Tieks for cute dressy occasions but at day’s end the foot pain reminds me why I need my orthotics.
Aarika says
Thank you for this review! It answered so many questions and helped me make the decision for Tieks!
Kelsey says
I need some reviews from my bunion people out there!! I haven’t found a comfortable flat yet. Are Tieks comfortable on your bunions?
Marci says
Have you considered trying and reviewing the Everlane Day Glove? I keep hearing great things about them and would love to hear your thoughts. I recently bought my first pair of Tieks because of this review.
Maria Gavin says
Hi Marci, I just had to google those shoes because I’ve never heard of them. I have a few other styles of shoes that I want to try and review soon, but I’ll keep the Day Glove in mind for future content!
Joyce says
I’ve researched Tieks for approximately 4 years. I finally purchased my first pair a few months ago in Poppy. And I just purchased another pair in leopard. Amazingly the poppy color goes with a lot of my summer outfits. And I chose leopard as a compromise for chestnut or matte black. My goal is cardinal red, matte black, and chestnut.
Initial wear of them I was impressed. This review is great if you have questions because she covers them all. I am also a wearer of Birkenstock brand so I enjoy a footbed that provides support. I was initially skeptical about Tieks giving me proper foot support. But they do. It’s not the same as my Birks but just as comfortable.
Finally they aren’t cheap so choose wisely. Pick a fun color but one you can match with a lot of items. And enjoy!!!
Jessica says
Hi Maria! I want to buy a pair of Tieks for my birthday but want to make sure I get a pair that goes with EVERYTHING because of the price tag. Looking at Romantic Blush and Lovestruck currently… which one do you think is most versatile? Or is there another you’d suggest? I definitely want a pair with some type of texture/pattern to add interest. Also, any chance you have any referral codes? Thank so much!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Jessica,
I feel exactly the same as you and love having a little texture and hint of sparkle on my Tieks. I adore both the Romantic Blush and the Lovestruck, but have found that I gravitate toward wearing the Romantic Blush pair in the spring and summer (which I’m actually wearing right now) because they are so light in color. I prefer to wear Lovestruck in the fall and winter due to the darker color (and wore the Lovestruck pair far more often to work when I wore black pants on a regular basis). I’m not sure where you live or what the climate is like, I NEVER wear my Tieks out in the rain or snow. Both are really great options, but I would look at your wardrobe and think about if the season affects the footwear you wear and let those factors guide your decision.
PS- Wild Copper might be a good compromise between the two colors if you’re big into neutrals because they might work for even more seasons :)
Jessica says
Thanks, Maria! I’ve been doing more research since my last comment and have broadened my hot list a bit – now I’m between Romantic Blush, Wild Copper, Metallic Bronze and Ballerina Pink (I like Champagne too but since those were limited edition, I’d have to find those secondhand). Just SO torn! I feel like Romantic Blush and Ballerina Pink have very similar undertones, and I feel the same about Wild Copper and Metallic Bronze. Except obviously the Romantic Blush and Wild Copper are much more expensive. I think right now I’m trying to justify the price difference! Are Romantic Blush and Ballerina Pink interchangeable? Wild Copper and Metallic Bronze? If you were to buy one pair (or MAYBE two pairs – a lighter and a darker – to cover ALL seasons) between these, which would you choose? THANK YOU! 💗
Maria Gavin says
Hi Jessica! I can completely relate to your worries about purchasing the perfect pair of Tieks! At one time I owned the Romantic Blush and the Ballerina Pink. Despite how they look online, the coloring of those two shoes are quite different. My pair of Romantic Blush doesn’t actually have much of a pink tinge. It’s more of a golden/silver/champagne coloring (which I think actually makes them more versatile. I actually decided to sell my Ballerina Pink Tieks online because I stopped wearing them once I owned the Romantic Blush. I always preferred the sparkle of the Romantic Blush over the basic pink.
As for the Wild Copper vs. Metallic Bronze, this is totally a matter of preference but I personally prefer the textured look of the Wild Copper. That being said, the Metallic Bronze looks like it would be a great alternative that’s easier on the budget than the Wild Copper.
For your first pair, start by purchasing whatever you are most likely to wear for the next few months. If you take the plunge and plan to buy a pair soon, go for a darker color. If you choose to wait until spring because you can’t make a decision, go with a lighter color. See how you feel about that first pair and go from there :)
Denise Frosh says
I just ordered my very first pair of Tieks and then I read your article, so informative! Thank you!
Karla Johannessen says
You seem very very pleased with your Tieks, but I m still not entirely convinced. I m sorry, it seems so much money for a pair of flats! ? I m dying to try a pair, but can t get over their price. I ll probably discuss this later with my boyfriend and who knows maybe I ll decide ordering one anyway. ? Not looking forward to make the colour choice though! ? Thanks for your honest review!
Irene Chen says
I’ve had the metallic bronze, the leopard, and the black matte leather over the years. I’m Asian, so the metallic bronze looks great against my skin. Personally I think the basic leathers hold up much better than the other textures. My leopard one started to crack and fade after a year of light wear (despite being more expensive!). Tieks polished but would not replace them. They’re convenient and attractive for travel, so I’m still a believer. The best way is just to order a few and keep the one you want. The returns process is really easy.
For those trying to keep yours looking new, this girl figured out various shoe polish colors specifically for tieks! https://www.vivaveltoro.com/polish-tieks-leather-ballet-flats/
Kelly says
Tieks do cause blisters. Every time I wear any of my four pairs I end up with blisters on both of my feet. They’ve been property broken in, I use powder to help with hot spots, and I use gecks. Saying these shoes don’t cause blisters is like saying if you drive safely you will never be in a car accident.
Jessica says
Hi Maria! I ended up purchasing the Romantic Blush a couple months ago and absolutely love them. Now I’m already thinking about my next pair. I’m thinking a fun pop of color for spring/summer would be nice since Romantic Blush are such a good neutral. Right now, I’m looking at Cotton Candy and Poppy. What do you think? I have quiet a few outfits that will go well with either of these.
And closer to fall, I’ll probably invest in a darker neutral – looking at Wild Copper, Metallic Bronze, Drago, Leopard and Tortoise. Do you have a favorite between those?
Thank you so much!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Jessica, I’m so happy to hear that you love your Romantic Blush Tieks! For the summer, I love the Cotton Candy color. They are so much fun without being too bright and I especially love Wild Copper for the fall.
When you are ready to purchase a new pair of Tieks, I would greatly appreciate it if you could stop by this blog post again and click one of the links to shop at Tieks. We earn a commission each time someone shops with one of our links and it’s a great help to our family. Thanks and stay healthy!
Jessica says
Thank you! I will definitely use your referral link!
Since posting, I also added Fuschia to my consideration list for spring/summer. I love the Cotton Candy but I’ve heard mixed things about the patents in terms of comfort. What do you think? Have you ever tried a pair of patents?
And I forgot to include Lovestruck in my list of considerations for fall/winter. Do you think Wild Copper is more versatile? I’m only worried about the Lovestrucks being so delicate and the toe area rubbing off.
Do you use carbon pro to waterproof all of your Tieks? Any other conditioners? How often do you condition yours?
Thanks again!
Jessica says
Hi Maria! Also just curious if you think it’s a waste to spend so much $ on a bolder, brighter pair (like fuschia or poppy) since they’re not as neutral. I go back and forth! I’m usually a neutral shoe gal because my wardrobe is pretty colorful :)
Maria Gavin says
I personally like to buy neutral colors because I know I can wear them much more often and get tons of wear from them, but I know people who have a few bright colors and they wear them with almost everything. I just personally like to go the neutral route.
Jessica says
Since posting, I also added Fuschia to my consideration list alongside poppy and Cotton Candy for spring/summer. I love the Cotton Candy but I’ve heard mixed things about the patents in terms of comfort. What do you think? Have you ever tried a pair of patents?
And I forgot to include Lovestruck in my list of considerations alongside Wild Copper and Metallic Bronze for fall/winter. Which pair do you think is more versatile? I’m only worried because I heard the Lovestrucks are so delicate and the toe area rubs off.
I have Carbon Pro to waterproof my Tieks (haven’t used it yet) – do you always waterproof yours? What do you use to treat yours?
Thanks again!!!
Maria Gavin says
Hi again!
I’ve heard mixed things about the patents as well. I once tried the Obsidian Black and decided to keep the Matte Black because the matte was more comfortable. As for the fall shoes, I would personally choose the Wild Copper. The Lovestruck are definitely more delicate and I just like the brown neutral tones of the Wild Copper :)
Jessica says
Thank you so much! :)
Erica says
Tieks is giving away gift cards to people that make and donate homemade masks to hospitals. You should check it out!
Cathy says
Thanks Maria for this awesome Tieks review! I love my Romantic Blush pair. Ready for my next pair. I am torn between metallic bronze, metallic pewter and Lovestruck. Any opinion on which of the 3 could be worn in spring and fall? Prefer a more versatile pair.
Thank you!
Mary Barnes says
I am so disappointed in my Tieks. The inside stitching rubs and hurt my feet. I have never had shoes to hurt so badly. I was told to put golf balls in by a Tiek rep and I hope it works. Too expensive to be so uncomfortable. They are 3 yrs old and I try to wear but never get outside the house because they hurt.