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.
