Are Tieks Worth The Price?

I’m constantly on a hunt for comfortable flats, and have tried countless brands. The latest to catch my eye is Tieks by Gavrieli. For those of you who don’t know, Tieks are an update on the classic ballet flat. According to their website, Tieks are made from full grain Italian leather, and feature a compact foldable design that lets the shoe fold to fit in a purse. I’ve been seeing Tieks everywhere lately, and from what I can tell, women love them. I was recently out shopping and noticed several women wearing them. I even asked one of them what she thought and she said they’re one of her best discoveries and she doesn’t know how she lived without them. I’ve also talked to friends and co-workers who have Tieks and they all rave about them. Despite all the positive reviews, one question lingered for me: At $175, are Tieks worth the price? I knew the only way to find out was to purchase a pair to try for myself.

Tieks are sold exclusively online, so I headed for their website to check out the boutiek (that’s what they call their online store – cute, right?). The first thing that stood out was how many colors they have!! And not just colors, but patterns, textures, and leathers. They even have a vegan line! I knew I wanted a neutral color, but I had no idea I’d have so many choices. Tieks truly has every shade of shoe you could ever want- black, white, cream, grey, brown, you name it! I wanted something that would be suitable for the office, but could transition easily to the weekend as well. My first thought was to purchase the Matte Black. After all, black goes with everything. However, after browsing for a bit, I settled on Metallic Pewter. It’s such a beautiful neutral, and I’d remembered seeing it on a coworker of mine and thinking how much I loved the metallic sheen! I placed my order and my shoes were shipped out that same day. Not too shabby, Tieks!

I’m sure I’m not the only one who anxiously checks the tracking every day to see when my online purchases will arrive and my Tieks were no different! I couldn’t wait to try them on and see what all the fuss was about. Two days after they shipped, my Tieks arrived at my front door. The first thing I noticed after opening the box was how adorable the packaging is. Tieks are packaged in a bright blue box (I think they call it Tiek Blue) and wrapped with an embellished flower box. Every pair comes with a pouch to store the shoes, a tote to store your heels after you take them off, a little card showing you how to care for your Tieks, and a handwritten note (which was my favorite part.)

Now for the shoes themselves: as soon as you take them out of the box, you know you have a quality product. They are just stunning! From the hand-stitched insoles to the buttery leather upper, Tieks are truly a work of art. I was so glad I decided to go with the Pewter pair. The color is absolutely beautiful, and I know it will go with almost everything in my closet. Finally, I loved the smell of the Italian leather! You know the one…it’s the same smell that accompanies luxurious handbags and high end leather boots. Even though I was smitten with the look of my new ballet flats, I knew the final test would be comfort. After all, you can’t wear a shoe all day if it hurts, no matter how beautiful it is!

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I decided to take my Tieks for the ultimate trial run – a weekend conference. I was a little skeptical they would hold up the entire weekend, so I packed a pair of already broken in backup flats, just in case. As it turns out, I could have left my backup pair at home. My Tieks were so comfortable from the moment I put them on, I just couldn’t believe it. The way the luxuriously soft leather molds to the shape of your foot is simply magical. I’ve tried so many brands of ballet flats, and I’ve never had a pair fit me as well as my Tieks. They were a little snug at first, but by the end of the first day at the conference, I could tell they were forming to the shape of my foot. I kept waiting for that signature, back-of-the-heel, blister that comes with a new pair of shoes, but it never came! I think this is because the back of Tieks are cushioned, rather than elasticized. I was astonished by how many women at my conference recognized Tieks and came up to me to share their own stories about how much they love their Tieks. One woman told me that Tieks were the only shoes she could wear during her pregnancies while still feeling stylish!

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I’ve had my Tieks for a full month now, and I have to say, I’m impressed. Unlike other flats I’ve tried, Tieks offer extra cushioning and support that keep my feet happy after a full day of wear. I receive compliments every time I wear them, and find myself reaching for my Tieks multiple times a week – so much so that my other flats are making their way to the back of my closet! A shoe at this price point needs to be a quality investment, and Tieks are just that. The company really stands behind their product, which I love, and their customer service is outstanding. I’ll be sure to report back in a few months on how my Tieks are doing, but for now I can say YES YES YES! Tieks are absolutely worth the price. I’d recommend them to any woman, and can definitively say there will be additional pairs of Tieks in my (near) future. I’d love to add a few more neutrals to my collection (basically any of the styles on this page) but I have my eye on the fuchsia as well!

If you own a pair of Tieks, I’d love to know what you think of them! Do you find yourself always wanting another pair? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to check back for updates to my post!

This post is not sponsored. I bought my Tieks with my own money.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

299 comments

  1. Tieks are DEFINITELY worth the price! I haven’t been able to find a day that I don’t reach for my Tieks because I’m worried I’ll be uncomfortable. From traveling, amusement parks with the kids to even everyday errands, Tieks are my go to shoe. I will never wear anything else again 🙂

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      1. Hi Mary,

        One of my favorite things about my Tieks is that I felt like they really molded to my foot, which created almost a custom arch support! However, I know my mother was able to use her custom inserts with the pair I bought her for her birthday, so that could be an option as well.

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      1. I wear a wide and the shoe molds to your foot within a few wears…very comfortable.
        A friend told me to wear them with thick socks around the house for a few days to get them stretched….but I did not need to.
        Even my weird lumpy repeatedly broken little toe is happy in these shoes

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  2. I am SO glad I bought a pair! I recently went on a trip and they saved my feet, every day! Can’t wait to add to my collection. I’m thinking Fuchsia next 🙂

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  3. Thanks for your honest review! I can’t wait to purchase my first pair. I’ve had my eyes on Rose Gold for a while now, and after reading this I will definitely be buying them today 🙂

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  4. I absolutely love my Tieks! I currently have two pairs and am trying to figure out which style to get next! I wear them all day without any discomfort and they match everything I own. I would recommend them to anyone!

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  5. I now have six pairs which I rotate through the week. I am a teacher and these feel like wearing slippers to school. They are honestly THAT comfortable. Totally worth the price!

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    1. I’m a teacher too and actually need your advice if you don’t mind. I’m buying my first pair and actually got two sizes to see which would be best. The 5 is a little snug while the 6 fits like a slipper….very comfortable. I’m just worried that the 6 will get too lose and come off my feet. What do you think?

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      1. Go with the 6! I got an 8– too long, but the 7s fit perfect. I’ve been wearing them 3 times a week for 5 weeks and they have not loosened. They fit right to my feet every time!

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      2. I went with the 6 and have wore them two times now and they feel pretty good. I’m going on a trip to New York so we will see how they work out there being on my feet all day 🙂

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      3. The Tieks will only stretch in the toe/forefoot area, not the length of the shoe. The beauty of Tieks is that they let you keep them for two weeks to try them out, as long as you only wear them indoors. I would say wear the 5s around the house for a day or two, and if they don’t stretch enough, go with the 6s. I know I ended up going up a size since they were more comfortable for my wide feet.

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  6. I found Tieks 3 years ago and haven’t looked back since! They are definitely an investment on my teacher salary, but they are worth every penny!! I have obsidian black, ruby red, leopard, and slate grey croc. I’ve had my eyes on Lovestruck for months 🙂

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  7. I was just wondering how long they lasted if anyone knows? Or how often do you wear yours and for how long have you had them and have you started to see wear on them yet? If anyone could answer that would be lovely!

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    1. Hi Denise! That’s one of the questions I asked my coworkers before I ordered. I’ve had my pair for just a few months, and I’d say I wear them about 3 times a week on average. They’ve held up great so far! A girlfriend of mine has had hers for over a year, wears them constantly, and her pair still looks fantastic.

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    2. Hello! I got my 1st Tieks March 2013 and have been using it from spring-summer-fall…. Think NYC walking and my Tieks are just absolutely lovely! Needless to say I have a dozen pairs already… ☺️

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    3. I’ve had my original two pairs for almost 4 years now (matte black and navy), wore them almost daily for the first two years, and only now am starting to think about replacing them, not because they look bad but simply because after wearing any shoe barefoot for 4 years the sole gets a little stinky. They are durable, and I could easily keep wearing these old pair for many more years if I wanted to.

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  8. I have a vegan pair and a classic pair. I found I needed to wear them for a couple of days to break them in and now they’re perfect. I also have a high instep and was concerned there wouldn’t be enough arch support but I haven’t had any issues even after a full day of being on my feet.
    I just returned from a trip and my Tieks hardly took up any space in my bag.
    My biggest issue right now is trying to decide which color to order next!!

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  9. I used to get home and immediately take off my shoes. Now I realize I still have my Tieks on when I finally stop at the end of the day and sit and relax, hours after I have been home. Ready to order my second pair.

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    1. Same here Jean. That’s one of the ways I knew they were perfect for me. I forgot I had them on. I’m trying to decide on a second pair, too! 🙂

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  10. Has anyone else noticed that they squeak when you walk? If so, did the squeaking stop, and if so, how long until it stopped!
    Thanks!
    Mary

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    1. Hi Mary – mine never squeaked, but I had a friend whose pair did. I think it took a week or two of wear for the sound to go away (she thought it had something to do with the shoe forming to her foot more) and she hasn’t had a problem since! Hope that helps 🙂

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  11. My only thing is I wear a 7 1/2 and ordered a 8 the first time then it was so big it fell off so I had to get a 7.
    The problem is my toes touch the ends and after a while of wearing them my toes begin to hurt and the joint of my big toe. I keep thinking they will stretch out. Just wondering is anyone has any hints for stretching them any faster? Help😔

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    1. You can buy wooden shoe stretchers at Target. They have a little crank on the end that lets you open up the shoe stretcher wider. Not sure if this will help with your toes hitting the tip of the shoe but it helped stretch them out for me where the elastic was pressing on the bones above my big toe.

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  12. I bought my first pair a few months ago. I struggled with what color to choose but ended up going with the poppy pair. I did have to break them in, but once I did they were great (for me the elastic presses on the bone at the top of the big toe so once they stretched out, they were good). I would say that I wore them 3-4 days a week in those first couple of months. Then I decided to get a black pair so now I wear those as well. My poppy pair has held up well but does have a few scuffs on the tip and the back. I would love it if Tieks would sell a colored polish or a touch-up pen to match the various colors. I do love the shoes and although they are in the pricey side, I think they are well worth it. I plan to get more pairs in the future.

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  13. They sound wonderful and I am all about comfort. My question is – I have a longer second toe than my big toe, is this going to hurt and be a problem??

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    1. Hi Janis,

      It’s hard to say for sure, but I do know that the leather used to make Tieks tends to stretch and mold to the foot as you wear them, which should make them comfortable for you! They also have a great returns and exchanges policy, just in case they don’t work out for you. Let me know what you decide to do! I’d love to hear how they feel for you.

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    2. I have very long toes as well and went up a size. Comfortable right out of the box. My first pair, l ordered an 9 and my toes hurt because the toe box cramped my second toe. Tried them out for three weeks and returned for a size 10. I never wore them outside and even put on sock liner to ensure no oils from my foots would stain them. Mind the shoes will stretch in width but not much in length. I now have two pairs. Love them. I now what I want for Christmas and birthdays.

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  14. I have a bad back and need a shoe that has a good cushion. I wear only flats and have found Clark’s, Crocs and Naturalizers work well for me. Do Tiek’s offer as much cushion in their shoes?

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  15. I have a very narrow size 10 foot and it is so hard to find a shoe that fits and is also comfortable. How do Tieks do on narrow feet? I haven’t seen any comments about that.

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    1. I have 5 pairs and got a narrow feet .. i think tieks really looks good for narrow footed people as the shoes really molds on your feet , when I got my first pair i said i will just try it ..but, i got addicted as i bought 4 more pairs in months interval ..it became an obsession. You will not regret buying this shoes as I am very choosy when it comes to shoes ..i bought a lot of J Crew flats but they are no comparison with my Tieks , i do not get any discount nor being paid by Tieks , I just want you guys to experience the comfort i am getting from these tieks .

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    2. I’m a narrow too and was wondering about the fit. Anxious to hear from someone who has bought them and has a narrow foot. Anyone??

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      1. Hi Beth – I’d say my feet are an average width, but I have friends with narrow feet who swear by their Tieks! One of the benefits of the elastic is that Tieks adjust to the individual foot 🙂

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    1. From what I’ve heard from girlfriends of mine, combined with my own experience, Tieks seem to fit feet of all widths! One of the benefits of the soft leather and the elastic 🙂

      I’ve worn mine for all day walking, and never had a problem with the support.

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    1. I wish someone would answer your question! I was reading through and hoping that someone dealing with a bunion would post something. As to the pain in the ball of your foot…sounds like plantar fasciitis. I have deal with that in the past and found that I needed to wear shoes with good arch support, plus do stretching exercises for the feet. Flareups come when I wear flats or sandals with no arch support. That’s what worries me about trying Tieks.

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    2. Hi Patty,

      It’s hard to say for sure, but I’d definitely recommend giving Tieks a try. Since the flats are made from soft leather, they really do form to each individual foot, and might be a great option for you! If it turns out they aren’t the best fit for you, Tieks has a great exchange and return policy. Let me know if you decide to give them a try! I’d love to know what you think of them.

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    3. I actually switched to Tieks because all my other flats were giving me a baby bunion. They were also giving me calluses on my little toes. Tieks are amazing. My bunion doesn’t hurt and the calluses have healed themselves. My pinky toes don’t burn and throb at the end of the day anymore, either.

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    4. I have bunions on both feet and Tieks work great for me. It is soft leather surrounding your feet instead of elastic so I don’t have the pain I use to with other shoes. I have several pairs and wear them to work. I’m on my feet all day and still doesn’t bother my bunions. Give them a try!

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    1. I would say they run true to size, but order a size down if you are between sizes. I’m a 7.5 so I ordered the 7. Perfect fit. The 8 would have slipped off my heel when i walked, I’m sure. BTW, my first pair and I love these shoes. I’m sure I’ll be buying more.

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    1. Hi Donna and Karen!

      Tieks have an insole that molds to your foot with wear, and I’ve found them to have plenty of support. My mother wears her custom inserts with her pair, so that might be an option for you as well!

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  16. I bought the metallic pewter to change into for daughter’s wedding reception….they danced all evening and I’m wearing them all of the time

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    1. Hi Barbara,

      I’ve had my pair for a couple months now and wear them constantly – they’re holding up great so far! I’ll be sure to update the post with how they wear over time after I’ve had them a bit longer. I do know that friends of mine have been able to wear their pairs for years without any trouble. Hope that helps! 🙂

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    1. Hi Denise,

      I would have I have a pretty average foot, but I have friends with wider feet who love their Tieks! One of the benefits of the leather and the elastic is that it really lets the shoe shape to your individual foot. I’d love to hear how they work for you if you end up trying them!

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    2. I have a wide foot. Because I’m in between sizes, I sized up in Tieks. They are wonderful and are the only shoes I wear to work now. If I could, I’d go barefoot but since I can’t, I wear Tieks.

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  17. I am not the kind of girl to spend this much money on a pair of shoes, but I own two pairs and just ordered a third. They are amazing. The first pair I bought was red, and I wear them all the time! In fact, I wore them all day at Disney World, and they were so comfortable! Any shoe that stands up to Disney World is a winner.

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  18. Is it a firm sole on these? I have a neuroma on the bottom of my foot ever since I broke my 5th metatarsal last year and a firm sole feels best on my foot.

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  19. Im completely lost when it comes to fashion. What would you say is the most neutral, go with anything, but kind of fun color they offer?

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    1. Hi Lindsay,

      You really can’t go wrong when it comes to Tieks. Everything they make is gorgeous. If you’re looking for a fun neutral, you could try one of the snake print pairs (maybe copperhead or mocha snake) – they’re neutral in color, but the print makes them a little fun! If you’re looking for something more classic, I think Olive is a great option. It’s a color, but also a great neutral. Let me know what you decide to try!

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  20. Thanks so much for your review! I am a long time Tieks fan, and I always love hearing about other people’s experiences with the brand. I first bought Tieks in 2013 and have been addicted ever since. I started with Matte Black (as many do) and grew my collection slowly but steadily! Last I counted, I’m at 17 pairs! My Tieks have been absolute LIFESAVERS. I’ve worn them through every pregnancy, every overnight flight, every cruise, every walking tour. If I’m on my feet, you can bet your bottom dollar I’m wearing my Tieks. I’ve even worn them to formal events! I think that’s one of the best things about Tieks – there are SO many options that you are never going to find yourself longing for a color that doesn’t exist. There are great styles for the neutral nancys of the world, as well as the crazy cathys (or in my case – cynthias)! About a year into my addiction, I decided to clear out my closet of all other flats to make more room for Tieks. To eBay I went! I said goodbye to my Tory Burch Revas, and even my TOMS. I just knew I wouldn’t need them anymore, and there was no reason to clutter up the space with shoes I’d never wear again. In an effort to keep our bedroom tidy, my husband and I have a rule that we don’t purchase a new item of clothing without throwing out an old one. The day I threw out my old shoes was the best manipulation of that rule I’ve ever used! (And I’m not the least bit sorry.) I think I ordered four or five pairs that day. Two days later, they were at my doorstep ready for my feet! I truly can’t say enough about Tieks. I’m glad to see you feel the same way!

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  21. I have never been a flats person until now. I recently had a couple job interviews in the city and did not want to be stumbling around in heels for hours – so I decided to invest in a pair of Tieks because I had heard so many good things about them. Gotta say, I am far from disappointed. I agree with you…so worth it!

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  22. I bought my first pair about a year ago. Of course I went with the safest color, Matte Black, and have worn them probably 300 days out of the year. It would be 365 but I have to show my boots some love during the winter. I need a bright color now and and can’t wait to treat myself this Christmas 🙂

    If you don’t own a pair of Tieks, I don’t know what you’re waiting for!

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    1. I have Matte Black and want a bright color too! Can’t wait for Christmas – going to put Cardinal Red and Mint Patent on my list :).

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  23. Tieks are definitely worth it!!! Comfortable and stylish! They are pricey…for anyone, let along a teacher such as I am! But the investment is definitely worth it. Tieks also has the best customer service! I noticed a problem with my sole maybe 3 or 4 months after I had gotten mine. I wore them maybe 2-3 times on average a week. I decided to reach out to them and just let them know. I wasn’t looking for anything. And they decided to have me return them so they could check out why the sole was doing that and sent me a new pair! Wow! Who does that?!?! The ONLY downside….I want one in every color!!!!! 😂😂😂😂

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  24. A year ago I started seeing Tieks on Pinterest and try as I might, I could not get them out of my mind. All those pretty colors and soft Italian leather—they were calling my name! My coworker raved about them to me so I decided to start saving some $$ and after a couple months I took the plunge. I decided they would be an early bday present to myself. And OH MY GOODNESS THEY ARE EVERYTHING. I went with California Navy because I knew they’d be super versatile, but now I want a pair in every color! I’ve literally thrown out all my other flats because none of them even compare to my Tieks. I can wear them during 12 hour shifts at work and my feet feel totally fine, whereas before I was dealing with aching feet and blisters on a daily basis. I will never wear another brand of flats. Oh, and for you ladies struggling with the price, I PROMISE YOU they are 100% worth it.

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    1. Unfortunately no, but Tieks stretch to your feet and the company makes it so easy for you to find the right size, so it’s really not an issue! I’m a 7.5 but can go up or down depending on the shoe. When I was planning to buy my first pair I wrote into Tieks’ customer service (which is AMAZING btw) and they suggested I start with a 7. As soon as I put them on I knew the 7s were going to be too small, so I hopped on the website and submitted an exchange (which was really simple). And get this—Tieks will actually ship you your exchange pair without charging you for it, so you can try on both pairs side by side! And they include a prepaid shipping label so you can send back whichever pair you decide isn’t the right fit. I really can’t say enough good things about Tieks customer service and their exchange policy. The 8s fit me perfectly, and I’ve been in love with my Tieks ever since! My collection is already up to 3 pairs (Matte Black, Leopard, Romantic Blush), and I’m pretty sure Bronze will be pair #4!

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  25. I’m a librarian at a high school so professional but comfortable is what I aim for in my wardrobe. I have been in the market for the perfect pair of black flats and was more than excited when my best friend bought me a Tieks gift card for my birthday. She probably noticed me eyeing her Tieks every time we met up for a lunch date, haha! I ordered the Matte Black and slipped them on as soon as they arrived at my doorstep. They are perfect! I get tons of compliments every time I wear them and they are sooo comfy! I can finally go a full school day without having sore feet. Tieks are worth every penny :).

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  26. I have a narrow foot & walk out of many flats. Tieks are perfect. I’m a half size, the up size works for me. For sure worth the $$ to get quality.

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  27. I’m thinking about purchasing a pair today also wondering do they come in half sizes because I feel that I need a seven and a half

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    1. They don’t offer half sizes, but I sized down and it worked out perfectly (I’m usually a 9 1/2). Maybe you can start with a size 7 and try them around the house? If you have a wider foot though, I think they recommend you to size up. Either way, you should definitely give Tieks a try 😀

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  28. I got my first pair the other week. I was a little hesitant at first because of the cost and because I am a size 4.5 and 5 I was worried about the fit. But every time I saw the fuchsia pair on pinterest I just kept thinking I want those. Needless to say after reading some reviews I gave in and purchased them a few weekends ago and never looked back.

    They are light weight and very comfortable. Some times I even forget I am wearing them. I love how easy they are to carry around, since I wear a lot of black and dark colours the fuchsia gives my outfit a flash of colour without it being overbearing. I’ve gotten a lot of complaints on how cute they look on me at work.

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  29. What a great review! I totally agree with you Blair! Tieks feel like a dream and are so worth it. I’m a 9 1/2 and I sized down since they don’t offer half sizes. They were a bit snug at first, but after a couple of wears, the soft leather molded perfectly to my feet. Definitely going to order a second pair to take to Croatia with me! Any color suggestions?

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    1. I do not wear them with socks. I have not noticed an odor and I have had my black Tieks for almost a year, I wear them several times a week.

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    2. Sarah, I wear thin no-show sock footies, or liners with mine. I get the ultra low ones with a sticky heel so they stay in place and don’t show. I do this because I’ve had a history of toenail fungus and I don’t want to contaminate my shoes. I normally wear a size 8 1/2 but I go with a 9 in Tieks and with a ultra-low sock liner they are perfect. I have 4 pair….and counting.

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  30. Not only are Tieks themselves amazing, but their costumer service team is one of the best I have ever dealt with! I called in with a question about sizing (I’m a half size) and I talked to the sweetest woman who was so knowledgeable! It felt like I was talking to a friend. She helped me find the perfect pair of Tieks that fit like a glove =)

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  31. Thank you so much for your honest review! I’ve been on the fence for a few months now about getting a pair and after reading this review I’m definitely going to splurge. I’ve been eyeing the Chestnut color and can’t wait to start matching it with outfits in my closet! I think it’s going to be the perfect pair to wear year round.

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  32. I will be traveling to Rome in the Spring. Would these make a good sightseeing shoe? I normally wear Keens but they just seem to clunky for St Peters and the Vatican

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    1. Hey Penelope! I discovered Tieks a few years back and wear almost nothing else when I travel now! They are perfect for sightseeing, and I think they’d be a great for your trip to Rome. I bought my first pair for a trip to Paris where I knew I was going to be walking many miles every day. I was determined to have cute shoes in a city known for its fashionable women, but I also wanted something I could walk in everyday without blisters or pain. Boy did Tieks deliver! The first day in Paris I clocked in at over 10 miles walked and my feet barely felt it in my Tieks. Now when I travel I pack only my Tieks and maybe a pair of tennis shoes if I’m going to be doing some hardcore hiking. They earn bonus points in my book for taking up almost no room in my suitcase. My collection has grown to 5 pairs and I’ll be a Tieks fan for life! Hope my experience helps with your decision 🙂

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  33. On pair number 4….They have traveled around the world with me. From Florida to Korea to Paris! So light weight and comfortable….Totally worth the price 😀

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