I Own Over 100 Pairs Of Shoes But All I Wear Are…

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If you read my Tieks review from several months ago, you already know how much I adore my Metallic Pewter pair. What you may not know, however, is how I feel about my Tieks in comparison to all the other shoes in my (slightly extravagant) collection.

It’s probably been 5 years since I actually counted how many shoes I own, and my collection has definitely expanded since then. Before I sat down to write this post though, that’s exactly what I did. The final tally? 104.

I know what you’re thinking—104 pairs of shoes is too many for any human being, right? I’ll admit I have a bit of a shoe addiction, but in my defense I’ve accumulated my collection over many years, and I’ve always been good at rotating what shoes I wear so (almost) all of them get good use. That being said, after getting my first pair of Tieks, I feel like I’ve been neglecting all my other shoes. Really though, in the last three weeks or so, I think the only time I’ve worn something other than my Tieks was at the gym. Even on NYE I wore heels but stashed my Tieks in my purse for the inevitable shoe change once my feet started killing me. I’ve been going for my Tieks every single day because they’re just THAT comfortable and THAT versatile. Not to be dramatic, but Tieks are sort of…life changing.

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Believe it or not, over half the shoes in my collection are ballet flats. You name the brand I probably own a pair currently or have tried them in the past. NONE have come close to the comfort of my Tieks. I’ve put my feet through the ringer with my love of flats. I’m talking countless blisters, cuts, and a whole lot of foot pain over the years. Before my Tieks I’d pretty much come to accept that ballets flats were inherently uncomfortable for long periods of time. You’d think that would stop me from buying more, but alas, my addiction is real.

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Fast forward to the first time I put on my Tieks. I could tell they were different from other flats I’ve tried. Softer, cushier, more flexible. For me, they felt perfect right out of the box, and they’ve only gotten more comfortable since. The best way I can describe them is a second skin—the leather has molded to the shape of my feet to the point that I sometimes forget I’m even wearing shoes.

The best thing about Tieks though, isn’t that they’re luxuriously comfortable or effortlessly chic, it’s that they’re both! I can’t even describe what a relief it is to have finally found a brand of flats that doesn’t require me to sacrifice comfort for style. Tieks always look sleek and sophisticated, so you can dress them up or down with ease. In the short time I’ve owned my Tieks I’ve worn them to work, happy hour, brunch, a wedding, to go shopping, run errands, and literally everywhere in between. They have quickly become my anywhere, anytime, everyday (and night) shoe. Not to mention, they are amazing for travel! When I took a trip to the East Coast to visit family over the holidays, my Tieks were a lifesaver. Their split-sole allowed them to fold up really compact so they took up almost no room in my carry-on, and easily slipped on and off so I could zip through security. Needless to say, I’ll never travel without my Tieks again.

Anyways, I fell so in love with my Metallic Pewter pair that I ended up treating myself to two more pairs before the end of 2016! Rose Gold Glam came first, in October. I’m a sucker for sparkle, and this pair was just calling my name! I love them every bit as much as my Pewter pair. Then, in December, I bought California Navy. I was on the Tieks website buying pairs as Christmas gifts and just couldn’t help myself!

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So you might be wondering, what’s next for my shoe collection now that I’ve found one brand that puts the rest to shame? Well…I can’t believe I’m saying this, let alone writing it down, but…I’m beginning a shoe purge. First to go will be all the flats I’ll never wear again, which means every pair except my Tieks!

I tend to get emotionally attached to my clothing, so no doubt my shoe purge will be a process. In the end though it will all be worth it, because it means I can start building up my Tieks collection! Did I mention Tieks has over 50 styles to choose from?!! Literally my idea of heaven. If you haven’t checked out their Boutiek yet, I highly recommend doing that now. You and your feet can thank me later 😉

 

 

104 comments

    1. Is there any way to ever catch them on sale? I am sure they are worth every penny. I am just on an ultra tight budget. Been working on my feet 25 years so I get it!

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      1. Hi Aimee,

        Tieks never go on sale, but trust me when I say they are 100% WORTH IT! I have so many friends with Tieks Savings Jars – I even have one who puts $5 in a jar every time she wears a pair of flats that gives her a blister!

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      2. Hello i never buy a pair but I wish to buy one pair
        What size I need to order if I use size 8 1/2

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      4. I have four pair. They are my go to shoes when I know I’m going to be on my feet or travelling. I love beautiful shoes but won’t buy any shoe (heels included) that I can’t move in comfortably. The soft leather is quick to break in, forms to your foot and feels like a pair of really good gloves for your feet. The patent leather take longer to break in but are beautiful. I do not have a pair of the cotton yet. If you need arch support these may not be the shoes for you but I am a barefoot kinda girl so they are pretty much like being barefoot with protection.

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    2. Quick question… do the shoes fit true to size? Most times I wear an 8 but some flats require a half size larger. Would love to hear opinions! Also, are they comfortable enough to purchase and wear on a trip? Do you have to break them in first? Thanks!!

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      1. Hi Carole,

        I’ve found that Tieks run pretty true to size. It’s also important to keep in mind that because of the natural leather, Tieks will stretch and mold do your foot overtime for the perfect fit! I’d suggest starting with an 8, and if they don’t work out you can always place an exchange to compare a second size side by side. I hope that helps!

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      2. I wear a size 8, but in flats, get an 8.5 or even a 9. I too have fallen in love with Tieks and now own 6 pair! The struggle with Tieks-addiction s real. Anyway, I get my Tieks in an 8. They can be a little snug at first, but NOT painfullt so. And in No time, it is just like she said, I forget I have them on! My only issue is the back bottom on the right shoe tends to get worn and rubbed because of driving. I have weathertek mats and they rub against the leather. So, I started putting something else down under my foot to protect my Tieks.

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      3. I am normally a 7.5 wide. Per instructions, I bought a size 8. Perfect ! I had no breaking in period.

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      4. In flats, I generally have to go a 1/2 size up, but with tieks I’m able to wear my actual size of 10. So, I recommend you stick to your size 8. By the way, I have a wide foot and the 10 fits perfectly.

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      5. Hi I have three pairs of the Tieks and they fit true to size you don’t have to break them in they would be the perfect shoe for travel.and I am getting two pair for my birthday. Love Tieks

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      6. I’m a true 101/2 and I get an 11. Because of the elasticity (non elastic though) around the shoe and the super soft leather they fit beautifully. They are amazing from the first wear.

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      7. I bought my first pair and excited finally warm enough to wear them. I’m a true size 8 and bought an 8 and perfect. I love them can’t wait to save enough for pair number 2!!!

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      9. I bought a pair of black Tieks last summer and probably wore them 4-5 times before we went to San Francisco for 5 days. I only wore that one pair of Tieks the whole time. I really was surprised at how comfortable they were. I did not get even one blister even though we walked everywhere. They really are a great pair of shoes!!

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      1. Hi Connie,

        I don’t think you can go wrong with any of those three! I will say I absolutely adore my Pewter pair. I think it’s a more fun first color, and it’s just as versatile as navy and black! Let me know what you decide 🙂

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      2. I wear jean skirts a lot, so my first pair was California navy. Perfect choice. Then I got Chestnut, Black and Cardinal Red. Next will be Metallic Pewter and then Chocolate Brown. 🙂 Love my Tieks!!!! 🙂

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      4. I went bold on my first pairs and ordered cardinal red and lilac (could be the only purple thing I own) to get me out of my rut of black shoes. I have worn my red pair everywhere and enjoyed changing it up with the lilac too. I broke down three years later and purchased the black patent and the pewter. I still wear my red pair the most but have totally loved the pewter. Of course black patent add a little extra class to any look. Enjoy.

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      6. I love reading reviews and enjoy the variety of personalities with their color choices. I just bought my 2nd pair and I went with cobalt blue. Love them and they go with many outfits. Black was my first choice and now excited to plan for my 3rd pair, patent coral😀. Sounds fun. I love tieks and now have my niece buying them. 2 pairs already for her. She is a school teacher! And raves about them! Yay!!!! Also a close friend is wanting them. Fun talking about tieks shoes!!!!

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      7. Hi ! Almos every shoe I own are black or dark colors, so I decided to go bold. I just got my Cardinal Red today… the funny part was both of my sandals broke while getting them so I had to wear them right away & I am in love with them already! Only you can shoes what color to start with either bold or black to use with everything ( by the way I’m wearing light pink & blue ) and this cardinal red look awesome 😎

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    4. I am waiting for my first pair! I can’t wait. It took me 5 months to place the order because I kept changing my mind about which color I wanted. I finally ordered a pair in chestnut. I hope I do not regret that. Originally, I wanted red, then poppy and finally cobalt blue. But I went practical😕

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      1. I did to for my first pair “black” boring right? However I love them and totally convince I will purchase my next and who knows u may even surprise myself!!😀

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    5. Hey like ur creative style…owned 280 pairs of shoes…all were taken…but I’m back at 86 and growing …..your work is inspiring…..keep up with your vision and eccentric style…you are blessed

      Npierce

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  2. I have two and I keep thinking…which one is next. My only problem, do you wear them barefoot or with socks? If so which socks because if I wear them barefoot they begin to smell.

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    3. Hi Emily.
      My daughter had a (years long) issue with foot odor. We tried almost everything. She was almost 25 when she discovered essential oils. It completely cured her odor problem. She can wear flats barefoot without stinking. I am not selling eo’s or pushing any one brand, just suggesting an option.
      🙂

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    4. I ordered some thin insoles from amazon that have a very small amount of adhesive. I researched on Pinterest for which are best. I also purchased moleskin for the upper toe area and this smooths out the area over the toes. Made a huge difference in the look!

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    1. I do have a Lanvin pair! As I’m sure you can guess based on the title, I prefer my Tieks. Lanvin does a great job padding the insole, but I’ve always found the back of the shoe (the part where the top hits the back of your ankle) to be a little stiff. If I wear them for too long, I almost always get a blister. Hope that helps!

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  4. My pewter pair have been worn for almost 2 years. I adore them. I was gifted navy by my husband and returned them for taupe but I think I’ll buy them again.
    I’m going for something sparkly too!!
    I’m also about to refresh my entire closet so bring on more Tieks. I always had to be in heels for work and running from meeting to meeting-now ballet flats all the time-even in 20 degree weather.

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  6. I have never worn them but just might make an investment. Be sure to recycle your shoes at a store that gives to the needy. That is what I do, so I am helping out by giving!

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    1. Get a pair you will want another because I did my daughter and grandchildren got a pair each for me and I just got another.love Tieks

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    1. Hi Shelly,

      Tieks are only available in whole sizes, but do mold to your foot over time! If you’re a half size, the company typically suggests starting with the size down. If it doesn’t work out, Tieks has a really great exchange policy that will let you try the next size up side by side with the pair you already have! That way, you can compare the two sizes and find the absolutely perfect fit. I hope that helps! 🙂

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  9. I have arounds 80 something pairs and I only started my tieks collection 1 month ago. Since purchasing my first pair last month, I now have 5 pairs! Totally addicted.

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      1. Just received my first pair as a gift from my husband.
        I were a 8 1/2. A little snug but looking forward to them being
        “Broken in”.
        JRW Georgia

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    1. Hi Diane,

      Unfortunately I don’t have a window into the Tieks stock room (but omg how amazing would that be!) – if you reach out to Tieks I’m sure they’d be happy to help you!

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    2. I were 9.5. I first ordered 9 and felt they were a little snug (I also have a wider foot) they sent me sz 10 so I could compare. At no cost. I just had to send one pair back. I kept the 10. They are great.

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    3. Hi Bea. I wear a size 9 1/2 true to size. I ordered a size 10 In the brown croc and they fit great! I have a medium width foot. I think ordering a size down would be too small. The teens fit just right and are not too snug.

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  15. Hi!
    I am always on a quest for comfortable shoes… I love birkenstocks for my summer sandles and now won’t wear anything else. BUT I need a non-summer option. I have a very high arch and usually wear orthotics. Do they offer arch support or are just heavily padded for whole foot support? Does the elastic dig into your heel? And is there any retail location to be able to try them on? (Are they true to size?). Thanks for letting me know. I’ve been considering them for so long and have never seen them in person to be able to ask my questions!
    Lisa

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    1. Hi Lisa,

      Tieks mold to your foot overtime, including on the insole! If you find you need more arch support, I know several women who have been able to wear their custom arch inserts comfortably in their Tieks. In regards to the elastic, it really depends on the foot! Like the rest of the shoe, it’ll loosen and mold over time for the perfect fit. I’ve never found it to be too tight on my heel, especially since the back of the heel is padded and NOT elasticized. Tieks are sold exclusively online, and I highly recommend giving them a try! Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to convert a non Tieks Girl 😉

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    2. I put Doctor Scholls Gel inserts in my Tieks. You can also add arch support inserts. Tieks are true to size. You will need to contact Tieks and ask about brick and mortar stores. Just go for it online. They will be so comfy.

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  17. I also have over 100 pair of heels but I’am excited that I’am going to purchase a pair of Tieks I really think I will not get rid of any of my heels sentimental reasons they hold so many memories

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  18. I too have a “flat fetish”. I bought my Taupe Tieks because I was traveling with limited packing space and this color would go with most of my outfits. My feet fell in love with these shoes the minute I put them on! I wore them on the plane, walking for Hours on cobblestone streets sight seeing, and with my formal dresses. Tiles are truly the most comfortable and most versatile shoe I have ever owned! My color collection will definitely be growing!

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    1. From an old lady who has realized how important good foot care should have been in my 20’s –
      In my experience if you are walking on cobblestone streets for an extended length of time, you need more support than Tieks. Otherwise, I’m with everyone on this post — Tieks are a godsend!

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  19. I have never worn them and yet continue to see them on the internet. I do not have friends that wear them, because as teachers, we find them to be quite expensive. Do they work for people with bunions? What about the arch support for plantar faciaitis?

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    1. I totally understand where you’re coming from. They’re definitely an investment piece! I’ve heard great things from friends who wear them and have the issues you mentioned. The elastic allows the shoes to form to any foot shape, and the padded insole and thicker outsole provide support for plantar faciaitis. I’d recommend giving them a try! If they don’t work for you, Tieks has a great returns and exchange policy. I hope that helps! 🙂

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    2. They are PERFECT for bunions. I just got my first pair, and I was nervous about this. And I do not have a little bunion. I have huge ones. The shoe covers my entire bunion (on both feet), and they do not hurt them! I really didn’t have to break these in, like I do with every other pair of shoes. I even wore them for two days straight, just to make sure they’d be OK. Usually, with very other pair of shoes I buy, I have to deal with a lot of pain for the first two days as the leather stretches around the bunion. Not in Tieks.

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      1. THIS!!! I love hearing when people have great experiences with Tieks after not finding luck with other ballet flats. I think it’s so easy to just say “oh, ballet flats don’t work for me” and I love how many people have had that mindset reversed after trying Tieks.

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  20. I loved this post! I stumbled upon it on Pinterest, but can honestly say I feel the exact same way. All I wear are ballet flats, but none (even my slip on sneakers) hold a candle to Tieks comfort and beauty. I have one pair and have gotten my sister a pair and my mother 2 pairs, and I feel like it is time to add to my collection. Thank you for sharing, your navy look beautiful, so you may have helped me make up my mind as to which will be my next purchase!

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  22. Worth mentioning — I am typically a true 8.5 shoe, with a bit of a skinny foot. I originally ordered an 8, as suggested, but they were a little tight. Tiek’s customer services is MAGNIFICENT! They sent me the 9 before sending back the 8 so I could compare both — and did not charge me again because they knew I was returning one of them. Absolutely lovely to deal with — so don’t hesitate to give them a try. The 9 fits me perfectly, so naturally, I ordered another pair right away. Enjoy!

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  23. Hi!
    Ok, so you’ve caught my attention! I am a nursing student and am easily on my feet for 16 hours on clinical days. I have tried so many different types of shoes…..sketchers, nike, under armor, nurse mates, dansko, etc…..and nothing seems to be that “perfect shoe”. I have plantar fasciitis and a high arch. How is the arch in the tieks?

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    1. Hi Amber! I feel like people ask this all the time, so you are not alone! I don’t have the best perspective on arch support since I have pretty typical arches, but I will say that if you find the arch support isn’t sufficient for you that you should be able to add inserts! I’d say Tieks are worth a try, especially since it sounds like you’ve already gone through so many other brands!

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  24. Omg I am sooo in Live with Tieks!!!! I bought my first pair about three months ago. My first pair was Electric Snake!!!! I’m big into bold!!! They are my favorite pair!!! Over the past three months I’ve purchased three more pairs! I now own 1. Electric Snake! 2. Fuchsia! 3. Pop Pink! & 4. Mint Patent I absolutely love them all!!! I have major emotional attachment to my clothing and shoes. I literally Live Stuff! I’m extremely obcessed with LulaRoe and my Tieks are the perfect finishing touch for my obcessed over outfits I spend hours searching for! lol I’m a LulaLoon! And a TiekGeek! 😂😂😂😂😂 honestly I couldn’t own enough pairs to ever be fully satisfied I want more!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😘

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  26. I bought the white lace Tieks and loved them they costed me quite a bit, but the lace is fraying and falling apart . I have other Tieks never had problems but I would love to know if I could return for a different pair

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    1. Hi Donna,

      I’m so sorry to hear that!! I’d suggest reaching out to Tieks’ customer service team – I’ve always had wonderful experiences with them and they might be able to help!

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  27. Im curious how you got your tieks to lay flat on the surface. I’ve had mine for at least 3 months and have been wearing them so much…. but when I take it off it is still curved.

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    1. I actually used shoe trees! I had a friend wear Tieks for her wedding, and she stored hers on tress for awhile so she could photograph them off her feet as her “something blue” 🙂

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  28. Also…. any tips on which of the metallic ones you think would be the most neutral to go with most clothes? I tend to wear a lot of black and navy blue…. i am also asian with brown skin. I am ready for my second pair – a metallic one that would still be appropriate for work too. My fiest pait is the matte black. Thanks.

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    1. Hi Janice,

      If you’re looking for a neutral to match your skin tone, I’d suggest Metallic Bronze. That said, given the colors you wear I think Metallic Pewter would be a fantastic option, and great for the office too!

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    1. I wear mine without socks and I haven’t had a smell issue, but I think that likely varies from foot to foot. If you do run into an odor problem, I have friends who use doctor scholl’s odor eaters and say it fixed it right up!

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    1. Hi Donna,

      One of my favorite things about Tieks is their cushioned insole! I really did feel like it molded to my own personal foot shape, which makes it really comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I also firmly believe that part of the reason Tieks are so comfortable is because of the thicker rubber soles – I know I have several pairs of flats from other brands that have a cushioned insole, but after a few hours of wear I still feel like I’m stepping directly on whatever cobblestone, etc. is directly beneath my foot because those brands use thinner outer soles. I hope this helps! I’d love for you to try a pair!

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  32. Bought a pair a few months ago. I normally wear an 8.5. Followed advise and did NOT size up. Have only worn them twice as they are just too small…I love them. Possible to return for a so. 9?
    Thank you.
    Marilyn Dalia

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  33. I have Silver Lake, California Navy and
    Clover. Since buying my first pair of Tieks, I also have neglected all my other cute but painful ballet flats.
    My nephew’s (who is an MD) wife owns every colour. Lucky her!

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    1. I’ve had mine for awhile, and since I don’t store them folded they tend to lie pretty flat in my closet. My newer pairs definitely have that “folded” look in my closet but it doesn’t bother me much since they’re only seen when they’re on my feet 🙂

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  35. It’s funny that everyone remembers the order in which they purchased their Tieks. My order is a little foggy from returning a few that weren’t for me Pop Pink & Mint Parent). My first and favorite is Moonstruck, I love the peacocking. I feel like they go with everything. Fuscia, Ballet Pink, RoseGold, Starstruck, Sunset Stripe came next and are so fun. I won a custom pair with iridescent pink, purple to blue colors, they are stunning. Most recent are my Mustard that go with so much. I went to get dressed one day and thought why don’t I have red shoes, so I bought Ruby Red and they are stunning. Finally, I heard a rumor that Tortiose might be discontinued and I’d been lusting after them so yesterday they arrived, WOW is all I can say. So yes I’m a Tieks fanatic. I don’t think I’d want every color but there are at least 5 colors I’d still like to have. I think it’s time to purge my other shoes since I have not worn anything but Tieks for 6 months.

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    1. Sounds like you are a Tieks Girl through and through! I noticed my other flats making their way back to the back of my closet and eventually I just ended up giving them away. I haven’t heard anything about the Tortoiseshell Tieks but maybe I need to add those to my collection just in case. What colors are on your wish list?

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  36. I just got my first pair of Tieks for my 50th birthday in September, and already I can tell….. This is gonna be a BAD addiction! I LOVE them! I decided to get a neutral, Ballerina Pink, and I wear them ALL the time! My next are going to have to be Cardinal Reds…. They are beckoning me!
    For those of you with rough floor mats in your car, like Weathertec….I purchased a piece of self-stick felt to place on top of my mats at the level of my pedals. It worked like a charm! Tieks saved!

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  37. 104 pairs of shoes? I admire your restraint. My favorite Tieks are the turquoise patent leather. I have the flat black and the ballerina pink as well. About the same time Tieks first came out Cole Haans sold a similar looking flat (labeled with Maria Sparaopova) and I got a few of those too but I only held on to the Tieks because they are foldable. I rarely leave the house wearing them though. I tuck them in my bag as a second pair of shoes to wear when my feet hurt. My husband and I visited the Toranga zoo a couple of years ago. I actually had 2 pairs of shoes in my bag including a pair of Tieks and a pair of super comfy leather tongs but my feet were still hamburger even after alternating 3 pairs of different shoes. Imagine how much worse it would have been just counting on my sneakers to get me through the day.

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