Looking for your next pair of comfortable flats? Tieks designs luxury foldable leather ballet flats known for their turquoise soles. I took them for an all-day test drive–here’s what you should know before buying in this comprehensive Tieks’ review, focused on comfort, value, and durability.

Brand Background & Design Appeal

This last year, I bought my first pair of flats that I actually wear pretty regularly (I more often opt for sneakers). As trends would have it, I’ve been leaning more towards flats for some occasions as a more sophisticated option of comfortable daily footwear. They’re easy to pair with everything from dresses to denim and leggings. Eager to expand my collection of flats, Tieks’ review inquiry came around at just the right time to peak my interest.

I was drawn to the brand due to the simplicity–making just a single silhouette. Working in the footwear business for around 15 years, I presumed they must have comfort and fit mastered to be successful with just a single construction.

Tieks leather flats are also made with a leather midsole, a split rubber outsole, and they fold to pack into a small bag.

First Impressions of Shoes and Packaging for Tieks Review

Packaging is nice, the compact shipping box arrived and I was surprised at just how small it was since this was my first Tieks experience.

The shoe box itself is made in Tieks signature teal hue, topped with a fabric flower. Inside the shoes are folded up tightly, and include a simple stretchy carry sack for packing and life on the go.

My first impression of the shoes—they reminded me a bit like leather house slippers. They’re not as structured as your average flat, with a sort of stretchy opening that holds the shoe to your foot. I was anxious to spend a day in them to get a better feel of the long term experience wearing the shoes.

Comfort & Fit – First Impressions vs. After 8 Hours of Wear

First impressions: Upon first slipping the shoes on, I was a bit surprised at Tieks flats fit. They felt different than my other flats, a little more gap at the arch of my foot, and more toe cleavage than most. There’s not a lot of foot coverage. I was unsure whether they’d stay securely on my feet, however once I got a bit more used to them, I felt secure. I am also between sizes, and sized up per Tieks recommendation, so a bit of the extra space can be attributed to that.

After wearing for a few hours at home, I was concerned about the flats’ break in period, especially at the toe line where the pressure areas felt a bit rough. So, to provide a more thorough Tieks comfort review, I decided to put them to the test with over 8 hours of wear…

After wearing them for a few hours the first evening, and again the next day for over 8 hours—I was pleasantly surprised I didn’t have any notable rubbing across the prominent contact areas like the heel and toe line. And, despite the extra space around the arch, the shoes stayed on securely at each step.

The shoes do not have much cushioning or arch support, so I would not categorize the shoes as a “comfort flat”. They remind me of a house slipper, but leather instead of fabric. They’re more comfortable than most heels, not as comfortable as most sneakers. I’ve had a fair amount of issues with flats rubbing my heel or cutting into my toe line, which is one of the reasons I haven’t opted for flats more often. Of all the flats I have tried, they’re more comfortable than most.

Durability & Quality

A closeup for the Tieks review revealed a soft unlined interior and simple leather sock design with some artisanal stitching. Tieks durability looks evident in the soles, I imagine they could take some pretty heavy wear.

The leather quality and manufacturing could be better. There were some subtle irregularities in the leather grain (which were small enough you probably can’t tell in the photos), and the leather wasn’t as soft and flexible as my other go-to flats. There were also some rough insole cuts which were only noticeable because I did a close inspection for the Tieks review.

Is Tieks’ $200 Price Tag Worth the Investment?

To answer the big question: Are Tieks worth it after a close inspection of quality and over 8 hours of wear? Reading other’s Tieks reviews on the site as well as across the web, there’s no doubt, $200 seems like a hefty price tag for a basic pair of leather flats. Considering the simple silhouette, quality of materials and manufacturing, I would expect a more affordable price point… but I also think that can also be a tough call since we can only guess the factory size, manufacturing volume, amount of testing and fit trials the brand invests into their construction.

Instead of trying to guess what they cost to make, if you’re debating whether or not Tieks are worth the price, consider a price per wear model to better determine the value to you.

If you rarely wear flats, look around for other options. If you’re looking for a comfortable flat you can wear as part of your daily or weekly wardrobe, $200 may be an affordable price for a pair of shoes that will keep you equipped for a lifestyle on the go that calls for heavy repeated wear.

Who Should Consider Tieks?

After my first Tieks experience, I’d say these flats are best for women who prefer sophisticated style, and often find themselves on the go. Because of Tieks compact design, it’s easy to pack a pair for every outfit on your next journey, making them great for frequent travelers.

I’ve also talked to people who’ve had experience with the brand that mentioned they’re great for bridal parties (or other formal occasions) who want a compact flat they can stow in their bag for backup.

If you have chronic foot issues, are looking for heavy walking shoes or anyone needing strong arch support—it is better to shop for brands that specialize in those features.

Consider Tieks if you’re looking for sophisticated leather flats with really compact storage capability. There are a ton of color variations including prints and special materials, so you can find a flat for every look.

Care & Maintenance Tips

Extend the life of your Tieks leather flats with proper care. As with all leather shoes, be thoughtful of your movements to avoid scuffs, and gently wipe clean with a soft damp cloth for dust and debris.

A pro tip: pick a cleaning cloth that’s a similar color to your shoes to avoid leaving streaks.

After a quick search for this Tieks review, I found Tieks provides specific cleaning instructions for different material variations on their site, which you can find in the link above.

Take advantage of the included storage bag to avoid scratches or stains from other items in your bag during travel.

What to Wear with Tieks Ballet Flats

Not sure how to style flats? Ballet flats have made a major comeback on the fashion scene—great news for those who value sophistication and comfort. Try swapping out your favorite sneakers for flats during your next venture. Or follow this style guide for a quick reference on what to wear with Tieks ballet flats:

• Relaxed yet elegant occasion wear: pair with full or fitted maxi skirts
• Casual office wear: match with denim and a button down
• Athleisure street style: wear with sporty leggings and sophisticated tops or lightweight jackets for a hybrid athleisure look like the one styled for this Tieks review

Dresses, leggings or jeans–there are plenty of outfit combinations to get the most use out of your flats for a high rotation value.

Conclusion: Final Verdict, are Tieks Worth it?

Trying to decide if Tieks are worth it for you? Here is a summary of this Tieks review key points to help you with your decision:

• Pros: foldable travel-friendly design, timeless sophisticated silhouette, durable sole, versatile and easy to style
• Cons: quality vs. investment, mid range comfort level

Want to give them a try? Shop Tieks for yourself >

In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post was made in collaboration with tieks. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!