If we met in real life, chances are I’d either be wearing flip flops or Tieks or Toms. Growing up in a small beachy California town, I haven’t ever really given up my flip flops (except for the few years I went to college where it snowed…). But a few years ago I tried out the highly talked about Tieks, wondering if they really were worth all of the hype. And I’m hear to tell you why yes, they really are.
Beyond the ‘Oprah loves them and had them on her favorite things list’ – reason to want to try them out, I’d say that any shoe that everyone says is the most comfortable shoe everrrrrrr is worth a shot. Right? So that’s what I want to talk about first —
They really are the most comfortable shoes evvvvvveeeeeeerrrrrrr. I could wear them to sleep and be fine with them. The leather is so soft and malleable. I have worn them on long walks, at amusement parks, blog conferences, etc. They are the shoes that I know I will be fine in every time.
Other reasons I’m obsessed with Tieks and think you will be too:
The quality is unparalleled – I feel like these were made to be worn over and over and over and over again. They bend and move and go with your feet. That probably sounds silly to read but makes total sense in my head.. I have pretty flat feet and have had lots of back issues from wearing shoes that weren’t good for me. I never have issues when I wear my Tieks. I’ve read all kinds of reviews from teachers and event planners who swear by these shoes because they are on their feet all day long and don’t ache like they do if they wear other shoes.
They are cute – they go with everything. I honestly want a pair in every color just so that I can wear them 24 hours a day. Whenever I wear my Tieks I get asked about them. The nurse at the doctor stopped me, friends have asked about them, all over the place .. I currently have all neutral pairs (Gold, taupe and black) because the practical side of me wanted to make sure that I’d be able to wear them with everything no matter what. But now that I know that they really are worth every penny, I am thinking my next pair will be something fun and a pop of color.
They are the best travel shoes – I just got back from a trip of a lifetime to Iceland (more on that another time) and I wore them there and back for the long flights and walks through the airports. As much as I love a good pair of boots, I DREAD taking them off at the security line and it just isn’t worth it. My Tieks slide off in 2 seconds flat and go back on while standing on one foot. Tieks fold up small to put into luggage or even in a purse. They are ideal for traveling.
The customer service is ammmmmmazing – There aren’t many companies out there that still put so much care into their customers like Tieks. They include a handwritten note with every pair. They are quick to respond to emails. If you have any kind of issue at all, they handle it nicely and quickly, no questions asked.
Bonus – cute packaging/branding: I know this might not matter to everyone else but since I’m kind of in the business of branding (branding is always on my mind with this blog of mine), I notice it everywhere. My Tieks always shoe up in a cute teal box with a flower, a bag and a note. The details are spot on.
Edited to add:
I was asked a couple questions a few times so I thought I’d address them here –
They are true to size. I wear a size 8 and all 3 pair are size 8.
They don’t smell. :) That can be an issue with flats but so far I haven’t had an issue with any of my Tieks. I wear them a TON and scent has never been a problem. But I live in sunny Southern CA and they don’t ever get wet (not sure about living somewhere with more moisture).
Things to overcome:
The price: I talk a lot about budgeting here on 30days. I know that the price tag is high for these shoes. I love a good bargain, search for sales and in years past might have fainted at spending that much on shoes. BUT I have learned over the years that it is absolutely worth it to spend more for good quality that will last and last and last. I could spend the same amount and get 7 pair at Target (yes I still love you Target) but they will kill my feet, break down and be trash within a few months. I have learned where to save and where to splurge. In my humble opinion, Tieks are definitely worth the splurge. So save up your pretty pennies, add them to a wishlist, when people ask you what you want for your birthday tell them Tieks! (obviously not everyone can afford to get these as a gift for someone but people could contribute towards them ;) Skip the lattes for a month or two and you’ll have Tieks money in no time. Use my budget binder to help with that!
You can’t try them on before purchasing: (they are only available online) I’ve had people tell me they want to get Tieks but are afraid they won’t fit because they are only available online. It stinks that they aren’t sold in stores but because of great customer service, this is really a non-issue. If you get a pair and they don’t fit, Tieks will let you exchange them immediately.
Those are just a few reasons that I’m obsessed with these cute shoes but have I convinced you yet? I have never met someone who got Tieks and regretted them. I will continue to sing their praises because I love love love them and I’m pretty sure you will too!
Make sure to check out my follow up review Tieks post here.
Absolutely!!! I have 7 pairs and they are my go to shoe for everything! I walked all over Italy and Greece in them and never ended the day with sore feet.
I am so jealous that you have 7 pair Linda! That’s amazing. I hope to wear mine in Italy and Greece someday.
How long did your tieks take to break in? I just got mine yesterday and they feel better everyday but they aren’t comfortable yet. I know it takes time for them to mold to my foot, but I’m worried they won’t be as amazing as I hope they’ll be!
I have had my Tieks for 3 years now. They are scuffed from wear (I wear them often – not just a travel shoe) but I absolutely love them. They are super comfy and I’ve never had a problem with my feel feeling hot, sweaty or stinky. Well worth the money – I have cheaper flats that make my feet sweat and that have fallen apart. Asking my hubby for another pair of Tieks for Mother’s Day.
Hi Deanna- hope you got another pair of Tieks for Mother’s Day! I know it’s been awhile but wanted to respond.
I have the matte black and love them. I usually wear an 8-8.5 but because my foot is wide, ordered the 9. Perfect. Will plan on another pair soon.
Just looking over this post and saw your comment (I know it’s been awhile – sorry!). I’m excited for you to get another pair Karen.
Is there any arch support in tieks?
I don’t think so. They are true flats, but are really comfortable, if you don’t need a huge amount of support.
What about half sizes?! I wear an 8 1/2. The 8 will be too small and the 9 will be too big.
I’m a 5 1/2 and bought a 5 as per Tieks recommendation. They fit perfectly. I’ve read in some reviews that if you have long toes, you should go up a size.
Thanks for responding to Aubrey’s comment. Good to know.
These beautiful shoes do not make your feet smell like a moldy, mildewy wet rag. You know that smell? As for support, I have fibroids in the bottoms of my feet and in athletic shoes, I wear custom made orthotics to accommodate the bumps and lumps that can be very painful. That said, my Tieks are amazing comfortable – I do not feel my fibroids and they do not hurt. I don’t use orthotics in my Tieks. One helpful hint I got from somewhere – put a thicker sock on, then your shoes and blow your hairdryer on your feet (hot). Go back and forth from foot to foot. Do that for a couple of days. The shoes will lovingly form and fit to your foot, I love my Tieksl
I just ordered my third pair. I wear 9-91/2. I order a 9 and wear a thicker sock with them for a few days around the house. They form to my odd wide foot. I love these shoes. Beautifully made – every single part of them is quality. I would ideally like to order a pair in all colors. One pair at a time …
would they fit an extra wide foot? Would love to have comfortable shoes. ?
The awesome thing about Tieks is that they mold to your feet. I think that’s why so many people sing their praises- people with narrow feet, wide feet, flat feet, high arches – they are great for everyone!
I have narrow feet will I be able to wear these?
I have wanted to try Tieks for years but worry they don’t have any support. What do u think?
Hi Wendy – I think they have plenty of support. I’m assuming that’s why my back doesn’t hurt after wearing them for long periods of time. Having said that, I have flat feet. I’m not sure how they would be for people with high arches… I was nervous about the scrunched back of the shoe because those kinds of shoes always pinch my ankles and kill. But these do not hurt AT ALL. They are like wearing slippers.
I have the opposite problem; my feet are not flat. So when I wear my Tieks for long periods of time, my back and feet start to hurt! It took
me a little bit to figure out it was the Tieks because I wore them all the time except to bed. LOL Then they slowly started to cause issues. I do love them however because the leather is so supple. And I can put them in my purse for back up and take them anywhere. They are great for travel! They are true to size and do eventually mold to your feet. I still wear mine, just not all day everyday like before because I need the arch support. And I do intend to buy another (more fun) color. Maybe one day the great people at Tiek will create a style with arch support.
I have 3 pair that I’ve had for at least 2, maybe, 3 years. I love them! Soft leather that only gets better with time. A+ on comfort! And you are right about wearing them all day, no pinched toes! Because of their classic style the will never go out of style. Well worth the price!
I agree Mona! Glad I’m not alone in my Tieks love. ;)
Tieks are hands down the best travel shoe out there. Love being able to pack two or three pairs and still have plenty of room for everything else in my suitcase. And not having to struggle with getting my shoes off and on through airport security? Love love love!
Yes! I agree Kris. It was sooo super easy to go through security on my trip recently.
Do you always wear socks with yours? If not, do they smell as rancid as other flats often do?
I never wear socks and nope they don’t smell. They have held up for a couple of years of me wearing them daily. (though the ones pictured in this post are brand new — I should post the ones I’ve had for a couple years so everyone can see them)
I know this might sound like I’m overthinking, but what if you get caught in the rain? How do they hold up when they dry? How long have you had the pair pictured? I just keep envisioning everything shoes go through and getting scuffed and beat up. I really want a pair though…
I have had mine for over two years and even though they are scuffed they’re still holding up pretty well. They’ve got at least another year or two of life in them and I wear them daily.
That’s great Liz. I think it sorta depends on what color/style you get? I’ve had my first pair for a couple years and they are going strong. But I have been wearing my new ones more lately..
Hi Glennen- that’s a good question about the rain. Living in sunny So Cal, I don’t have that issue really. I have worn them once when we got a rain and it didn’t affect them but I’m not sure if it was a common issue how they’d hold up. I just barely got the ones pictured a month or so ago. My gold ones I’ve had for 2+ years and they have been through everything with me. Not sure if that answers your questions..
Just like with any nice leather shoe, I wouldn’t frolic in puddles or immerse them in water, but walking in the rain, on wet pavement would be fine.
I’ve had my black patent pair for years, and they still look great, and are comfortable. I’m considering the “Romantic Blush”, which looks like it might be more delicate than the patent leather pair.