
05 Feb Tieks Review-Italian Crafted Foldable Ballet Flats
I remember when I started my blog, I couldn’t wear heels, but had to wear supportive shoes because of a medical condition. Then came the ability to wear heels again and you better believe I bought the heels in all different forms. stiletto, block heel, wedge, you name it.
Later, over the past several years, I still do enjoy my heels, but have also found comfort in wearing flats or sneakers lately. Let me introduce you to Tieks by Gavrieli.
What Are Tieks?
Well first, you know I like to travel. I got started a little later in life, with my hubby and now we are taking Europe by storm!! Tieks are ballet flats that are foldable, made with Italian leathers, that have a split sole that make them easy to wear, and easy to pack into your suitcase. The insoles of the flats have some cushioning, which is a major concern while wearing flats all day. I have a high arch, and was pleasantly surprised, that they fit my foot as well as they did. I took my regular size 8, and there was no break in period. They can be taken in your purse, carry-on or easily slid into your suitcase with hardly any room and I find shoes are so tricky to pack. I don’t know if I would wear them all day amongst the cobblestone streets and hills, but that certainly would be a test! I would certainly wear them to walk around here and on more solid ground when traveling.
From the website:
“Thick non-skid rubber outsole patches in our signature Tiek Blue color provide traction and shock absorption to keep you grounded with every step.”
I don’t know if I was in love with the bright aqua blue bottoms, to be honest, and would have preferred that in a neutral shade, however I understand that customers will then know the shoes are “Tieks” if they spot those details.
The comfort test. Well, I can’t just try them on and give a review, can I? I decided to take a walk in the neighborhood ( about 1.5 miles) to see how comfortable they are. The fact that the back is cushioned and not elasticised made them more comfortable to walk in without feeling like I was going to get blisters. If the support is there, I am going to take note, as ballet flats without the support cause my lower back to start screaming after a short period of time. I did not feel that. I also went on some errands for groceries and didn’t feel like they were going to slip off either.
Which I Chose
I chose the Golden Glitz as I wanted a warm metallic as I do not have much in my closet and knew they could be for an evening out as well as a put together day time outfit. There are more than enough colors and patterns to choose from – over 70!
If you love them for yourself, they also make kid’s shoes, so little girls can wear their first pair of ballet flats and choose from some fun colors!
My husband thought I was a bit nutty when I put them on and then tried to do a pirouette! LOL. ( ok, I was in ballet, once upon a time! ) b
Craftsmanship-
Reading that it takes three days and 150 steps to make a pair of Tieks, with Italian Craftsmanship and attention to the design, one could then surmise the care that is taken to deliver a great product.
As I mentioned, each shoe is made with Italian leathers, has a split sole, meant to be able to fold in half to pack or store, or keep a pair handy for a commute. The upper is made from a single piece of leather and are meant to mold to your feet. I was concerned that the shoe might fit tight with the elastic, but it felt better once I started walking and wearing them.
Non-skid blue patches are the design that allows for shock absorption and traction.
Of course the variety of textiles and colors certainly are appealing. Some of the designs are with Precious Metal Prints ( mine), Snakeskin, Classics, and other less conventional like lace and floral prints. And we can’t forget leopard print!
The shoes range from $140 ( girls) many at $185 -women styles, to $345.
Shoe sizes range from size 5-13 and also come in a carrying pouch.
I do love the gold and may just take them on my trip to London/Cotswolds/Scotland trip this Spring!
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Which Tieks would you try? What appeals to you about these shoes? Let me know in the comments.
**These shoes were gifted to me. I wrote a honest review and my opinion regarding the shoes.
Have a great day!
Jess xx
Leslie Clingan
Posted at 16:00h, 09 FebruaryHave always been enamored with Tieks from the ads I have seen but they are beyond my price point. The gold looks lovely with your coloring and will be so versatile. Nice to have an easy to pack and comfortable option for your upcoming trip.
Laura
Posted at 21:21h, 07 FebruaryI absolutely love the gold pair! These are surprisingly comfy for being foldable flats. I would take them traveling too. Why not? They can definitely sneak into a suitcase since they are so small!
Marsha Banks
Posted at 23:10h, 05 FebruaryI think these are so cute! I actually love that turquoise sole. I do need a lot of arch support for my left foot so I don’t think these would work for me. And, that’s a shame because they are so doggone cute!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
Posted at 20:45h, 05 FebruaryI just got a pair of these in bubblegum pink, I almost went with the same metallic gold as you did!! Ohh, Europe sounds amazing!!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Kathy Franklin
Posted at 13:22h, 05 FebruaryI shall have to try Tieks someday. They are beautifu! I would love to know how you were able to conquer your EDS pain and wear heels again. I am 70 and learned that I have mild EDS when my 39 year old daughter was diagnosed around 5 or 6 years ago. Her symptoms are much worse than mine. My worst problem is a tendency to develop tendinitis (13 different joints so far) and keep it at great length. Heels have been a problem for years. I have moderate bunions in both feet. They seldom cause any discomfort, but they make the smaller toes angle outward , which I believe has led to the Morton’s neuromas in both feet. Heels always cause nerve pain for me. Right now I have once again developed tendinitis in my right foot at the base of my toes in the center of the foot. (It is possible that I have a stress fracture. I do not know because I have not consulted a doctor. I have learned the hard way that doctors and therapists seem to be at a loss for helping me get rid of tendinitis.) Any of my shoes that are not completely flat or that are a smidge too narrow are leading to pain in the affected foot. If you have any wisdom for me, I would love to hear it :).
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 18:41h, 05 FebruaryHi Kathy,
Thank you, they are some nice shoes and I will probably see if I can take them on a trip. It was a long time of going to different doctors, the Mayo Clinic, and then I went to see a doctor in NJ, about 5 different visits that did Prolotherapy. The Prolo helped me tremendously, but I know it was a bit “controversial” as there wasn’t alot of clinical info about it them ( 13 years ago) but more anecdotal. I think that may be different now.
I’m sorry to hear that you deal with such tendinitis. I had tendinitis and bursitis, for some time, and as I mentioned, I did this and worked with PT as well. I am just sharing what I take, so I can’t give medical advice. I do take Lyrica for pain and that has helped me as well.
I hope that helped you.
Nancy
Posted at 02:28h, 05 FebruaryThey are fabulous aren’t they! And all those pretty colours they have! Great choice Jess.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 18:41h, 05 FebruaryYes, so easy to wear! What color did you choose?