I’m Dotty for Vegan Tieks & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up On the Edge #748
The dainty feminine style of ballet flats has always appealed to me, but I have never really found this style of footwear to be very comfortable for my rather oversized flipper feet. But that never stopped me from purchasing dozens of pairs of ballet shoes over the years. And almost all of the pairs I had accumulated failed me and my ground grippers.
In fact, when we featured ballerina shoes for The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book two years ago, I owned 17 pairs of ballet flats that I rarely wore because I found them to be incredibly uncomfortable and completely void of any helpful foot support. Due to their shortcomings, I decided to purge 16 of those 17 pairs and basically gave up on ever finding comfortable ballet shoes. I figured they just weren’t meant for me.
Until I was approached by Tieks to see if I was interested in trying a pair of their ballet flats. Tieks by Gavrieli markets their shoe line as The Ballet Flat, Reinvented. They are stylish, comfortable, durable, versatile, foldable and available in a huge variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics from the finest Italian leather to high quality European textiles used for their vegan collection.
So I decided to give ballet flats one more try to win me over. I was absolutely sold on the wide range of color, fabric, and pattern choices, offering something for basically everyone’s personal tastes from animal prints and florals to bright bold colors and metallics to patent leathers and vegan textiles. But I had yet to be sold on their comfort level. Obviously I would need to wear them in order to determine if they live up to all the hype.
When it was time to choose a pair of Tieks ballet flats that would fit nicely into my wardrobe, I narrowed my search to their vegan options. I focused on their vegan collection because I find leather shoes to be just too hot in the warmer months. Since we tend to have snow on the ground for about 8 months out of the year, my time for sockless tootsies inside delicate flat shoes is limited to the warmest of days. So a fabric construction seemed more practical for my purposes than leather.
Even after narrowing my choices to the vegan collection, I still had difficulty deciding between the polka dotted Echo Park flats and the stripey Sunset Strip flats. Honestly, both pairs would work perfectly with my personal style aesthetic, but I was feeling more dotty than stripey when I chose Echo Park.
I placed my order and my new Tieks arrived at my house two days later. It was almost too quick for delivery because we still had about 2 1/2 feet of snow on the ground until earlier this week. So my beautiful new Tieks were forced to stay in their pretty turquoise box for nearly two months before I was able to give them a try.
Now that I have tried them, you might be wondering, with prices that range from $130 to $345, are Tieks really worth it. Well, let me give you my honest Tieks review.
Yes! Absolutely yes. Tieks are worth the price tag. The older I get, the more I tend to appreciate my feet and focus on giving them the comfort and pampering they deserve after carrying me around for half a century. Tieks offer that comfort while also being incredibly cute and stylish. I used to believe in quantity over quality when it came to footwear. But cheap, unsupportive shoes have no place in my closet at this stage of life. My old feet now much prefer the quality of well-made, durable, and comfortable shoes.
When it comes to sizing, Tieks are true to size except they are only available in full sizes. If you wear a half size, you can size up or down in the leather options. If you have a wider foot, size up. However, the vegan flats tend to fit a bit more snugly so it is recommended to size up for those options. I actually wear a straight 10 but I sized up to an 11 and they fit perfectly.
It might not look like there is much to these dainty little flats, but when I uncurled them and slipped my feet inside, I was really surprised and impressed by the amount of support and comfort they provide. Tieks offer the comfortability of being barefoot with the protection of not being barefoot. These ballet flats really check all of the boxes for a quality must-have shoe.
Also, each pair comes with a custom shoe pouch and a foldable nylon tote so you can carry your Tieks with you for a change of shoes when necessary. And if I haven’t convinced you yet about the quality and comfort of Tieks ballet flats, check out these Tieks reviews for more positive footwear experiences.
For the first styling of my Echo Park Tieks, I put together a colorful boho outfit that works well for the cold days of early spring. Wanting to keep with the whimsy of the large colorful polka dots on my shoes, I wore my dress of many colors over a pair of wide legged jeans. To give the voluminous dress some structure, I layered on a thrifted long lace vest in teal. I added even more colors in my accessories with my April Cornell kantha bead necklace, a purple and turquoise wooden necklace found at a flea market, my tagua nut earrings, and my rainbow fedora.
I was really pleased with how well all the colors and patterns worked together in this playful outfit. But the very best part is the vibrant turquoise soles on every pair of Tieks ballet flats. They just add a little extra happiness while you are walking away!
So tell me…ballet flats, do you love them or hate them?
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Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
38 Comments
Nancy
You choose very cute ones, beautiful colours! It’s finally the weather to wear them here! Happy birthday to Ralph!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I will tell Ralph you said so!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
Those are cute!!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
Such a lovely colorful outfit. Thanks for the party.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Amy, thank you so very much! Have a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Melynda Brown
I could not agree more about our feet and age…I think those polka dots slip on’s are adorable. And I actually like polka dots! They remind me of easier times when life was always sunny, or so we thought! Have a great week ahead.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Melynda, polka dots (along with gingham) always remind me of the simpler times from years ago as well! Thanks so much for the lovely comment! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anne M Bray
I am very much NOT a ballet flats girl. In fact, I have two reject pairs in my Poshmark shop!
I’ve decided I’m a clunky shoes kind of person – clogs or Fluevogs.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
You are definitely much more of a clunky shoes gal! I used to love my clunky shoes but these days I am really into my cowgirl boots, my Birkenstocks, my rope sandals, and now my Tieks!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
These polka dot ballet shoes are so cute! Like you, I’ve never been able to get them to work for me, so I can understand your excitement over finding a pair the does. And of course, I love this boho outfit!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aww, thanks so much, my friend! I was very pleased to find a comfortable pair of ballet flats. I think I do want the striped ones now, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Beth
Thanks for hosting a FABULOUS linky party every week Shelbee!
Don’t forget to join us over at the Creatively Crafty Linky Party every Wednesday through Sunday
https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party-2/
Pinned!
Creatively, Beth
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Beth! I really appreciate that. I hope you have an amazing weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sally in St Paul
You chose a cute pair and styled them AMAZINGLY! I am fortunate that I am still in my “cheap ballet flats are OK as long as I’m not walking too far” era but I wil keep this brand in mind for the future.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sally! I do miss the days when my feet could tolerate cheap shoes, but I am okay investing in proper footwear now. I am becoming much more minimalist than I ever was…but still not very minimalist at all! Hahaha
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
Shelbee, you made a great choice with those adorable polka dotted Tieks! I understand Tieks is a really good company and their shoes are like walking on air, but I have the same problem as you do. Ballet flats and my feet just don’t mix. These would be great for travel so light and foldable, or to wear as slippers. Also, I love your layered outfit! The colors and textures are beautiful. Hope you have a good weekend-I bet you are really happy to see grass! Thanks for hosting the link up.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Di, thanks so much! I really was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and supportive these shoes are. I want a second pair now! Plus my toes get really cold even in the summer time so these are nice footwear options for that as well…light and airy but with toe coverage!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
Happy Friday! I love those shoes so much! I hope that you have an amazing weekend, and thanks so much for hosting your link up each week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jennifer, thank you so much! I really love these, too, and am wanting the striped ones now!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Maday
I got a pair of Tieks recently too, and I was really blown away by how comfortable they were! The pattern you picked is super fun!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I just read your Tieks reiview. I love the gold ones you chose! I am ready for a second pair now!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
This is so good to know and hear; I too have always admired ballet flats but don’t like actually wearing them. That siad I have been really debating a lot about trying a pair of tieks!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Why do the cutest shoes always seem to be the most uncomfortable? I was really surprised at how comfortable and supportive these dainty little things are! I really want the stripey ones now!
xoxo
Shelbee
Valerie Hansen
Hi Shelbee
Looking cute! No I am not a fan…I think the same…for getting older they offer NO support and no comfort…I havent worn them in years and prob never will again since I just turned 60 ha haha
xo
valerie
http://www.mapleleopard.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Valerie! I was really surprised at how supportive these shoes feel. They are very cushiony and comfortable. Although, I likely won’t wear them very often, they are a really fun addition for occasional wear. I have a few more outfits planned with them that I will be sharing soon. I hope you have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Momfever
I love your shoes! They are great!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nicole!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela
I can’t wear ballet flats either but have to admit I haven’t tried 17 pairs yet – who knows?
Love your brilliantly colorful outfit, such a HAPPY look!
Pamela
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Pamela! These shoes have definitely changed my mind about ballet flats!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking very nice. I love the outfit. The ballet flats are perfect with the hat. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Patrick, thanks so much, my friend! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
I am with you about taking care of my feet! I wish 30 year old teacher me had thought ahead to 67 year old me and worn better shoes. Like you, I’ve been craving a pair of flats but just can’t find the perfect pair. These are really cute, and I love the pattern you picked out. I will keep these in mind if I ever decide to get a pair! Of course, those teal bottoms are just so cool as you’re walking away! I love your outfit, too. Thanks, my friend, for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Marsha! Oh my gosh, the shoes I used to wear as I hiked all over Manhattan every day in my 20s were something else! I am very surprised that my feet don’t hurt more than they do!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
Polka dots ballet shoes! Be still my beating heart. I love flat shoes that are both stylish and comfortable.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aren’t they so adorable, Gail?! I am really loving my new polka shoes ballet flats!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
Absolutely love the fun shoe you picked! Those colors and the polka dot print are darling!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! I am really loving these shoes. Now I just need the warmer weather to stick around for more than half a day so I can wear the cute shoes!
xoxo
Shelbee