If you’re on the hunt for stylish, comfortable, and travel-friendly ballet flats, you may have come across American Brand Tieks by Gavrieli. Dubbed “Oprah’s favourite flats,” Tieks have developed a loyal following for their foldable design, premium materials, and surprising durability.
But are they worth the hefty price tag? Well I bought my first pair on a trip to New York in 2015 as I needed something comfortable to walk around exploring. I’ve never looked back.
After a decade of wear across multiple pairs and countless miles, here’s my honest, long-term review of the footwear brand.
🩰 Quick Overview
- Brand: Tieks by Gavrieli
- Style: Foldable ballet flats
- Materials: Italian leather or vegan textiles
- Price: From £145+ (plus shipping & duties to the UK)
- Available Sizes: US 5–13 (whole sizes only)
- Buy From: tieks.com
First Impressions & Packaging
One thing Tieks gets absolutely right is the unboxing experience. Each pair arrives in a stylish turquoise box with a coordinating flower and personalised note. Included is a compact pouch for the shoes and a foldable nylon tote for your heels, a small but clever touch for commuters or brides.
Tieks Sizing & Fit
Tieks run true to size for many, but as a UK size 6 (typically a US 8), I found sizing up to US 9 more comfortable, especially with the vegan styles. Leather pairs mould to your feet over time; vegan versions are a bit looser from the start. Tieks has a generous exchange policy in the US, but international returns can be costly.
Tip: If you’re a half size or have wide feet, go up a size.
Quick Guide: UK vs US Women’s Shoe Sizes
| UK Size | US Size | EU Size |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 35 |
| 3 | 5 | 36 |
| 4 | 6 | 37 |
| 5 | 7 | 38 |
| 6 | 8 | 39 |
| 7 | 9 | 40 |
| 8 | 10 | 41 |
| 9 | 11 | 42 |
The Comfort Test
Immediate Wearability
Tieks are among the few flats that didn’t blister my feet straight out of the box. The cushioned back (no harsh elastic) and flexible sole meant no painful break-in period, especially for the vegan Brentwoods and Silver Lake designs.
Long-Term Comfort
I’ve worn Tieks for full days sightseeing in cities like Rome, Paris and Tokyo, as well as theme parks. The cushioned, non-skid rubber sole offers more support than most ballet flats. That said, like all ballet flats they lack true arch support, something to keep in mind if you have foot issues like plantar fasciitis.
Style & Versatility
Tieks easily transition from day to evening. I’ve worn them with jeans, summer dresses, and even to weddings. Their minimal chic design and range of over 75 colours make them a versatile addition to any capsule wardrobe.
For travel, they’re a portable slip-on dream. Foldable, lightweight (just 300g), and smart enough for restaurants or a casual office setting. I’ve even worn them to switch out heels during receptions and events.
Durability & Longevity
I’ve never had a pair of Tieks develop holes, even with regular wear on cobbled streets and uneven paths. My Silver Lake Vegan Tieks lasted 2.5 years before showing cosmetic issues. The durable structure stayed intact, but the insole began to peel. Leather versions are easier to clean and tend to age better than the lighter-coloured vegan options.
Note: Tieks has improved the vegan insoles over time, and my latest pair shows minimal wear after 2 years.
Downsides
- Price: Starting at $185/£145+, they’re an investment.
- International shipping: UK buyers face extra costs (shipping + customs).
- Cleaning: Light-coloured vegan Tieks stain easily.
- Insole peeling: A known issue with older vegan styles.
- Not ideal for rain or cold: Not waterproof, and offer little warmth in winter.
UK Buying Experience
You can only buy Tieks online at tieks.com. They don’t retail in physical shops or through third-party sellers. When ordering to the UK, expect international priority shipping fees and potential customs charges (around £24 total in my experience).
Returning or exchanging from the UK is possible but not free, so it’s worth getting sizing right the first time.
Vegan vs Leather Tieks
| Feature | Leather Tieks | Vegan Tieks |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Stretch and mould | Slightly looser, no stretch |
| Look | Dressier | More casual |
| Weather | Better in rain | Get soaked quickly |
| Cleaning | Easier | Stain-prone |
| Insole Durability | Stronger | Older pairs prone to peeling |
| Ethics | Animal leather | Cruelty-free |
Alternative Options
If Tieks are out of budget or you want different styling, try:
- Rothy’s: Vegan, washable flats made from recycled plastic. More colours, but less foldable and slightly less cushion.
- Allbirds Tree Breezers: Comfortable, breathable and machine-washable. Best for casual wear. £80–£90 range.
- UK Brands: Consider Boden, Pretty Ballerinas, Clarks, or Marks & Spencer for stylish flats with UK-friendly returns.
Final Verdict: Are Tieks Worth It?
For me? Yes.
They’re the most comfortable and stylish flats I’ve owned, and ideal for minimal travel wardrobes. I value buying less and choosing quality, and Tieks tick all the boxes for comfort, longevity, and style.
For UK customers, the added import costs are a downside, but they’re not deal-breakers if you plan to wear them often. I recommend trying them at home first, and swapping sizes if needed.
If you’re after foldable, polished flats that don’t compromise on comfort, Tieks are hard to beat.
TL;DR Summary
- Best for: Travel, smart-casual wear, long walking days
- Avoid if: You need strong arch support or want something waterproof
- Top Alternatives: Rothy’s, Allbirds, Boden
- Price: £145–£200+ (plus international fees)
- Buy from: tieks.com
