No matter where I go, I always bring my Tieks. I've brought them on trips to the Bahamas, to interview celebrities in Los Angeles and most recently, I've walked miles around New York City in my trusted ballet flats. If you're wondering if Tieks are good for travel, the answer is YES! I'm going to tell you why Tieks are the best flats for travel and why they should be a fixture in your suitcase from now on.
Whether I'm traveling for business or pleasure, I'm usually always wearing my Tieks by Gavrieli ballet flats and I often get asked about those signature blue soles on my feet. I've left blue prints in quite a few states over the past few years, and I wanted to share why I think these are the best foldable flats on the market and why they're the perfect travel companion.
Why Tieks are the best flats for travel:
As I mentioned in my full review of Tieks, these designer flats are designed to be durable, yet flexible, so you can fold them into a purse (or suitcase!). The foldable design makes them super compact, especially when you pack them into their stretchy compressive storage pouch. That means they're perfect if you're trying to travel light.
Like I said in my post about why every woman should have a little blue stripe in her wardrobe, Tieks are super versatile. I wear my Tieks with formal dresses, sundresses, business casual attire, jeans and even shorts. That means you can probably get away with only bringing one pair of Tieks on most trips you take. I remember honeymooning through Italy and severely overpacking. I wish I'd had a pair of Tieks then!
So, you can fold them and they're compact. I know, I know. There are other brands of foldable flats. BUT, I'd like to make a bold statement and say they aren't as stylish or as comfortable as Tieks. I know because I've tried them. I've bought (and ended up donating) dozens of pairs of flats over the past 15 years. I can honestly say that since I've found Tieks, I haven't bought any other brand of flats. They are the clear winner in my book.
When I went to the Bahamas, I took my son with me, who had just turned 4-years-old at the time. I was a bit nervous about taking him on a plane by myself, but I felt like I could successfully keep up with him in my Tieks. They never slip off my feet and I feel like I can do just about anything in them.
During our time in the Bahamas, we toured the Graycliff hotel and made our own chocolates at their chocolate factory, visited the Pirate Museum, and walked for miles (and miles) while exploring the Atlantis resort and aquarium. I did it all in my Tieks and never missed a step! They are, by far, the most comfortable flats I've ever worn and my Fuchsia Tieks went with every single outfit I packed.
Last month, I flew to New York City and had the chance to explore the city. According to my activity tracker, I walked a little over 8 miles in my Obsidian Black Tieks. This was after spending the entire day at an expo, on my feet in those same flats.
Before Tieks, I would have had to wear sneakers to spend an entire day in the city. Believe me, nothing screams style and sophistication like a pair of tennis shoes (sarcastic font in heavy use here).
Fortunately, I've found Tieks! These ballet flats make a statement. They tell the world that you're a sophisticated traveler who won't sacrifice style for the sake of comfort. You can have both, thanks to Tieks!
If you happen to be an over-packer, rest assured that at least you can bring even more Tieks with you!
If you're not sure which pair to get, read more in my post about how to pick the perfect pair of Tieks Shoes. I've got TONS of photos and side by side comparisons for you.
Christina Gould says
I love the colors. There are so many to choose from. Thanks for posting!
Sapana V says
Tieks are comfortable and easy to carry. I too love tieks while traveling. It's the best
Annette Patton says
Love them! I admit I don't have any pairs yet, but after seeing how easy it is to travel with them and how compact they can be, I feel like I NEED them. Thank you for the tip!
Sandy Tsoi says
It looks so comfy.
Shannon says
Will be traveling to Europe this summer and doing a LOT of walking. Do Tieks offer enough support and cushioning to avoid back pain and foot pain? I am at the point in my life whete my feet get sore jusr walking around the house if I don't have shoes on.
Ruth V. says
Hi Shannon! I'm the same way and I need to have shoes on most of the time. I find Tieks to be extremely comfortable for long periods of time. I wouldn't hesitate to bring them to Europe with me. I'd probably bring a good pair of tennis shoes/sneakers too, just to rotate. I hope that helps!
Tiffany A. says
Hi! I own 3 pairs, I have had an arch fracture 10 years ago. And these shoes were recommended by my dr. I work in them and have walked around Europe in them. I will be bringing them to Spain in a few weeks!
Ruth V. says
Hi Tiffany! That's awesome to hear! I'm so jealous of your trip to Spain. Have a great time!!
Mary Ann Aldridge says
Thought long .. and hard .. before spending the money on a pair of Tieks!! They day they arrived ... it was so fun opening their pretty boxes .. and then I tried on the Tieks... they honestly felt great right away... I wasn’t sure what to expect .. but I’m sooo glad I got them!!! I know I’ll be getting another color later on !!!!
“Love my Tieks!”
Carol Rees says
Where can I order these ?? Don’t see a link to your website ...
Ruth V. says
Hi Carol! You can order them exclusively at www.tieks.com
Mary Lou zaleski says
I wear extra wide in most shoes. Would these fit my foot or do they come in different widths?.
Ruth V. says
Hi Mary Lou! They only come in one width, but a lot of women with wide feet have been able to wear Tieks without a problem. The soft leather of the classics should mold perfectly to your foot. It's worth a try for sure!
Dawn Malek says
How do they run size wise?? I want a pair so bad and have for a while now. I am getting married in October and was thinking of making them my shoes.
Ruth V. says
Hi Dawn! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Tieks run true to size for me. I'm an 8.5-9 in most brands and am a solid 9 in Tieks. If you're a half size, you could go down or up to the next whole size. The Tieks free return/exchange policy is so great that as soon as you order you can put in a request for another size so you can have them both side by side and make a decision. Then, just return the unworn pair and they won't charge your card or anything. I seriously love these flats!
Natalie says
I would love to try them, but am hesitant since I wear a narrow. I know they only come in one size, so am wondering if I would have difficulty keeping them on. Thanks.
Ruth V. says
Hi Natalie! Lots of women with narrow feet have had great luck with Tieks. I would definitely give them a try. They've got a fantastic free return/exchange policy (as long as the shoes are unworn) so you don't have anything to lose with trying them on in your own home. Hope that helps!
Karen says
I have a question. I have a bad ankle. Is there good support in these.
Ruth V. says
Hi Karen! There isn't any ankle support in these flats since they hit below the ankle. Do you have to wear a brace or anything like that? Since they're soft leather they will mold to your feet, but they might not be supportive enough if you need stability. I hope that helps!
Krista @ Reroute Lifestyle says
These definitely look trendy! I will have to pick up a pair in the future - shoes take up SO much space!
Ruth V. says
These have been so awesome for my travels! I hope you love yours!
Leigh says
Do the vegan ones fit as well as the leather ones.
Ruth V. says
Hi Leigh! I've got two pair of Vegan Tieks and I love both. Here are my thoughts about the fit: https://www.vivaveltoro.com/vegan-tieks/
Kathryn Jensen says
I usually wear Vionics because I need good arch support due to a pronating right ankle. Will Teiks give me similar support for that goofy ankle? Thanks so much!
Ruth V. says
Hi Kathryn, I'm sorry for the delay! This was accidentally in my SPAM comments. Tieks do not have significant arch support. A lot of women have reported success with using an arch support insert, but they don't have any support on their own. I hope that helps!
Helen says
They look so comfortable... I needed theses when I was visiting Barcelona last week.. wish they have some heels. I’m only 5.1 ft.
Clare says
can't wait to go to malta!! my aunt just moved there!
Sherri Netherland says
Are they comfortable & supportive? I have a high arch & flats hurt my feet when walking is envolved.
Ruth V. says
Hi Sherri, they are comfortable to me, but I don't have particularly high arches. A lot of women use one of those adhesive arch inserts for a little more support. I hope that helps!
Debra Berry says
Would love to purchase this shoe but have a narrow foot! Are they made in AA widths and is the sizing accurate?
Ruth V. says
Hi Debra, they aren't made for in narrow sizes, but some with narrow feet have had great success. Sizing is pretty true to size. I'm an 8.5 or 9 in most shoes and all of my Tieks are 9. Hope that helps!
Rosie says
Ate they good for feet with bunions?
Ruth V. says
Hi Rosie! My mom had terrible bunions and Tieks were the only flats she could wear. I've got a photo of hers here: https://www.vivaveltoro.com/all-about-tieks-by-gavrieli-flats/
Sarah says
How is the website’s return policy? I want to try a pair (or 2 for size), but I can never get passed paying huge amounts of money and then using 30-50% on shipping the items back.
Also, how do they hold up to getting REALLY wet? I’m planning a trip to Orlando next fall and have been looking for a stylish yet comfortable shoe to carry me through the parks for 5 days....it rains in FL and with all the water rides, I also need a shoe that can withstand frequent drenching.
Ruth V. says
Hi Sarah! You can return unworn Tieks at any time and shipping is free for returns. They just can't be worn at all, so if you're simply trying them on for sizing purposes then you should be fine.
I've gotten a few pairs drenched before (not on purpose, but caught in a rainstorm) and they've been fine once they dried out, although that does darken the insole quite a bit. I wouldn't necessarily plan on getting them wet though. I also wouldn't wear them for 5 days straight in Orlando. It's really hot and humid here so maybe 1-2 days out of 5 might be okay. Since the insoles are leather, I like to give them a rest between days when my feet get sweaty (or wear an insole to absorb some of that moisture). My feet also swell a little in the heat and with tons of walking so I usually wear sneakers to the parks when I can.
Hope this helps!
Bethamy says
Do these come with a carrying pouch for your purse? I can’t find anything on their website saying they have a pouch but your blog says they do. Can you confirm?
Ruth V. says
Hi Bethamy, Yes they do come with the pouch! Hope that helps!
Deb says
I just received my new tieks and i did not receive a pouch, there was a tiny folded ag that opened into a carry purse . No pouch as sjown in the pics above
Ruth V. says
Hi Deb! I'm sorry for the delay - this went to SPAM. Did you reach out to Tieks? I'm sure they'd make this right for you.
Judy V says
I ordered my normal size (8) for any upcoming trip and have been trying to break them in by wearing them for short periods of time. However, my big toes always hurt after I wear them. Any suggestions? Hate to spend that much money for shoes that hurt.
Ruth V. says
Hi Judy! Sorry for the delay! Have you tried stretching them a bit? Some people use a golf ball or socks to stertch the toe box, or maybe a stretcher would be best: https://www.vivaveltoro.com/how-to-stretch-leather-shoes/
Ruth V. says
Hi Judy! You can purchase Tieks at tieks.com