Why this mama adores her Vegan Tieks Ballet Flats and how she thinks Tieks by Gavrielli can improve their flats (vegan Tieks review 2020)
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Hi friends! My quest for a sock-less life continues. Recently I received a sample pair of Tieks Vegan ballet flats in Greystone (neutral grey) in exchange for an honest review. Tieks are known for their leather ballet flats. Their vegan line features non-leather ballet flats made with vegan textures and rubber soles. The Graystone Tieks is the only pair of ballet flats that feature a vegan textile that mimics warm, durable and breathable wool.
Tieks’ vegan collection features five different styles of vegan ballet flats, three that are one-toned (Brentwood, Silver Lake, and Greystone) and two that are multi-colored (Sunset Strips and Echo Park).
Packaging
Are these Tieks boxes the cutest?
I adore Tieks packaging! It felt like Christmas all over again when I unboxed my pair of vegan Greystone Tieks. Each pair comes in the signature blue box complete with a pretty, sparkly flower band.
You’ll also find a bright blue tote bag stuffed inside a small tote bag carrying case/bag, lol. It’s all very cute. In terms of packaging, Tieks win on all fronts.
Tieks are flexible and durable, and meant to be folded and carried around in their compact state. The reason for this is that the outer sole is split into two sections. When you first unbox your Tieks, it’s expected that they are a bit curled.
Pricing
They each cost $175 (USD) and come in full sizes only. Other flats I own flats are the Rothy’s flats ($125 USD) and the Allbirds Tree Breezers ($95 USD). Tieks tend to price their flats higher than their competitors.
Sizing
As a general rule with most flats out there, I recommend you to size up versus sizing down. Flats tend to run small! So if you’re in-between sizes, size up. If you’re normally a size 8 in US Women’s, go with a size 9 in US Women’s pair of vegan Tieks. In the past, I went with my true size (size 8) when I purchased a pair of leather Tieks. The fit was off and my toes felt cramped. If you decide to wear socks or use your orthotics with these flats, you should definitely size up.
Are Tieks good for Bunions?
For people with bunions, vegan Tieks in Greystone may not be the most flattering flats. There is some stretchability in these shoes. I’ll update this part of the review after my mom (who has bunions) try out these flats for me.
Are Tieks good for Wide Feet?
Although the toe boxes of these flats are narrow, the vegan “wool” material is stretchable. My feet are relatively wide, and these flats feel just fine. I don’t feel like there is a needed break-in period for my vegan Greystone Tieks.
Do Tieks Have Built-in Arch Support?
Tieks ballet flats provide no arch support. If you are an over-pronator with flat feet like me, your feet will continue to over-pronate in Tieks. If you’re currently have plantar-fasciitis, these are not the shoes for you.
Are Vegan Tieks Comfortable?
With proper sizing, my feet feet feel comfortable in these vegan Greystone Tieks. My heels do not slip out with each step. I doubt the area by my Achilles tendons will develop blisters. If you worry about blisters, feel free to wear thin stockings or socks with your pairs of Tieks. I do feel that Tieks can improve the cushioning of the insole, if that doesn’t sacrifice the durability of the shoe. I understand the sole and fully-attached insole must be thick and durable so the wear can continuously bend and fold their Tieks. I’m tempted to place a soft removable insole into my Tieks, so that my feet feel more like their walking on clouds than against hard flooring.
Grip and Slip
The rubber soles are textured, adding traction. I will safely test these flats in slippery conditions and report back.
Are Tieks Waterproof?
The vegan Tieks in Greystone are not waterproof. They are also not water-resistant.
How do you care for vegan Tieks? How do you wash Tieks?
You can not toss your Vegan Tieks ballet flats into the washing machine or dryer. You can rub the surface with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. For stains, we recommend using a natural stain remover we love from Puracy:
(Please be sure to check out Tieks.com/caretips to learn about how you can care for your different pairs of Tieks.)
Do Tieks get smelly?
My feet tend to get stinky fast. Unfortunately, if you have odiferous feet like I do, your Tieks will become smelly. I recommend airing them outside.
What I love about my Vegan Tieks
The packaging is amazing and makes the owner feel special. Your heart might race when you unbox your first pair of Tieks.
Since you can fold your Tieks, you can carry them anywhere! Feel free to use the tote bag it comes with, or drop them into your handbag, or tuck them into a compartment in your car. (Make sure you remember where they are, and that they’re not reeking.)
It’s not pleather. The textile of the vegan Greystone Tieks is a vegan interpretation of wool.
They’re stylish and fashionable. You really can’t go wrong with a cute pair of ballet flats. You can safely wear these to work, on a date, or on a shopping run.
They’re relatively easy to clean.
No toe cleavage shown! No dreaded toe humps in the toe boxes!
You can wear vegan Tieks without socks!
How I think Tieks can improve their shoes
Invest in the Tieks vegan collection. I would love to see more styles, colors and tones, such as pinks and florals. <3
Improve in the cushioning of the insoles/soles. Think “walking on clouds.”
Invest in a sustainable line: plants, recycled plastics, cruelty-free merino wool, etc…
Friends, do you own vegan Tieks? What are your thoughts about these flats? Happy trekking, my friends and thanks for stopping by!
xoxoxo,
Mama Kat
PS: Unworn Tieks can be exchanged or returned for a refund at any time. Tieks will cover shipping both ways in the U.S.! Just remember, they can’t be worn outdoors, but you can try them on inside your home.
We tried Platterful Charcuterie Kits so you don’t have to before you decide to buy or not!