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!
