Packing shoes for a city break can be a little tricky. Trainers are practical but not always pretty. Sandals can rub. Ballet flats often look the part but rarely survive a full day of sightseeing.
Well, enter Tieks by Gavrieli. These foldable leather ballet flats designed for comfort, style, and travel, offering a polished look with the practicality of an all-day walking shoe.
They come in a range of colours and they’re so versatile that they’re an ideal option for when you need to save space in your luggage. Read on to find out why I think Tieks are the perfect shoes to take on a city break.
What’s so special about Tieks shoes?
The thing that sets Tieks shoes apart is how deliberately they’re designed for real life and real movement. Each pair folds in half and comes with a compact pouch, making them incredibly easy to pack.
For city breaks, this alone is a game changer. They slip neatly into your hand luggage as a second shoe without taking up precious space.
They’re made from soft, high-quality leather that moulds to your foot rather than fighting against it. Unlike many ballet flats, there’s no stiff breaking-in period.
From the first wear, they feel flexible and supportive, which is exactly what you want when exploring a new city on foot. During city breaks you end up doing thousands of steps each day so you need something that feels comfortable.
Are Tieks comfortable?
Comfort is where Tieks truly earn their reputation. One of the most consistent themes across Tieks shoes reviews is how wearable they are for long days.
They have a cushioned insole, and a durable rubber sole that makes a surprising difference on hard pavements.
The soles also feature non-skid rubber patches in the signature Tieks blue colour, helping them to be bouncy and flexible, and ensuring that you can walk easily, no matter what kind of surface you’re on. From cobbled streets to smooth pavements, these soles tackle it all with ease.
I’ve worn mine for full sightseeing days and they’ve held up beautifully. No rubbing, no aching feet, and no desperate shoe changes halfway through the day.
I remember when I went to Budapest I had to buy plasters halfway through the first day as the shoes I was wearing were rubbing me so much! None of that with this pair.
How much do Tieks cost?
Tieks are definitely an investment. Prices typically sit in the mid-to-high range for flats, depending on the style and colour.
At first glance, they may feel expensive compared to high-street ballet flats but you’re paying for the quality.
Cost per wear also matters, from both a sustainability and a value point of view. Tieks are durable, well-made, and designed to last for years rather than a single season.
When you factor in how often you’ll reach for them, both at home and on trips, the price is well worth it.
Should I size up or down in Tieks?
In general, Tieks run slightly snug at first because the leather softens and stretches with wear. Many people stick to their usual size, while some choose to size up if they’re between sizes or have wider feet.
If you plan to wear them for long walking days on city breaks, a tiny bit of extra room can be a good thing. Once broken in, they feel custom-fitted, which is part of their appeal.
I got my usual size and found they were perfect for me. Sometimes ballet flats can tend to slip off your feet while you’re walking but these had a nice snug fit without being too tight.
How do Tieks compare to other flats?
Compared to standard ballet flats, Tieks feel more substantial without being heavy. Cheaper flats often lack cushioning and structure, which becomes painfully obvious after a few hours of walking.
Tieks strike a rare balance between flexibility, support, and style.
They’re also far more travel-friendly than most flats thanks to their foldable design. For city breaks where versatility matters, they outperform many alternatives.
Are Tieks shoes good for city breaks?
Yes, Tieks shoes are ideal for city travel where you want one pair of flats that can handle sightseeing, travel days, and evenings out. They work with dresses, trousers, and jeans, photograph well, and they don’t look old-fashioned or frumpy.
If you’re looking for a polished flat that won’t let you down while exploring a new city, Tieks are well worth considering. They’ve definitely earned their place in my backpack!
