Not-Tieks - YouLookFab Forum

I hope this isn't too many posts from me. I never realized how many fashion questions I have.

I like the idea of having a pair of flats neatly folded into their own little package and tucked into my bag. I've followed Tieks for a year, hoping in vain for a sale. Having persistent low back pain that I thought must be muscular because
it was so deep and persistent after getting Sperrys that then vanished
with heel inserts has me paying extra attention to comfort these days. I just recently found out, via Lyst, that there are many, many companies that make foldable shoes for easily under $50. I found them around $20-35 from very familiar comfort shoe companies like Rockport to establishment brands like Karl Lagerfeld to companies like Yasi Samra and Cocorosa that specialize in only these, for a lot less money than that famous brand,

I fairly skipped off to the mall to try some on. I'd like to get a well-made pair that I could be comfortable in for a few hours and could possibly use as driving shoes. Mais non! There is not a good selection of flats with split soles at the mall. Certainly not enough to make a line-up to compare them all.

Do you use fold-up flats? Which ones, and how comfortable are they? I might order a couple pairs to try, but it seems that most places only carry one or maybe two brands, so ordering a bunch of brands to try on in an afternoon would bring higher shipping costs and more return shipping hassle than I want to deal with.

Tips on searching for them online would also be great. I've been using the term "ballet flats" and looking for the bent-looking shoes. It's inefficient.

8 years ago

bridgie

Veteran

Not too many posts at all. Quite often when someone posts a question it reminds someone else on the forum that they also would like the answer to that question. As in your post, I will be awaiting replies from other forum members, because I do have some of the same concerns as you express in your post.
smiley face to you.

Julie

Active Member

Well, I'm no help - i have a pair of tieks that i got for $40 from thredup, but i think this was a miraculous stroke of luck! They are comfortable, but not on the order of Sperrys at all, because there's hardly any cushioning. I find it easier to find shoes that are more comfortable that i can wear all day- that selection is pretty good, unlike the selection for foldable shoes. But, my job does not require business-y shoes! Good luck!

Echo

Well, although there are lots of flats, Tieks are very comfortable as far as flats go. But keep in mind that while Tieks are more comfortable for most people than most flats, none of them have much support whatsoever, so if you are looking to use inserts or have foot support, in general flats are just not the shoes for you. Just because two shoes both share a feature (say, split soles) doesn't mean they are equivalent.

Stagiaire Fash

Echo, I'm using little heel-only inserts for the Sperrys, would plan to take some like them along with the fold-up flats (unless I'm wearing the flats made by Dr Sholls). Note that I'm not just looking for flats; I want the ones that fold up into a spiffy little bag, so that I'll have them along to change into when I need them. There don't seem to be quite as many of those. Here are a few. There are other brands. I wish I could get them all in one place to try them on, because even though they share one feature, there are sure to be differences between them. Hearing from other people who've tried them can help me know what's what.

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/m....._TP_MOBILE

http://www.cocoroselondon.com/shop/foldable-shoes

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.....SAT9871ZJV

https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com.....oC4K3w_wcB

https://www.zulily.com/p/rose-.....oC1vzw_wcB
https://www.target.com/s/dr+scholls+foldable+flats

rachylou

I have one pair of foldable flats, solely because they're a shiny red. I only wear them for dinner at someone's house, where we're talking walking from curb thru the front door. They are really not for standing and walking, IMO - only relief from really tall shoes. Split sole flats I find excruciating for even sitting in. The worst aspect, for me, of foldable flats is they want to fold, so they pull at your feet...

...lol, yes, I'm a hater...

Rachylou, sounds like you've identified a brand to avoid. Which one is it?

Oh gosh, I wish I'd made a note! Sadly, I can't remember the brands I've tried

JuniperGreen

I received a pair of Tieks for a gift last year and while I enjoy them, I rarely put them in my bag for shoe swapping.

I think this is because if I'm hauling around a tote-sized bag with wardrobe swapping options, I don't really need the shoe to be so tiny and foldable, and end up throwing in whatever pair of flats suits my whim (usually in a small cotton bag).

Also, as rachylou mentioned, they offer no support and are really only a relief if the shoes you're swapping out of were troublesome.

So my two cents would be to search for loafers or oxfords that offer the comfort of a flat but have a bit of support, especially if you've got some back problems. I think Rockport or Cole Haan, brands that partner with athletic shoe creators are worth investigating!

minimalist

It's probably helpful to identify exactly the situations you'd be using these tucked away fold-up shoes for, and describe those. There might be equally (or more) compact alternatives which would serve the same purpose.

I used to keep a pair of those cotton maryjanes in the car for indoor use as a guest in shoes-off homes. In 20 years of wearing heels regularly, I had only one discomfort situation, and that was from wearing the wrong socks under boots.

IIRC, I've seen more foldable flats at party supply stores and copy/shipping shops than I have in malls. But those are probably intended for emergency relief, not as permanent handbag EDC.

I've seen Tieks reviewed on minimalist travel blogs, and they have a certain curb appeal. If I come across an equivalent, I'll let you know!

Minimalist, "emergencies" are exactly what I'm thinking of. So, maybe a few hours, but not daily wear all day.

LaPed

Not good for heavy outdoor use since they are leather-soled, but I really like these Linge ballet slippers: https://www.lingeshoes.com/

They pack down very small. I use them for visits to houses and classrooms that don't allow outside shoes indoors, as hotel shoes when traveling, etc.

I don't have the ballet flats, but have a couple other styles, and all of the Soft Star casual shoes are very comfortable, flexible, and pack down pretty small: http://www.softstarshoes.com/a.....lat-1.html
The cotton mary-janes that Urban Outiftters sells could be a good budget option too.

How about these? Not foldable but flat enough they could fit into a daybag's long pocket.
https://rothys.com/collections/women

ETA the pair I've seen IRL gets put into a bag's pocket (by someone who bikes to work wearing clip shoes and changes into these at the office) and looks pretty flat to me. But the site catalog doesn't mention this, so perhaps materials vary?

This is more complicated than I thought. I think I'm going to pick up a pair of the cheapos at Target, hoping that being made by Dr Scholl means they'll be comfy, and see how that works. But thanks for the suggestions, minimalist (or should I call you mini--fewer letters ) and La Pedestrienne--I'm hanging onto them.

tulle

You know, I find that to be truly foldable, the flats must be very thin-soled and have highly elasticated edges to hold them on the foot. Unfortunately, that elastic tends to bite into my heels and cause pain, so I now look for flats with minimal elastic, flexible soles, and a heel or wedge of a half-inch or so. Much more comfortable, but they do take up a little more room in a bag! Me Too is the brand I like best--real leather, with super flexible soles, but they still look like real shoes.

K. Period.

I have an old pair of corso como flats that aren't foldable, but can be folded. They've been great and are comfy enough for a day's wear. I've never been able to buy a true foldable pair because I can always feel the lack of support where the gap is for folding.

Aside to La Pedestrienne: I'm so happy to see someone else recommend Soft Star Shoes. They are the best little company! I adore them. My kids have worn their shoes for years and the quality is amazing. Plus they have a wonderful, helpful staff. And I love buying from a small company who is ethically producing products with a local labor force.

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