17 Tieks Alternatives: Flats Comparable to Tieks but Cheaper

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A look at the best Tieks alternatives that are a similar look and feel at a fraction of the price. 

It took me a long time to purchase my first pair of Tieks, about four years after I first heard of them to be exact. 

At that point in my life, I’d never spent so much on a pair of shoes before and I was on a backpacker budget in my mid-20s. I just couldn’t justify the cost. 

When I finally purchased a pair in 2017, I found them to be worth every penny and took them around the world with me as my main pair of travel flats. 

In that four-year interim though, I went through a lot of flats that were bad quality and uncomfortable.   

Maybe you’re in the same boat or you’re also not ready to shell out $200 for a pair of flats. 

Don’t get me wrong, Tieks shoes are great, but there are a lot of other options out there these days that are comparable at a fraction of the cost. 

In this post, I’m going to walk you through the best Tieks alternatives on the market so your feet, closet, and bank account can be happy.  

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

ProductDescription
Birdies The Starling ShoesBirdies ShoesCheck on Birdies
Rothy's Flat Scooter RedRothy’s ShoesCheck on Rothy’s
Allbirds Tree Breezers ShoesAllbirds Tree BreezersCheck on Allbirds
CZZPTC Womens Ballet Flat ShoesCZZPTC Women’s Ballet FlatsCheck on Amazon
Lucky Brand Women’s Emmie Ballet FlatsLucky Brand Women’s Emmie Ballet FlatCheck on Amazon
Scholl's Women’s Feel Good Ballet Flat ShoesDr. Scholl’s Women’s Feel Good Ballet FlatsCheck on Amazon
Amazon Essentials Women's Belice Ballet FlatsAmazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet FlatCheck on Amazon
DREAM PAIRS Women's Sole-fina Solid Plain Walking Classic Ballet FlatsDREAM PAIRS Women’s Classic Ballet FlatsCheck on Amazon
Xielong Women's Flats Lambskin Ballet Flats ShoesXielong Women’s Chaste Ballet FlatCheck on Amazon
Naturalizer Women's Flexy Ballet FlatNaturalizer Women’s Flexy Ballet FlatCheck on Amazon
Ollio Women's Shoe Collar Shoe Pull Tab Comfort Ballet FlatOllio Women’s Comfort Ballet FlatCheck on Amazon
Eureka USA Women’s Audrey Leather Ballet FlatEureka USA Women’s Audrey Leather Ballet FlatsCheck on Amazon
Hush Puppies Women's Chaste BalletHush Puppies Women’s Chaste Ballet FlatsCheck on Amazon
Yosi Samra Samara Womens Classic Leather Foldable Ballet FlatYosi Samra Samara Women’s Classic Leather Foldable Ballet FlatCheck on Amazon
Bandolino Women's Edition Leather Ballet FlatBandolino Women’s Edition Leather Ballet FlatCheck on Amazon
dexflex Comfort Women's Claire Scrunch FlatDexflex Comfort Women’s Claire Scrunch FlatCheck on Amazon
Frank Mully Women’s Knit Ballet FlatFrank Mully Women’s Knit Ballet FlatCheck on Amazon

The Pros & Cons of Tieks

Before we get into the alternatives, I’m going to quickly go through the main pros and cons of Tieks so it’s easier to compare them to the alternative ballet flats below.

where to purchase tieks - rose gold glam tieks

 Main Pros

  • High quality and long lasting – I’ve had my first pair of Tieks for over four years now and they’re still going strong. Tieks are also made with high-quality Italian leather (or European textiles for their vegan line) and it takes 150 steps to make a pair.  
  • Easy to pack and foldable – One of the main things that first drew me to Tieks was how ideal they are as travel flats. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and with their dual sole construction, very foldable flats. This was a big pro for me as a regular traveler. 
  • Variety of colors and patterns – Whether you’re looking for everyday flats or a statement pair for fancy occasions, Tieks offers over 80 different colors and patterns of ballet flats. I’ve never come across a shoe company that offers so many options. This can be nice if you’re looking for a unique color or pattern for a pair of flats. 
  • Free shipping in the US and easy exchanges and returns – Tieks is well-known for having stellar customer service and they make their return and exchange process super easy. One unique aspect to their returns is that they don’t have a time limit for when you need to send your Tieks back as long as they haven’t been worn outside. They also offer free shipping within the US, which is always a plus.  
  • Comfort – Although it took me some time to break in my first pair of Tieks, once I did, they were some of the most comfortable leather flats I’ve owned. They’re also good for walking long distances, which is ideal for my active lifestyle.

Main Cons 

  • Expensive – The main hindrance to purchasing a pair of Tieks is the cost. With most pairs coming out to just under $200 and some even over that amount, their shoes cost a pretty penny. 
  • They don’t offer half sizes – One of the downsides to Tieks sizing is that they don’t offer half sizes and, in general, their sizing can run a little funky. Once you find your size, the shoes are great. But if the sizing is off, they can be very uncomfortable. 
  • Scuffing – A common problem with a lot of the leather Tieks is the scuffing that happens around the outside of the shoe, especially around the toes. This is less the case with the patent leather Tieks, but it can be pretty noticeable with the distressed leather Tieks. This just means that you have to be vigilant with taking care of your Tieks and use a  leather conditioner from time to time. 
  • Tieks toe bump – And finally, there’s the infamous Tieks toe bump. Because of Tieks’ soft leather construction, you can see the outline of your toes when you wear Tieks, especially your big toe. Some people don’t mind it, some people hate it. It can be easily fixed with some moleskin, but it’s still a con that some people would rather not deal with if they’re spending so much on shoes.

You can read my more detailed Tieks review here

Shoes Like Tieks (My Top 3 Recommendations)

There are a lot of shoes comparable to Tieks, but my top favorites are these three. They’re slightly cheaper than Tieks but the most similar in terms of quality.

Birdies Shoes

Birdies The Starling Shoes

I purchased a pair of Birdies shoes six months ago and quickly fell in love with slipper flats. 

They don’t offer traditional ballet flats like Tieks, but their slippers are a more modern take on the classic ballet flat. 

Plus, their shoes are incredibly comfy and stylish. I purchased The Starling in Cheetah and I’ve been loving them as cozy statement shoes ever since. 

They also have a 7-layer comfort technology that they put into their shoes and they actually have arch support which is almost unheard of in flats!

Birdies are still somewhat expensive with most of their shoes ranging from $95-$140, but still cheaper than Tieks while somehow feeling more luxe.

Read my full Birdies shoes review here

PROS

  • Cozy and super comfortable slipper-like flats
  • Cushioned arch support with memory foam
  • Stylish and versatile 
  • Made with high quality materials 
  • They come in half sizes 
  • Easy returns and exchanges 
  • They have vegan options

CONS

  • Relatively expensive (although less expensive than Tieks) 
  • Not the most breathable, they can get a bit sweaty on hot days
  • Take time to break-in

Rothy’s Shoes

Rothy's Flat Scooter Red

Rothy’s is another company that produces shoes like Tieks but cheaper. 

In fact, I’d say Rothy’s is the most similar to Tieks in terms of style and quality, but with a lower price tag. 

Rothy’s offers the traditional round toe ballet flat style like Tieks as well as four other styles of flats, including a pointed toe, square toe, Mary Jane, and loafer. 

The main draw to Rothy’s over Tieks though is their sustainability efforts. Rothy’s shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles and the brand as a whole is very eco-friendly. 

Rothy’s flats are also washable and can be thrown in the washing machine. 

Rothy’s are on the expensive side with their shoes priced at $125-$145, but still cheaper than Tieks.

Read my detailed review of Rothy’s shoes here, as well as my post comparing Tieks vs Rothy’s.

PROS

  • Most similar to Tieks in terms of look and quality 
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable brand
  • Most of their shoes are vegan 
  • Machine washable 
  • Removable insoles 
  • Breathable 
  • Variety of colors 
  • They come in half sizes 
  • Comfortable flats that form to your feet
  • Easiest return and exchange process I’ve ever come across

CONS

  • Still relatively expensive 
  • Stain easily 
  • Not great for wide feet 
  • Don’t provide much support 
  • They can get smelly (although that usually goes away in the wash)

Allbirds Tree Breezers

Allbirds Tree Breezers Shoes

And finally, my last top recommendation is Allbirds Tree Breezers. I’ve drunk the Allbirds Kool-Aid for sure, now owning three different styles of Allbirds and probably more in the near future. 

There’s no other brand I’ve come across that comes close to the comfort of Allbirds with their cozy merino wool that feels so amazing on your feet. 

And the Allbirds Tree Breezers are no exception in terms of quality and coziness. 

Priced at their usual $95 like most of their shoes, Allbirds Tree Breezers are made from renewable materials like Eucalyptus trees and are machine washable.

Read my complete review of the Allbirds Tree Breezers.

PROS

  • Cozy and comfy flats 
  • Machine washable
  • No questions asked 30-day return policy
  • Made from moisture-wicking and odor-reducing materials 
  • Breathable 
  • Removable insoles 
  • Lightweight
  • They come in half sizes 

CONS

  • Moderately expensive (but still cheaper than Tieks) 
  • They don’t provide much support 
  • Harder to dress up with their knit fabric

14 More Shoes Like Tieks (But Cheaper)

CZZPTC Women’s Ballet Flats

CZZPTC Womens Ballet Flat Shoes

If you’re looking for knock off Tieks, look no further than CZZPTC Ballet Flats

You won’t quite get the quality of Tieks, but these leather flats are the closest to the aesthetic look of Tieks. They even have the classic Tieks teal color on the bottom of the shoes! 

CZZPTC offers 12 different colors of flats from black to bright yellow for those who are looking for more of a color pop.

PROS

  • Very much a Tieks knock-off, they look almost exactly the same as Tieks
  • Affordable 
  • Comfortable

CONS

  • Not made from as high-quality materials 
  • Not as long-lasting as Tieks 
  • Thin soles 
  • Not great for wide feet 

Lucky Brand Women’s Emmie Ballet Flat

Lucky Brand Women’s Emmie Ballet Flats

Emmie Ballet Flats are not only shoes that look like Tieks, but they’re also produced by a reputable shoe company – Lucky Brand. 

Made from leather with a rubber sole, these comfy round toe flats come in a variety of colors that give Tieks a run for their money. 

The Emmie Ballet Flat also provides a decent amount of support (for flats at least) with their memory foam insoles. 

And lastly, similar to Tieks, Lucky Brand is a company that’s based in Los Angeles.

PROS

  • Affordable flats
  • Comfy memory foam insoles 
  • Made from 100% leather with rubber soles 
  • Well-known shoe brand that’s based in LA

CONS

  • They run slightly small 
  • Not as high quality 
  • Stiff and take time to break-in 

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Feel Good Ballet Flats

Scholl's Women’s Feel Good Ballet Flat Shoes

Dr. Scholl’s is a household name for anyone who likes supportive shoes that make your feet feel good and their ballet flats are no exception. 

Dr. Scholl’s Feel Good Ballet Flats are made from faux leather so they’re ideal for anyone who’s vegan or simply prefers leather alternatives. 

One of the main draws to these shoes is their supportive cushioning and shock absorption design that lets you wear them for long periods at a time. 

They would be ideal flats for anyone who is on their feet a lot, like teachers and healthcare providers. 

Although they’re not foldable flats, they’re flats similar to Tieks in terms of the design and look of them.

PROS

  • Super comfortable, provide more cushioning than most flats
  • Affordable
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Good for wide feet (just order a size up)

CONS

  • They can run small
  • No arch support 
  • Sometimes on the slippery side

Amazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet Flat

Amazon Essentials Women's Belice Ballet Flats

You won’t generally find Tieks shoes on Amazon, but a close Tieks look-alike can be found in these Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat

As some of the most popular and affordable flats on Amazon, there’s a lot to love about these shoes. 

To keep costs down, they’re made from 100% synthetic materials, but this also means they’re vegan-friendly since they use faux leather. 

They’re also offered in 32 different colors, many of which are very similar to the colors that Tieks offers on their Boutiek. 

Although they don’t offer the same quality as Tieks or some of the other flats on this list, they’re good value and some of the best budget flats you can find on Amazon. 

These Amazon Tieks ballet flats would be good for someone who’s just looking for a good pair of throw-around flats that are versatile and classic enough to be worn with most outfits.

PROS

  • Very budget-friendly
  • Good value for the price 
  • Vegan-friendly, made with faux leather
  • More comfortable than you’d think
  • Good for narrow and wide feet

CONS

  • Not very durable 
  • Not made from high-quality materials 
  • They don’t offer much support 

DREAM PAIRS Women’s Classic Ballet Flats

DREAM PAIRS Women's Sole-fina Solid Plain Walking Classic Ballet Flats

Another one of the more budget options on this list, Dream Pairs Classic Ballet Flats are shoes comparable to Tieks in terms of their look and round toe style. 

These Tieks-like shoes are designed in the USA and feature a rubber sole, super-soft suede lining to keep your feet cozy, and a slightly cushioned sole for a more comfortable fit. 

They’re not quite foldable flats in the true sense like Tieks are, but they have a flexible rubber sole that can bend as needed and doesn’t deform easily. 

PROS

  • More comfortable than your average budget ballet flat
  • Good value 
  • Flexible rubber sole that bends easily 
  • Classic and versatile 

CONS

  • They run small, order at least a half size up
  • Not very durable 
  • No arch support 

Xielong Women’s Chaste Ballet Flat

Xielong Women's Flats Lambskin Ballet Flats Shoes

If you’re looking for a cheap version of Tieks, these Xielong Chaste Ballet Flats are another good option on Amazon. 

These lambskin rounded toe ballet flats are very budget-friendly but that also means they’re pretty bare bones in their construction.

With that said, they do feature a supportive rubber sole and a comfy suede interior lining to keep your feet happy. 

Unlike Tieks, Xielong Chaste Ballet Flats don’t scuff easily and they don’t show a toe bump. 

They also come in 23 different colors for plenty of options to pair with your wardrobe.

PROS

  • Budget-friendly 
  • Very comfy and soft 
  • Cozy suede lining 
  • Plenty of options for colors 
  • Easy to clean 

CONS

  • They run small
  • Not very supportive, might be good to order inserts for these

Naturalizer Women’s Flexy Ballet Flat

Naturalizer Women's Flexy Ballet Flat

Naturalizer Flexy Ballet Flats probably look the least like Tieks on this list. 

However, if you’re looking for a slightly different look and style of ballet flats that’s more affordable, they can still be great Tieks alternatives. 

One of the main upsides to these flats is their thick rubber sole that provides more support than your average pair of flats. 

They’re also versatile flats that come in a variety of neutral colors that go with most outfits.

PROS

  • Super comfortable once you break them in
  • Versatile, come in a lot of neutral colors 
  • Thick rubber sole for more heel support 

CONS

  • Sizing can be inconsistent 
  • Can feel a bit stiff, need time to break-in
  • Not great for wide feet 

Ollio Women’s Comfort Ballet Flat

Ollio Women's Shoe Collar Shoe Pull Tab Comfort Ballet Flat

A cheap Tieks alternative, the Ollio Comfort Ballet Flat is the most foldable pair of flats on this list (besides Tieks, of course). 

Their elasticized topline and flexible sole give them a natural foldable quality that is similar to Tieks. 

Unfortunately, the flexible sole and lack of quality means they also don’t provide a ton of support for your heel or arch. 

If your feet are fine walking around barefoot though, they should feel fine in these shoes as well. 

It just depends on what you’re looking for. If a lightweight, packable, and affordable pair of flats is more important to you than support, these are a good bet. 

Available in 13 colors that are both neutral and bright, these are versatile flats for throwing in your bag when you’re on the go.

PROS

  • Flexible and foldable flats
  • Lightweight 
  • Come in a variety of colors 
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Not much heel or arch support
  • Not very durable 
  • Not made from high-quality materials 
  • Can get sweaty on hot days 

Eureka USA Women’s Audrey Leather Ballet Flats

Eureka USA Women’s Audrey Leather Ballet Flat

An affordable Tieks alternative, the Eureka USA Audrey Leather Ballet Flats are versatile and lightweight flats that are very packable and great for women who are constantly on the go. 

They have better traction on the outer soles compared to other flats and they come in a bunch of fun pastel and neutral colors that are easy to pair with most outfits. 

Lastly, these Audrey Ballet Flats are also fairly breathable and easily mold to your feet after breaking them in.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight and packable 
  • Versatile, come in pastel and neutral colors 
  • Better traction than most flats 
  • Breathable 
  • Mold to your feet after breaking in

CONS

  • Not great in rainy weather 
  • No arch support 
  • They run small 

Hush Puppies Women’s Chaste Ballet Flats

Hush Puppies Women's Chaste Ballet

Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flats are similar to Tieks in terms of their flexible nature, but they’re made with even more comfort in mind.

Made from 100% leather and textiles, these comfortable shoes feature a soft lining, heel and arch support with a cushioned footbed, and a rubber sole that has a lot of traction. 

These flats are also lightweight, which means they’re a good option for throwing in your bag once you’re done with heels or for traveling. 

Lastly, Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flats come in a bountiful amount of colors and regular, narrow, and wide sizes for an optimal fit.

PROS

  • Super comfortable 
  • Provide more support than most flats
  • Good traction 
  • Lightweight 
  • Come in a lot of different colors and sizes 

CONS

  • Still somewhat expensive 
  • Take some time to break-in
  • Could be higher quality for the price 

Yosi Samra Samara Women’s Classic Leather Foldable Ballet Flat

Yosi Samra Samara Womens Classic Leather Foldable Ballet Flat

A popular Tieks alternative, the Yosi Samra Samara Ballet Flat is the only pair of flats on this list that features a dual sole like Tieks.

Made from 100% leather, these foldable flats are soft, flexible, and feature a cushioned footbed and a rubber sole. 

The only downsides to the Yosi Samra Samara flats are that they don’t come in a ton of colors and they’re more expensive than most of the other flats on this list.

PROS

  • Foldable and flexible 
  • Soft and comfy 
  • Cushioned footbed 
  • Lightweight and easy to pack 

CONS

  • Run small, order a size up
  • Still somewhat expensive 
  • Not many options for colors 

Bandolino Women’s Edition Leather Ballet Flat

Bandolino Women's Edition Leather Ballet Flat

If you’re looking for flats like Tieks, these Bandolino Leather Ballet Flats are a simple and less expensive alternative.

They only come in a few different colors but if you’re just looking for a cute and casual pair of flats that are 100% leather and have a flexible fit, these are a good choice.

One of the main draws to these flats besides the easy-to-swallow price tag is that they fit right out of the box for most people. 

They don’t have a ton of extra support, but they’re still very comfortable with their stretchy topline and mostly soft leather.

PROS

  • Comfortable flats
  • No break-in period for most people 
  • Affordable 

CONS

  • Narrow toe box, not great for wider feet
  • Not the most durable flats
  • Don’t offer a ton of support

Dexflex Comfort Women’s Claire Scrunch Flat

dexflex Comfort Women's Claire Scrunch Flat

This Dexflex Claire Scrunch Flat is an ideal Tieks alternative if you’re looking for a similar flexibility in your flats. 

They’re not quite foldable flats like Tieks, but their scrunched and stretchy topline combined with their flexible outsoles have a very similar feel to the flexibility offered with Tieks ballet flats. 

Dexflex Claire Scrunch Flats also have a memory foam insole that provides slightly more cushioning than your average flats. 

The main difference between these and Tieks is that they’re made with fabric and suede instead of leather and they’re not as high quality as Tieks. 

If you’re simply looking for an affordable pair of comfortable ballet flats though, these can be a good pick.

PROS

  • Affordable 
  • Flexible and almost foldable 
  • Lightweight 
  • Memory foam insoles and some heel support
  • Good for wide feet

CONS

  • Not as high quality as Tieks 
  • Run small, order a half size up

Frank Mully Women’s Knit Ballet Flat

Frank Mully Women’s Knit Ballet Flat

The Frank Mully Knit Ballet Flat is more of a Rothy’s knock-off than a Tieks knock-off.

Since I recommend Rothy’s as a top alternative to Tieks, these knock-offs are the cheaper version of that recommendation if you’re on a tighter budget. 

These Frank Mully flats don’t have the same level of sustainability and eco-friendly nature as Rothy’s, but in terms of style, they look very similar. 

They even have the Rothy’s royal blue thread along the edge of the removable inserts and offer similar colors to Rothy’s shoes. 

Additional main draws to these flats are their soft knit fabric, comfort, and breathability.

PROS

  • Affordable 
  • Breathable and soft fabric
  • Comfortable 
  • Removable inserts 

CONS

  • Not as high quality as Rothy’s
  • Not as eco-friendly as Rothy’s 
  • Run small, order a half-size up 
  • Not much arch or heel support 

Which Shoes are the Best Tieks Alternative?

Each of these shoes offer some similarities to Tieks, but if I had to choose just a couple, I’d recommend Allbirds Tree Breezers or Rothy’s flats as the best Tieks alternative. 

Allbirds and Rothy’s flats are still somewhat expensive, but I find their quality to be comparable to Tieks and I love the style of their round toe flats. 

If you’re looking for something less expensive, CZZPTC Women’s Ballet Flats are the best lookalike Tieks for less.


Looking for more shoe recommendations? Check out these related posts below!

Allbirds Tree Runners Review

Allbirds Tree Runners vs Allbirds Wool Runners

Best Allbirds Alternatives: 16 Cozy Shoes Like Allbirds

Thursday Boots Review

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Women

Best Water Shoes for Kayaking & Canoeing

Best Minimalist Hiking Sandals & Barefoot Sandals 

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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