Why Are Tieks So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)

 

One of the most popular types of shoes for casual use and workwear is ballet flats.

The flat provides comfort and style in most situations.

While there are many flat designers in the shoe industry, one brand that has become an industry leader is Tieks.

Tieks got its start in the 2000s and quickly grew into a successful shoe company.

With prices starting at $175 and going as high as over $300, you may wonder what makes Tieks worth the price.

Most ballet flats tend to be cheaper since they’re smaller and use fewer materials in their production.

That isn’t the case with Tieks.

Here are 10 reasons Tieks are expensive.

 

Why Are Tieks So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)

 

1. Celebrity Endorsements

 

One reason Tieks are expensive is the amount of celebrity coverage they get.

Perhaps one of the most popular celebrities to endorse Tieks is Oprah.

The famous talk show host and actress has sworn by Tieks and wears them often.

She has even talked about them on her O List.

Oprah owns several pairs and has become something of a collector.

Because of her obsession, many others have taken an interest in the flats.

This kind of publicity means that Tieks can sell their shoes at a higher price.

If celebrities are wearing them, then it must mean they’re worth the price.

Any time a celebrity wears something, it’s basically free publicity for the brand.

It also means the brand is on the same level as other luxury brands.

This then allows them to sell their products at luxury prices.

Tieks are expensive because Oprah and other celebrities endorse them.

 

2. Foldable Technology

 

Flats are comfy and feature a flat bottom, hence the name.

Because of this, many women like to wear them for excursions out in the city or social gatherings.

The problem is that flats aren’t always work-appropriate.

This ends up causing them to need to stuff their flats in the purses—which takes up a lot of space—or go home to exchange their shoes.

That’s a waste of time and space.

Tieks wanted to solve that problem.

They came up with a new technology that completely changed the world of flats.

Their flats are foldable.

They designed a special seam in the sole of the shoe that allows the heel to fold inwards.

The result is a shoe that can fold and easily fit in a purse.

This allows women to easily fold their shoes and put them in their purses until they’re needed later.

It’s a great way to store shoes and make them more accessible.

Obviously, the kind of technology to make this possible doesn’t come cheap.

It requires more materials not normally used in shoes to make it happen.

Since it requires more materials and time during production, the result is a more costly shoe to make.

To make up for the added costs in production, Tieks has a higher price tag on its flats.

Besides processing costs, it’s the uniqueness that also adds to the price tag.

There wasn’t any other flat that did the same thing before Tieks.

Even now, while some shoemakers may be looking to copy the idea, everyone knows that Tieks was the original.

This unique feature adds to the price because it’s rare.

Tieks are expensive because of their unique folding technology that adds to the production costs.

 

3. Production Time

 

Tieks take a long time to make.

In the world of shoe manufacturing, most companies have automated their processes.

This speeds up production which allows them to push out more shoes to sell.

At Tieks, they don’t use many machines in the production of their shoes.

This increases the time it takes to make a pair of flats.

On their website, they state that it takes three days to finish a single pair of shoes.

That’s 24 hours of work time.

Since it takes three days to produce a shoe, they’re not able to sell as many as other companies.

One might even say that their shoes aren’t mass-produced.

Since it takes more time to produce their shoes, it also takes more money.

The longer something sits in a factory or workshop, the more expensive it becomes.

That’s because it adds to the cost of making it.

The longer it’s there, the less money the company is making since they’re unable to produce the next shoe after it.

Tieks are expensive because it takes three days to produce a single pair of shoes.

 

4. Handcrafted

 

Part of the reason it takes so long for Tieks to produce a shoe is that they’re handcrafted.

Unlike other shoe companies that rely on factories and machines, Tieks prefers to hire people instead.

Shoemakers bring a touch of luxury to every shoe because they handle everything.

If there are errors, then it only adds to the identity of the shoe.

According to their website, not only does it take three days to finish a pair of shoes, but it also takes over 150 steps to finish one.

Considering that they handcraft their shoes, that means a person is performing every step in its production.

This adds to the cost of production by a lot.

First, they have to hire skilled workers who know how to make shoes.

Since Tieks is making a new design of flat that can fold, they need expert craftsmen who can adapt to their designs.

Second, they need to pay for their time.

These shoes take a long time to make.

The longer it takes, the more they have to pay the workers.

It also means it takes longer for them to earn a profit since the shoe isn’t out in a store yet.

Skilled laborers need higher wages than other types of workers.

They’re bringing in skills that they’ve learned and honed over the years.

Those skills can make the process a bit faster and easier, which is why Tieks prefers to hire skilled craftsmen.

However, this also means that they’re going to be paying them higher wages.

Finally, their main factory is in Italy.

That means they most likely hire Italian workers.

Since Italy has a high cost of living and standard of living, they have high wages and benefits.

Tieks has to afford all those costs.

Handcrafting is an expensive production method, but it also gives incredible results.

To make up for the costs associated with their production, Tieks has to sell their shoes at higher prices.

Tieks are expensive because they handcraft their shoes.

 

5. Cushioned Heels

 

Another reason Tieks are expensive is their cushioned heels.

In a standard shoe, many brands choose to put an elastic band in the heel that wraps around the back of the foot.

The elastic band helps stretch the shoe to better fit the foot.

The problem with elastic bands is that they can sometimes cause blisters.

If the shoe doesn’t fit the foot properly, then it can cause the shoe to slip around.

The elastic band doesn’t do much to cushion the foot and prevent it from rubbing against the shoe.

Painful and sometimes bloody blisters occur as a result.

Tieks wanted to change this.

It removed elastic bands from the back of the shoe and replaced them with a cushioned heel instead.

The cushion provides better comfort and structure for the foot.

Those wearing the shoe often find that the cushioned heel helps make wearing the shoe easier and more supportive.

The problem with a cushioned heel is that it adds to the cost of production.

Elastic bands are cheap because they’re thin strips of elastic.

They’re cheap to make.

Cushioned heels are more expensive because they require more materials.

The heel needs enough cushioning to support the foot without pressing on it too hard.

It’s a finicky process that can add time to the already lengthy production time.

The inclusion of more materials in the form of the cushion also makes it pricier.

Since cushioned heels cost more to make, Tieks responds by having a higher price on their shoes.

It covers the cost of production and helps them earn a profit.

Tieks are expensive because they use cushioned heels in their shoes which drives up production costs.

 

6. Leather

 

One of the biggest factors that add to the price of Tieks is the use of leather.

Every Tieks shoe, except for a few models, is made with fine Italian leather.

There’s no question that Italian leather is some of the best in the world.

It’s often used in most luxurious goods.

Because of that, you can expect its use in a shoe to also increase its price.

Leather makes Tieks expensive for a few different reasons.

The first is that leather is an expensive material to buy and process.

Leather comes from an animal.

Some animals provide better leather than others.

In most cases, the softer the leather is, the more expensive it is.

To ensure their animals give soft leather, ranchers have to keep their animals healthy.

They need to feed and take care of them.

Animals are expensive to maintain.

Any product they produce is going to have a high price on it, especially something like leather which has a limit in its supply.

Other animal products, like milk and cheese, are cheaper because they’re easily reproducible.

The animals can keep producing it.

Leather comes from slaughtered animals.

They’re only able to offer their skin once.

Another reason leather is expensive is that it requires skilled handling to shape and form it.

It’s not an easy material to work with.

It’s stiff and tough to shape.

Because of that, it takes longer to use and requires expert craftsmen to form into shoes.

Tieks are expensive because they use high-quality leather from Italy, which is some of the most expensive leather in the world.

 

7. Durability

 

Considering the high price of Tieks, some may wonder if it’s worth the price in terms of its durability.

Tieks are expensive because of their durability.

Since Tieks uses real leather in their shoes, buyers can expect their shoes to last for a long time.

Even if you walk a lot, you can expect to get around five years out of them without a problem.

If you don’t walk that much, then your shoes will last even longer.

Part of the reason they have such great durability is the leather.

Since Tieks uses high-quality leather, the shoes are built for wear and tear.

Leather stands up well to wear and tear because it’s thick and tough.

These shoes are sometimes also waterproof which makes them great for outdoor use.

The firm structure of the shoe guarantees that while it will stretch a little to form to your feet, it won’t keep stretching.

The leather also keeps the shoe from stretching too much.

As a result, you’ll eventually end up with shoes that fit your feet perfectly and don’t lose their shape.

By applying some polish to your shoes now and then, you can keep them in great working condition for years.

Tieks knows this, which is why it puts a high price on its shoes.

When you buy their shoes, you’re investing in a shoe that will last several years.

The cost ends up becoming more affordable in that sense.

Tieks are expensive because their shoes are durable.

 

8. Vegan Alternatives

 

When shoemakers decide to use leather, they don’t always have alternatives for people who are uncomfortable wearing animal products.

Tieks does.

To include people who want the quality and style of Tieks but without real leather, the company made vegan shoes.

These shoes are made with high-quality synthetic leather instead of real leather.

This allows vegans to wear their shoes without compromising their lifestyle.

This makes the shoes more expensive for a few different reasons.

Tieks is aware that vegans don’t make up the majority of their consumer base.

As a result, they only produce a limited number of vegan shoes a year.

This helps them save on costs.

It also means that their shoes are going to be more expensive because there’s limited supply for a high amount of demand.

The cost of production is also high.

While they may not use expensive leather, they use expensive alternatives to give the shoes the same quality and durability that Tieks buyers expect.

This also means that the production of their vegan shoes follows different processes than the rest of their shoes.

Those differences add to the cost of production.

Finally, there’s the fact that they’re vegan.

Anything with vegan attached to the label is going to cost more.

Tieks are expensive because they make high-quality vegan shoes in addition to their regular shoes.

 

9. Prints

 

Making leather shoes is already an expensive venture.

Adding prints to the shoes is even more expensive.

Tieks also has a reputation for providing fantastic colors and prints for their flats.

You can buy the same shoe in different colors.

You can buy the same shoe in different prints.

You can also buy limited colors that are only sold during special times of the year.

Their Black Friday sale, for example, usually includes a rare color that runs for a limited time.

The same goes for other holidays and seasons.

Whether you’re a collector of shoes or just want a pair of Tieks in every color, you’ll find yourself paying more during certain parts of the year.

That’s because limited edition colors are in short supply.

They only produce a small number of them despite the high demand for them.

This allows them to ask for a higher price.

Colors and prints also add to the production costs because there are more steps that the craftsmen have to perform.

The colors have to be the same and need to look great.

Dyeing and printing on leather isn’t easy since leather is such a rough and tough material.

As a result, it adds to the time and labor costs of making the shoe.

Tieks are expensive because they offer several colors and prints for their shoes.

They also sometimes make limited edition colors which are expensive.

 

10. Packaging

 

When you order a pair of Tieks, the shoes aren’t the only things you receive in the package.

The package itself is also ornate and luxurious.

Tieks is aware that you’re spending a lot on their shoes.

Because of that, they try to make the unboxing experience an enjoyable one.

Their packaging is a blue box that comes with a floral ribbon.

Inside the box are a few accessories to help you maintain your shoes.

It even comes with a tote bag to carry your folded shoes in wherever you go.

Also, you’ll find a handwritten letter in your box to thank you for your support.

These small details can make the experience memorable.

However, it costs Tieks more money to do it.

They need to pay someone to write those letters.

They also have to either buy or make the accessories that you find within it.

These final costs all add to the price of their shoes.

Tieks are expensive because of the details they include in their packaging and unboxing experience.

 

How To Save Money On Tieks

 

Considering how expensive Tieks can become, you may wonder if there’s a way to save money on them.

Unfortunately, Tieks doesn’t run sales or discounts on their websites.

What you see is what you get.

However, there are ways to get them at slightly cheaper prices.

By shopping on Poshmark or Facebook Marketplace, you can sometimes find used pairs of Tieks on sale.

Because they’re used, they go for a cheaper price.

However, you need to make sure that you’re okay with buying and wearing a used pair of shoes.

Be aware that some people buy knock-offs of Tieks and sell them stating that they’re authentic.

With the right amount of caution and research, you can find discounted and used Tieks for sale.

 

Conclusion

Tieks changed the game in the world of ballet flat shoes.

With their emphasis on high-quality leather, folding technology, and handcrafted production and experience, they provide shoes that few can copy.

It also means they sell at high prices, but you can find used shoes for sale at cheaper prices.

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