No matter how trendy a shoe may appear, it is useless if it is uncomfortable, due to this people rely mostly on flats and slip-on that can be simply paired with anything, and will keep your feet extremely comfy and stylish.
So, we researched two of the best brands on the market to find the perfect pairs to wear all year long which are none other than Toms and Tieks.
To find out if one is superior to the other and which styles they offer, let’s compare them.
Comparison Table Between Tieks And Toms
| Tieks | Toms |
|---|---|
| Founded in 2008 | Founded in 2006 |
| Options for Ballet flats, slides and sandals | Slip on, sandals, Heels, sneakers, Espadrilles, Flats, Wedges |
| More cushioned | Less cushioning |
| Famous for their Foldable style and versatility | Popular for “One for One” Idea |
| Pricey | Affordable |
| More Comfortable | Comfortable |
| Option for women and kids only | For Men, Women, and Kids |
| Bright and Colorful | Mild, neutral Colors |
Overview of Toms:
Toms is a for-profit company headquartered in Los Angeles, California that designs and sells, shoes, clothes, eyewear, coffee, and bags.
Toms Shoes was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, who was motivated by his trip to Argentina, where he witnessed children without shoes.
When he got back to the U.S., Mycoskie start planning for what would eventually become Toms brand, a company that sells shoes and whose profits go to support his One for One charity.
Under the “One for One” idea, for every pair of shoes bought, a pair would be given to a child in need. The unique concept inspired people to associate with the company and support the cause.
Over 70 countries have benefited from shoe donations made by Toms. Today, the brand donates one-third of its sales to community charities. Since the establishment of Toms, their community has positively influenced over 100,000,000 lives, and they continue to do so.
Toms is best known for making espadrilles, or Alpargatas, these shoes typically have a rope or rubber sole and a canvas upper. Although the company also produces a wide variety of other styles, including sneakers and boots.
One of their iconic best-selling styles, the Alpargata which retails for under $60 is a must-have for any casual outfit.
When you wear these shoes, you’ll always feel like you’re walking on air because the soles are made of recycled materials and are flexible.
Overview of Tieks:
With a focus on flexibility, longevity, comfort, and fashion, the brand Tieks made ballet flats that are intended to be worn all day.
Kfir and his siblings established the company in 2008, and their shoe collection was released in 2010.
Each pair of Tieks is handcrafted from high-quality Italian leather and comes in a wide range of colors, prints, and patterns to complement a variety of looks and personalities.
The brand offers more than sixty unique styles of ballet flats divided across four categories including Classics, Prints, Patents, and Vegan that offers something to suit every type, event, and wardrobe.
The “Tieks classic series” includes flats in a variety of solid colors, and “Matte Black” is one of their best-sellers.
You can wear this color every day, so these shoes are a better deal and give you value for your money.
Moreover, the brand has a non-profit organization, “Gavrieli Foundation” which has donated more than $10,000,000 to over 55,000 female entrepreneurs across the globe. Also, the brand has an active presence on all social media platforms, and its advertising is generally basic but impressively creative.
Major Differences between the Brands:
Now that you know the story behind both brands, let’s compare their features and see which provides better value for money.
1) Comfort:
According to Tieks, in three days and one hundred fifty steps, every component of a pair of Tieks combines to make a ballet flat with unmatched comfort, flexibility, and longevity. When cutting, sewing, and finishing each pair of Tieks, extreme attention is taken to consideration that each edge feels silky and comfortable.
Moreover, Tieks insoles are hand-stitched and constructed of soft, full-grain leather. Also, its extremely supple and breathable leather feels like silk on barefoot, while innovative foam cushioning gives a gentle instep for all-day comfort and long-lasting wear.
Each pair of Tieks has a cushioned back and is not elasticized, allowing them to sit gently on the heel without feeling any discomfort.
On the other hand, Toms Shoes’ construction is the key to its comfort; the brand offers superior materials and skillful craftsmanship to manufacture every shoe.
Their soles are designed to provide traction and stability, making them appropriate for a wide range of activities. Moreover, the company’s signature slip-on styles and flats are crafted from a supple, breathable fabric and have a cushioned insole for increased comfort.
With Toms OrthoLite technology, you will feel comfortable throughout the day and it will also keep your feet from getting blisters.
2) Popularity:
Toms is an excellent example of a brand that has established an identity for itself by doing well for society. The brand is popular for its “One for One” marketing strategy in which it donates a pair of shoes to a person in need for every pair it sells.
Moreover, Toms collaborates with many organizations to support health, education, and community development initiatives. Another reason for their popularity is celebrities are their customers and due to that they got a lot of attention on social media.
Alternately, Tieks are a popular choice among women who spend a lot of time on their feet and prefer a pair of flats for more comfort. Their ability to fold and adjust them in a handbag makes them excellent for frequent travelers.
Moreover, Forbes ranked Tieks one of the 25 Most Innovative Consumer Brands in 2013, and the company was also on “Inc.’s 30 Under 30 list” Top 30 Startups “To Watch list by Entrepreneurs,” and Oprah’s O List.
3) Target market:
Tieks flats can be worn by men and women, but they are made for women who want a stylish alternative to heels. Their main customers are women between the ages of 25 to almost 45.
Furthermore, Toms usually markets to both men and women, in their early 20s -30s or who have a high school diploma. Also, North America is the main market for the brand, but shoes are sold in many other places as well.
4) Price:
The price varies with different shoe models, but in general, Toms are less expensive than Tieks. Tieks ballet flats roughly cost $175 to more than $300, and other footwear is almost $55-125 whereas Toms Shoe’s price range from $49 to $120.
Most Toms shoe styles are under $80 so if you want to save some bucks, Toms may be the best option for you.
5) Design:
Toms have a lot to offer and you can find everything from dress shoes, classic flats, and sandals with a platform heel to sneakers for ultimate comfort. No matter what your style is, you can pick from a wide range of print patterns, eco-friendly textile uppers, and insoles. All of their footwear is designed to be lightweight and cozy, and the soles are made to hold up over time.
Due to the use of canvas, rubber, or foam, they are not as smooth as padded shoes, but they offer sufficient support. Also, their running-specific footwear is based on the concept of barefoot running, not for high-impact activities as they incorporate thin soles in their shoes to make running easier than thick-soled ones. Lastly, their slip-on and flats are light, minimalist, and best for casual and everyday use.
Conversely, Tieks offers elegant ballet flats, slides, and sandals but the brand is more well-known for its ballet flats that are made to last long. Its distinctive blue soles set them apart from the market, and they’re meant to be both durable and flexible so that they can be folded in half and carried in a purse while traveling.
Each pair of Tieks is made from a single piece of Italian leather that wraps around the foot, as the leather wears, it stretches and molds to the shape of the foot, providing an ideal fit. Tieks also uses a brown leather midsole that has allowed the shoes to flex with your natural motion. Also, the thick, non-slip rubber is durable enough to protect your feet from the ground while remaining bouncy and keeping you on your toes regardless of the surface.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
In the end, whether you choose Toms or Tieks depends on your liking and budget. I have to mention that Tieks did not match the same devotion to charity, environmentally friendly practices, or commitment to society that Toms does. Many people who buy Toms Shoes want to do their part to make the world a better place.
However, both brands can be good for you but are intended for entirely different purposes. Toms is susceptible for daily use or shopping and the Tieks is best if you’re a travel freak or professional and need comfy footwear to wear formally as well as on daily basis.
Also, unlike the vibrant and lively colors of Tieks, Toms has mild color options for daily routine tasks and random walks.
I hope you found my analysis to be helpful. Drop down your thoughts about both Toms and Tieks in the comments section below.