Packing for a trip always comes down to one question. Which shoes deserve a spot in my suitcase?

Shoes take up valuable luggage space, add weight, and often end up being the biggest compromise when you're trying to pack light. After years of traveling with bulky sneakers, uncomfortable sandals, and dress shoes that were impossible to fit into my carry-on, I finally decided to try a pair of Tieks ballet flats.

I chose the Burgundy Tieks because I wanted a color that could transition effortlessly from daytime sightseeing to a nice dinner in the evening. After traveling with them, I understand why so many frequent travelers recommend Tieks as one of the best travel shoes.

If you're wondering whether Tieks are worth the investment, here's my honest experience.

Why I Chose Burgundy Tieks

Tieks offers dozens of beautiful colors, patterns, and finishes. While it was tempting to pick something bright or trendy, I kept coming back to the burgundy leather flats.

Burgundy feels like a neutral while still adding a little personality to an outfit. Unlike bright red shoes that immediately become the focal point, burgundy pairs well with nearly everything.

During your travels you can pair them with:

Black leggings
Blue jeans
White jeans
Denim shorts
Casual dresses
Maxi dresses
Business casual outfits
Black pants
Skirts
Cardigans and sweaters

The rich leather color worked equally well during the day while exploring museums and shopping districts and later when heading out for dinner.

Instead of packing separate casual shoes and dress shoes, I found myself reaching for these almost every day.

The Biggest Travel Advantage Is How Small They Pack

The first thing that impressed me wasn't even the leather or the comfort. It was how little space they take up.

Unlike sneakers that seem to consume half a suitcase, Tieks fold neatly in half thanks to their flexible split sole.

That means they easily slide into:

Carry-on luggage
Weekender bags
Personal item backpacks
Tote bags
Large purses

For anyone who likes traveling with only a carry-on, this is a huge advantage.

I often struggle to fit multiple pairs of shoes into my luggage because shoes are usually the largest items I'm packing. Tieks solve that problem beautifully.

When folded, they occupy only a fraction of the space of traditional flats.

They Are Perfect Backup Shoes

One thing I didn't expect was how often I reached for them as backup shoes.

If you've ever worn heels to dinner or walked miles in stiff sandals while sightseeing, you know your feet eventually need a break.

Because Tieks fold so compactly, they're easy to keep in your purse or backpack. Instead of suffering through sore feet, you can simply switch into your flats.

This makes them especially useful for:

Airport travel
Cruises
European vacations
Theme parks
Conferences
Weddings
Business trips
City sightseeing

Having a comfortable pair of flats available can completely change your travel day.

The Leather Feels Premium

The Burgundy Tieks are made from premium leather, and it shows. Right out of the box, the leather felt soft and flexible instead of stiff.

Many ballet flats require weeks of breaking in before they become comfortable. Mine felt surprisingly wearable almost immediately.

The stitching looked clean and durable, and every detail felt thoughtfully made. The signature blue stripe along the sole also gives Tieks their recognizable look without being overly flashy.

Comfortable Enough for Long Days

Comfort is one of the biggest reasons travelers recommend Tieks.

I found the cushioned insole supportive enough for walking through airports, shopping districts, restaurants, and tourist attractions throughout the day.

No ballet flat will replace a dedicated athletic walking shoe if you're planning to hike several miles every day, but for normal travel days, they performed extremely well.

I especially appreciated that they didn't rub against my heel the way many inexpensive flats tend to do. Because the leather is soft, the shoes move naturally with your feet rather than fighting against them.

Easy to Dress Up or Down

One of my favorite things about these flats is their versatility. Travel often means moving quickly from one activity to another.

You might spend the morning exploring a historic district, enjoy lunch at a local café, browse shops in the afternoon, and finish with dinner at a nicer restaurant.

The Burgundy Tieks handled every setting effortlessly. They looked polished enough for nicer restaurants but casual enough for everyday sightseeing. That versatility helped me pack fewer shoes overall, which is always my goal.

Great for Airport Travel

Anyone who flies frequently knows airport shoes need to check several boxes. They should be comfortable. Easy to remove during security screening. Comfortable enough for long walks between terminals. Compact enough to fit into your personal bag if needed. Tieks meet all of those requirements.

The flexible leather makes them easy to slip on and off, and they weigh much less than athletic shoes or boots.

Whether you're catching a short domestic flight or flying internationally, they make excellent airport shoes.

The Foldable Design Really Works

Some foldable shoes feel flimsy because they prioritize flexibility over durability. That wasn't my experience with Tieks. The split sole allows the shoe to fold without feeling unstable when walking.

Once they're on your feet, they feel like a traditional ballet flat rather than a shoe that's designed to bend in half.

It's a clever design that makes packing easier without sacrificing everyday wear.

What I Loved Most

After wearing the Burgundy Tieks on multiple outings, these are the biggest advantages I noticed.

They save luggage space.

This alone makes them one of my favorite travel purchases.

They match almost everything.

The burgundy leather complements casual outfits, dressier clothing, and even business attire.

They feel well made.

Everything from the leather to the stitching gives the impression of a premium shoe.

They're comfortable.

For sightseeing, shopping, airports, and dinners, they kept my feet comfortable throughout the day.

They're incredibly versatile.

Instead of packing multiple pairs of flats, I only needed one.

Are There Any Downsides?

No shoe is perfect. The biggest consideration is the price. My Tieks retail at $210.00.

Tieks are definitely an investment compared to budget ballet flats available at department stores.

However, after handling them in person, it's clear these aren't designed to be disposable fashion shoes. The leather, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design help justify the higher price if you travel frequently or want a versatile everyday flat.

If you're looking for athletic-level arch support, you'll still want supportive sneakers for hiking or long outdoor adventures. I view Tieks as my travel city shoe rather than my trail shoe.

Who Should Buy Tieks?

I think Tieks are especially worth considering if you:

Travel several times each year
Prefer carry-on luggage
Want to pack fewer shoes
Need one shoe that works from day to night
Walk through airports frequently
Attend conferences or business travel
Like classic wardrobe staples that won't go out of style

If any of those describe you, Tieks solve several travel problems at once.

Are Burgundy Tieks Worth It?

For me, yes.

The Burgundy Tieks quickly became one of those travel items I wondered how I ever traveled without.

They take up very little suitcase space, pair beautifully with nearly every outfit I packed, and transition effortlessly from sightseeing during the day to dinner in the evening.

The foldable design isn't just a marketing feature. It genuinely makes packing easier, especially if you're trying to travel light.

While they're certainly more expensive than a typical pair of ballet flats, the combination of quality leather, thoughtful construction, timeless style, and travel-friendly design makes them feel like a worthwhile investment.

If you're searching for the best travel flats, comfortable foldable shoes, or stylish ballet flats that can handle both vacation adventures and everyday wear, the Burgundy Tieks deserve a place on your shortlist.

For travelers who value comfort, versatility, and efficient packing, they've earned a permanent spot in my suitcase.