We're adventure seekers. People who hike through muddy forests to spot natural wonders and explore new cities in the pouring rain. So don't let soggy feet stop you from making the most of your trip!

If you've lived in a rainy city, you've heard of Vessi, a recently established footwear brand that sells waterproof shoes. They're made to be light, comfortable, and puddle-friendly. 

Being a Vancouverite myself and having personally tried both the Everyday Classic and Weekend Sneakers, I can confirm they are 100% waterproof. 

But are they really worth it for travelers? Will they last?

If you're on the verge of buying a pair or just looking to see what all the hype is about, read on for my full review of Vessi waterproof shoes.

What is Vessi?

Vessi is a Vancouver, B.C. headquartered startup that makes waterproof footwear and other accessories.

Vessi was started in 2018 by Andy Wang, Tony Yu and Mikaella Go, all who've decided to do something about soggy rain-soaked shoes. They created a waterproof, stylish shoe while still remaining comfortable and breathable to wear. 

Named after the Finnish term for water, Vessi quickly caught on to raise over USD $1 Million in their first kickstart campaign. In a city nicknamed Raincouver (Rain + Vancouver), Vessi waterproof sneakers was born!

Vessi went on to become a Vancouver household name in the waterproof footwear industry. I even dare to say that no one lives in a rainy city that hasn't heard of Vessi.

I personally see at least 5 Vessi sneakers worn in Vancouver, BC every time I go outside, especially during the rain.

Where to buy Vessi shoes?

Vessi's waterproof shoes are primarily sold online on their website, but they do have the occasional pop-up store.

Can you buy Vessi shoes in stores?

If you're in Vancouver, you're in luck! Vessi’s first brick and mortar storefront location has officially opened! You can try out the waterproof sneakers at Metropolis in Metrotown. 

If you've been hesistant of buying a pair of Vessi shoes, you can now go try one out yourself and determine whether they're the right pair of shoes for you!

Best Vessi Sneakers: Top Picks, reviewed

Everyday Classic

Price: ~ $135 USD

As the name suggests, these are your everyday sneakers for all day-to-day activities. These sneakers are perfect for those who live in rainy areas that require rain preparation at a moment's notice. 

Wear them all day or slip them on before walking home. This classic style is easy to pair with any casual look.

Weekend Sneaker

Price: ~ $145 USD

Their patented waterproof material is built into a stylish silhouette. This is the least athleisure-looking design by the brand. It is easy to pair with any outfit and can be worn on any occasion. Perfect for those looking to stay dry while still in style. 

Cityscape

Price: ~ $135 USD

This is the brand's very first style. It's their staple design and the one you've seen in every ad. They're ultra-lightweight and made so you can move. 

The cityscape does offer less traction compared to the others. So if your area is prone to ice, I would consider another style. 

It's also one of the cheapest styles they offer. So if you're shopping on a budget, Vessi cityscape is for you.

Everyday Move

Price: ~ $140 USD

The Everyday move was made for adventure seekers. Designed for movement with more support and breathability, these will keep your feet happy and dry on any adventure. 

How to clean Vessi shoes

Vessi recommends hand washing all styles with the exception of the Weekend collection, which is machine washable. Handwash with a toothbrush or cloth using clear detergent. Rinse with warm water and let shoes air dry.

The Weekend should be cleared of laces and insoles before being thrown in the washing machine. Use cold water and do not tumble dry. For more detailed instructions, visit the FAQ section on their site. 

Vessi's Return & Refund policy 

Vessi accepts returns for up to 90-days after the delivery date for all unworn shoes. Return shipping will be paid for on all orders within North America. 

Only products purchased on their website apply, and final sale items are not included in this policy. Visit their FAQ section for details. 

My thoughts on Vessi shoes

Having almost 5-star ratings on every style on their site, Vessi has become the go-to brand for waterproof shoes. They're lightweight and breathable and make you feel like you're walking on clouds. 

Although perfect for daily routines and traveling, these shoes were not designed for high-intensity activities. So if you're looking for something to run a marathon or hike a mountain in, you may opt for a proper pair of running shoes. 

Despite being waterproof, my light-colored Vessi's were still prone to stains, and dirt build-up. They recommend regular cleaning, but let's be honest, we don't have time to hand wash our shoes every use. So aside from the weekend, maintenance should be considered when purchasing a pair of Vessis. 

A strange thing I've noticed about these shoes is that they tend to make my feet look a little out of proportion. I do have smaller feet, so the shoes look bulky on me from a top-down angle. I don't mind it too much, but if you have smaller feet, this may be something to consider. 

The material may look and feel flimsy at first glance, but that appearance is likely due to its lightweight quality. I've had mine for a couple of years now, and they've been holding up, so I wouldn't be too worried. 

Are Vessi shoes worth it?

I was very skeptical of Vessi myself. With all of the hype that's going on with a product, they rarely live up to the hype.

Let's address the cons first. While Vessi brand itself as the travel shoe to bring on your next adventure, I tend to disagree. 

Being an avid hiker myself in a city full of trails and treks, I've worn my Vessi shoes out several times with me to some easy to moderate hikes. They're not the most comfortable and supportive shoes to go hiking in, especially when compared to running shoes. However, Vessi sneakers are perfect for urban or light hiking adventures.

Still, if you plan on doing any moderate hikes, I recommend getting a pair of hiking shoes.

With all of that being said, I still very much love my Vessis! Honestly, there's little reason not to love the waterproof shoes! They're comfortable, stylish, and, most importantly, 100% waterproof. If you live in a rainy area like Vancouver, you should definitely consider investing in a pair of Vessis.

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

• Puddle-friendly (waterproof)
• Breathable material
• Lightweight comfort
• Stylish designs

Cons:

• Not all styles are machine washable
• Vancouver-only storefront
• Bulky look on smaller feet
• Not for high-intensity activities
• Slightly pricey

Vessi vs Allbirds: Which is better?

All that said, I and everyone I know with a pair prefer to have them than not. I'm no longer skirting around puddles or walking around with sloshing feet. So do yourself a favor and grab a pair of these lifesaving shoes. Soggy feet are not a pleasant experience.

If you're looking to Vessi footwear alternatives, why not check out Allbirds?

‍Allbirds is also a sustainable travel footwear brand that also sells comfy shoes for walking and traveling. They too claim that they're the go-to travel footwear for travelers, but make sure to check out our in-depth review to find out whether their claims hold up to be true!

One thing that wins over Allbirds, especially the Allbirds Mizzles, are the waterproofing qualities built in Vessis. The Vessi sneakers are guaranteed waterproof, whereas Mizzles are only highly water resistant. In terms of dry socks club, Vessi shoes take the crown!

Plan your next adventure with Pilot!

Ready to take your Vessis out for a test run? Bringing your next Vessi sneakers to your next travel/adventures?

Make sure to put them in your packing list and use Pilot to plan out your next travels!

Pilot is your brand new trip planner that helps you discover and build travel itineraries connecting you to resources everywhere. Make the planning experience more fun by collaborating with your travel buddies! 

Pilot makes it fun and easy to share and relive your favorite travel memories with many useful features!

Did we mention that it's completely free? Try it out now!