TL;DR: Vessi’s waterproofing is the real deal and their knit shoes are surprisingly breathable, but arch support is nonexistent across the board and the quality varies a lot between styles. The Weekend Classic and Stormburst High Top are my top picks for very different reasons.
Finding waterproof shoes that don’t look like waterproof shoes is surprisingly hard. Most options are either bulky rain boots, trail shoes that look too outdoorsy for city wear, or coated sneakers where the waterproofing wears off after a few months.
Vessi claims to have solved this with their patented Dyma-tex knit technology, which builds waterproofing directly into the fabric so it never washes out or degrades.
I first tried Vessi back in January 2024 when I got the Weekend Classic sneakers. After wearing them for over two years, I ordered five more styles to fully update this Vessi shoes review and find out which ones are actually worth the money in the long term.
Disclosure: The Weekend Classic was gifted to me by Vessi back in 2024. All other pairs were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.
My Top Vessi Picks Right Now
- Best everyday sneaker: Weekend Classic for a comfortable and breathable waterproof slip-on sneaker that pairs well with just about everything
- Best for cold and rainy travel: Stormburst High Top for full foot protection in wet weather
- Best for style: Soho Sneaker 2 for a polished white sneaker look that works with dresses and dressier outfits (break these in at home first)
Pros
- 100% waterproof material, no sprays or coatings to reapply
- Surprisingly breathable for waterproof shoes, especially the knit styles
- Glove-like fit that wraps around your foot comfortably
- 100% vegan and PFAS-free materials
- All styles have removable insoles so you can add your own support
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Most styles have essentially zero arch support
- Soles are stiff and inflexible
- Most styles only come in full sizes
- Limited color selection on most styles
- Knit material can stain fairly easily
- Higher-profile styles can feel clunky and have an ankle gap that allows water in
What is Vessi?
Vessi is a Vancouver-based footwear company founded in 2018. Their patented Dyma-tex knit technology builds waterproofing directly into the fabric, using four flexible layers with nanosized pores that block water while allowing airflow. All Vessi shoes are 100% vegan, PFAS-free, and manufactured in Taiwan.
Vessi Shoes Review: My Experience with Vessi Shoes
I’ve been testing Vessi shoes since January 2024 when I got the Weekend Classic sneakers, and I recently ordered five additional styles to give the brand a more thorough review.
After testing all six pairs, the Weekend Classic is still the pair I reach for most often for everyday wear, though the Stormburst High Top surprised me and ended up being a close second.
Across the lineup, a few things stand out. Vessi shoes wrap around your foot almost like a glove, thanks to a wetsuit-like interior lining that’s smooth and snug. It feels different from a traditional knit or leather-lined shoe, but it’s comfortable and soft and contributes to the waterproof seal.
The waterproofing itself is the best I’ve tested in a casual shoe and has lasted for 2.5 years so far. The knit styles are also more breathable than I expected.
On the flip side, arch support is pretty much non-existent across every style I tested, and most of the soles are fairly stiff without bouncy cushioning. Vessi shoes also have a wider and bulkier look than other sneaker brands I’ve tested.
Quality and comfort vary a lot between styles, so choosing the right one makes a big difference in your experience with the brand. Below is my honest experience with each pair, ranked from my favorite to least favorite.
About My Feet: I’m usually a size 10.5 in women’s shoes. I have average-width feet with a bunion on my left foot, flat feet, and I’ve dealt with heel spurs and Posterior Tibial Tendonitis in the past.
Vessi Weekend Classic Review – 8/10
This is the shoe that first introduced me to Vessi. The Weekend Classic has a 90s-inspired court shoe silhouette, is machine-washable, and, despite having laces, is essentially a pull-on shoe.
I was surprised by how much I liked these right off the bat. The Oak Brown color goes with more outfits than I expected, and the skate shoe look, which isn’t something I would’ve picked on my own, pairs well with jeans and casual outfits. The waterproofing is solid, and the knit is breathable enough for warmer weather.
The downsides are that the knit stains fairly easily, and there’s almost no built-in arch support. I sized down to a 10 and prefer the snugger fit to a bulkier 11, since the knit is stretchy. If you’re only going to try one Vessi style, this is the one I’d start with.
Vessi Stormburst High Top Review – 8/10
I had mixed first impressions of the Stormburst High-Top, but after wearing them more, these have really grown on me. When you first put them on, they feel like a tank on your feet, which I didn’t like at first, but once I got used to them, I appreciated how fully protected my feet felt.
They’re not as breathable as the Weekend Classic because of the protective toe cap and vegan leather mudguard, but these features make them easier to wipe clean than the fully knit styles. The fact that they’re a little warmer also makes them good for colder climates.
These are the Vessi shoes I’d bring on a trip to the UK or Ireland, and they have even made the list for my favorite waterproof walking shoes because they have more cushioning and slightly more support than your average Vessi shoe.
I sized up to an 11 in these, and I’m glad I did since I have room for thicker socks and my own inserts. The sole is stiffer than I’d like, and there’s a slight gap at the ankle, but with thicker socks, it’s barely noticeable. One other thing to note is that the Frost White color I ordered is actually a light grey.
Vessi Soho Sneaker 2 Review – 7/10
If you want a pair of Vessi shoes that looks more like a traditional leather sneaker, the Soho Sneaker 2 is a good option. It uses vegan leather instead of knit, giving it a dressier look with a thinner silhouette that pairs well with everything from jeans to dresses.
The tradeoff with the vegan leather is that you lose all the stretch and flexibility. The soles are stiffer, the fit is narrower, and these definitely need a break-in period. This is another Vessi style where I’d recommend sizing up, since the 10s are a little too snug on me without much give.
These are probably the best looking shoes Vessi makes, but comfort-wise, they’re a step behind the knit.
Vessi Boardwalk Slip-On Review – 7/10
I hadn’t worn slip-ons like these in a while, and it made me wonder why I ever stopped. The Boardwalk Slip-On is comfortable, stretchy, and easy to throw on for errands or casual warm-weather days.
The 11 is a little big in the toe box (I’d size down to a 10 next time), but the snug interior keeps them secure. The Sail White is more of an off-white or subtle ivory, and I wish they offered more colors since my size wasn’t available in black. Given how easily the knit stains, I’d be cautious about a lighter color in the long term.
Vessi Classic Chelsea Review – 6/10
On paper, a lightweight waterproof Chelsea boot sounds like the perfect travel shoe. In practice, this one didn’t win me over. The fit was fine sizing up to an 11 (although I probably could’ve gone down to a 10 with the extra room in the toe box), and the shaft height is a good height, but there’s a noticeable gap near the ankle that could let rain in.
As someone who loves her Chelsea boots, I just don’t love the style or bulkiness of these. They’ve grown on me slightly as I’ve worn them more, but knit can’t compete with leather or suede when it comes to how a Chelsea boot looks, which is why I’m planning to return these.
If you want a waterproof option with a more traditional look, the Born Cove Waterproof Chelsea Boot is a better pick.
Vessi Market Flat Review – 2/10
The Market Flat is Vessi’s first flat and the most affordable shoe I tested. It comes in half sizes (a first for Vessi), and I was able to order my usual 10.5.
Unfortunately, the design feels like it’s trying to be both a loafer and a ballet flat, but doesn’t work as either. The material presses uncomfortably against the tops of my toes, and the heel is loose when I walk. I like the bright Hyperpink/Caliente color, but that’s about it, so I wouldn’t recommend this shoe.
Vessi Sizing
Most Vessi styles come only in full sizes, with the Market Flat and Tidal Sneaker as the exceptions. For most knit styles, I’d recommend sizing down if you’re a half size. The glove-like fit means a snugger size still feels comfortable, and you avoid the bulkier look. Even with a bunion on my left foot, I prefer the 10 over the 11 in the Weekend Classic.
The Soho Sneaker 2 is the exception. Size up since the vegan leather doesn’t stretch and runs narrower. I’d also size up in the Stormburst if you plan to wear thick socks or add your own inserts.
Are Vessi Shoes Really Waterproof?
Short answer: yes, I was impressed by how well they performed when getting soaked (my feet always stayed dry).
The one caveat is the higher-profile styles. Both the Classic Chelsea and the Stormburst High Top have a gap near the ankle at the top of the shoe that doesn’t sit snugly against your leg. While the Dyma-tex material itself is fully waterproof, rain at the right angle could get in through that opening.
It’s less of an issue if you’re wearing thicker socks or have thicker ankles, which close the gap, but still worth noting.
How Breathable Are Vessi Shoes?
The knit styles, especially the Weekend Classic, are much more breathable than I expected from a waterproof shoe. Because Vessi builds its waterproofing into the knit fabric rather than adding a heavy coating, air can still move through the material.
The Soho Sneaker 2 is the least breathable since vegan leather doesn’t allow airflow, and the Stormburst is also noticeably warmer than the lighter knit styles, although neither has made my feet sweat.
How to Clean Vessi Shoes
The downside to Vessi shoes is that the knit material stains easily. I haven’t had much luck with cleaning my Weekend Classics yet, which are the most stained at this point, but I’ve only tried wiping them clean with warm water and a dishtowel.
Vessi recommends hand washing their shoes with baking soda and white vinegar, then air drying, so I plan to try that next.
The Weekend Classic is also machine-washable, but Vessi recommends trying the hand-wash method first. If you do a machine wash, remove the insoles and laces first, wash on a cold gentle cycle in a laundry bag, and air dry only.
FAQs About Vessi Shoes
Vessi says socks are optional but recommends wearing them. I’d agree. The interior has a wetsuit-like lining that’s smooth against your skin, but wearing socks will help with moisture management and keep your shoes fresher for longer.
I’ve been wearing my Weekend Classic sneakers regularly since January 2024, so I have over two years of wear on them so far. The knit, sole, and waterproofing are still holding up well, though the Oak Brown has picked up stains that have been tough to remove.
The knit styles (Weekend Classic, Boardwalk, Chelsea) run a bit wide and have some give to them, so they should work for most foot widths. The Soho Sneaker 2 and Stormburst High Top are the exception since they run narrower due to the vegan leather and the puddle guard, respectively, so if you have wide feet, I’d size up in those.
All styles have removable insoles, so you can add your own orthotics, which I’d strongly recommend if you have foot issues. Most styles have essentially zero built-in arch support, and the soles tend to be stiff.
Conclusion: Are Vessi Shoes Worth It?
After testing six styles, I’d say yes for the right shoes. Vessi does waterproofing better than any casual shoe brand I’ve tested, and the knit material is surprisingly breathable. Where they need improvement is arch support, sole flexibility, and consistency across their styles.
If I were buying again, I’d get the Weekend Classic and the Stormburst High Top without hesitation. They serve completely different purposes, but both do what they’re designed to do really well. The Boardwalk and Soho are also solid waterproof shoes, depending on your style preferences, but I wouldn’t buy the Chelsea boots or Market Flat again.
Vessi isn’t trying to be a performance shoe or a fashion brand. They’re making waterproof everyday shoes, and when they stick to that, they’re worth the money.
Mimi McFadden
Mimi started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her travels abroad. 13 years and 45+ countries later, she accidentally became a packing expert. Now she helps women figure out what to pack, what to wear, and which gear is actually worth it. Outside of travel, you’ll find her hiking with her son, reading in her chaise lounge, and winning 3-point contests against her husband.
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Great review. I never helped with their Kickstarter, but did line up for their first pop-up event here in Vancouver after my wife mentioned it to me. I fell in love with them as (to me) they were super comfy and felt I sort of had this nice lil’ bounce to each step. When I would come across people in the city wearing a pair, I’d always mention “Hey! You have Vessi’s too!” and chat with them. I would be so surprised when I heard any negative feedback like they were too wide of one’s foot, etc.
I have probably bought 6-7 pairs since that pop-up event, but now (2023), I know I will never buy another pair of Vessi’s EVER. My reasoning…..no arch-support or any basic foot support. I’ve gone to physio, my doctor, ortho doc, all because of bursitis at the back of my foot due to wearing Vessi’s. Now I know there are some people that vouch by them (I was one of them), and even talking to my physiotherapist and an orthopedic surgeon, they simply said that there is literally NO SUPPORT in wearing these shoes.
I was told to check out Allbirds as they had better support – which, thankfully, they do. And the ortho doc recommended gel heel seats to plop in to whatever shoe I wear.
I am at fault here, because I would use them (Vessi’s) for day-to-day use. I honestly feel I should have just worn them strictly for walking to the grocery store, or taking the dog out. But I literally wore them all the time.
If you run your fingers at the back of the shoe where the back of your foot meets to the material, you can feel there is literally no padding. I’ve mentioned to Vessi in the past about which pairs have arch/ankle support and they said their Stormburst have better arch support (they don’t).
Anyways, they’re a gimmick shoe company. I got suckered into them and now I’m paying the price. But, guess what, after I stopped wearing their shoes, my bursitis doesn’t flare up as much.
You’ve been warned. The Reddit threads on Vessi are pretty funny, too.
Just ask yourself – what do you want more of? Protection from water? Or, protection from sore feet?
Hi Liam, thank you for chiming in and sharing your experience! That really sucks that you’re experiencing lasting foot issues from wearing Vessi’s. I wouldn’t blame yourself– these are sneakers; you’d think you’d be able to wear sneakers on a daily basis without them causing physiological problems! Now I feel lucky that I didn’t care for them much and only wore them for enough time to realize they weren’t quite right for me. Thanks again for your comment!