Since launching on Kickstarter in 2018, the Vancouver-based Vessi brand of footwear has become increasingly popular due to its comfort, vegan appeal, and waterproof capabilities.
The company boasts nine different styles of sneakers on its website, with the same styles applicable to both men and women. Appearances range from the look of a classic running shoe (Weekend Sneaker as seen in our photos) and a slip-on boat shoe (Boardwalk Slip-On) to an athletic shoe (Everyday Move and Everday Classic) and a reimagined rain boot (Weekend Chelsea).
Weekend Sneakers in Marble White, Concrete Grey, and Asphalt Black
And recently, eye-catching, summery colors have been added to help you update your spring and summer wardrobe with a fresh look. Check the Vessi website HERE to see their entire line and purchase your favorites.
The prevailing characteristic no matter the style is “Dyma-tex” – the Vessi-patented waterproof top layer that features such tight-knit construction that water cannot penetrate – unless, of course, you fully submerge your feet in water, in which case it will naturally leak in around your ankles.
The Dyma-tex material is truly effective. For the purpose of our review, we opted for the Weekend Sneakers and put the waterproof capability to the test with a stroll along the shoreline while small, gentle waves lapped against our feet and sometimes crested over the toes. Indeed, our feet remained bone dry. We were also truly impressed that no sand entered our shoes while walking along a deep, sandy beach, proving that the knit is indeed tight. For us, this solidified that Vessi shoes are perfect for all weather – all seasons, and therefore, perfect for travel. However, because the knit is so very tight, they’re not quite as breathable as we had imagined so they can feel quite warm on the feet even in cooler weather.
It is apparent that Vessi produces an attractive shoe, considering we were approached by strangers while doing the product photography and they offered compliments and wanted to know about them. Sadly, however, for all three of our reviewers, the fit presented a bit of a problem. Despite that Vessi offers a men’s and women’s section on their website and sizing for each, the shoes are unisex with dual sizing. Perhaps it was just the style of sneakers we chose to review, but it was our experience that the fit was not true to size, which caused an exchange so we could size down. Unfortunately, Vessi does not offer half sizes so stepping down a full size went a little too far the other way and the shoes felt uncomfortably tight, especially around the toes. Surprisingly, however, despite the tight fit, the heels continued to slip up and down and caused blistering until we purchased heel grippers to stop the issue. That proved to be an effective fix and the shoes became comfortable afterward.
Heel Peel
This footwear is promoted as lightweight, and when compared to some other brands, it certainly is. However, the heavy-duty sole designed with deep tread causes the Weekend Sneakers to be a little heavier than you might expect. We assume the design is related to functionality in the rain as well as durability. However, on the subject of durability, we were surprised to discover that on the Asphalt Black pair of shoes, there was peeling on the outer sole of the heel after only three wears – as seen here and circled in red. However, this was likely a fluke incident because it was only the left shoe, and the Marble White and Concrete Grey shoes did not have this issue at all.
As for the socks, they too are waterproof as well as soft, warm, and thick – perhaps a little too thick to the point where they alter the fit of the shoes. But they’re perfect for inside looser footwear that isn’t waterproof, thereby keeping your feet warm and dry even if your other footwear isn’t designed to do so.
Vegan materials, no harsh chemicals, no animal products, less water for processing, and recyclable packaging all come together to make Vessi an eco-friendly company.
Water does not penetrate, and neither does sand
Nevertheless, the carbon footprint of their shipping process raised questions for us. For example, we fully expected that our order of 3 pairs of shoes and 3 pairs of socks would be shipped all together in one package. However, most everything was sent to us separately – one pair of shoes, followed by two more a few days later, and then one of pair socks, followed by two more. Returning the too-large sizes came with instructions for shipping the shoes back ‘separately’, and our sized-down replacements were sporadically dispatched to us as well, in much the same way as the original order. This eventually led to a total of 9 different shipments. Any carbon footprint the company might have spared in the making of these shoes and socks was certainly reinstated with the unnecessary delivery process.
In conclusion, Vessi delivers when it comes to all-weather waterproof footwear, which makes them perfect for all seasons. They’re also great for travel because they can cover the job of sneakers, boots, and even hiking shoes. Whether you’re headed to the beach or the mountains, city or countryside, Vessi footwear is a sensible choice while remaining fashionable with a variety of designs and color choices.
To purchase your own pair of Vessi shoes, follow this link https://crrnt.app/VESSI/z6RJk7NM
Photos by Go GlobeHopper