Imagine stepping out for an adventure only to have your entire day derailed by uncomfortable shoes. Ugh, we’ve all been there. You can never underestimate the power of proper footwear to elevate both your style and your journey. The pair of shoes I gravitate toward nine times out of ten is a pair of white sneakers. If you’ve read any of my blog posts, I frequently mention how white sneakers are not only a travel necessity but a day-to-day wardrobe necessity. From Iceland to Lollapalooza Music Festival and everything in between, you can catch me wearing white sneakers.
The downside about white shoes? They tend to get dirty quickly and are challenging to clean and bring back to their former glory. Especially when dealing with rain or snow, as we do here in Chicago. That’s why I was really eager to try out a pair of Vessi shoes. Their claim to fame is their waterproof and comfortable design while also being stylish enough to wear daily. As an outdoor lover, dog owner, and busy mom, I knew I could put these shoes to the test. I was thrilled when Vessi reached out about a collaboration and offered to provide me with two pairs of shoes and an accessory to test out! All thoughts and opinions are my own (I promise not to hold back).
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About Vessi
Vessi is not your average shoe company. It all started when the three founders were fed up with their gym shoes being powerless against the rainy Vancouver weather. They decided there had to be a way to create lightweight, breathable, waterproof sneakers that were also slyish enough to wear in your everyday life. Using their innovative Dyma-Tex material, Vessi has created a shoe that keeps your feet dry in the rain, snow, or any other wet conditions.
Vessi also has a sustainability focus as part of its brand values. The shoes are 100% vegan and eco-friendly, making them a top choice for the environmentally conscious consumer. With a unique shoe offering and a focus on sustainability, Vessi is certainly making a splash in the footwear industry (pun intended).
Vessi Shoe Specs
Let’s get into the details. All Vessi shoes have top-notch specs, which draws customers in when they first explore the Vessi website.
- The first and most crucial detail is that Vessi sneakers claim to be 100% waterproof. This is due to the Dyma-tex technology fabric used on each pair of shoes.
- Another equally important spec is that Vessi sneaks offer cloud-like comfort. Anytime I buy a pair of sneakers, comfort is a non-negotiable.
- Say goodbye to heavy rain boots. These sneakers are a lightweight alternative and will keep your feet just as dry.
- Each pair of Vessi sneakers comes with a 360-day warranty, which gives you a full year to see if they hold up to their waterproof guarantee!
Initial Thoughts
When my order arrived, I was eager to try on my new shoes and put them to the test. I mean, who doesn’t get excited when a package full of shoes arrives at your doorstep? I selected the Women’s Everyday Classic and Soho from Vessi because they best complemented my active lifestyle and style preferences. For context, I wore both pairs of Vessi sneakers with ankle-cut cotton socks each time I ventured out.
Everyday Classic
My first impression when slipping on the Everyday Classics is the cushion on these shoes is extremely comfortable. It’s like walking on a cloud, which I personally enjoy. Depending on the person, it might be a tad too cushy, but it’s not an issue for me. Style-wise, the shoe is a little wider than what I usually wear. I have a relatively petite frame, and some shoes look silly on me. These straddle the line of being too wide, but I think they work! The biggest drawback right off the bat is the heel of the sneaker. I could tell instantly that I would likely get a blister after my first wear, which means the shoe requires a break-in period. Not necessarily a deal breaker for me (yet).
Soho
The Soho style is very similar to one of my favorite pairs of white sneakers that I always wear in the summer. I was really excited to give these a try to see if they could be a new go-to pair. Once I slipped the sneakers on, I felt a nice cushion similar to the Everyday Classic. Maybe a little less cushy, which is better for those who like a firmer sole. The Soho shoe is slimmer and looks more elevated than the other Vessi shoes, in my opinion. This pair will be more versatile, which is always a win in my book. The heel on the Soho sneakers feels more comfortable than the Everyday Classic right off the bat, but we’ll see if it requires a break-in period before they’re comfortable enough to wear regularly.
Everyday Adventures with Vessi
Now, it’s time to put the shoes to the test. First up is taking Gus on his daily walk around the neighborhood. I figured this would be the best first test to see if the shoes would require additional break-in time before bringing them out on more extensive excursions. I started with the Everyday Classics, which might have been a mistake. I immediately felt blisters forming on my heels with every step I took. Minus the heel pain, the shoes were very enjoyable on the walk. Once I break them in a bit more, I feel like these shoes will be nice to wear on a consistent basis.
Next, I tested the Soho sneakers on a walk with Gus. I waited a little while for the blisters from the Everyday Classics to heal, but they were still sensitive. Overall, I found these shoes to be a more comfortable walking shoe right off the bat. My heel was slightly irritated after my walk, but that could be a result of the lingering blister. Either way, the Sohos will require less of a break-in period compared to the Everyday Classics for me.
If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.
Are Vessi Shoes Really Waterproof? Let’s Find Out
Vessi’s claim to fame is that they are waterproof. Living in the Chicagoland area, where we are subjected to every weather type imaginable, this design feature is a massive draw for me. I was eager to see if they would hold up. Luckily, some rainy days allowed me to test both shoes.
I braved the weather with each pair of shoes during a rainy Chicago day. With my rain jacket, Vessi shoes, and Gus in tow, we ventured out to a local forest preserve to add some additional elements to the mix.
We walked on one of the trails that was a mixture of paved walkways and grass. While the heels of both shoes still bothered me slightly, I couldn’t deny the fact that my feet were dry and genuinely comfortable. I stepped in puddles like a little kid just to test my fate with the Vessi sneakers. Each time I stepped in the water, I saw the water beads roll off the top of my shoes rather than soaking through the fabric. I went the extra mile to splash around a bit more aggressively than I would otherwise (and likely looked ridiculous to anyone witnessing me), but it didn’t seem to matter. I have to admit I was both shocked and impressed.
I left the forest preserve that day with dry feet and a new pair of go-to shoes for rainy days exploring the outdoors. Not to mention a very wet dog who required a bath afterward!
Check out my Complete Hiking Packing List post that outlines the hiking ten essentials you need in your pack for a safe journey outdoors.
How to Clean Your Vessi Shoes
The moment of truth for me came when I finally had to clean my Vessi sneakers. As a white shoe lover, I have faced the devastating loss of a favorite pair of sneakers after the pristine white fabric could not be salvaged. Vessi provides a cleaning guide in each box of shoes and contains the following instructions:
- Mix water-based soap and warm water together, soak your shoes, and use a soft sponge to scrub the fabric gently.
- Air-dry the shoes in a breezy area.
- Enjoy a fresh and clean pair of sneaks!
During my forest preserve outing, I walked through wet grass and muddy patches on the trail. Again, I was a little overzealous in the puddles and tried to see if the shoes would actually wipe clean. I followed the instructions above and was pleasantly surprised that they cleaned up exceptionally well!
Overall Review
Trying new shoes can be a hit-or-miss situation. If they bother your feet, you’re often stuck with a gently worn pair of sneakers that will collect dust in your closet since you wouldn’t dare try them on again.
That won’t be the case with my Vessi sneakers. While the Everyday Classics and I still have some work to do to get them properly broken in, I feel these will slowly become my go-to’s for day-to-day wear. The true star of the show is the Soho sneakers. In addition to being truly waterproof and comfortable, they suit my style and will seamlessly fit into my everyday and outdoor adventure wardrobe. The Sohos would be a fantastic pair of shoes to pack with you on any vacation since you can dress them up or wear them while exploring the outdoors. The fact that they’re waterproof allows you to pack them with the comfort of knowing your feet will stay dry in the event of inclement weather while on your trip.
Where To Buy Vessi Sneakers
If you’re ready for your next adventure with dry feet, check out the Vessi website to find your new travel companions. Vessi shoes are sold exclusively online, with the exception of a small handful of retailers in the US and Canada.
Final Thoughts
After countless walks with Gus, rainy treks through forest preserves, and daily daycare drop-offs, I can confidently say that the Vessi waterproof sneakers have earned their place in my shoe rotation. Each pair has unmatched comfort, durability, and true waterproof capabilities, making them an invaluable companion for any adventure lover. Vessi sneakers offer the perfect blend of style and functionality, the winning combination I look for when buying a pair of shoes. If you’re on the fence, trust me, these sneakers are worth it. Your feet will thank you!
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