Packing for a trip, especially when unpredictable weather is involved, can be stressful. Like many travelers, I meticulously plan, hoping for dry seasons and sunshine, but reality often includes unexpected rain. For years, the dilemma was always how to pack for both dry and wet conditions without overpacking shoes. That’s where Vessi shoes come in – promising waterproof protection in stylish, travel-friendly designs, eliminating the need for bulky rain boots alongside your regular sneakers.
But do Vessi shoes live up to the hype? After putting them to the test on a very rainy road trip and beyond, this review dives into my personal experience to help you decide if they are truly the Best Waterproof Shoes For Travel for your needs.
Key Highlights of this Vessi Shoes Review:
- Unmatched Waterproofing: Vessi shoes genuinely impressed me with their ability to keep feet completely dry, thanks to innovative waterproof fabrics. My experience detailed below showcases just how effective they are.
- Ideal for Travel: For travelers aiming to pack light and smart, Vessi shoes are a game-changer. They serve as both everyday walking shoes and reliable rain footwear, perfect for unpredictable travel days.
- Versatile Styles: Beyond basic sneakers, Vessi offers trendy and functional weatherproof options, including hiking-style boots and insulated snow boots (which I’ve also tested and recommend).
- постійне оновлення стилів: Vessi is continuously innovating with new designs. I’ve personally tested the Weekend Chelsea, Weekend sneakers, Stormburst hiking shoes, and Alta High Top winter boots.
- Travel-Ready Accessories: Vessi’s commitment to weatherproof travel extends to accessories like raincoats, belt bags, hats, socks, and gloves, enhancing your protection from the elements.
Vessi Shoes: Initial Thoughts
When my first pair of Vessi shoes, the Weekend Chelsea boot-sneakers in black, arrived, my initial thought was simply, “These look great.” I was eager to test their waterproof claims and see if they could truly be the stormproof, wet-day solution I was hoping for.
The packaging included a note card, and upon examining the shoe, the rubber sole and sleek, waterproof material felt promising. Slipping them on confirmed my hopes – they were exactly the minimalist boot-style sneakers I had been searching for. The added bonus? They claimed to be 100% waterproof.
My partner, Dan, opted for the Men’s Weekend Vessi shoes in White. His first impression mirrored mine: classic white sneakers with the significant advantage of a rainproof build. We were both excited to test our Vessis on an upcoming summer trip, anticipating some classic travel weather challenges. He even considers them a stylish shoe option for dads, and I agree—they blend practicality with style seamlessly.
Dan wearing white Vessi Weekend shoes, standing on a paved surface.
Close-up of Dan's white Vessi Weekend shoe, highlighting the waterproof material and design.
The Travel Shoe Dilemma Solved
Choosing the right travel shoes has always been a challenge for me. It’s a topic so complex, I even wrote a guide on best travel shoes for women! The ideal travel shoe needs to balance aesthetics for photos, support for city walking, capability for light hikes, and adaptability to various weather conditions.
Rain-soaked sneakers during trips have been a recurring issue, often requiring a full day of drying time. This can be incredibly inconvenient when you need to keep exploring, potentially forcing you into less suitable footwear like flip-flops or hiking boots for city exploration.
Vessi shoes seemed to offer a solution: stylish enough to look good in photos, yet functionally designed to handle unexpected downpours or slush. Now owning several pairs, my experience with Vessi has broadened, and I’m excited to share the details in this review.
Woman wearing Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots and a dress, posing outdoors.
Why Vessi Shoes for Travel?
My choice of the Vessi Weekend Chelsea shoes was primarily driven by their versatile style. They’ve proven to be adaptable to various outfits – dresses, jean shorts, leggings, pants, and joggers. Their slip-on design adds convenience, making them incredibly practical for travel.
Avoiding unflattering shoes in vacation photos is a personal priority. Travel photos are lasting memories, and footwear can significantly impact overall look. Running shoes, while comfortable, often clash with more stylish travel outfits.
Vessi shoes stand out by offering current, on-trend styles. From the summer-ready Boardwalk slip-ons to the winter-proof Alta High Top boots, Vessi’s range complements a wide array of travel wardrobes. Even the Stormburst Low Tops, with their chunky retro athletic style, pair well with shorts and casual wear.
Close-up of Vessi Stormburst shoe, showing the texture and design details.
Real-World Performance in Rainy Conditions
Our road trip provided the perfect testing ground for our Vessi shoes. A foggy morning quickly turned into a downpour. Stepping out of the car into the rain was the moment of truth – and it felt like magic. Despite the rain around us, our feet remained completely dry.
This consistent waterproof performance continues to impress me. Vessi shoes have boosted my confidence to explore, regardless of the weather forecast. Where I once carefully navigated around puddles, I now confidently walk straight through them. True to their claim, Vessi shoes are 100% waterproof, and my feet have never gotten wet while wearing them.
Close-up of Vessi Weekend sneakers in a puddle, water beading on the surface.
In these puddle photos, water beads up impressively on my Weekend Sneakers. Capturing splashes was even difficult because the material repels water so effectively.
Side view of Vessi Weekend sneakers with water beading on the shoe.
Standout Features and Functionality
The most remarkable aspect of Vessi shoes is undoubtedly their waterproofing. It simply works, and works consistently.
Traveling with Vessi means I can explore destinations in any weather without the worry of wet shoes ruining my day. The best part is leaving my bulky rain boots at home. Traditional rain boots are impractical for travel – they take up too much space and are often heavy. Vessi shoes are the modern, travel-friendly alternative.
Man wearing Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots, walking on a paved path during rainy weather.
Most Vessi styles are also notably lightweight. The Weekend Chelsea shoes, for both Dan and me, are lightweight and packable. They nest together easily, saving valuable suitcase space. For more robust models like the Stormburst or Alta High Top, ideal for hiking or snow trips, wearing them during travel might be more practical than packing them.
Additional Features:
Icons representing features of Vessi shoes: waterproof, lightweight, breathable, comfortable, stylish.
Comfort – An Honest Assessment
Transparency is key: I have flat feet, with my right foot being flatter than my left. Prolonged walking without proper arch support often leads to discomfort and pain.
The Weekend Chelsea shoes function excellently as rain boots, but I wouldn’t choose them for extensive city walking, like exploring a European city for miles. I learned this lesson firsthand in Dublin with less supportive footwear.
Woman wearing Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots, walking on a city street with a building in the background.
However, if flat feet aren’t a concern, most Vessi styles should offer adequate comfort. For those needing arch support like me, I recommend the Stormburst Low Top shoe. It was recommended as the Vessi model with the most arch support and structure, and it has been a great find.
Close-up of Vessi Stormburst hiking shoes on a rocky trail, highlighting the sole and support features.
Indeed, hiking in the Stormbursts felt comfortable for me (though they are a bit bottom-heavy due to the robust sole, contrasting with the lightweight knit upper).
Vessi Shoe Sizing and Fit Experience
My shoe size seems to have shifted slightly in recent years, often requiring a 6.5 in sneakers. Vessi shoes, however, are only available in full sizes, presenting a potential sizing challenge.
Screenshot of Vessi product page showing available sizes in full sizes only.
Here’s my sizing experience: For my first Vessi pair, the Weekend Chelsea, I ordered a Women’s 7. They were significantly too large. After exchanging for a size 6, I found my perfect fit, and these size 6 Weekend Chelseas are now a frequently worn pair.
The Stormburst and Alta High Top in size 6 also run slightly large. Dan found the men’s Alta High Top true to size, sticking with his usual size 10. Interestingly, the Weekend Sneaker in size 6 fit perfectly – the truest to size of all models we tried. Overall, Vessi shoes tend to run large, but sizing varies by style.
Without half sizes for many models, trying two sizes might be necessary to find your ideal Vessi fit.
Woman holding a pair of Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots, displaying the size and style.
Update: Vessi Now Offers Half Sizes
The initial lack of half sizes was a noted point in my Vessi experience. However, Vessi has recently introduced half sizes in select styles, which I was eager to test.
I tried the Vessi Tidal Sneaker for Women. It’s fully waterproof and sports a trendy, 90s-inspired chunky sneaker design. I find they pair well with sweatpants, joggers, or relaxed jeans for a current, casual look.
Woman wearing Vessi Tidal sneakers, posing in an urban setting.
As for fit, the Tidal sneakers surprisingly ran a bit small. Considering myself a true 6.5 in Women’s sizes, the Tidal sneakers in 6.5 felt slightly snug, even with thin socks.
However, the introduction of half sizes is a welcome improvement, providing more fitting options. Interestingly, while I wear a size 6 in most Vessi styles, the Courtside model required a 7. Navigating Vessi sizing can still be a bit nuanced!
Close-up of Vessi Tidal sneakers, highlighting the waterproof material and design details.
Final Verdict: Do I Recommend Vessi Shoes?
Vessi shoes are now my go-to choice when packing for any trip with even a hint of rain in the forecast. For travelers seeking the best waterproof shoes for travel, they are a top contender.
One of my favorite Vessi experiences is how the Weekend Chelsea shoes can double as stylish casual boots for evenings out, pairing seamlessly with jeans or dresses. They are versatile, pull-on boots that are, of course, waterproof.
Dan has also become a regular wearer of his Weekend Chelsea shoes (also in black). We’ve essentially started a Vessi collection: I use the Stormburst Low Top sneakers for hiking and stability, and the Alta High Tops for winter and snow. Dan has his own pairs of these too.
Couple wearing Vessi shoes, walking on a wooden boardwalk in a natural landscape.
Whenever I receive compliments on my Vessi shoes, I always add, “Thank you, and they’re also rainproof!” Demonstrating their waterproof feature by pouring water on them is always a fun trick.
In conclusion, Vessi shoes have simplified my travel packing by consolidating weather preparedness into a single pair of stylish, waterproof shoes, ready for rain or shine. For anyone looking for the best waterproof shoes for travel, Vessi is definitely worth considering.
Man wearing Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots, walking confidently on a city street.
Exploring Vessi Accessories and Apparel
Beyond footwear, I also tested the Vessi Overcast rain jacket and the Vessi Shoreline Belt Bag to assess their waterproof performance.
During a heavy downpour on a grocery run, both items proved their waterproof integrity, keeping me completely dry. The Vessi Overcast Jacket, with its fleece lining, is also a great cool-weather rain jacket, perfect for colder trips.
Close-up of Vessi Overcast rain jacket and Shoreline Belt Bag, highlighting the waterproof material and design.
Helpful Tip: The Overcast jacket runs a bit large. As a typical XS, the XS size was long in the arms and roomy in the torso. Consider ordering two sizes to find your best fit.
Are Vessi Shoes a Worthwhile Investment?
If you need lightweight, waterproof shoes for travel, Vessi shoes are an excellent choice. I even recommend them as best travel products for backpacking trips, where weather conditions can be highly variable.
While priced similarly to rain boots (or sometimes less), Vessi shoes are far more travel-friendly. Rain boots are cumbersome to pack and often too heavy for extensive walking, making Vessi shoes a smarter, more versatile travel investment. Waterproof footwear is a valuable travel asset, and Vessi shoes are among my favorite travel discoveries.
Finding Vessi Shoes on Sale
Looking for Vessi shoes at a discount? Check the Sale section on their website.
The Vessi sale page features discontinued colors, narrow fit options in popular styles, and potentially outgoing styles and apparel. It’s where I first learned about Vessi offering narrow fits in certain shoe models – something I might have explored myself! If you’re aiming to save on your first pair of Vessi shoes, the sale section is the place to look.
My Shoe Selection Process for Travel
As mentioned, choosing travel shoes is a complex process for me. I often want dressier flats, sturdy hiking shoes, everyday sneakers, and sandals for warm weather.
Woman packing Vessi shoes in a suitcase alongside other travel items.
While Vessi doesn’t yet cover sandals, they effectively combine several shoe needs into one. For destinations with likely summer rains or expected daily showers, packing Vessi shoes as a primary or only shoe choice is a smart strategy.
Styles like the Weekend Sneaker are stylishly casual, suitable for outfits from sweatpants to dresses. The Stormburst Low Top is excellent for hiking yet still looks good with jeans or shorts. For travelers prioritizing practicality and style, especially in wet conditions, Vessi shoes are a top recommendation as the best waterproof shoes for travel.
Woman wearing Vessi Weekend sneakers and a dress, posing outdoors in an urban environment.
Vessi generously provided all shoes mentioned in this review and sponsored the theme of this piece; however, all photos, opinions, thoughts, and experiences are my own.
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