Packing for a trip often feels like a strategic battle against unpredictable weather. As someone who meticulously plans for every eventuality, I’ve learned that rain can be a traveler’s biggest footwear challenge. We diligently check forecasts, book trips in dry seasons, and scout indoor backup activities, but sometimes, rain is simply unavoidable. That’s where Vessi waterproof shoes have revolutionized my travel packing, eliminating the need to choose between clunky rain boots and weather-vulnerable sneakers.
But do these shoes truly live up to the hype? This review dives into my personal experience and travel stories using Vessi waterproof shoes, detailing how they became essential gear on a particularly soggy road trip and beyond.
Key Highlights of this Vessi Shoes Review:
- Unquestionable Waterproofing: Vessi shoes deliver on their promise of completely dry feet. The waterproof fabric technology is genuinely impressive and effective. My experiences detailed below will show you just how well they perform.
- Travel-Friendly Shoe Solution: For trips with rain on the horizon, Vessi shoes are a game-changer. They minimize packing by serving as both stylish walking shoes and reliable rain footwear.
- Versatile Styles for Every Adventure: Beyond sneakers, Vessi offers fashionable weatherproof hiking boots in various heights and even insulated snow boots (which I’ve also tested and loved for their warmth and protection).
- Continuous Innovation in Design: Vessi consistently releases new designs. I’ve had the pleasure of trying several, including the Weekend Chelsea sneaker-boots, Weekend sneakers, Stormburst hiking shoes, and Alta High Top winter boots, giving me a broad perspective on their range.
- Rainproof Accessories for Head-to-Toe Protection: Vessi extends its weatherproof expertise to travel accessories. From the Vessi raincoat I’ve reviewed to their waterproof belt bag, hats, socks, and gloves, they offer comprehensive protection against the elements.
Vessi Shoes: Initial Impressions for Me and My Partner
My first encounter with Vessi shoes began with unpacking the Weekend Chelsea boot-sneakers in black. My immediate thought was, “These actually look really good.” I had chosen this style specifically to test Vessi’s claims of water-repellency and stormproof construction in a shoe designed for wet conditions.
Upon closer inspection, the included notecard, the feel of the rubber sole, and the smooth, waterproof material all hinted at quality. Slipping them on confirmed my hopes: they were the minimalist boot-style sneakers I’d been searching for. And crucially, they were promised to be 100% waterproof.
My partner, Dan, opted for the Men’s Weekend Vessi shoes in White. His initial reaction mirrored mine – classic white sneakers with the added advantage of a rainproof build. We both felt prepared to put our Vessis to the test on our upcoming summer road trip, knowing rain was a possibility. He even considers them a stylish footwear option for dads, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Dan wearing white Vessi Weekend shoes outdoors.
Close up of Dan's white Vessi Weekend shoes.
Solving the Travel Shoe Dilemma for Women
Choosing the right travel shoes has always been a source of “analysis paralysis” for me. The struggle is real! It even inspired an entire guide on selecting travel footwear, “Best Travel Shoes for Women,” because the topic is that complex.
My ideal travel shoes need to tick multiple boxes: photogenic for vacation snapshots, supportive for extensive city walking, suitable for light hikes, and adaptable to various weather conditions. Rain-soaked sneakers are a recurring travel mishap I’ve experienced, leading to frustrating 24-hour drying periods and limited footwear options in the meantime. Navigating a city in flip-flops or hiking boots when your sneakers are drenched is far from ideal.
Vessi shoes address this perfectly. They offer both style and reliable protection against unexpected rainstorms, sudden downpours, or slushy conditions. Having accumulated several Vessi pairs, I can confidently share my detailed experiences with different styles in this review.
A collection of Vessi shoe styles for women.
Various Vessi shoe styles on display.
Choosing Vessi Shoes for Style and Function
My initial choice, the Vessi Weekend Chelsea shoes, was largely driven by their aesthetic appeal. Since acquiring them, I’ve tested them with a wide range of outfits – dresses, jean shorts, leggings, pants, and joggers. Their slip-on design is incredibly convenient, and they complement almost any casual or semi-casual travel ensemble.
A key factor in my travel shoe selection is avoiding footwear that looks awkward in photos. Vacation photos are lasting memories, and unflattering shoes can detract from the overall look. I’ve learned this lesson firsthand, cringing at past vacation photos where bulky running shoes clashed with my outfits simply because they were the only shoes I packed.
Vessi shoes stand out because they are designed with current trends in mind. From the summer-ready, rainproof Boardwalk slip-ons to the winter-ready, snow-proof Alta High Top boots, their styles are versatile and fashionable. I even find the Low Top Stormbursts, with their chunky retro athletic sneaker vibe, surprisingly stylish with shorts.
Vessi Stormburst Low Top shoes in a lifestyle setting.
Another view of Vessi Stormburst Low Top shoes.
Real-World Performance in Rainy Conditions
Our road trip provided the perfect testing ground for our Vessi shoes. Starting as a foggy, overcast day, it quickly transitioned into a downpour. Stepping out of the car into the rain was a revelation. While the world around us was getting soaked, our feet remained completely dry.
This consistent waterproof performance is what continues to impress me most about Vessi shoes. They’ve instilled a newfound confidence in me to venture out and explore, regardless of the weather forecast. Where I once carefully navigated around puddles, I now confidently stride right through them. Vessi shoes truly are 100% waterproof, and my feet have never once gotten wet while wearing them.
Stepping into a puddle wearing Vessi Weekend Sneakers.
Close up of Vessi Weekend Sneakers in a puddle, showing water beading.
In these puddle photos, you can see how water beads up on the waterproof material of my Weekend Sneakers. I even tried to capture splashes, but the shoes repel water so effectively that it was nearly impossible.
Water beading test on Vessi Weekend Sneakers.
Another angle of water beading on Vessi Weekend Sneakers.
Close up of water repelling on Vessi Weekend Sneakers.
Standout Features and Functionality for Travelers
The most remarkable aspect of Vessi shoes is undoubtedly their genuinely effective waterproofing. For travel, this translates to invaluable practicality.
During trips, I can explore destinations, even in rainy weather, without the worry of soggy shoes disrupting my plans. Even better, I can leave bulky, space-hogging rain boots at home. Traditional rain boots, like Hunter boots, are simply impractical for travel due to their size and weight. Vessi shoes offer a modern, travel-friendly alternative.
Vessi Weekend Chelsea shoes, lightweight and packable for travel.
Side view of Vessi Weekend Chelsea shoes, showcasing their sleek design.
In my experience, most Vessi styles are also impressively lightweight. The Weekend Chelsea shoes, for both my partner and me, are lightweight and easily packable. They nest together neatly, taking up minimal suitcase space. (For bulkier styles like the Stormburst or Alta High Top, especially for hiking or snow trips, wearing them during travel rather than packing might be more convenient.)
Additional Notable Features:
Close up of Vessi shoe sole and design details.
Honest Assessment of Comfort for Walking
Transparency is key when discussing shoe comfort, especially for walking. I have flat feet, with my right foot being flatter than my left. Prolonged walking without adequate arch support often leads to discomfort and mild pain.
While the Weekend Chelsea shoes excel as waterproof shoes, I wouldn’t choose them for extensive city exploration involving miles of walking, like an 8-mile day in a European city. I learned this lesson after experiencing foot ache from wearing less supportive shoes in Dublin.
Vessi Weekend Chelsea shoes in a lifestyle setting, suitable for casual wear but perhaps not for very long walks for all foot types.
However, if you don’t have flat feet or pronation issues, you’ll likely find most Vessi styles comfortable for general walking. For those needing more arch support, like myself, I recommend the Stormburst Low Top shoe. This model was suggested to me as the Vessi style offering the most arch support and structure.
Vessi Stormburst Low Top shoes, recommended for more arch support.
Another view of Vessi Stormburst Low Top shoes, highlighting their supportive design.
Indeed, I found the Stormburst Low Tops comfortable for hiking, providing sufficient support. It’s worth noting they feel slightly bottom-heavy due to the robust, supportive sole, while the upper knit fabric remains lightweight.
Vessi Shoe Sizing and Fit Experience
In recent years, my shoe size seems to have shifted up by half a size. I often opt for a 6.5 in sneakers. This is where Vessi’s sizing (initially only in full sizes) presented a challenge.
Vessi product page screenshot showing full sizes only.
My first Vessi purchase, the Weekend Chelsea, was a Women’s size 7. They were enormous. I initially wondered if the style was designed to run large. I went through Vessi’s exchange process and downsized to a 6, which became my regularly worn Vessi shoes.
For the Stormburst shoe, size 6 also felt slightly large. The Alta High Top winter boots, also in size 6, similarly ran a bit big for me. Dan, however, found the men’s Alta High Top true to size in his usual 10. Interestingly, the Weekend Sneaker in size 6 fit me perfectly! It seems the Weekend Sneaker runs the smallest among the Vessi styles we’ve tried. Overall, my experience suggests Vessi shoes generally run large, but sizing can vary between styles.
Without half sizes available for many styles initially, finding the perfect fit might require trying two different full sizes.
Trying on Vessi shoes for size and fit.
Update: Vessi Now Offers Half Sizes
One of my initial concerns with Vessi was their limited full-size-only range. However, Vessi has since introduced half sizes in select styles, which I was eager to test.
I tried the Vessi Tidal Sneaker for Women, a waterproof style with a 90s chunky “dad sneaker” aesthetic. I appreciate how they pair with sweatpants, joggers, or loose-fitting jeans for a trendy, relaxed look.
Vessi Tidal Sneakers in a lifestyle setting, showcasing the half-size option.
Close up of Vessi Tidal Sneakers, highlighting their design and fit.
However, the fit of the Tidal Sneaker surprised me again – they felt slightly small! Considering myself a true Women’s 6.5, the Tidal sneakers felt a bit snug, even with thin socks. This suggests that even with half sizes, some styles might still run a bit differently.
The availability of half sizes is a welcome improvement, offering more options for a precise fit. Interestingly, while I wear a 6 in most Vessi styles, the Courtside style required a 7. Navigating Vessi sizing can still be style-dependent, but the addition of half sizes is a step in the right direction.
Vessi Tidal Sneakers, showing the fit and style from different angles.
Another view of Vessi Tidal Sneakers, emphasizing their waterproof feature.
Final Recommendation: Are Vessi Shoes Worth It?
Vessi shoes have become my go-to choice when packing for any trip with even a slight chance of rain.
One of my favorite aspects of Vessi, particularly the Weekend Chelsea shoes, is their versatility. They can effortlessly transition from daytime walking shoes to “relaxed boots” suitable for dinner or drinks when paired with jeans or a dress. They function as casual pull-on boots with multiple style applications, all while being reliably waterproof.
My partner, Dan, also frequently wears his Weekend Chelsea shoes, also in black. We’ve essentially started a Vessi collection. I use the Stormburst Low Top sneakers for hiking and activities requiring more stability, and the Alta High Tops for winter and snowy trips. Dan has his own pairs of these styles as well.
Dan and the author wearing Vessi shoes in a travel setting.
Close up of Vessi Weekend Chelsea shoes in a lifestyle setting.
Whenever I receive compliments on my Vessi shoes, I always mention, “Thank you, and they’re also rainproof!” I even enjoy demonstrating their waterproofing by pouring water directly on them to showcase their impressive technology.
In conclusion, Vessi shoes have simplified my travel packing by consolidating weather contingency footwear into stylish, protective shoes that handle rain or shine. For women seeking the best waterproof walking shoes for travel, Vessi is definitely a brand to consider.
Vessi shoes providing waterproof protection in wet conditions.
Exploring Vessi Accessories and Apparel
Beyond shoes, I also tested the Vessi Overcast rain jacket and the Vessi Shoreline Belt Bag to evaluate the waterproofing of their apparel and accessories.
During a heavy downpour while grocery shopping, both the jacket and belt bag proved their waterproof claims, keeping me completely dry. The Vessi Overcast Jacket, lined with fleece, is also a surprisingly comfortable cool-weather rain jacket, proving useful on colder trips.
Wearing the Vessi Overcast rain jacket in wet weather.
Close up of the Vessi Overcast rain jacket, highlighting its waterproof features.
Helpful Tip: My only sizing note for the jacket is that it runs a bit large. As a usual XS, the XS jacket felt long in the arms and roomy in the torso. Consider this when ordering; you might want to order two sizes to determine the best fit.
Are Vessi Shoes a Good Value?
If you prioritize lightweight, waterproof travel shoes, Vessi shoes are a worthwhile investment. I even recommend them as one of the best travel products for backpacking trips due to their versatility for unpredictable weather conditions on extended journeys.
While rain boots might be similarly priced or even more expensive, they lack the packability and walking comfort of Vessi shoes. Rain boots are rarely a practical packing choice due to their bulk and weight, especially for travelers aiming to pack light and walk extensively.
Waterproof shoes, in general, are a valuable travel asset, and Vessi shoes are among my favorite travel discoveries.
Finding Vessi Shoes on Sale
For those seeking a deal on Vessi shoes, the Sale section on their website is the place to look. It’s a great way to potentially save on Vessi shoes and gear.
The Vessi sale page features discounted items, including limited-edition colors, narrow fit sizing in popular styles, less common styles, and apparel. I actually discovered Vessi’s narrow fit options through their sale page, which might be beneficial for some wearers. If you’re looking for a discount on your first pair of Vessi shoes, exploring their sale section is recommended.
My Approach to Choosing Travel Shoes: Versatility is Key
As mentioned earlier, selecting travel shoes is often a complex decision for me. Ideally, I’d bring dressy flats for evenings, sturdy hiking shoes for trails, comfortable sneakers for city exploration, and sandals for warmer days.
A collection of various shoe styles for different travel needs.
While Vessi shoes don’t yet cover the sandal category, they effectively combine multiple footwear needs into one. For destinations prone to summer rains or predictable afternoon showers, Vessi shoes can serve as a primary or even only shoe choice.
Styles like the Weekend Sneaker are stylishly casual enough for outfits ranging from sweatpants to dresses, while the Stormburst Low Top is suitable for hiking yet still looks good with jeans and shorts.
Vessi Weekend Sneakers styled with casual travel outfits.
Vessi Stormburst Low Top shoes suitable for both hiking and casual wear.
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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