As a seasoned traveler, I understand the struggle of packing for unpredictable weather. You meticulously plan your itinerary, hoping for sunshine, but the weather can be a wildcard, especially when you’re exploring new destinations. Rainy days can quickly dampen your travel spirit, particularly if you’re not prepared with the right footwear. For years, I juggled packing bulky rain boots alongside my regular sneakers, a cumbersome task that often took up precious luggage space. That was until I discovered Waterproof Travel Shoes, a game-changer for any traveler seeking comfort and dryness, no matter the weather.
Enter Vessi waterproof shoes. These innovative shoes promise to keep your feet completely dry while being stylish and versatile enough for all your travel adventures. But do they live up to the hype? After extensive testing across various trips and weather conditions, I’m here to share my in-depth experience with Vessi, focusing on why they are a must-have for anyone serious about comfortable and dry travel.
Key Highlights of Waterproof Travel Shoes for Your Next Trip:
- Truly Waterproof Performance: Waterproof travel shoes, especially Vessi, are engineered to keep your feet 100% dry, even in heavy rain and puddles. The advanced waterproof fabrics are a game-changer, eliminating the discomfort of soggy socks and shoes.
- Space-Saving Travel Essential: Say goodbye to bulky rain boots! Waterproof travel shoes act as both your everyday walking shoes and your rain gear. This dual functionality significantly reduces the number of shoes you need to pack, freeing up valuable luggage space.
- Versatile Styles for Every Traveler: Whether you prefer sneakers, boots, or slip-ons, there’s a waterproof travel shoe style to match your personal preference and travel needs. Brands like Vessi offer a wide range of trendy and functional designs, from hiking-inspired boots to everyday sneakers and even winter-ready options.
- All-Weather Comfort and Protection: Waterproof travel shoes are not just for rain. They also provide excellent protection against snow, slush, and mud, making them ideal for year-round travel to various climates.
- Travel-Friendly Accessories: Many brands that specialize in waterproof footwear also offer complementary travel accessories like waterproof raincoats, bags, socks, and hats, allowing you to create a complete weatherproof travel ensemble.
My First Impression of Vessi Waterproof Travel Shoes
When my first pair of Vessi shoes arrived, I was immediately impressed by their sleek and modern design. I opted for the Vessi Weekend Chelsea boot-sneakers in classic black. My initial thought was, “These look great – like everyday sneakers, but with a stylish boot edge.” Reading the accompanying information, I was eager to test their claims of being water-repellent and stormproof.
The rubber sole felt sturdy, and the waterproof material had a smooth, quality feel. Slipping them on, they were exactly as I’d hoped: minimalist, boot-style sneakers that filled a gap in my travel shoe collection. And most importantly, they promised 100% waterproof protection.
My partner, Dan, chose the Men’s Weekend Vessi shoes in white. He was equally pleased with their classic sneaker look and the added benefit of waterproof fabric. We were both excited to put our Vessi shoes to the test on an upcoming road trip, knowing rain was a strong possibility. He even commented that they would make a stylish yet practical shoe choice for dads on the go – and I completely agreed!
Dan wearing white Vessi Weekend sneakers, standing confidently in an urban setting.
Close-up of Dan's white Vessi Weekend sneakers, showcasing their clean design and waterproof material.
The Travel Shoe Dilemma Solved: Why Waterproof is the Way to Go
For years, packing shoes for travel has been a source of stress for me. I’ve even written extensive guides on choosing the best travel shoes, because the struggle is real! Finding the right balance between style, comfort, support, and weather-readiness is a constant challenge. You need shoes that look good in photos, provide support for city walking, are suitable for light hikes, and can handle unexpected weather changes.
Rain-soaked sneakers are a traveler’s nightmare. I’ve experienced the inconvenience of having to leave shoes to dry for a full day after getting caught in a downpour. Walking around a city in unsuitable footwear like flip-flops or bulky hiking boots because your sneakers are wet is far from ideal.
Waterproof travel shoes like Vessi offer the perfect solution. They combine style and practicality, ensuring you’re prepared for any sudden rainstorm, drizzle, or even snowy conditions. Since discovering Vessi, I’ve accumulated several pairs, each designed for different travel scenarios and weather conditions. In the rest of this review, I’ll delve deeper into my experiences with various Vessi styles and explain why they’ve become my go-to travel footwear.
The author wearing Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots with jeans, showcasing their everyday wearability.
Choosing the Right Waterproof Travel Shoe Style
My initial choice, the Vessi Weekend Chelsea shoes, was driven by their stylish appearance and versatility. I’ve worn them with various outfits – dresses, shorts, leggings, pants, and joggers – and found they seamlessly complement almost anything. Their slip-on design makes them incredibly convenient for travel days and quick changes.
One of my key criteria when selecting travel shoes is avoiding footwear that looks unflattering in photos. Vacation photos are lasting memories, and the wrong shoes can detract from your overall look. I’ve learned this lesson firsthand, cringing at past travel photos where bulky running shoes clashed with my outfits.
Vessi excels in offering on-trend, contemporary styles. From the Boardwalk slip-ons perfect for summer showers to the Alta High Top snow boots for winter expeditions, their range caters to diverse travel needs and aesthetics. I even find the Stormburst Low Top hiking shoes stylish enough to pair with shorts, offering a chunky retro sneaker vibe.
The author wearing Vessi Stormburst Low Top sneakers with shorts, demonstrating their style versatility.
Performance in Rainy Weather: Do Waterproof Travel Shoes Really Work?
Our road trip provided the perfect testing ground for our Vessi shoes. A foggy morning quickly turned into a rainy day, and as we stepped out of the car, the magic of waterproof footwear became apparent. Rain was pouring down, yet our feet remained completely dry.
This consistent waterproof performance continues to impress me every time I wear my Vessi shoes. They’ve boosted my confidence to explore even when the weather turns sour. Instead of dodging puddles, I now confidently stride through them, knowing my feet will stay dry and comfortable. Vessi’s 100% waterproof claim is not just marketing – it’s a reality I’ve experienced firsthand.
Close-up of Vessi Weekend sneakers repelling water, demonstrating the waterproof technology in action.
In these photos, you can see water beading up on the surface of my Weekend Sneakers, showcasing the effective water-repellent material. I even tried to capture splashes, but the water repelled so quickly it was almost impossible to photograph!
Close-up detail of water droplets rolling off the waterproof material of Vessi Weekend sneakers.
Impressive Features and Functionality of Waterproof Travel Shoes
The most outstanding feature of Vessi shoes is undoubtedly their reliable waterproofing. During my travels, I’ve been able to explore destinations in any weather, without the worry of wet shoes ruining my day. No more waiting for shoes to dry overnight!
Another major advantage is the space-saving aspect. I no longer need to pack bulky rain boots, which are impractical for travel due to their size and weight. Waterproof travel shoes like Vessi are the modern, travel-friendly alternative.
Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots neatly packed in a suitcase, showcasing their space-saving design.
Most Vessi styles are also remarkably lightweight. The Weekend Chelsea shoes, for instance, are lightweight and easily packable. They nest together neatly, taking up minimal space in my luggage. For bulkier styles like the Stormburst or Alta High Top, which are designed for more demanding activities like hiking or snow, you might prefer to wear them during travel rather than packing them.
Other notable features of Vessi waterproof travel shoes:
List of features of Vessi waterproof shoes, highlighting waterproofing, comfort, and style.
Comfort Considerations for Waterproof Travel Shoes
Let’s talk about comfort. Being transparent, I have flat feet, with my right foot being flatter than my left. Prolonged walking in shoes without adequate arch support often leads to discomfort and pain for me.
While the Weekend Chelsea shoes are great as waterproof everyday shoes, I wouldn’t recommend them for extensive city walking tours exceeding several miles, especially if you have flat feet like me. I learned this lesson after experiencing foot ache wearing thinner shoes on a long walk in Dublin.
The author wearing Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots, emphasizing their stylish look but noting comfort considerations for flat feet.
However, if you don’t have flat feet or pronation issues, you’ll likely find most Vessi styles comfortable for everyday wear and moderate walking. For those needing more arch support, like myself, I highly recommend the Stormburst Low Top shoe. It was recommended to me as the Vessi style offering the most arch support and structured cushioning.
Close-up of Vessi Stormburst Low Top sneakers on a hiking trail, demonstrating their suitability for outdoor activities.
Indeed, I found the Stormburst Low Tops comfortable for hiking, providing good stability and support. They are slightly bottom-heavy due to the robust sole, but the knit upper remains lightweight and breathable.
Vessi Size and Fit: Getting it Right
In recent years, my shoe size seems to have increased slightly, often landing between sizes. When buying sneakers, I often opt for a US women’s 6.5. Here’s where sizing with Vessi can be a bit tricky, as they traditionally only offered full sizes.
Screenshot of Vessi product page, showing available full sizes and lack of half sizes (at the time of original review).
My initial experience with Vessi sizing involved ordering a Women’s 7 in the Weekend Chelsea boots. They were significantly too large. After exchanging them for a size 6, I found the size 6 to be a much better fit, and these became my regular Vessi shoes.
For the Stormburst and Alta High Top styles, size 6 also felt slightly roomy. Dan found the men’s Alta High Tops true to size, wearing his usual size 10. The Weekend Sneaker, however, fit me perfectly in a size 6, suggesting they run slightly smaller than other Vessi styles. Overall, my experience indicates that Vessi shoes generally run large, but sizing can vary between styles.
Navigating full sizes when you’re typically a half size can require some trial and error. You might need to order two sizes to determine your ideal Vessi fit.
The author holding two pairs of Vessi shoes, highlighting the size variation and fit considerations.
Update: Vessi Now Offers Half Sizes!
One of my initial concerns with Vessi was the limited full-size range. However, I was thrilled to learn that Vessi has recently introduced half sizes in select styles. Naturally, I was eager to try their new half-size offerings.
I tested the Vessi Tidal Sneaker for Women, a waterproof style with a trendy, 90s-inspired chunky sneaker design. I appreciate their look with sweatpants, joggers, or relaxed jeans, aligning with current fashion trends.
The author wearing Vessi Tidal sneakers with jeans, demonstrating their versatility with different outfits.
As for fit, I was again somewhat surprised. The 6.5 Tidal sneakers felt a tad snug, even with thin socks. While I consider myself a true US women’s 6.5, these felt slightly tighter than expected. However, it’s reassuring to know that a size 7 would be an option if needed. Interestingly, I still wear a size 6 in most other Vessi styles, except for the Courtside, where I needed a size 7. The quest for the perfect Vessi fit continues!
Front view of Vessi Tidal sneakers, highlighting their modern, 90s-inspired aesthetic.
Final Verdict: Do I Recommend Waterproof Travel Shoes Like Vessi?
Absolutely, yes! Waterproof travel shoes, particularly Vessi, are the first shoes I reach for when packing for any trip with a chance of rain in the forecast.
One of my favorite aspects of the Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots is their versatility. They can easily transition from daytime exploration to evening outings, functioning as stylish “relaxed boots” suitable for dinner or drinks when paired with jeans or a dress. They’re essentially casual, pull-on boots with added waterproof functionality.
Dan has also become a convert, frequently wearing his black Weekend Chelsea shoes. We’ve both built up 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 travels. Dan has similar styles in his Vessi collection.
Close-up of Dan's Vessi Weekend Chelsea boots, highlighting their stylish and practical design for men.
Whenever I receive compliments on my Vessi shoes, I proudly share their waterproof secret. I even enjoy demonstrating their waterproof capability by pouring water directly on them, showcasing the impressive water-repellent technology.
In conclusion, waterproof travel shoes like Vessi have streamlined my packing process, allowing me to confidently address unpredictable weather conditions with a single pair of stylish and protective shoes. They eliminate the need to overpack for “what if” weather scenarios, ensuring my feet stay dry and comfortable, rain or shine.
The author confidently walking in Vessi shoes, showcasing their waterproof performance and stylish design.
Exploring Vessi Accessories and Apparel for Complete Weather Protection
Beyond footwear, Vessi also offers a range of waterproof accessories and apparel to enhance your travel preparedness. I tested the Vessi Overcast rain jacket and the Vessi Shoreline Belt Bag to evaluate their waterproof performance and travel-friendliness.
Both the jacket and belt bag proved their worth during a heavy downpour while I was out running errands. They effectively repelled the rain, keeping me and my belongings completely dry. The Vessi Overcast Jacket is particularly impressive, featuring a fleece lining that makes it suitable for cooler weather as well – a versatile addition to my travel wardrobe.
Close-up of the Vessi Overcast rain jacket, showcasing its waterproof material and design details.
Helpful Tip: My only observation regarding the rain jacket is that it runs slightly large. As a true-to-size XS, the XS jacket was a bit long in the arms and roomy in the torso. Consider this sizing nuance when ordering, and potentially ordering two sizes to find your best fit.
Are Waterproof Travel Shoes Worth the Investment?
If you prioritize lightweight, truly waterproof footwear for travel, then waterproof travel shoes like Vessi are an excellent investment. I even recommend them as a top travel product for backpacking trips, where unpredictable weather and limited packing space are common challenges.
While rain boots might be similarly priced (or even more expensive), they lack the packability and versatility of waterproof travel shoes. Rain boots are bulky, heavy, and not ideal for extensive walking or fitting into limited luggage space.
Waterproof travel shoes are a smart and practical travel solution, and they’ve become one of my favorite travel discoveries. They offer peace of mind and comfort, allowing you to embrace your adventures, regardless of the weather forecast.
Finding Vessi Shoes on Sale
Looking for a deal on Vessi shoes? The Vessi website has a dedicated Sale section, which is the best place to find discounted Vessi footwear and apparel.
The Vessi sale page features various deals, including limited-edition colorways being discontinued, narrow fit sizing in popular styles, and end-of-season styles or apparel items.
It was actually on Vessi’s sale page that I first discovered that select Vessi styles are available in narrow fits – something I might have explored myself! If you’re seeking a discount on your first pair of Vessi shoes, be sure to check out their sale section for potential savings.
My Evolving Approach to Choosing Travel Shoes
As I mentioned earlier, choosing the right travel shoes has been an ongoing process for me. I often desire a diverse shoe wardrobe for trips: dressy flats for evenings, sturdy hiking shoes for trails, comfortable sneakers for city exploration, and perhaps sandals for warmer climates.
The author showcasing a variety of travel shoes, highlighting the challenge of packing for different occasions and weather.
While waterproof travel shoes like Vessi don’t yet solve the sandal equation, they effectively address multiple footwear needs in one stylish and practical package. For destinations with unpredictable weather or a high chance of rain, packing Vessi shoes as my primary (or even sole) pair of shoes is a game-changer.
Styles like the Weekend Sneaker are stylishly casual, pairing well with everything from sweatpants to dresses. The Stormburst Low Top is excellent for hiking yet still looks great with jeans or shorts. Waterproof travel shoes have significantly simplified my travel shoe choices, ensuring I’m prepared, comfortable, and stylish, whatever the weather may bring.
The author wearing Vessi Weekend sneakers with jeans, demonstrating their casual everyday style.
Vessi generously provided all the shoes mentioned in this review and sponsored the theme of this piece; however, all photos, opinions, thoughts, and experiences are my own.
