As someone who travels light, walks everywhere, and rarely checks a bag, finding the perfect travel shoe has always been a challenge.
Enter Vessi, a brand I kept hearing about from other travelers who swore they were the only shoes they packed. Lightweight, waterproof, stylish enough for cities but functional enough for trails, I had to see if they lived up to the hype.
I’ve been on the hunt for waterproof shoes that can take me through all of the seasons. While I love my Dr. Martens for the winter months, it’s not ideal to hike or travel with such big bulky boots.
I wanted to find something that would pack easily, look cute with shorts, but also keep my feet dry as I explored different destinations around the world.
Over the past few months, I’ve been testing two pairs: the Women’s Weekend Sneaker and the Stormburst High Top, the latter I specifically chose for its ankle support and grip on rugged terrain.
From rainy Seattle streets to slippery hiking trails, I’ve taken these shoes through puddles, mud, and long travel days, so I am finally ready to share what they’re really like to wear on the road.
Hiking in my Vessi shoes is so much better than regular sneakers and lighter than hiking boots!
What is Vessi?
Vessi is a Vancouver-based company, so they know a thing or two about dealing with the rain.
Their shoes use a technology called Dyma-tex®, which keeps water out but still allows heat to escape, so your feet don’t get too hot (a big problem I have with rain boots).
In addition to being waterproof, Vessi makes sneakers that are versatile. Wear them not just in the rain, but in any weather because the shoes are comfortable and stylish.
The thing that sealed the deal for me in terms of choosing Vessi over a different waterproof shoe was their promise of being lightweight. A lot of other waterproof sneakers I have tried on in stores are so heavy, which is not the best for a carry-on-only gal like me.
Vessi Review of the Weekend Sneaker
These sneakers have replaced all of my other day-to-day sneakers. From the first time I put them on, they were so comfortable. The shoe is flexible, the sole is well-padded without feeling squishy like a running shoe does, and they are really cute with a pair of jeans or shorts.
I’ve worn them to walk distances of a few miles at a time and haven’t gotten any blisters or had any pain in my feet.
They pack up so easily in my suitcase because they collapse down to be almost flat when stacked on top of one another.
I got them in Marble White, which means they show dirt more than other colors, but they are really easy to clean, and although I’ve worn them nearly every day for over a month, they still look almost new.
If I were going to get a second pair, I would probably buy them in a darker color, but I absolutely love these sneakers for daily use.
My only negative about the Weekend Sneakers is that the grip on them isn’t the best. Seattle is a very hilly city, and when I wear these on a rainy day, I have to walk down hills very carefully so that I don’t slide.
I love being able to walk right through small streams on hiking trails without worrying that my feet are going to get wet.
Vessi Review of the Stormburst High Top
I got the Stormburst High Top because I love hiking, but I don’t love hiking boots. I don’t like how heavy and bulky they are, and they are not easy to pack when you are traveling light.
The Stormburst High Top offers ankle support and has a nice grip on the base, but they are as light and comfortable as a pair of sneakers. This made them an obvious choice for all of my hiking travels this summer.
Plus, like all Vessi sneakers, they are entirely waterproof, so I don’t have to get stressed when I inevitably slip off of one of the stones to cross a creek or have to traipse through mud on the slick PNW trails.
I got the Stormburst in Dark Teak because it reminded me of the color of Red Rock Canyon. I also figured they would hide the mud a lot better than a white or black pair would.
I wasn’t sure about the sock-like top of the high top when I first got them, but it’s not too tight on my ankle or calf, so there is still plenty of room for a longer sock to fit underneath it without any rubbing.
I’ve worn them on a few hikes already, and I love how lightweight they are. They are truly my ideal hiking sneaker that gives me more street cred with the serious hikers since it looks like I’m wearing a pair of hiking boots without the extra weight and discomfort of a boot.
The grip on these is even better than I had hoped. I have been on slick trails, steep declines, and along paths with lots of loose stone, and they have done well to keep me upright.
The Stormburst hightop is lightweight but durable, the perfect hiking shoe here in the PNW!
Are Vessi Shoes Worth the Price?
Vessi shoes aren’t cheap. Most styles retail between $100 and $180 USD. That’s more than your average canvas sneaker, but not quite at the premium level of top-tier hiking or outdoor brands.
After wearing both the Weekend Sneaker and Stormburst High Top in everything from city rainstorms to muddy trails, I’d say yes.
What You’re Paying For
At the core of the price tag is Vessi’s Dyma-tex® technology, a knit material that’s breathable, flexible, and truly waterproof.
Unlike many brands that claim to be water-resistant, Vessi shoes keep water out completely, so whether you’re stepping into puddles, getting splashed, or caught in a downpour, your socks will stay dry. This alone makes them a standout if you live in a wet climate like I do here in the PNW, or you spend a lot of time outdoors.
These would have been the perfect shoes for all of those long Mexico City wet seasons.
You’re also getting shoes that combine function with everyday style, which isn’t always the case with waterproof footwear. They’re sleek enough to wear to brunch or the airport, but durable enough for a walk in the rain or a misty trail.
Who Vessi Is Worth It For
- City dwellers who walk or bike everywhere and don’t want to sacrifice style for function
- Travelers who need a lightweight, packable, all-weather shoe
- Dog owners, parents, and commuters who deal with wet grass, puddles, and slush regularly
- People in rainy or transitional climates like the Pacific Northwest, UK, or Northeast U.S.
If you’re expecting heavy-duty hiking performance or all-season warmth, there are better options. But if you want a reliable, stylish shoe you can count on to stay dry, Vessi offers solid value for the price.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you make a purchase, there are a few things to know so that you pick the right pair of Vessis.
Sizing Advice
Vessi shoes generally run true to size, but the fit can vary slightly depending on the style. I tend to be a size 6.5-7 in sneakers, and since they don’t have half sizes, I went for a size 7 on both shoes.
The Weekend Sneaker has a more relaxed, casual fit that feels roomy enough for light socks. The toe-box is particularly roomy, which as a wide-footed gal was perfect for me.
On the other hand, the Stormburst High Top fits a little snugger, likely due to the extra padding and ankle structure. If you’re usually between sizes and you want to wear thicker socks with these hiking sneakers, then I recommend going for the size up. I have mostly worn these with ankle socks, but I did try them with my merino wool socks once and it was a touch too snug for total comfort.
Vessi doesn’t currently offer half sizes in every style, which can be tricky if you’re in between. Their size guide is detailed and helpful, though, and customer reviews on the site can also offer insight based on foot width and arch type.
Seasonal Comfort
One of the standout features of Vessi shoes is that they’re breathable, even though they’re waterproof. I’ve worn the Weekend Sneakers on warm days without feeling like my feet were overheating, which makes them great for summer travel or humid cities.
That said, they’re not insulated, so if you’re dealing with colder fall or winter temperatures, you’ll want to pair them with warm socks or consider a more winter-specific shoe. For me, the Stormburst has been solid for cooler weather hikes, but I for snow or icy conditions, I’d still opt for my Dr. Martens.
Returns & Customer Service
While I haven’t had to return a pair myself, Vessi offers a 30-day return policy for unworn shoes in their original packaging, which is a generous window if you’re trying them out at home. They also offer free exchanges if the sizing isn’t quite right.
The brand has a solid reputation for customer service overall, and their shipping was quick and reliable in my experience. Just be sure to try your shoes on indoors first if you’re unsure about the size, since worn pairs aren’t eligible for return.
Final Thoughts on Vessi Waterproof Sneakers
I absolutely fell in love with Weekend Sneaker and will be buying a second pair by the end of the summer when the fall rain returns to Seattle. I think it would be great to have two pairs that I can alternate between so that they last longer and I don’t make the white ones too dirty.
I don’t have regular sneakers as comfortable as my Vessis, so the fact that they are also waterproof and lightweight makes them not only the perfect shoe for traveling, but the perfect overall lifestyle sneaker.
If you are looking for a great travel shoe that can take you from city to trail, the Stormburst Low Top would be a great option. It will give you the grip of the high top, but looks much less like a hiking shoe and more like a casual running sneaker.
Please note: I received Vessis in exchange for this review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.