Hey there fashion lovers! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect pair of shoes that are not only stylish but also functional and comfortable. Well, I think I may have found the holy grail with Vessi Footwear.
In this in-depth Vessi shoes review, I‘ll give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about this innovative shoe brand, from their origins to their cutting-edge technology to real customer feedback. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if Vessi is the right fit for you and your lifestyle. Let‘s dive in!
About Vessi Footwear
Founded in 2018 and based in Vancouver, Canada, Vessi has quickly made a splash (pun intended) in the footwear industry with their 100% waterproof shoes. The company was started by three friends – Andy Wang, Tony Yu and Mikaella Go – who were frustrated with the lack of stylish, functional footwear options to withstand Vancouver‘s notoriously rainy weather.
Vessi‘s mission is simple yet ambitious: "To shatter the divide between fashion and function so that you can take on the world in comfort and style." And boy, have they delivered! Vessi has already earned a cult following with over 1 million shoes sold worldwide.
The brand has been featured in major publications like Forbes, Vogue, and Travel + Leisure and has a strong social media presence with over 300K followers on Instagram. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Olivia Munn, and Kate Hudson have also been spotted sporting Vessis.
Vessi‘s Waterproof Technology
So what makes Vessi shoes so special? It all comes down to their proprietary waterproofing technology called Dyma-Tex. This innovative knit material is not only fully waterproof, but also lightweight, breathable, and stretchy for maximum comfort.
Here‘s how it works: Dyma-Tex is made up of three layers that work together to keep your feet dry. The top layer is a stretchy knit that repels water on contact. The middle layer is a nano-filtering membrane that allows your feet to breathe while keeping water out. And the bottom layer is a moisture-wicking knit that keeps your feet cool and dry all day.
But Vessi didn‘t stop there. They also added thoughtful details like extra heel cushioning, removable antibacterial insoles, and wave-patterned outsoles for excellent traction, even on slippery surfaces. The result is a shoe that feels more like a comfortable sock but performs like hardcore rain gear.
What‘s really cool is that Dyma-Tex is sustainably made and uses 600% less energy and 95% less water than typical shoe production. Plus, Vessi shoes are 100% vegan and free of any animal products or byproducts. So you can feel good about your purchase on multiple levels.
Vessi Shoe Styles
Vessi offers a range of shoe styles for men and women to suit any occasion, from running errands to hitting the trails. Here are their core offerings:
Everyday Sneaker
As the name suggests, this is Vessi‘s go-to shoe for daily wear. It features a classic low-top silhouette with a stretchy knit upper, cushioned insole, and rubber outsole. The Everyday Sneaker comes in a variety of trendy colors like olive, sunset, and lavender.
Everyday Move
The Everyday Move is a sportier take on the Everyday Sneaker with added arch support and a more breathable knit upper. It‘s perfect for light workouts or just running around town. Choose from basic black and white or fun pops of red and blue.
Cityscape
For a dressier option, check out the Cityscape. This sleek sneaker features a trendy sock-like fit with unique cord laces and a front looped pull tab. It comes in versatile colors like all black, navy, and grey to easily dress up or down.
Weekend
Ready for adventure? Grab the Weekend sneaker. With a chunkier sole and more rugged outsole, it‘s designed to handle light trails and wet conditions. Contrast stitching and earthy tones give it a cool vintage vibe.
Everyday Slip-On
Prefer a laceless look? The Everyday Slip-On is for you. This comfy kick slips on and off easily thanks to dual elastic side gores and a pull tab. A padded heel collar provides extra cushioning. Choose from understated shades like slate and dune or statement-making gold.
Sizing and Fit
In general, Vessi shoes run true to size. However, some customers find certain styles to run slightly small, so if you‘re in between sizes, you may want to size up. Vessi offers an easy printable size chart on their website to help you find your perfect fit.
Vessi shoes are designed to mold to your unique foot shape over time for a personalized fit. They recommend wearing them for a few hours to let the material adapt and stretch. And don‘t worry if they feel a bit snug at first – that‘s normal!
One caveat is that Vessi doesn‘t offer wide sizing (yet). So if you have particularly wide feet, you may want to size up or consider a different brand. The good news is that Vessi does offer free shipping and free returns/exchanges within the US and Canada if the shoes don‘t work out.
Customer Reviews
Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s see what real Vessi customers have to say. With over 12,000 5-star reviews on Vessi‘s website, it‘s clear that people are loving these shoes. Common praise points include:
- Complete waterproofing: "I walked through puddles, streams, and mud and my feet stayed 100% dry!"
- Lightweight comfort: "They hardly feel like I‘m wearing shoes at all – so light and airy."
- Versatile style: "I get so many compliments when I wear these. They go with everything from jeans to dresses."
- Excellent customer service: "The Vessi team went above and beyond to answer my questions and process my exchange quickly."
Of course, no shoe is perfect. A few critics mentioned:
- Snug fit: "They were very tight on my toes and instep – had to size up."
- Lack of adjustability: "I wish there were laces or straps to make them feel more secure."
- Lackluster traction: "The outsoles are a bit slippery on tile/smooth surfaces. Fine for everyday but not great for trails."
- Long break-in period: "They gave me blisters the first few wears until the material loosened up."
Overall though, the vast majority of customers report being very happy with their Vessis and say they‘re worth the price for the quality, comfort, and functionality. Many are repeat buyers who own multiple pairs!
Giving Back
In addition to making great shoes, Vessi is also committed to making a positive impact. For every pair of shoes sold, Vessi donates $1 to clean water initiatives through their partnership with water.org. So far, they‘ve helped provide over 3 years of clean water to families in need.
Vessi also regularly contributes to other charitable causes, including donations to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and aid for victims of the Australian bushfires. It‘s heartening to see a young company stepping up to help make the world a better place.
Vessi vs. the Competition
Vessi isn‘t the only player in the waterproof shoe game. Other popular options include:
-
Allbirds: Known for their ultra-comfy merino wool sneakers, Allbirds also offers a waterproof style called the Mizzle. However, it‘s more of a water-resistant sneaker than a fully waterproof one like Vessi.
-
Suavs: This Texas-based startup makes lightweight, breathable knit shoes that are also vegan. Their Zilker style has a water-resistant upper but not a fully waterproof membrane like Vessi.
-
Loom: Loom is another sustainable shoe brand that uses merino wool and recycled materials. They offer a waterproof sneaker and boot, but the styles lean more sporty/outdoorsy compared to Vessi‘s fashion-forward aesthetic.
So while there are other waterproof and eco-friendly shoe options out there, Vessi seems to strike the best balance of style, comfort, and performance. They‘re also the most affordable of the bunch, with prices ranging from $128-$158 versus $150+ for the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Vessi? I‘ve got you covered with answers to some of the most common queries:
Where are Vessi shoes made?
Vessi shoes are designed in Vancouver, Canada and manufactured in ethical factories in Taiwan.
How do I clean my Vessi shoes?
Vessi recommends hand washing your shoes with mild detergent and letting them air dry. Avoid putting them in the washing machine or dryer which can damage the waterproof membrane.
What is Vessi‘s warranty and return policy?
Vessi offers a 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. You can also return or exchange your shoes for free within 30 days if you‘re not satisfied, even if you‘ve worn them outside! Just make sure they‘re clean and include all original packaging.
Does Vessi ever have sales?
Vessi occasionally offers promotions like limited edition colors, bundle discounts, and seasonal sales. You can sign up for their email list to get notified about upcoming deals and product launches.
Where can I try on Vessi shoes?
Currently, Vessi is only sold online through their website vessifootwear.com. They don‘t have any brick and mortar stores yet. But their free shipping and returns make it easy to try before you buy!
The Verdict
So, is Vessi footwear worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely! Vessi truly lives up to their promise of creating fashionable, functional shoes that make a difference. The quality and attention to detail are excellent, the waterproofing really works, and the brand‘s sustainability initiatives are admirable.
Yes, $128+ may seem steep for a pair of sneakers. But when you consider the versatility, durability, and comfort you‘re getting, I think Vessis are a worthwhile investment that will last you for years to come. You‘d easily spend that much on a pair of trendy (but impractical) designer sneakers or clunky rain boots.
My suggestion? Start with a neutral color like black or grey in the Everyday Sneaker. It‘s the most versatile style that you can dress up or down and will give you the most bang for your buck. If you love them as much as I do, you can always add more colors and styles to your collection later.
To recap, here are the key advantages of Vessi shoes:
- 100% waterproof yet breathable and stretchy
- Lightweight, sock-like comfort
- Washable and quick-drying
- Sustainably and ethically made
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Gives back to charitable causes
- Free shipping + free returns
- True to size with a flexible fit
- Stylish and versatile designs
- Amazing customer reviews
The main drawbacks are:
- Higher price point than typical sneakers
- Online-only, so no in-store try-ons
- No adjustable laces or straps
- No wide sizes for those with wider feet
- Slippery on some indoor surfaces
- Longer break-in period for some
I hope this comprehensive Vessi footwear review has helped you decide if these game-changing shoes are right for you. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions or if you‘ve tried Vessis yourself. Here‘s to happy, dry, and stylish feet!
