Vessi Review: Do These Stylish Waterproof Shoes Really Work in All Weather?

Vessi Featured Image

When you think of waterproof shoes, you probably think of clunky hiking boots or rubbery rainwear—not lightweight, breathable sneakers. Vessi set out to solve this exact problem. With their sleek, streetwear-inspired look and reputation for keeping feet dry in rain, mud, and puddles, Vessi shoes have become a cult item in the world of everyday footwear.

But do they really live up to the hype?

We tested Vessi’s best-selling models for weeks in rain showers, on sunny sidewalks, and in all sorts of environments. Here’s our honest, head-to-toe review.

👟 About the Brand: What is Vessi?

Vessi was founded in Vancouver, a city known for its incessant drizzle and unpredictable weather. Tired of sacrificing comfort for dryness, the founders developed the world’s first 100% waterproof knit sneaker.

Their secret? A patented Dyma-Tex® fabric that provides comprehensive water protection without compromising airflow. No coatings, no rigid outer shells—just flexible, breathable shoes that magically repel water.

🌿 Vessi also prides itself on:

  • Being 100% vegan and animal-free

  • Sustainable packaging and ethical manufacturing

  • Machine-washable materials

  • Slip-resistant soles and ultra-lightweight builds

🌟 Pros
  • Truly waterproof & breathable
  • Lightweight and vegan
  • Stylish enough for work or casual wear
  • Machine-washable & easy to maintain
  • 90-day return window and 1-year warranty
⚠️ Cons
  • Some models lack heavy arch support
  • Not ideal for rugged hiking terrain
  • Limited color options in some models
  • Sizing can vary slightly between models
  • Price point is mid-to-high for casual shoes

🧪 First Impressions: Build, Fit & Feel

Unboxing Vessi feels more like opening a piece of tech than a pair of shoes. The packaging is minimalist, stylish, and clearly designed with sustainability in mind.

Once put on, the shoes are:

  • Lightweight (seriously—they feel like socks with soles)
  • Breathable, even in warm weather
  • Surprisingly well-padded for such an elegant model
  • True to size (although some models run half a size smaller if you wear thick socks)

The Vessi uppers fit comfortably, and the soles offer good support without being heavy. The real question is: How waterproof are they really?

🌧️ All-Weather Performance: Do They Actually Keep You Dry?

We tested Vessi shoes in:

🌧️
Poured Rain
💧
Shallow Puddles
🌿
Wet Grass
🌨️
Urban Snow Melt
☀️
Sunny Summer Sidewalks

The result? They don’t disappoint. You can step right into a puddle, and your shoe will stay bone dry inside. The knit fabric repels water like a duck’s back, and the sock-like collar prevents moisture from penetrating.

The shoes are also breathable enough for warm weather. Your feet won’t overheat, and they won’t absorb odors. That’s a plus.

👟 Vessi Shoe Reviews: Our Hands-On Experience with Their Top Styles

We tested some of Vessi’s most popular men’s and women’s models in real-world conditions—in light rain, on city streets, while shopping, and even on muddy park paths. Here’s how each pair performed.

🏙️ Men’s Weekend Sneaker
🔗 View Product
Sleek, clean, and surprisingly adaptable, the Weekend Sneaker in Marble White is the kind of shoe you’ll reach for whether you're dressing up a bit or just heading out for errands. The water-repellent knit handled light drizzle and sidewalk puddles with ease, while the minimalist style paired effortlessly with both jeans and joggers.
Feels like: A classic canvas sneaker—but drier, lighter, and way more breathable.
Weekend
⚫ Men’s Tidal Sneaker
🔗 View Product
The Tidal Sneaker is a newer design that brings a chunkier sole and sportier vibe to Vessi’s lineup. The arch support is stronger here, and the outsole has noticeably better grip. It’s ideal for longer walks, casual workouts, or those who want something that feels a little more athletic but still sleek and waterproof.
Best for: Daily commuters, weekend errands, or low-impact movement on slick surfaces.
Tidal Sneaker
👟 Men’s Alta High Top (Narrow Fit)
🔗 View Product
The Alta High Top feels like the streetwear-savvy cousin of Vessi’s minimalist models. Designed for a narrower foot, it hugs snugly around the ankle while still offering plenty of stretch in the knit. Great for cooler days or city walks, and the extended collar offers extra splash protection.
Style bonus: They look great with cuffed pants or slim-fit jeans—very Instagram-friendly.
Alta High Top - Narrow Fit
🌧️ Women’s Pacific Sneaker
🔗 View Product
The Pacific Sneaker is sporty, functional, and surprisingly plush underfoot. The color "Monsoon" is a rich, moody gray that hides scuffs and dirt well. We loved the grippy sole and more substantial midsole here—it offers the best all-around stability in Vessi’s women’s collection.
Ideal for: Rainy city days, dog walks, or anytime you need grip and comfort without compromising looks.
Pacific Sneaker
🏳️‍🌈 Women’s Soho Sneaker
🔗 View Product
With bold Pride-inspired colors and a touch of retro styling, the Soho Sneaker brings personality and performance. It’s lightweight, very breathable, and offers a roomy toe box for wider feet. Even after wearing these all day for Pride events and city strolls, they remained cool and comfy.
Bonus points: A portion of proceeds from the Pride edition goes to LGBTQ+ organizations.
Soho Sneaker - Regular Fit
☁️ Women’s Stormburst Low Top – White
🔗 View Product
The Stormburst Low Top is Vessi’s most durable-looking sneaker, and it feels every bit as protective as it looks. With a ridged outsole and thicker knit upper, it’s designed to take on more rugged environments—yet it still looks clean and stylish. This pair held up beautifully on muddy trails and rainy sidewalks.
Think of it as: The Vessi version of a sneaker-hiker hybrid—with way less bulk.
Stormburst Low Top

🧼 Maintenance & Durability

One of the underrated benefits? They’re machine washable. Simply toss your Vessis in cold water and let them air dry—and they’ll look like new again.

Regarding long-term wear:

  • The soles showed minimal wear after a month of daily use.
  • The knit fabric retained its shape and color.
  • No peeling or damage to the sole (even after jumping in puddles).

🚚 Shipping, Returns & Warranty – Everything You Should Know

Vessi has built a customer-friendly experience from the ground up – not just with the shoes, but also with handling shipping, returns, and support.

📦 Shipping Policy:

  • USA & Canada: Vessi offers free standard shipping on all orders within the USA and Canada, with no minimum order value. Most orders are processed within 1–3 business days and arrive within 5–8 business days.
  • International Shipping: While Vessi ships internationally to select countries, fees and delivery times may vary depending on your location. Customs duties and taxes may apply upon delivery.
  • Tracking: Every order includes a tracking link so you can track your package from the warehouse to your doorstep.

🔁 Return & Exchange Policy:

  • Try it risk-free for 90 days: Vessi offers a 90-day return policy on all orders. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can easily return or exchange your shoes.
  • Condition requirements: Items must be unworn and in their original packaging. Try the shoes on indoors first if you’re unsure about the size or fit.
  • Free returns in the US and Canada: Vessi covers return shipping, so exchanges or refunds are seamless and completely free.

🛡️ Warranty Policy:

  • 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty: All Vessi shoes come with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. This covers issues such as stitching defects, sole separation, or unusual wear not caused by improper use.
  • How to file a claim: Vessi’s online portal and customer support are quick and easy to use. Most warranty claims are processed within one week.
Customer Support Note: Vessi also offers email support and a helpful chatbot on their site, making it easy to get answers fast.

💬 What Vessi Customers Are Saying?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Walked through 3 hours of Seattle rain—still dry. I’ll never buy another brand.”
— Kaitlyn R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Took these to Iceland and wore them in rain, snow, and sun. No wet socks the entire trip.”
— Brian T.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
“They’re great, just wish they had more arch support. Still a solid buy.”
— Marina F.

🧠 Final Verdict: Are Vessi Shoes Worth It?

After several weeks of testing in all conditions from drizzle to downpour, one thing is clear: Vessi is not just another shoe brand – it is a problem solver.

For those who walk to work, live in rainy cities, or simply seek a more stylish alternative to bulky rubber boots, Vessi offers real value. Vessi has managed to combine elegant design, breathable waterproofness, and all-day comfort in a way that few other footwear brands can.

If you’re looking for strong support while hiking or grip on any terrain, you might want to look elsewhere. But for the urban explorer, student, dog owner, or busy parent, these shoes are a true game-changer. Stylish, easy-care, and refreshingly innovative.

And with the benefits—free shipping, a 90-day risk-free trial, and a full one-year warranty—you have nothing to lose and dry socks to gain.