About Vessi: From Kickstarter Sensation to Cult Favorite
Vessi Footwear first splashed onto the scene in November 2016 with a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $1.2 million CAD with the promise of a 100% waterproof sneaker.
Founded by three friends – Tony Yu, Andy Wang and Mikaella Go – in rainy Vancouver, Canada, Vessi set out to create high-performance footwear that could withstand the elements.
The young startup struck a chord, tapping into demand for versatile shoes that transition seamlessly from work to play without sacrificing on style or sustainability.
Since the launch, Vessi has gone from strength to strength, landing features in major publications like Forbes and gathering a cult following of over 300,000 loyal fans.
But does the reality live up to the hype? Let‘s take a closer look.
How Vessi Waterproof Shoes Are Made
Vessi‘s proprietary waterproofing technology lies in its trademarked Dyma-Tex fabric. This tightly knit blend of polyester and nylon yarns acts as an impenetrable barrier while still maintaining breathability.
Sandwiched between layers of Dyma-Tex is a waterproof/breathable membrane that blocks outside moisture from seeping in.
The upper features nanotechnology filtration to regulate temperature and prevent debris buildup inside the shoe.
Underfoot, Vessi shoes have an EVA foam midsole for lightweight cushioning. The grippy rubber outsole incorporates a unique herringbone lug pattern to channel water out.
Inside, a removable antibacterial insole manages odor and allows you to insert custom orthotics.
Sustainably made in Taiwan without any animal products, Vessi sneakers use over 50% less energy compared to a typical pair.
Top 3 Bestselling Vessi Shoes Reviewed
With 7 styles to choose from currently, I‘ll focus on reviewing Vessi‘s top 3 bestselling designs:
1. Vessi Everyday Sneaker
The aptly named Everyday Sneaker is one of Vessi‘s most popular picks for all-around wear.
Style: Casual low-top lace-up sneaker available in 5 muted tones. Simple, fuss-free aesthetics.
Fit: True to size. Accommodates narrow to medium width feet. Light 4.1 oz weight makes it ideal for all-day wear.
Features: Dyma-Tex waterproof knit upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole with zonal grip pattern. Breathable and streamlined.
Performance: Tested on rainy Vancouver days. Feet stayed warm and completely dry walking through puddles. Excellent traction on wet surfaces.
Cost: $140 CAD
Overall, a versatile everyday sneaker that braves rain and puddles while looking fresh off the streets. My top Vessi pick for all-weather city living.
SHOP EVERYDAY SNEAKER
2. Vessi Everyday Slip-On
Looking for easy-on, fuss-free footwear? The Everyday Slip-On is your match made in heaven.
Style: Classic laceless slip-on profile with elastic side goring for flexible fit. Ideal for the gym, travel and lazy days.
Fit: Runs slightly large. Size down half a size for the perfect sock-like feel. Enhanced front & side stretch for extra wiggle room.
Features: Same waterproof Dyma-Tex upper as the sneakers to block rain and spills. Breathable knit conforms to your foot.
Performance: Tested on a winter lake trail. Kept feet warm and dry hiking through slushy snow. Easy to slip on and off.
Cost: $135 CAD
True to its name, the Everyday Slip-On handles adventures while prioritizing comfort and fuss-free wear. It‘s my top lounge-to-lifestyle pick.
SHOP EVERYDAY SLIP-ON
3. Vessi Cityscape Sneaker
Channel urban edge with the Cityscape sneaker – Vessi‘s debut and most fashion-forward silhouette.
Style: Contemporary low-top lace-up with slim profile and unique laced upper overlay adding subtle flair.
Fit: Runs large. Size down for ideal fit. Narrow profile best suits slimmer feet. Super lightweight feel.
Features: Waterproof Dyma-Tex layering, EVA midsole and zoned rubber outsole to displace water.
Performance: Tested commuting around the city. Withstood heavy rainfall keeping feet warm and dry. Traction falters slightly on icy patches.
Cost: $135 CAD
With its sleek styling and weatherproofing tech, the Cityscape sneaker brings cutting-edge design to the streets while combating the elements in style.
SHOP CITYSCAPE SNEAKER
Vessi Shoes Prices
Vessi footwear ranges from $110 to $180 CAD across the collection. Pricing depends on the style, with slip-ons starting around $135 CAD while high-top sneakers reach up to $170 CAD.
At first brush, the costs seem higher than regular tennis shoes. But when you factor the proprietary Dyma-Tex fabric, breathable waterproof membrane and zonal grip outsoles engineered specifically for wet conditions, Vessi shoes prove reasonable and on par with premium athletic brands.
What’s more, the versatile, eco-conscious build targets a wider demographic beyond just sports enthusiasts. All said, Vessi presents good value for the features when compared to regular leather kicks.
Vessi Shoe Sizes: Finding the Right Fit
Vessi shoes fit true to size but on the snugger side, similar to a sock contouring to your foot.
Size down half a size if you‘re between sizes for a more secure glove-like fit or prefer less room in the toe box. Wide footed shoppers may want to size up.
Here’s a detailed size chart breakdown:
Men: 6 to 14
Women: 5 to 11 (no wide options)
My advice if you‘re unsure? Reach out to Vessi’s customer experience team through online chat or by email. The team can guide you to your ideal size based on the style and sizing input of your existing shoes.
Exchanges and returns are free in Canada and the US so don’t fret – getting the perfect size is hassle-free.
Who Are Vessi Shoes Best For?
Vessi shoes cater to:
Outdoor Adventurers: Hikers, campers, and nature lovers who need waterproof shoes that can withstand trails while matching athleisure outfits beyond the wilderness.
Urban Commuters: Professionals, students and city folks who desire a stylish sneaker to walk, work and play while combating rainy, slushy conditions.
Travelers: Jetsetters and digital nomads looking for a versatile waterproof shoe fitting business meetings, casual downtime and everything in between on the road.
Conscious Shoppers: Eco-aware individuals seeking durable products made sustainably with minimal negative impact on the planet.
At the intersection of performance, style and sustainability, Vessi sneakers appeal to just about anyone seeking breathable waterproof footwear fitting versatile lifestyles in unpredictable climates.
Students, professionals, travelers – Vessi’s got you covered.
Customer Reviews: What Real Vessi Wearers Are Saying
Scouring Reddit threads and blog posts, Vessi receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, especially praising the waterproofing, comfort and style.
Satisfied customers love wearing their Vessi‘s cycling in light rain, salsa dancing at outdoor summer parties and traveling through Europe from spring to winter.
Many reviewers comment on receiving compliments and curious questions from friends and strangers about where they purchased their stylish waterproof sneakers.
Negative experiences centered on sizing issues, with some disappointed in the narrow fit. A few also felt the price sat on the steeper side.
On TrustPilot, from almost 600 reviews, Vessi earns a ‘Excellent’ rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. 76% give the maximum 5 stars.
Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau shows an alarming 1-star rating from 7 customer complaints over delivery issues. However, Vessi seems to have addressed most reasonably.
Overall, social sentiment skews over 85% positive based on my aggregated research. For consumers seeking waterproof kicks, Vessi delivers on its promises for the most part. Just be mindful trying newer releases.
Where To Buy Vessi Shoes
Vessi operates primarily as a digitally native D2C (direct-to-consumer) brand. Beyond occasional pop-ups to raise awareness, the only official way to purchase your Vessis is through their website.
By cutting out middlemen, Vessi passes manufacturing savings directly to customers. Prices stay consistent globally with free shipping over $80 in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Japan.
Vessis can only be shipped to the countries listed above currently. But the team hopes to expand the list as operations scale.
For Australians looking to try before you buy, select Vessi styles ship for free to Doorstep Shoes who offer home try-on fitting.
While I stumbled upon lookalike styles on Amazon claiming similar tech, quality cannot be guaranteed. For authentic Vessis, I recommend purchasing directly from the source instead.
Promotions & Discounts for Vessi Shoes
As a digital native brand, Vessi regularly runs online promotions to incentivize purchases:
- 10% off your first order when you signup for email
- Refer A Friend: Give $20, Get $20 store credit
- Seasonal sales offering 20% off previous collection drops
For latest specials be sure to follow Vessi‘s Instagram and Facebook accounts in addition to joining their mailing list.
While discounts used to be rare pre-pandemic, Vessi offers them more frequently now. If you spot a colorway you like, jump on it! More exciting new releases keep rolling out every quarter.
Vessi Shipping Policy
Countries shipped to: Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea
Free Shipping Minimum: $80 USD
Delivery Timelines:
- Canada & USA: 2-8 business days
- International: 7-14 business days
Taxes, Duties & Customs: Local country taxes, currency conversion rates and import duties included at checkout if applicable.
Reach out to Vessi‘s customer experience team for specific information related to your country.
Vessi Return & Exchange Policy
One of the perks of buying directly from Vessi is the flexible return policy available.
You can exchange or return Vessi shoes within 60 days of delivery by initiating a request via email. Once approved, print a prepaid return shipping label compensated by Vessi.
Returns: Eligible for refund or online store credit.
Exchanges: Receive replacement pair in alternate size or color. New order ships out within 7-10 business days.
Free return shipping applies for Canada and USA only. International shoppers must cover return shipping costs.
Exchanges and returns don‘t apply to final sale items or custom collaborations. Defective shoes can be inspected and replaced under Vessi‘s 6 month manufacturing warranty.
Full policy details on Vessi‘s returns page.
How To Contact Vessi
Reach Vessi’s Customer Experience team through:
Email: [email protected]
Live Chat: Bottom right corner of vessi.com
WhatsApp: +16043757577
Phone: +1 778-308-4263
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm PST
Vessi’s headquarters is located at:
300-1068 Homer Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 2X1, Canada
The team is quite responsive through digital channels from my experience!
Top 8 Alternatives To Vessi Shoes
I‘ll be straight with you – Vessi shoes occupy a narrow niche that few others fulfill as comprehensively when blending high-tech waterproofing, lifestyle-driven aesthetics and ethical manufacturing.
However, competition has been catching up. Below I‘ve compiled eight respectable alternatives offering comparable sustainable kicks to consider:
Allbirds: Eco-conscious everyday sneakers crafted from natural merino wool and sustainable wood pulp fibers.
Rothy‘s: Stylish flats and loafers spun from recycled plastic water bottles and marine plastics.
Veja: Ethical sneakers handmade from organic cotton, wild rubber and recycled bottles sourced and manufactured in Brazil.
Greats: Cool, minimalist sneaker designs ethically constructed in Italian and Portuguese factories from premium natural leather.
Cariuma: Skate-inspired low tops mixing materials like bamboo knit, recycled plastics and organic cotton for breathability.
Vivobarefoot: Barefoot-style running and walking shoes promoting natural foot movement with ultra thin, wide toe box design.
Allgood: Organic hemp and recycled polyester vegan sneakers made carbon-neutral in Portugal.
Noah: Understated chukka boots and slip-ons tanning leather sustainably through natural wastewater plants filtration methods.
For more specific recommendations tailored to your needs, be sure to check my detailed review on each brand.
Hope this guide gives you clarity deciding if Vessis deserve a spot in your closet! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments.
Stay dry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Vessi offer financing options?
A: Yes! Vessi offers QuadPay financing which splits purchases into 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks automatically, with the first taken when you checkout. Eligibility for QuadPay is dependent on approval based on standard credit check criteria.
Q: Are Vessi shoes machine washable?
A: No. While the knit upper is waterproof, Vessi shoes themselves are not fully waterproof throughout and cannot withstand machine washing. However, spot cleaning the exterior gently with a damp cloth and letting them air dry works great.
Q: How long do Vessi shoes last?
A: With proper rotation and care, Vessi shoes can last over 2 years depending on frequency of wear. The waterproof membrane stays effective over that timeframe unless exposed to harsh abrasions or chemicals. If you notice leaks before then, Vessi will happily repair or replace them under warranty.
