Vessi Waterproof Shoes Review: Are They Fit for the Adventure?
Post Summary: My experiential review of Vessi shoes
My MOST IMPORTANT piece of clothing while traveling is a solid pair of shoes. Something that can keep my flat feet comfy on those long days walking cobblestone streets in Europe, dry when squishing through marshy jungle floor in the Amazon, shoes that are grippy enough for Utah’s desert rocks, and comfortable enough for long hours on the plane.
Vessi Waterproof Shoes: Women’s Weekend Chelsea in Storm Black.
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So, when Vessi popped up on my Instagram, I decided to give them a try. I ordered 5 pairs and put them to the test. Here’s my review!
This post is in partnership with Vessi and contains affiliate links that’ll give me a small commission upon purchases made through these links at no additional expense to you. All opinions are always my own.
Vessi Waterproof Shoes: Women’s Weekend Chelsea in Shiitake Brown.
Table of Contents
Why Did I want Vessi Shoes in the first place?
For travel!
I wear my Blundstones like they’re extensions of my own feet, but they get pretty bulky for any type of lightweight travel and can look a little rugged too. They’re not super easy to dress up, and I’ve ruined them by wearing them in full on storms–they’re no longer totally waterproof. Sad.
For wetter climates, I’d wear sandals, but those only work as long as it’s warm. As a light carry-on traveler, I need a pair of shoes that are small, packable, lightweight, clothes-toed, and waterproof. Vessi was starting to sound pretty dang good.
I’m an 8.5, but since they don’t carry half sizes, I was a little nervous ordering. Do I size up or down? They say they’re true to size but my true size is 8.5! So I ordered down, and I’m SO glad I did. They’re a little snug but super comfy.
Vessi Waterproof Shoes: Women’s Weekend Chelsea in Storm Black.
Styles I ordered:
Women’s Weekend Chelsea (in Storm Black and Shiitake Brown)
I sent it to the mountains to do a little snowboarding, but it rained so dang much, we never strapped in, which gave me the perfect opportunity to test out my new Vessi’s.
I wore the Weekend Chelsea’s around the neighborhood, and they held up super well in snow, ice, and puddles. My feet not only stayed totally dry, but they soles were super grippy, even in the ice (which totally surprised me), and combined with merino wool socks, they stayed toasty warm too!
Keeping my feet warm has always been a struggle–I suffer from Chilblains because of it–so when I got back home, I went straight from the Chelsea’s to the Sunday Slippers. Comfort: 10/10. They’re so cushy, cozy, and I can fold down the back, flexible heel to turn them into slip-on’s, which is the only way I wear them these days. And because they’re waterproof with grippy soles, they’re great for quick runs to the mailbox too!
And for the drive home? The Cityscape Classics. I could not believeeee how lightweight every single pair of the Vessi waterproof shoes are! My brain can’t comprehend how such flexible fabric can do such an amazing job keeping the water out.
Vessi Waterproof Shoes: Women’s Weekend Chelsea in Shiitake Brown.
Where do I wear my Vessi Waterproof Shoes?
I live in Washington where it rains too much (*sigh), which also means my Slip-ons, Chelseas, and Slippers are regulars in my wardrobe. I pop on my Slip-ons when I’m going to the grocery store, my Chelseas when I’m on a road trip, or my Slippers when I’m hanging around the house.
I brought my Chelsea boots on my month-long adventure in Mexico, and they came in clutch. I wore them to the pyramids (pictured above), walked on plenty of unmaintained and questionable roads for miles, and dressed them up for nicer days in Mexico City! They’ve become my go-to travel shoe, replacing my bulky Blundstones because they’re a little more versatile.
Vessi Waterproof Shoes: Women’s Weekend Chelsea in Shiitake Brown.
My Takeaway
I’m a fan!! Highly recommend. Vessi waterproof shoes are awesome for all types of soft adventure travel. They don’t have the grip or support of a hiking boot, so I wouldn’t recommend wearing them on longer hikes, but if you’re looking for the best walking shoes for Europe, a pair of shoes to keep your feet warm and dry the snow, and something you can dress up or dress down depending on the occasion, these are sweet, and there are tons of styles to match your vibe.
Find a pair of Vessi’s here, and happy travels!