- Founded in 2018, Vessi is a Vancouver-based startup specializing in sneakers that are lightweight, breathable, and 100% waterproof.
- Their shoes use a knit material called Dyma-tex, which allows heat and moisture in the form of sweat to escape, but prevents water from entering.
- We tested them out to see if they lived up to the hype and demand. Spoiler: they absolutely did.
- Right now, Vessi’s Community Fund Program is allocating $1,000 a day to support ten heroes on the COVID front lines with groceries, medical equipment, and more.
- To help, you can get $40 off each pair (no donation) with the promo code “PAYITFORWARD” or get $25 off and donate $15 to the fund with the promo code “MAKEWAVES” at checkout. You can also buy a pair at full price and donate $40 to the fund.
As consumers, we all hate when the things we want are sold out. But as a retailer, a completely sold out stock is actually a good problem to have – and it’s one that Vancouver-based sneaker brand Vessi knows all too well.
Founded in 2018 by Andy Wang, Tony Yu, and Mikaella Go, Vessi has gained notoriety for its 100% waterproof sneakers. We recently named them the best waterproof sneakers in our buying guide for waterproof footwear, and apparently we’re not the only ones who like them so much.
In less than one year, the startup went from selling 5,000 pairs a month to 50,000 pairs a month, accounting for a 900% increase in sales. The demand became so overwhelming that Vessi decided to shut down its website for a few weeks to catch up on orders and learn more about the thousands of customers who had already bought pairs.
"During the period of halting orders, we answered all consumer queries, got on the phone to listen to direct feedback, and we were able to learn even more about what our core customers crave - from seamless policies to product improvements." Yu told Business Insider.
Now, the shoes are back in stock, and Vessi is back in business.
What makes Vessi's shoes different
What separates Vessi from other sneaker brands is the innovative waterproofing technology it uses, and the fact that each pair only weighs 6.7 ounces.
Vessi's are the lightest waterproof shoes in the world (according to them), making them far more versatile than clunky rain boots, heavy winter boots, or a lightweight shoe that's only water-resistant. Its shoes are truly waterproof thanks to a proprietary knit material the brand created called Dyma-tex, which allows for breathability in a way most waterproof materials don't.
Essentially, the Dyma-tex material has millions of tiny holes in the membrane to allow heat and moisture in the form of sweat to leave the shoe, while preventing water from seeping in. For good measure, the shoes are also treated with a water-repellent layer to allow dirt, stains, and water to bead right off the surface.
The INSIDER video team tested out the shoes by jumping into puddles and submerging them in buckets of water, which you can watch below. Suffice it to say that they were just as impressed as we were.
Check out our full review of Vessi's sneaker lineup:
Vessi Everyday Sneaker
Men's sizing: Everyday Sneaker, from $95, available in 11 colors
Women's sizing: Everyday Sneaker, from $95, available in 12 colors
The Vessi Everyday Sneaker has all of the basic elements of a knit sneaker from a sportswear brand, which makes it very easy to wear regularly. I've worn my pair a handful of times in New York City, but luckily didn't come in contact with any rain or puddles. So, to put them to the test, I submerged them in a bucket of water and the inside stayed completely dry. I'm confident that the only way your feet would get wet while wearing these is if they were fully submerged and water made its way in from the top.
I think it's worth emphasizing that these are not just overpriced water shoes. Vessi sneakers are designed to keep water out, while water shoes typically welcome water. I probably wouldn't wear these in the snowy winter (I actually appreciate the bulkiness of boots when it's freezing cold outside), but I wouldn't hesitate to travel with these as my only pair of shoes for both walking and adventuring. - Amir Ismael, Insider Reviews reporter
Vessi Cityscape
Men's sizing: Vessi Cityscape, from $95, available in five colors
Women's sizing: Vessi Cityscape, from $95, available in seven colors
I wore my Vessi sneakers on a trip to Austin, Texas with the knowledge that I was going to be exploring springs and pools. I wanted to pack light, so they were the only pair of shoes I brought, and I crossed my fingers that they would work as they said. They turned out to be a great travel shoe because they were as comfortable as regular sneakers, but as practical as rain boots. I stepped my entire foot into a pool and no water seeped in. As it rained the entire weekend, the shoes also repelled the water effectively. It's a major plus that the soft and cushioned shoes don't have an obnoxious or obvious waterproof design. - Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter
Vessi Everyday Slip On
Men's sizing: Everyday Slip On, from $95, available in four colors
Women's sizing: Everyday Slip On, from $95, available in three colors
The Vessi Everyday Slip On shoes are designed to function as lightweight, waterproof, versatile sneakers - and they deliver on all three. They held up well to New York City's brackish puddles without letting the water seep in, but they have great airflow despite the solid insulation. All in all, they'll stack up to expectations. Compared to the other two styles with laces, the Everyday Slip On is easy to put on and take off, and it's slightly less bulky. - Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
The bottom line
Vessi sneakers have become a cult favorite among travelers in need of versatile, waterproof shoes, but they're equally as popular among everyday comfort seekers who would rather rely on a single pair of shoes for all types of weather.