“I wanted to looooove these shoes, and I do, but there are a few things about them that didn’t quite hit the mark. I heard about Vessi from a friend of mine. I am always on the lookout for comfortable but stylish sneakers that can be dressed up or down, because I live a pretty active lifestyle, go on lots of walks, and want to be ready for whatever life throws at me (including rain). I also care a lot about personal style – my style is mostly casual but I like a pair of sneakers that can take me from hanging out during the day to being a bit dressed up for the evening.
I’m a size EU 36 in women’s shoes, and I find that to be the most accurate sizing for my foot. I wear US 6.5 in Nike and US 6 in Adidas. I sometimes wear half-orthotics in my daily shoes, so it’s nice when shoes can accomodate that. The Vessi size chart suggested that I size down a full size in the Weekender, so I bought a size 5, feeling rather confident about it. But I usually find shoe shopping stressful, and do find it hard to find comfortable shoes, so I was still a bit anxious.
The shoes were a really snug fit when I put them on. I didn’t expect them to be that snug, and I bought the Vessi socks as well, but they were so, so thick that wearing the shoes felt uncomfortable. I trusted that they would stretch out a little so I walked around indoors with them on, and wore my own (much thinner) socks. I also believed that a size 6 would be too big. I didn’t find the shoes to be much better after I walked around, but then I discovered you could take the sole out.
I took the sole out and was able to wear the shoes with my orthotics. They were, and have been, far more comfortable. I’ve walked in them for several kilometres daily, and after a few weeks they’re my new favourite daily shoe. I’m still a bit disappointed that with the insole they are too snug. I have tried them every now and then with the insoles and my toes get cramped after a short walk, even though the heel feels almost loose. But I hope they continue to stretch a bit. I suspect the toe box might be too small for some people. I don’t have a wide front of foot, but I’m the kind of person who can’t wear pointed shoes because I also don’t have the narrowest of feet.
Regarding the waterproof feature, I did walk in the rain and had completely dry socks even though the legs of my jeans were damp. I could step in puddles, and all I had to worry about was stepping too fast that I’d splash water on the rest of me. When I cleaned my shoes with water and soap to remove stains, enough water does make it feel wet on the inside. So I obviously wouldn’t swim in these or just run them under water deliberately for too long!
Style-wise, these sneakers still have a really athletic look even though they’re not as sporty as the other Vessi models. They are, however, not as “stylish” as even a basic pair of white leather sneakers, and still look athletic and more casual. They are also on the more “cute” and minimal side. If that’s the kind of shoe that doesn’t suit you, then I wouldn’t go for this. I’m a white sneaker fiend but I got the glacier blue for something different.
Overall I do love these shoes but the sizing was a bit frustrating and does leave me wondering if I should be sizing up if I were to purchase another pair. It also leaves me uncertain about the other Vessi models because the Weekender is different/runs large and I’ve already had issues with sizing. Generally I think it’s easier for the customer if brands are able to keep these kinds of things consistent.”
