Vessi Shoes Review: Wear the Weekend for Comfort, Style

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Knit footwear has been on the rise for the better part of a decade. As a result, numerous brands have sprouted up, attempting to offer comfortable and casual footwear for everyday life. One brand that’s gained a lot of momentum, especially on social media, is Vessi.

Vessi develops shoes that are meant for all walks of life—literally. The brand offers a range of modern footwear, but this Vessi shoes review will focus primarily on the Weekend Sneaker.

The Weekend takes design cues from classic court sneakers while still incorporating plenty of modern touches. Being one of the most popular options the brand offers, this shoe does a lot of things right (and some wrong). Luckily, I’ve done plenty of rigorous testing for this Vessi shoes review to determine if the Weekend is truly worth the hype.

So, let’s hop into this Vessi Weekend shoe review and see if they’re the right fit for you.

How We Tested

After grabbing a pair of Weekend Sneakers for this Vessi shoes review, I immediately began testing them to determine the standout strengths and weaknesses. A few thousand steps later, through both rain and shine, I feel I’ve been able to formulate a strong opinion regarding these shoes.

In addition to my own testing, I’ve done plenty of research to see what others are saying as well. With nearly 12,000 reviews on the Vessi website, it’s safe to say there’s a huge pool of data to draw from. Hopefully, all of the information I’m about to lay out in this article will help you to shop accordingly.

Measurements

When it comes to footwear, I typically range between sizes 10.5 and 11.5 (depending on the material and style). Since Vessi doesn’t offer half sizes for most of its shoes, I opted to try a size 11, which fits me very well. The shoes aren’t overly snug, yet they also feel secure enough to my feet that they won’t slip off accidentally.

Vessi also recommends sizing down for those with narrower feet and sizing up for those with wider feet. Of course, you can find a sizing chart and a measurement graphic on the website to help inform your final decision. If you do happen to order the wrong size, Vessi offers free returns within 90 days of delivery for those living in North America.

TL;DR

After meticulous research and testing, here’s a brief overview of everything you should know about the Weekend Sneakers:

• What to consider: style, comfort, and functionality
• Pros: waterproof, breathable, sleek, machine washable, and easy to wear
• Cons: no half sizes, quality control issues, and easy discoloration
• Verdict: A solid pair of modern sneakers that should fit right in with most casual wardrobes
• Alternatives: Everyday Move Slip-Ons and Courtside Classic Sneakers

About The Vessi Weekend Sneakers

The Vessi Weekend Sneaker is made with a modern knit fabric that’s both breathable and lightweight. The proprietary Dyma-tex waterproofing technology protects your feet, even through the toughest conditions.

This shoe is available only in full sizes and generally runs true to size. The insoles are removable, offering reasonable comfort and support—yet they can also be changed according to your personal preferences.

The style is primarily casual, but this shoe can be dressed up for a smart-casual approach. The design offers plenty of versatility, regardless of the occasion and weather.

What To Consider Before Buying 

Style

Knit sneakers have become super popular over the last few years, and it’s clear they’re not just a trend. These shoes are fairly casual by nature, but it really depends on how you intend to wear them. If you’re the type to wear leather shoes with a suit every day, then these sneakers may not be the best fit for you. However, if you typically find yourself throwing on jeans and a T-shirt, then these shoes might fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.

Comfort

Comfort also plays an essential role in any pair of shoes that you choose to purchase. These sneakers offer a decent amount of support for their minimalist style. The slimmer design means that they won’t necessarily have as much padding as some chunkier shoes out there. However, they do offer excellent flexibility and breathability, which goes a long way in comfort. That being said, comfort is ultimately subjective, and some reviewers have complained that these sneakers aren’t as comfortable as they’d like.

Functionality

Shoes like the Weekend are often designed with functionality in mind. If you care more about how a shoe holds up through your daily activities, then these sneakers are a solid option. They offer plenty of perks, like waterproofing, that help make life a little easier. Now, it’s hard to find a shoe that will work perfectly for you in every regard. Functionality is determined by your personal preferences and what you’re specifically looking for in a shoe.

Why They’re Great

This wouldn’t be a proper review of Vessi shoes if we didn’t talk about the obvious. Waterproofing is one of the most prominent features that Vessi advertises in its shoes. In this case, the hype is justified because these sneakers protect from water really well. They also offer great temperature regulation for warmer months. For colder months, they can still get the job done, but they won’t offer nearly as much insulation as a pair of leather boots will.

On that note, these shoes are made with 100% vegan materials. If you care about where your shoe materials are sourced from, then these might be a great option for you. Not to mention, they’re fairly easy to clean, and the removable insoles offer decent arch support. If you do prefer more support or you have custom orthotics, then you can switch out the insoles in mere seconds. This can provide a lot of flexibility and is great for long-term usage.

How To Break them in/Wear them 

Right out of the box, these shoes should already be fairly comfortable (if you have the right size). Unlike leather, which tends to have a long break-in period, knit shoes require much less time. Over the span of a week or so, these shoes should gradually adapt to your feet and reach maximum comfort levels. You can also get more longevity out of these shoes by changing the insoles every so often. With proper care and maintenance, these shoes can last you quite a long time.

But how should you wear them? These sneakers will work well with almost any casual outfit that you can imagine—whether it be jeans and a polo or shorts and a T-shirt. You can also throw them on with a pair of slacks and a button-up shirt for a casual yet refined look. These shoes are great to wear all year long, but they’ll be most comfortable during the warmer seasons.

Flaws but Not Deal-breakers 

No product is without its drawbacks. As previously mentioned, the Weekend Sneakers aren’t available in half sizes—only ranging between sizes 6 and 13. In general, most Vessi shoes aren’t available in half sizes, which could cause complications for those who tend to run in between sizes. That being said, the knit upper is still very stretchy and will likely work for most feet out there. You may need to try on a couple of different sizes to ultimately determine the best fit for you.

It’s also worth noting that Vessi does have some quality control issues that need to be worked on. Some reviewers have complained about products arriving with defects or products that don’t arrive at all. Lighter-colored shoes may also stain more easily than darker ones—especially when exposed to heavy rain.

How To Care For The Weekend Sneakers

One of the biggest perks that comes with owning a pair of knit sneakers is that they’re often super easy to clean. Although leather shoes may require very specific maintenance procedures, these shoes can be cleaned in a few simple steps.

When you notice the shoes are starting to look a little rough, simply remove the insoles and laces before throwing them in the washing machine. Make sure to run the load with cold water and add some mild detergent. After the cycle finishes, leave the shoes out to air dry before replacing the laces and insoles. Just like that, you’ll have a pair of shoes that look great and feel practically brand new.

You Have Options: 2 Alternatives 

If the Weekend Sneakers don’t feel like a fit for you, Vessi offers several other shoes that might be more up your alley.

One of those options is the Everyday Move Slip-On Sneaker—an even sleeker, sock-like pair of shoes. As the name implies, you can easily slip these sneakers on and off for a variety of situations. These shoes are also super breathable and have added cushioning in the midsole for maximum comfort.

Another great option is the Courtside Classic, which is Vessi’s take on the Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker. The Courtside feels more like a standard leather sneaker, yet it’s still 100% vegan and waterproof. Comfort is also a top priority with these shoes, featuring a padded tongue and collar to minimize blisters, even after extensive walking.

Why Trust Us

Shoes are, without a doubt, my favorite element of style. It’s pretty hard to beat a great piece of footwear that manages to pull a whole outfit together. My appreciation for footwear has led me to learn as much as I can about the construction and design process—whether it be a boot, sneaker, or sandal.

I’ve tackled a range of pieces with FashionBeans, focusing on topics such as travel shoes and boot oils. Not to mention, I even worked at a prominent boot company for a year. All of this is to say that I’m a diehard fan of footwear, which is why I don’t take this topic lightly. With the knowledge I’ve gained, my ultimate goal for this Vessi shoes review is to help you make a purchase that you don’t end up regretting.

Verdict

So, are the Vessi Weekend Sneakers worth the price and the hype? Well, if you’re looking for a pair of casual and reliable shoes, I’d say they’re a pretty solid option. These sneakers embrace many modern footwear philosophies and are super versatile for whatever life may throw your way. The Everyday Move Slip-Ons and Courtside Classic Sneakers are a few other reasonable options to consider as well. If you were on the fence about whether or not you should purchase a pair of these shoes, hopefully, this Vessi shoes review was able to finalize your decision.