Is the hype around Vessi shoes worth it especially for active family travel? We decided to find out during our recent week-long adventure to Tofino on Vancouver Island. This Vessi Weekend sneaker review is based on real use, weather, and family chaos.
When travelling as a family, having the right footwear can make or break your day. You need something waterproof, comfortable, lightweight, and versatile enough to go from trails to town without missing a step. That’s why we packed our Vessi Weekend sneakers (for both adults and kids) and put them to the test in one of Canada’s most rugged and beautiful places.
We recently spent a week exploring the beaches, forests, and trails of Tofino on Vancouver Island, and if there’s one thing we learned, it’s that the weather can change fast. From rain-drenched hikes to sandy beaches and chilly mornings, we experienced a little bit of everything.
Vessi is also a Canadian brand, which we love to support even more in 2025. Their shoes promise comfort, waterproof protection, and everyday wearability. After a week on the Island, we can confidently say: these sneakers went everywhere with us.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is Vessi a good shoe for travel?”, we’ve got answers.
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First Impressions on the Vessi Waterproof Shoes
When our Vessi Weekend sneakers arrived, the first thing I noticed was how light and stylish they looked. They didn’t scream “outdoor gear,” which I appreciated. These are shoes you can wear on a hike and still feel good about wearing to dinner.
When we travel as a family, we always pack light. For example, we went to Iceland last April for 10 days, travelling with only two carry-on bags for four people.
The shoes also felt incredibly soft and flexible right out of the box, with no stiffness or bulk. Honestly, they seemed like the perfect travel shoe. The design is clean, modern, and easy to match with whatever you’re wearing.
We chose light colours, which made me a little nervous for a trip filled with rain, sand, and muddy trails. (Spoiler: by the end of the trip, they were no longer white… so the real test would come at cleaning time... after washing them, lots of the dirt came out, but they are obviously not bright white anymore)
Right away, we could tell these were Vessi waterproof shoes, but they didn’t feel rubbery or stiff like some waterproof footwear can. They were soft, flexible, and surprisingly breathable.
Everyone in the family who had a pair said the same thing after trying them on: “These are SO comfortable.” Expectations were high, but we were excited to see how they’d hold up in real conditions.
Sizing and Fit
👟 Adult Sizing
Vessi shoes don’t come in half sizes, which is something to keep in mind. I normally wear a 5.5, so I ordered a 6 in the Weekend sneaker. They were a bit roomy, especially without socks, but adding a thin insole fixed the issue completely. With socks and the insole, they fit perfectly and stay comfortable all day.
If you’re in between sizes, we’d recommend sizing up and using an insole if needed (as I can’t stand shoes that are too small). The material is soft and flexible, so there’s no rigid structure pressing on your foot.
👶 Kids’ Option
At the time we ordered, Vessi had limited stock for kids, only the Limited colours were available, and smaller sizes were sold out. Sadly, our youngest (size 11) couldn’t get a pair, but our older child did, and the fit was great.
The kids’ Vessis are easy for kids to put on and take off themselves, thanks to the toggle-style laces. No tying needed. They also stayed snug during play, meaning no sand-filled shoes or mid-day adjustments.
For families planning ahead, just know that availability for kids can be limited, especially in smaller sizes or popular colours. But if you can get your hands on a pair, they’re worth it.
🛒 You can learn more or order directly from vessi.com.
Performance of the Vessi Weekend Sneakers in Tofino’s Diverse Conditions
Tofino gave us the full West Coast experience: sunshine, wind, and a healthy dose of spring rain. Our Vessi Weekend sneakers stayed with us throughout.
🌧️ Rainy Day Hikes
Our first day on Vancouver Island was also the rainiest. We planned hikes at Little Qualicum Falls and Cathedral Grove, and the weather didn’t slow us down. It poured steadily, and the trails were wet and muddy.
When we returned to the car, only my oldest son and I had dry feet. We were the only ones wearing Vessi.
My son even looked down, grinned, and said, “Well at least my feet aren’t wet… not even one bit.” After that, I pretty much wore my Vessi Weekend sneakers for the rest of the trip, rain or shine. They handled everything without getting soggy, heavy, or uncomfortable.
🦀 Beach and Tide Pool Exploring
We spent hours exploring beaches and tide pools in Tofino: Long Beach, Cox Bay, and spots near our hostel. These are places where your feet constantly get splashed, stepped in puddles, or sink into wet sand.
Plus, of course the kids always get a bit to close to the water and end up getting all yet as waves get in.
The Vessi shoes were champs. Even after an afternoon in tide pools and chasing waves, our feet stayed dry.
👟 Comparing Other Shoes
The rest of the family wore a mix of running shoes and hiking boots. My hiking shoes were great for grip, but they were bulky and not as comfortable. So I barely touched them after Day 1. Vessis felt better and looked better too. I even wore them to dinner in Tofino and didn’t feel out of place.
They’re more than just rain-ready, they’re the only shoes I needed for the entire week.
🛒 You can learn more or order directly from vessi.com.
Pros and Cons of Wearing the Vessi Weekend Sneakers
After wearing the Vessi Weekend sneakers every day on our Tofino trip, here’s a quick breakdown of what stood out, and what could be improved.
✅ Pros:
- Waterproof – Truly keeps feet dry in rain, puddles, and wet sand
- Comfortable – No break-in needed, supportive for all-day wear
- Lightweight & breathable – Easy to pack and perfect for travel
- Stylish – Looks good enough for dinner out, not just for the trail
- Kid-friendly design – Easy to slip on/off, no laces to tie
- Canadian brand – Love supporting a local company that delivers quality
❌ Cons:
- No half sizes – Might need to size up and add insoles
- Limited stock for kids – Fewer sizes and colour options available
- Light colours show dirt – You’ll need to clean them if you choose white or beige
Even with a few limitations, the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks for us.
Final Verdict: Comfort and Wearability
The Vessi Weekend sneakers were some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever travelled with from the first to the last day. There was no break-in period, just slip them on and go. They felt soft, flexible, and supportive.
We walked a lot during our Tofino trip: from hikes and beaches to wandering through town, and these shoes held up every time. Even after full days on our feet, we had no blisters, no aches, and no complaints, which, for a family trip, is saying something.
One of the best features was how lightweight they were. On long walks or when carrying a kid and a backpack, that really matters. They’re also breathable, which keeps our feet from overheating even when the sun comes out.
By the end of the week, I was wishing I had a second pair in a darker colour, because I didn’t want to wear anything else.
Wondering if they can handle real family travel?
The answer is yes.
If you’re planning a trip with kids, especially one that includes unpredictable weather or lots of outdoor time, these are a smart investment. And for anyone still asking, “Is Vessi a good shoe for travel?” the answer from our family is a definite yes.
Plus, it feels good to support a Canadian brand that’s doing something a little different in the footwear space.
🛒 You can learn more or order directly from vessi.com.
