Vessi Footwear Review: Men’s ‘The Everyday’ Sneakers In Waterproof Knit

Style & Appearance

The Everyday model from Vessi is an athletic sneaker style. It’s constructed of a pliable rubber sole and a black-and-grey knit upper. It also boasts flanking segments of a textured synthetic material to which the laces attach, and which appears at a distance like leather (but isn’t.)

The sole itself possesses a minimal design motif and very discreet branding. A small Vessi ‘V’ logo can be found on the front of the sole, while the brand name itself is in relief on the back.

While I understand why brands like to make their brand visible on shoes, and especially in sneakers, it can easily become distasteful. Vessi has done a proper job integrating theirs into the shoe, where it’s clearly visible without it being detrimental.

In this all black colorway, the knit upper is mostly black though speckled with dark gray throughout. There’s also round laces of a similar theme, and which impart their own athletic aesthetic to the overall look of the sneaker.

All in all, The Everyday touts a sleek profile and uncomplicated design. Technically it’s composed of just a few elements. But together they become more than their individual parts, resulting in an attractive and visually intriguing sneaker. It’s also different to the major sneaker or runner styles I’ve come across, namely those produced by the most recognized brands, which is certainly refreshing.

Fit & Comfort

In the fit and comfort categories is where these Vessi shoes really excel. In fact, I’d compare putting on The Everydays to slipping on a pair of waterproof socks with a lightweight rubber sole. If that doesn’t sound enticing to you, then read on.

The knit upper is stretchy and comfortable, wrapping around the entire foot snugly. Moreover, it’s so snug and secure that I found no need to tighten the laces, even while exercising. Nevertheless, when taking them off, they slide off the foot just as easily as they slipped on.

The rubber sole is cushy while remaining flexible and bouncy, easily bending along the footbed as I walked. Even out of the box, they felt pliable – there was no stiffness or break-in period here.

It’s certainly a pleasant deviation from our other shoe reviews which deal mostly with leather varieties that, even in the best case, require a couple of wears to fit just right. These also fit true-to-size, yet another concern found in leather examples not encountered here.

The Everydays also include a pair of anti-microbial foam insoles; these provide a nice additional layer of cushion to the shoe. They also make it so that these Vessis can be worn sockless, something I’m not necessarily partial to, though admittedly some are.

Waterproof Upper

Aside from helping the shoes envelop the foot comfortably and completely, the knit upper also shields from the outside environment. It’s a fully-waterproof, multi-layered membrane that allows the foot to “breathe” while still barring out any liquids or dirt. I’ve yet to put these to the test during a Philly rainstorm, though I did do a sort of “water bottle test” which proved the claim.

I’m also interested to see how they’ll fare in a Philly snowstorm. If nothing else, the rubber soles should provide some good grip. These Vessis are also supposed to offer insulation from wind and cold, though I did not have a chance to assess this. Expect an update with first-hand experience in the coming months.

Dress Code & Formality

We’ve previously reviewed a premium-leather GAT (German Army Trainer) style which could pass off as a formal sneaker style. These Vessi shoes are definitely not that. These are athletic sneakers that in today’s day and age could be worn for very casual outings and in the workplaces that already allow sneakers.

Just about anyone who spends the day on their feet, for instance those in the healthcare industry, could benefit from these. The light weight of the rubber sole coupled with the comfort imparted by the sock-like upper make them an ideal choice. We’ve already covered this in greater detail in our guide for the best shoes for work.

This is outside of the place where sneakers are king, and the setting I found most apt for them, the gym. Not only are they extremely cushy, they also look great, which isn’t necessarily always the case with sporty sneakers. To see what we mean, check out our guide to the best running shoes for men.

Lastly, these could also serve as a great option for those who already carry two pairs on their daily foot commute. They’re light and flexible enough to be stored in a small bag or even a briefcase, while also allowing you to keep your more formal work pair clean and ready for the boardroom.

Presentation & Value For Money

These Vessi The Everyday shoes were delivered, naturally, in a corresponding Vessi-branded shoe box with not much else. The insoles were already inside the sneakers themselves, and though they are removable, I recommend against it as they play a signifcant role in providing comfort.

As far as value for money, let’s consider the quality. In the more than two dozen wears I’ve given The Everydays, particularly after numerous cardio sessions in the gym, these sneakers have given no indication that the durability is to be questioned.  The sole shows no signs of separating from the upper which itself remains tight and taut.

Indeed, sneakers should hold up over hundreds of wears, particularly at the price point, so time will tell though the future looks promising. Currently, The Everyday is available on Vessi’s website for the pre-order price of $135, though the advertised MSRP is $150.

Closing Thoughts

The Everyday from Vessi offers  the comfort of a sneaker in a contemporary style, with the convenient technology of a completely waterproof shoe, and at a fair price point.

Indeed, you can find cheaper sneakers out there, though you may not come across the same look and certainly not the same resistance to the elements. Yet if you’re not so concerned with your sneakers’ resistance to water or mud, and aren’t so bothered by aesthetics, then you may be better off looking elsewhere.

Alternatively, in the present-day, it’s acceptable to wear sneakers in more settings than ever. If you’re the person who wants just one pair for all of those settings (and everything in between), then these Vessi shoes are certainly ones to consider.

They’ll be comfortable, they’ll look good while doing so, and are essentially guaranteed to stay free of stains. What more do you want from your sneakers?

Further Reading

Once you’ve finished reading our review, feel free to peruse our wide range of shoe content such as the following resources:

• The Most Comfortable Sneakers You Can Find Online
• The Best Walking Shoes For Men
• Top 10 Best Shoes For Work
• Best Shoes For Standing All Day
• Bespoke Unit’s Complete Guide To Men’s Sneakers
• Catch Up With Our Latest Shoe Reviews