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We’ve taken a look at a number of different types of shoes and boots, some for dry land, some meant for heading into the water, and some fully waterproof. That last category – waterproof – we’ve seen a few different manners that it’s done. Sometimes it’s a water-repellant treatment on the fabric, and sometimes there’s a liner placed inside a regular version of the shoe. With what Vessi does, the waterproof bits are designed in from the beginning. Let’s see how that works with the Vessi Stormburst.
Vessi Stormburst: what they are
The Vessi Stormburst are a pair of knit hightops that you’d wear instead of a pair of boots. These days, knit shoes should be quite familiar. They’re great because they make for a pair of shoes that are easy to slip on, and often are quite stretchy and breathable. In other words, super comfortable. What they’re not so great with is keeping your feet dry if you get caught in the rain.
Sure, you could use some waterproofing spray, or hope the brand releases a version with a waterproof liner built in. Thing is, with that second option, that takes up room inside the shoe, which cuts down on comfort. Vessi goes another route, and they actually build in the water resistance into the fibers of the textile.
Looking at the inside of the shoe, it looks sort of like a neoprene-type material. They’ve ensure there’s plenty of micropores in there, which allows the heat and moisture from your feet to wick and evaporate away, but still keep the rain out. On top of that, you can see that the uppers of the Vessi Stormburst have additional rubberized panels coming up from the rubber outsole, allowing you to splash through puddles without a concern.
Wearing them out and about
Even though the Vessi Stormburst look and feel a little more aimed at cooler weather, it’s summer here in Chicagoland, and that’s where I put them to work. While it hasn’t been a particularly wet summer, we’ve had some rainy days where I was able to check out how dry my feet stayed.
Long story short – the water resistance held up just as advertised. The way these shoes are constructed, my feet did definitely feel warmer than in another pair of sneakers. My feet normally feel cold, so I didn’t really mind it all that much. If your feet run warm, though, these are kicks you might want to save for fall and winter.
Another great thing to note is just how easy the Vessi Stormburst are to pull on. You see laces on a high top – sneakers or boots – and you think you’re in for an ordeal getting them on. Not so here. You’ve got a sock-like cuff at the top that stretches (as does the rest of the upper) making it easy to slip your foot in. You’ll want to make use of that loop at the back (which has a reflective strip) to pull back against, but it really couldn’t be simpler to pull these one. And since they stretch, you’re not messing with the laces, so no need to retie those all the time.
The first time I pulled them on, the Vessi Stormburst did feel snug on the feet. This takes a little getting used to, but you do get adjusted to it. This also means that the shoes stay firmly on your feet, and you’re not dealing with any sort of heel slip or things of that nature. While there’s not a real break-in period, per se, you will notice that the upper will start developing lines that match how you’re moving in the shoes. They were great for when I had to commute to the office on a rainy day, or when I was heading out into an area that was going to be wet and muddy.
Wrapping things up
While I felt the Vessi Stormburst worked well in the summer, I’m really looking forward to putting these to use in the fall. Winter time, well, we’ll have to see how warm they feel when temps drop nearer to freezing. Having a sneaker-look option to wear in scenarios where you normally would go for boots? That’s a good bit of flexibility, for sure.
If you’d like to get your own pair of Vessi Stormburst, they’re available in four colors, from mens sizes 6 – 14 or womens sizes 5-11 (and only three colors) for $180. These are also available in a low top version, and we do have another Vessi lowtop review in the works as well. You can order yours directly from vessi.com
Vessie Stormburst Features
- Dyma-tex® 100% waterproof technology
- High rebound, dual-density midsole
- Lugged full rubber outsole
- Breathable knit upper
- Pull tabs for easy on and off
- Reflective hits
- Protective toe caps for added durability
- TPU layering for added warmth
- Vegan materials
Vessi Stormburst Features
- Dyma-tex® 100% waterproof technology
- High rebound, dual-density midsole
- Lugged full rubber outsole
- Breathable knit upper
- Pull tabs for easy on and off
- Reflective hits
- Protective toe caps for added durability
- TPU layering for added warmth
- Vegan materials
