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We’ve all been there, walking along, minding your own business, when suddenly, your socks transform into soggy, soul-crushing sponges. Boom. Your feet are soaked, and you spend the rest of the day squelching around pretending your mood isn’t ruined (but let’s be honest, we all know it is).
Well, my friend, let me introduce you to Vessi, a brand that claims to have cracked the code on 100% waterproof trainers. Shoes that keep your feet dry without making you look like you’re wearing clunky space boots.
Well, amigo, I’m from England, where it rains more than we drink tea, and trust me, we drink a lot of tea, so I put these shoes to the ultimate test.
Below I’ll be giving you my honest thoughts on the performance of the Vessi Stormburst Low Top’s fit, traction, materials, competitor comparison, and price.
Let’s dive in.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: Vessi Stromburst Low Top
- Price: $175 USD
- Waterproof material: Dyma-tex®
- Traction system: Rugged rubber outsole with extra grip
- Best use: hiking/trekking/backpacking/travel
Performance Review: Vessi Stormburst Low Top
Comfort and Fit Review
First things first, how do they feel on your feet?
I have wide feet, which usually means I have to loosen every single lace before I can even think about putting a shoe on and don’t even get me started on narrow-fit trainers. But with the Vessi Stormburst Low Tops, the moment I slipped them on, I didn’t want to take them off.
The knitted collar provides the perfect amount of stretch, allowing my feet to slide in easily and moulded snugly to the shape of my foot, providing a new level of comfort. No more stamping or wiggling my foot in while crushing the back of the shoe (we all do it). Plus, the handy pull tab makes getting them on a breeze.
I also have high arches, so finding a shoe that supports my foot properly can be tricky. The Vessis Stormburst Low Top have a firm yet cushioned sole, providing an ideal balance of support and comfort. After a 20km Hike through the muddy English countryside, my feet felt as fresh as when I started.
Waterproofness
Now, the question on everybody’s mind: Do they actually keep your feet dry?
Short answer: YES.
Obviously, I had to put this to the test. Since it wasn’t raining when I first got my Vessis (a rare phenomenon in the UK), I grabbed a full 2L bottle of water and emptied it directly onto my feet (which, to any bystanders, must have looked completely insane).
Inside my shoes? Bone dry.
Just to be sure it wasn’t a fluke, I did it again. Same result.
Of course, living in England means I didn’t have to wait long for actual rain. So I slipped on my Vessis, headed outside, and went out of my way to stomp through puddles. Again, not a single drop got through.
Honestly, I thought it might have been a marketing gimmick but I was seriously impressed by how well these shoes repel water. If you live somewhere rainy, these could be a game changer (or at least save you from the misery of damp socks).
One thing to note, these are waterproof against rain, puddles, and spills, but if you fully submerge your foot past the ankle, water will still get in from the top (because, well, physics).
Dyma-tex Technology
What’s the secret behind these magical shoes I hear you ask?
Well, it’s their unique Dyma-tex® fabric.
Vessi’s waterproof material is unlike traditional waterproof shoes that rely on a thick, plasticky outer layer, Dyma-tex is a knitted fabric that magically repels water while staying soft and breathable.
It keeps your feet dry without turning them into a sweaty mess by allowing heat to escape. Pretty clever, right?
Breathability
Now you may be thinking because these are waterproof does that mean they are going to get hot and sweaty inside?
Well, surprisingly not.
Following on from the point above, the breathable knit material allows air to flow through, meaning your feet don’t overheat like they would in wellies or rubber rain boots.
That said, in really hot weather (like a summer heatwave), your feet might feel a bit warm—but nothing unbearable. For normal everyday wear, they stay comfortable and fresh.
Durability
I’ve been wearing them for weeks, and despite subjecting them to mud, rain, and long walks, they have held up well.
The thick rubber outsole feels solid and sturdy, while the knitted upper has kept it’s stretch and shows zero signs of wear. Nothing about these shoes feels cheap, they have a premium, durable feel with a high-quality finish.
Vessi also offers a 365-day warranty, so if anything does go wrong, they’ve got you covered.
Grip
A waterproof shoe is great but if you’re chasing waterfalls, you don’t want to be slipping and sliding all over the place.
Thankfully, the Stormburst Low Top has excellent grip. The full rubber outsole provides great traction, making these a great option for day hikes and getting off the beaten path.
Price
Let’s talk money.
The Vessi Stormburst Low Top costs around $175, which isn’t exactly cheap for a trainer.
However, considering the comfort, quality, and durability, they feel like a solid investment, especially if you live somewhere rainy.
If you’re a fan of practicality like me, these tick all the boxes. Who wants to faff around with a different shoes for every occasion? The Vessi Stromburst Low tops are multi-purpose, waterproof shoes for every activity.
Chasing waterfalls? Tick. Going to the gym? Tick. Hiking? Tick. Popping to the shops? Tick. They perform in all environments, making the price tag of $175 seem very reasonable considering you can wear them pretty much every day and have bone dry feet if you get caught in the rain.
Competitor Comparison Vessi Vs the World
When it comes to competition, Vessi are in a league of their own. As for a like for like comparison, the closest would be Tropicfeels Waterproof shoes which are slightly cheaper at $167 USD.
If you’re looking for another all-rounder that performs in everyday wear as well as hiking, a personal favourite of mine is the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9, which has waterproofing but is more expensive at $207 USD.
Final Thoughts
So, after putting the Vessi Stormburst Low Top through their paces they earned their stripes. Do I think the Vessi Stormburst Low Top’s are worth buying?
100% YES.
If you need a stylish, waterproof, and comfy everyday trainer that works for everything—from the gym to hiking to buying your groceries, these are a fantastic choice.
No fake “water-resistant” nonsense. No heavy space boots. Just comfy waterproof shoes that actually do what they promise. Plus, they don’t leave your feet feeling sweaty and they’re built to last.
That said…If you’re on a super tight budget or need heavy-duty hiking boots for extreme terrain, these may not be the best option.
But if you’re sick of soggy socks and want an everyday waterproof trainer, the Vessi Stormburst Low Top is a solid choice.
Wanna know more? Well we reviewed the Vessi Waterproof Shoe Brand generally elsewhere on the site.
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