Gear Review: Vessi Weekend Chelsea and Weekend Sneaker Shoes - HIKES NEAR VANCOUVER

I first experienced Vessi shoes back in 2018 when I did my first review of their original Cityscape shoe. Vessi was just such a rad company making fully waterPROOF knit shoes – stylish, comfy and perfect for our WETcoast weather – so I just had to try them out. Now that they’ve launched a new version of those – the Cityscape Classic (aka the Cityscape 2.0), I was stoked when Vessi reached out asking me to do another review. I posted a review of the men’s style here so my husband could try out this great shoe too, and I tested out a couple of their totally new models – the Weekend Chelsea (ankle booties pictured left below) and the Weekend Sneaker shoes (pictured right below).

Both styles are available in a variety of colours from black and white, all black, all white, tan/brown, grey, and the Chelseas also come in a blue and green. I was really lucky to snag a pair of the sneakers in white as apparently they sell out all the time.

I will always grab any opportunity that comes up to play outside, so the only footwear I pretty much ever wear has to be up for the challenge. The Chelseas are especially practical as they feel like you’re wearing a runner, but protect you like a little rainboot so you can wade in deeper water. With both these styles I know my feet will stay comfy and dry so they’re both my newest fave footwear.

My favourite aspect aside from the waterproofing of course, is that both are quite loose-fitting, and not as snug as the Cityscapes, which fit more like a sock. Both the Weekend styles are roomier and fit more like a traditional shoe. And the Chelseas have great little loops on the back for ease of putting them on. They’re like a lighter, more casual and comfy version of Blundstones.

While neither are technical footwear for hiking or running, all Vessis have great rubber soles that prevent slippage. Having tried both these styles out for the last week in rain, sun and snow, I can attest they are both super comfortable to walk around all day and year ’round – whether strolling on non-technical trails, or running errands in the city.