If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you’ve probably heard the same piece of advice many times: best to bring waterproof shoes because it rains a lot in Ireland.
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And while Ireland has its fair share of wet weather, I can’t remember being adversely affected by the rainfall while growing up in Ireland, and I certainly can’t remember my shoes getting soaked either.
However, as a tourist, there’s no doubt that you will be out and about and exploring a lot more and as a result, subjected to the wet conditions.
In that case, I’d recommend a good pair of waterproof shoes, eliminating the need for bulky boots or multiple pairs of shoes for various activities.
For all those reasons and based on my own personal experience, I think the line of shoes made by Vessi, a Canadian brand, is the ideal type of footwear for Ireland.
No More Wet Feet
Rather than get into the details of the Irish weather, which is highly unpredictable at best, I’ll just tell you about my experience in New York City a few weeks ago while wearing my Vessi Stormburst High Top shoes.
While out sightseeing with friends, we got caught in a major downpour. There was no choice but to make a run for shelter, and in what felt like seconds, we were absolutely soaked.
Running into large puddles couldn’t be avoided either.
Since I had only worn the high top sneakers a few times at that stage — and in dry weather at that — I had no idea how they would hold up in a rainstorm.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that while the rest of my body was soaked to the bone, my feet were completely dry. No kidding.
I haven’t worn them in similar conditions in Ireland since, but I have no doubt that they would hold up in that environment too.
And no waterproof spray is required either since all Vessi footwear contains their 100% waterproof patented Dyma-texa® technology.
Lightweight and Packable is the Way to Go
Unlike traditional waterproof shoes, Vessis are super lightweight and easier to pack.
That’s because they’re made with a stretchy knit that molds to your foot without making it feel restricted in any way. They’re also breathable – an important factor when considering a waterproof shoe.
In addition to the high tops, I also own another pair of Vessi casual shoes that belong to the company’s Weekend Collection, described as an “everyday casual court sneaker with a super lightweight cushioning midsole.”
While they’re lower than the Stormburst brand, they’re not compromised in terms of quality — a really solid shoe that holds its own while I’m out and about doing errands and other tasks.
Both could easily be packed into a checked back, but if traveling with a carry-on, I would choose the Weekend Collection shoe simply because it’s easier to fit into a piece of luggage and won’t take up quite the same amount of room.
However, if some light hiking is part of your Ireland vacation plan, the high tops are sturdier and give more support around the ankle.
Perfect for Both City Strolling and Nature Walks
If I were to choose the perfect Vessi shoe for walking on city streets in Ireland, I’d choose my Weekend Collection shoes. I have the ones in the shade Dew/Raindrop and they’re very comfortable for a day’s worth of wear.
They’re also fashionable enough to pair with an outfit for dinner, including a casual dress, making them easy to dress up or down.
They also come in a variety of neutral colors. If you’re not into bold colors and you simply don’t want your shoes to stand out too much and take away from the rest of your outfit, these are a good choice.
For walking in the countryside, and for light hiking, as mentioned above, I would choose the high tops given their good tread and rugged outsole that provides added traction without the weight.
Given the unique design at the top of the shoe, which makes it look like the top of a sock, the Stormburst High Top shoe is easy to get on and off. I feel quite comfortable in them throughout the day and even my Achilles tendonitis doesn’t flair up while wearing them.
In fact, the Vessi founders stand by their Fit Guide, meaning that all Vessi shoes are designed to “fit like a sock, feeling snug at first” and then over time, conforming to your foot, giving you that personalized fit that we all want.
Easy to Clean
One of the things I worried about after ordering my Vessi high tops was the fact that they would easily get dirty given that they are white.
And yes, they did get a bit dirty after several weeks of wear. But nothing that soap and water couldn’t handle.
The folks at Vessi recommend soaking them in water and then air drying them in a breezy area of your home, but I prefer to spot clean them with soap and water, using and a clean, soft toothbrush, at least for now.
So even if you were to step into some dirt while out walking in Killarney National Park, for instance, all that is needed is a rinse in the sink and then wiping them down with a dry cloth, especially if it’s dirt on the bottom of the shoe, which is fabric-free and easier to clean.
Recommendations for cleaning the Weekend Collection Vessis include putting them into the washing machine. Do remove the insoles and laces before doing so and machine wash on the cold-water cycle. Lay them out to dry overnight, away from direct heat.
If you have a mesh bag, I suggest you put your Vessis into that before washing, just for extra protection. I haven’t machine washed mine yet.
Other Things to Consider
If you’re concerned about sustainability, you’ll be making the right choice if you choose a Vessi shoe as they are 100% vegan and manufactured using sustainable practices.
And if reducing your environmental footprint is important to you, I’d have no qualms recommending this brand.
If you’re a minimalist, bringing one pair of Vessis, such as the high tops that I have, can do the job of sneakers, walking shoes and light hiking shoes.
I will say that the Weekend Collection brand of Vessi shoes are more suitable for going out to dinner paired with a nice outfit, so if you’re bringing a checked bag, I’d throw in that second pair of Vessi shoes, if you have them.
They are also backed by a solid 1-year warranty that the company likes to call its “365 days dry socks guarantee.”
Free exchanges are available, but please make sure the shoes are clean before returning. So ideally, if they don’t fit properly, I’d send them back as soon as possible.
In fact, my husband ordered the Space Black high-tops for men and wasn’t happy with the fit. We promptly returned them.
Head to the Vessi website or email [email protected] and you’ll be given a free shipping label. All you need to do is stop by your local post office and send them back in their original box. I even used the original plastic packaging as well.
The company offers frequent sales, making them more affordable, and I also have a special code for 20% off if you decide to buy. Enter 01-VIP-TRAVEL-1110 at checkout.
In fact, their Back -to-School offerings are currently available, so take a look and see if there’s anything that catches your eye and especially if you are interested in buying a shoe that performs well in all types of weather and is customizable to function, comfort and style.
Do you own a pair of Vessi shoes? Let me know in the comments below.
