Waterproof Vessi shoes are an excellent investment if you like sneakers but find it frustrating that most brands aren’t truly waterproof. The story of Vessi shoes started with a Kickstarter in 2018. Since then, the fully waterproof shoes have become more and more popular.
People who wear Vessi shoes often lead an active lifestyle and/or walk in areas where waterproof shoes are a great advantage. It’s no surprise that these shoes, sooner or later, either get a little dirty or a bit smelly.
The soles of Vessi shoes will attract some dirt as they are designed to keep you from slipping and sliding all over the place when the ground is wet. Cleaning these shoes is necessary at some stage.
Vessi shoes are waterproof, so you might wonder how to wash Vessi shoes without damaging their waterproofing.
In this guide, I will show you how to wash Vessi shoes and why you need to do it that way. If you follow these instructions, you ensure that you give your Vessi shoes the best possible care without damaging their waterproofing.
Are Vessi Shoes Machine Washable?
No, the majority of Vessi shoes are not machine washable.
Vessi only has one line that can be washed in the machine, the Weekend Sneaker line. The other lines (Everyday Classic, Everyday Move, and Everyday Move Slip-on) are hand wash only.
Should You Hand Wash Your Vessi Shoes?
Yes, the manufacturer recommends that you hand wash your Vessi shoes. Their lifespan will thank you for it, and handwashing will also ensure that the waterproofing does not disappear.
While you can machine wash the Weekend Sneaker line, a hand wash will still be better for them.
Can You Put Vessi Shoes in the Dryer?
You should not put your Vessi shoes into the dryer as this would damage their waterproof layer. Only air-dry them and do not expose them to a direct heat source.
Some YouTube videos show people drying Vessi shoes with a hair dryer: don’t do that. It will damage the waterproofing!
How to Wash Dirty Vessi Shoes?
A note for both of the following methods: Do NOT use a harsh laundry detergent (or any other harsh chemicals like stain removers) for cleaning your Vessi shoes, as these could damage the waterproof layer.
Hand Wash Method for All Vessi Shoes
What you need: warm water, a clear, gentle laundry detergent (a colored detergent could stain the material of your Vessi shoes), a soft toothbrush, and a cloth or a soft sponge.
1. Mix the water and the detergent.
2. Soak your Vessi shoes for a few minutes.
3. Use the toothbrush to clean the sole of the Vessi shoes.
4. Use a cloth or sponge to clean the rest of the shoes (inside and outside). Make sure to also clean the insole properly. You can take it out, wash both sides, and then wash the inside of the shoe.
5. Rinse with warm water.
6. Let the shoes air-dry (do not put them in the dryer).
Instruction for the Weekend Sneaker line (machine washable):
What you need: a clear, gentle laundry detergent that works well in cold water (as a colored one can leave stains on your Vessi shoes).
1. Before you put the shoes into the washing machine, remove the insoles and laces.
2. Do not place any other object into the washing machine. These shoes need to be washed on their own.
3. Use a cold water wash and a delicate/gentle wash setting.
4. Let the Vessi shoes air-dry. They are not meant to be put into a tumble dryer.
Washing Vessi Shoes FAQs
Can You Wash the Inside of Your Vessi’s?
Yes, you can use a soft cloth to wash the inside of your Vessi shoes just like you would clean the outside (as explained above).
Make sure to also wash both sides of the insole. For this, take the insole out and gently rub it with a soft cloth or sponge after you soaked it in warm water with a gentle laundry detergent.
Wash the inside of the shoe after you have removed the insole.
What’s the Best Way to Clean White Vessi Shoes?
White Vessi shoes look great, but all white things show dirt easily. Most of us have had the experience that keeping white stuff white can be challenging. Are white Vessi shoes any different?
You can use the same steps as above to clean white Vessi shoes, and they will usually return to their white color. It is not recommended to use bleach or other harsh chemicals on them.
Can I Use Bleach to Clean Vessi Shoes?
No, you should never use bleach on your Vessi shoes, even if you feel tempted to do so. You should only use mild laundry detergents or other natural cleaning products.
Can You Wash Vessi Shoes in the Dishwasher?
While some types of shoes can be washed in the dishwasher, it is not recommended to do that with Vessi shoes.
How Long Do Vessi Shoes Last?
Of course, it would be great if your favorite pair of shoes would last forever. Unfortunately, shoes undergo a lot of wear and tear.
Everyday Vessi shoes should generally last anything from eight to 12 months.
Shoes that are exposed to more activity, i.e. running shoes, should be replaced after being in action for 500 miles.
In general, how often Vessi shoes need to be replaced depends on a variety of factors.
- your weight,
- how long you wear them every day,
- the terrain you walk on,
- whether you run or walk.
If you wear your Vessi shoes a lot, you will have to replace them sooner than someone who only wears them once or twice a week.
Don’t throw your shoes away after a year if they still feel comfortable to walk in and show no signs of wear and tear.
What is Vessi Shoes Warranty?
Vessi is aware of the need for shoes to be replaced at some stage, but they are confident that their shoes will last at least a year if not abused and misused.
This is why they offer their Vessi Shoes Warranty. It covers your shoes for a whole year (if you bought them directly from the Vessi website). If there are manufacturer defects within that time frame, you can return the shoes for a full refund.
Remember that this warranty does not cover any modifications you make to your Vessi shoes. It also will be void if you expose your shoes to harsh chemicals. Excessive wear and tear are also not covered by the warranty.
You can start your warranty claim directly on the website.
Can You Machine Wash Vessi Bucket Hats?
People love Vessi bucket hats because they are reliable in all sorts of weather. If you have already wondered how to wash Vessi shoes, you probably have the same question about Vessi bucket hats.
As they are also treated with a waterproofing agent, it is safer to hand wash them with a gentle laundry detergent.
Can You Machine Wash Vessi Socks?
Vessi socks are comfortable and are a perfect match for Vessi shoes. You can machine wash those socks but do not use very high temperatures and use a mild laundry detergent.
Final Thoughts
Vessi shoes and accessories (like socks, hats, and face masks) are becoming increasingly popular as more customers realize the quality of these products.
Some people might think that shoes that need to be hand washed are not worth the hassle – but they definitely are. And admit it: how often do you actually wash your shoes?
If you do not like to wash your shoes often, I recommend that you avoid buying white Vessi shoes and opt for darker ones, as these will not show dirt easily and quickly. These will still need washing now and then, but not as often as lighter colors.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.