Choosing between Vessi and On Running for your travels often boils down to one crucial question: are you battling surprise downpours in Vancouver, or are your feet begging for mercy after a 20,000-step day pounding the cobblestones of Prague? Vessi brings its serious Dyma-tex waterproof game, a lifesaver we've seen firsthand in notoriously wet cities. On Running, with its signature CloudTec®, promises a pillowy ride that our testers have loved on marathon sightseeing days from Paris to Rome. We've put them both through their paces, alongside digging through countless Reddit debates, to help you decide which brand truly earns its keep in your carry-on.
Expert Analysis
Which Brand Is Right For You?
Find Your Travel Match
Vessi
Choose Vessi If...
💧
Your travels frequently take you to rainy destinations like Vancouver, Prague, or the UK, and dry feet are absolutely non-negotiable.
🛡️
You're the type who packs one reliable pair for everything and needs them to last through varied conditions, from city puddles to light trails like Panorama Ridge.
☔
You value proven waterproof technology and dependable construction over the absolute plushest cushioning or trendiest styling.
Pros
Market-leading 100% Dyma-tex waterproof technology keeps feet consistently dry.
Good overall durability, with many users reporting longer lifespan than On Running shoes.
Versatile styles that look good in urban settings without screaming 'rain gear'.
Comfortable knit uppers on many popular models.
Cons
Can feel very warm and lack breathability in hot, humid climates.
Waterproof models are often not as reliably or completely waterproof as Vessi.
Outsole grip on very slick, smooth wet surfaces can be less than ideal for some models.
Shop Vessi
On Running
Choose On Running If...
☁️
Your primary goal is 'walking on clouds' comfort for long days of urban sightseeing in mostly dry weather, like those 30k step days in Paris.
☀️
You often travel to hot, humid places like Rome in summer and need highly breathable shoes to prevent sweaty, uncomfortable feet.
✨
A sleek, modern, Swiss-engineered look that transitions well from casual exploring to slightly smarter venues is important to you.
Pros
Exceptional CloudTec® cushioning provides a uniquely comfortable and responsive ride.
Excellent breathability in their non-waterproof models, perfect for warm climates.
Stylish, contemporary designs favored for urban travel and versatility.
Many models feature convenient slip-on or speed-lacing systems.
Cons
Significant durability concerns reported by many travelers, especially with upper mesh and sole wear.
Waterproof models are often not as reliably or completely waterproof as Vessi.
Premium pricing can feel high given the potential for shorter lifespan.
Shop Allbirds
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Top 3 Showdown: Vessi vs Allbirds
We tested Vessi & Allbirds most popular models.
Vessi Weekend
★★★★★
8.8
🏙️
Urban Travel
🌧️
Rainy Destinations
🚶
Light Hikes
A truly waterproof knit sneaker that handles rain like a champ, perfect for unpredictable travel weather. My feet stayed dry through countless Vancouver downpours and a 38,000-step London walking marathon that saw every type of rain. You'll likely want to size up half a size and pop in your own insoles for all-day arch support.
I have the weekends, they're decently comfy and very waterproof. I've walked 5+ miles in them and walked through puddles and been fine! Not the most stylish but functional.
Frequently Asked questions
Vessi vs. On Running: The Definitive Travel Shoe Verdict
Alright, let's get down to it. When you're standing in the shoe store (or scrolling online) agonizing over Vessi versus On Running for your next big trip, what's the real decider? After countless hours comparing notes with fellow travelers and digging through real-world reviews from Vancouver to Paris, here's our take.
For most travelers needing reliable, all-weather performance that won't let them down when an unexpected Prague downpour hits or a Vancouver drizzle turns into a deluge, Vessi is the smarter, more dependable choice. Their Dyma-tex technology consistently delivers on its promise of 100% dry feet, a feature that can genuinely save your feet (and your mood) on a wet travel day. As numerous globetrotters have shared, from conquering Panorama Ridge in BC to navigating European cities, Vessis keep the water out. Plus, they generally get better marks for durability, meaning they're more likely to last you through multiple adventures, making them a solid long-term investment.
However, if your travels are primarily in dry, urban environments like Rome or involve 30k-step days exploring Paris, and your absolute top priority is feeling like you're walking on air, On Running's CloudTec® comfort is truly exceptional. For those marathon sightseeing days, the cushioning and responsiveness of On shoes can make a world of difference in reducing foot fatigue. Their non-waterproof models are also significantly more breathable, a crucial factor if you're heading to hot and humid climes where Vessis can feel like personal saunas. And let's be honest, On Running often wins on style points for that sleek, modern, versatile look that fits in from casual cafes to slightly more upscale settings.
So, what's the bottom line? Choose Vessi if you want one reliable shoe that offers true peace of mind against any weather and is built to last. You'll trade some breathability and top-tier cushioning for that guaranteed waterproofness. Choose On Running if supreme comfort and breathability for dry urban adventures are your non-negotiables, and you're okay with potential durability issues and a higher price tag for that cloud-like feel. Think about where you're going, what you'll be doing, and which matters more: guaranteed dry feet or ultimate walking bliss. Choose based on where you're going and what matters most to your feet.
For reliable waterproof protection and solid travel durability, Vessi wins, proven from Vancouver to Prague. For cloud-like comfort in dry cities like Paris and hot weather, On Running floats to the top (if you accept the durability trade-off). Your feet, your trip, your choice!
How We Review
Obsessive research. Real-world testing. Travelers' insights distilled.
Field Testing
We put gear through rigorous real-world conditions, from airport security lines to mountain trails. Our most recommended items have traveled thousands of miles with our team across diverse environments.
Depth Research
Beyond our testing, we analyze insights from Reddit communities, verified Amazon reviews, expert YouTube channels, and specialized forums to identify patterns of excellence and recurring issues travelers report.
Considered Selection
Our recommendations come from either direct experience or substantial community consensus. We evaluate each item's performance in context, only featuring products that genuinely solve travelers' challenges.
Ongoing Evaluation
Initial impressions rarely tell the full story. We revisit products after extended use, incorporate reader insights, and update our assessments to reflect long-term performance and durability.
Our Scoring System
Comfort
Performance during extended use. What feels adequate on day one can reveal its true nature by day seven of constant wear.
Durability
Construction integrity and material quality that withstands the rigors of travel. We assess both immediate build and long-term resilience.
Packability
Weight, compression, and how efficiently the item integrates into your travel system. Crucial for travelers who prioritize mobility.
Functionality
Practical performance versus marketed promises. We prioritize design elements that enhance the travel experience in meaningful ways.
Value
The relationship between investment and return. Premium items score high when their performance justifies their price over the product lifespan.
Our Review Principles
Editorial Integrity
Our rankings are based on performance and value, not promotions. We clearly disclose any affiliate relationships or sponsorships that support our research.
Rigorous Assessment
Each review represents substantive analysis. We go beyond specifications to evaluate how products function in the contexts where travelers need them most.
Transparent Access
We provide direct links to products for independent evaluation, ensuring you can verify pricing, specifications, and current availability.
Content Currency
We maintain our content with regular audits and updates to reflect product revisions, market shifts, and evolving traveler needs.
