These waterproof sneakers are more than just the perfect adventure shoes — they're lightweight and versatile enough to also be your everyday pair

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• Founded in 2018, Vessi is a Vancouver-based startup specializing in sneakers that are lightweight, breathable, and 100% waterproof.
• Their shoes use a proprietary knit material called Dyma-tex, which allows heat and moisture in the form of sweat to escape, but prevents water from entering.
• In less than a year, the brand saw a 900% increase in sales and eventually sold out completely. Now the sneakers are back in stock, and we tested them out to see if they lived up to the hype and demand.
• Spoiler: they absolutely did.
• Right now, Vessi's Community Fund Program is helping make a difference in the fight against COVID-19 by allocating $1,000 a day to support ten heroes on the front lines with groceries, medical equipment, and more.
• To help, you can get $40 off each pair (no donation) with the promo code "PAYITFORWARD" or get $25 off and donate $15 to the fund with the promo code "MAKEWAVES" at checkout. You can also buy a pair at full price and donate $40 to the fund.

As consumers, we all hate when the things we want are sold out. But as a retailer, a completely sold out stock is actually a good problem to have — and it's one that Vancouver-based sneaker brand Vessi knows all too well.

Founded in 2018 by Andy Wang, Tony Yu, and Mikaella Go, Vessi has gained notoriety for its 100% waterproof sneakers. We recently named them the best waterproof sneakers in our buying guide for waterproof footwear, and apparently we're not the only ones who like them so much.

In less than one year, the startup went from selling 5,000 pairs a month to 50,000 pairs a month, accounting for a 900% increase in sales. The demand became so overwhelming that Vessi decided to shut down its website for a few weeks in August to catch up on orders and learn more about the thousands of customers who had already bought pairs.

"During the period of halting orders, we answered all consumer queries, got on the phone to listen to direct feedback, and we were able to learn even more about what our core customers crave — from seamless policies to product improvements." Yu told Business Insider.

Now, the shoes are back in stock, and Vessi is back in business.

What makes Vessi's shoes different

What separates Vessi from other sneaker brands is the innovative waterproofing technology it uses, and the fact that each pair only weighs 6.7 ounces.

Vessi's are the lightest waterproof shoes in the world, making them far more versatile than clunky rain boots, heavy winter boots, or a lightweight shoe that's only water resistant. Its shoes are truly waterproof thanks to a proprietary knit material the brand created called Dyma-tex, which allows for breathability in a way most waterproof materials don't.

Essentially, the Dyma-tex material has millions of tiny holes in the membrane to allow heat and moisture in the form of sweat to leave the shoe, while preventing water from seeping in. For good measure, the shoes are also treated with a water-repellent layer to allow dirt, stains, and water to bead right off the surface.

Helping in the fight against COVID-19

To help make a difference in the fight against COVID-19, The Vessi Community Fund will allocate $1,000 a day to support 10 heroes in giving back to the community. The efforts help with services like providing groceries, Personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers, and donating to other causes.

Doing your part to help is as simple as buying a pair of Vessi sneakers. You can get $40 off each pair (no donation) with the promo code "PAYITFORWARD" or get $25 off and donate $15 to the fund with the promo code "MAKEWAVES" at checkout. You can also buy a pair at full price and donate $40 to the fund.

The bottom line

Vessi sneakers have become a cult favorite among travelers in need of versatile, waterproof shoes, but they're equally as popular among everyday comfort seekers who would rather rely on a single pair of shoes for all types of weather.

Shop all Vessi waterproof sneakers now. Check out our full review of Vessi sneakers:Read the original article on Business Insider