Vessi Weekend Classic

First look

The Weekend Classic is the sneaker Vessi, a Vancouver brand built around waterproof knit, tags as a best seller on its Canadian site. The upper is Vessi's Dyma-tex, which the brand describes as a four-layer, 4-way stretch knit with the waterproofing built into the material rather than sprayed on. Vessi backs it with a 365-day waterproof guarantee and labels every shoe vegan and PFAS-free. In Marble White it is CA$150 on Vessi's Canadian site, in men's 6–13 and women's 5–11.

It is the most winter-minded shoe in our white sneaker set: a waterproof upper is what you want for slush, puddles and wet sidewalks. Vessi does not claim insulation or winter traction, though, so think of it as a sneaker for wet days and shoulder seasons, not a replacement for a winter boot in deep cold or on ice. Vessi says the men's version runs snug and suggests sizing up.

Care is simpler than with leather. Vessi recommends hand washing and air drying; if you machine wash, use cold water, take out the insoles and laces, use a wash bag, and skip bleach. Vessi sells mainly through its own site and stores (including Metrotown and Richmond Centre in BC and Square One in Ontario), so you won't usually find it at multi-brand sporting goods chains. Our picks are based on construction, materials, price and availability in Canada; hands-on Lab results are being added as each pair finishes testing.