Allbirds Runner-Up Mizzles vs Vessi Everyday Sneakers: Which is the better waterproof shoe and why it is hard to compare Allbirds to Vessi
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Hi friends! We’ve tried both the 100% waterproof Vessi Everyday Sneaker and the water-resistant Allbirds Runner and Runner Up Mizzles, so you don’t have to! With our review and recommendations, hopefully you can make the right choice when you’re looking for your next “waterproof” shoe. (Before sure to check out our in-depth Allbirds Mizzles here and our in-depth Vessi footwear review here.) If you live in a rainy city like us, and hate wearing socks, we’ll be able to help you find your next favorite shoe that will keep your feet dry!
My Allbirds Runner-up Mizzles
Pricing
The Vessi Everyday sneaker costs $135 USD, while the Allbirds Runner Mizzles cost $115 USD and the Runner-up Mizzles cost $135 USD.
Materials
Vessi shoes are made from 100% vegan materials. Allbirds Runner and Runner-up Mizzles are made from sustainably-sourced materials and the animal byproduct: merino wool. Allbirds does recycle plastic water bottles and turn them into shoe laces. According to vessifootwear.com, “If you have a latex allergy, we wouldn't recommend wearing Vessis. The midsoles are made out of lightweight EVA, and the outsole is made of rubber. There is a chance that you would have similar reactions to the rubber material.” Allbirds does not have a latex allergy warning on their website. Allbird’s outsoles are made with SweetFoam™ (first carbon negative green EVA) and FSC® Certified natural rubber that shouldn’t have the impurities and protein that cause latex allergy reactions.
Sustainability
Both Allbirds and Vessi believe in sustainability and lowering their carbon footprint. Allbirds is a carbon neutral company, and they are actively looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. “For every tonne of carbon we emit as a business—from the sheep on our farms to the lightbulbs in our headquarters—we’ll pay to take a tonne of carbon out of the atmosphere. It’s almost like we’re giving the planet an IOU, then immediately paying it back.”-allbirds.com
Vessi reports managing “to cut traditional machine knit times from 45 mins to 7 mins, reducing each pairs carbon footprint by over 600%.”-https://vessifootwear.com/pages/sustainability
My Vessi Everyday Sneakers
Waterproof properties
Vessi shoes are waterproof. They are snug and fit your feet like socks, leaving no room for water to seep in. You walk in shallow depths of water and your feet will be dry. Only the area of your feet/legs where the Vessi shoes don’t cover will be wet, such as way above your ankles. Allbirds Mizzles are water-resistant. They are not waterproof. If you jump into a deep puddle or walk in a creek or other body of water, water will seep into your Mizzles and your feet will be wet. Allbirds Mizzles work well if you’re walking around the city during a rainy day. They may not fare as well if you’re planning a very wet hike or trek that involves shallow or deeper bodies of water.
Swimming
Neither the Vessi Everyday Sneaker nor the Allbirds Mizzles are meant to be worn when you’re swimming.
Washing/Care
You can wash your Allbirds Runner Mizzles and Runner-up Mizzles in the washing machine. You should only air-dry them. Conversely you should never toss your Vessi shoes into the washing machine. They will lose their waterproof properties.
Return Policy
If you live in North America, you can return your brand new, original condition and packaging Vessi shoes with 60 days of delivery. Shipping is free. Allbirds offers a 30-day trial period and they can be worn, and I’m pretty they can also be washed if you return them. I’m guessing Vessi repackages/sells returned shoes. Allbirds donates returned shoes.
Bunions
We don’t recommend either the Allbirds Mizzles or the Vessi Everyday Sneakers for people who have bunions. The toe box and toe areas are too narrow.
Ankle Support
If you’re looking for more ankle support, we recommend the Allbirds Runner-up Mizzles. They are taller and kiss the ankles nicely.
Aesthetics
Both shoes are minimally branded, which is appealing. The Allbirds Mizzles continue to be flawed with the visible dreaded toe humps. You don’t see toe humps with the Vessi Everyday Sneaker.
The shoe we chose to keep at Phil and Mama
Ultimately we only decided to keep our Allbirds Runner-up Mizzles; we returned our Allbirds Runner Mizzles and our Vessi Everyday Sneaker. We feel all these shoes run a little long and big. Sizing can be an issue, so if you’re able to try these shoes on in a store, do that first. It also depends on what you’re looking for. Are you someone who loves to jump into puddles, or hikes and treks through wetlands constantly? A Vessi shoe might be better for you. If you’re looking for a shoe that keeps your feet warm and dry when you’re walking through a rainy city (and you don’t jump into puddles), then the Allbirds Mizzles might be better for you.
Happy walking, friends! Let us know what you think about all these shoes? Do you agree with our review/comparisons?