Apparel & Shoes

How to Clean Vessi Waterproof Shoes

Vessi shoes use a waterproof knit structure designed to keep outside water from reaching the foot, but waterproof does not mean every cleaner, washer, or heat source is safe. Dirt can settle into the knit grooves, laces hold grime, and solution residue may leave a visible ring on dark or light colors. Vessi's official cleaning page recommends dry brushing, hand-washing laces, treating affected knit with baking soda and white vinegar, rinsing the spot with cold water, and air-drying at room temperature away from sunlight or radiators.

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Primary reference: Vessi: official waterproof-shoe cleaning guide. Always check the manual for your exact model.

Quick reference

Prep
Dry-brush outsole, midsole, and knit and remove laces.
Spot method
Use a little baking soda, spritz white vinegar, and wipe gently toward the outsole.
Rinse
Use cold water and remove all grit, foam, and vinegar odor.
Avoid
Machine washing, bleach, stiff scrubbing, soaking, sunlight, and direct heat.
Dry
Air-dry at room temperature; use loose newspaper only if the interior became wet.

What you will need

  • A dry soft-bristled shoe brush
  • A white microfiber cloth
  • Baking soda
  • Plain white vinegar in a spray bottle
  • Warm water for laces
  • Cold water for rinsing the shoe
  • Newspaper or plain white paper
  • A small bowl and clean towel

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Check the exact Vessi material and color

Confirm the pair is Vessi's waterproof knit rather than a suede-accented, insulated, or specialty model. Review its care page and test the treatment beneath the tongue or near the heel. Waterproof performance does not prevent color change from a cleaner, and different surface trims may need a different method.

Step 2: Dry-brush every exterior zone

Vessi starts by gently removing loose dirt from the outsole, midsole, and upper with a dry soft-bristled brush or cloth. Use a separate edge of the brush on dark outsole soil and light knit. Work with the texture rather than scraping, and remove dried mud before introducing liquid.

Step 3: Remove and hand-wash the laces

Take the laces out so the eye area is exposed. Vessi directs owners to wash laces separately by hand in warm water and baking soda. Massage gently, rinse thoroughly, and blot. Do not return damp laces to the shoes because they restrict airflow and can transfer dirt back to the knit.

Step 4: Spot-treat the affected knit

Place a small amount of baking soda directly on the dirty area and lightly spritz it with white vinegar, following Vessi's method. The mixture will react and foam. Use a microfiber cloth in gentle circular motions moving toward the outsole, which helps work through the small knit grooves without dragging dirt upward.

Step 5: Limit rubbing and repeat patiently

Wipe away loosened soil and evaluate the area while still damp. Vessi cautions against excessive rubbing or scraping because it can damage the material. For a persistent mark, repeat a small controlled treatment rather than using a stiff brush, concentrated bleach, or a large quantity of acid.

Step 6: Rinse the treated area with cold water

Rinse the affected area with cold water and wipe it with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until no baking soda grit, vinegar odor, or foam remains. Do not assume a waterproof upper should be submerged for a long time; controlled rinsing reduces the amount that can enter through the opening or remain in the lining.

Step 7: Drain and absorb interior moisture

Tip the shoe opening down to remove any water that entered from above. Blot the exterior and lining. If the inside became wet during cleaning, Vessi suggests placing scrunched newspaper inside to speed drying. Insert it loosely, replace it when damp, and avoid overpacking the toe.

Step 8: Air-dry at room temperature

Set the shoes and laces in a ventilated place at room temperature. Vessi says to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as a radiator. Do not use a tumble dryer or hair dryer. Re-lace only after the lining, knit, and lace holes are dry and the vinegar smell has disappeared.

Specific cleaning questions

Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.

Can Vessi shoes go in the washing machine?
Vessi's official cleaning page gives a hand spot-treatment method rather than a machine cycle. Dry-brush, use the baking-soda and vinegar treatment, rinse with cold water, and air-dry.
Why use baking soda and vinegar on Vessi shoes?
That is the spot-treatment method on Vessi's official care page. Use small amounts on the affected knit, wipe gently toward the outsole, and rinse away all residue with cold water.
Will vinegar damage Vessi waterproofing?
Use only the limited official spot method, not a vinegar soak or concentrated bath. Excess solution, long contact, or aggressive rubbing is outside Vessi's procedure and can affect material or color.
Can I scrub Vessi knit with a stiff brush?
No. Vessi cautions against excessive rubbing and scraping. Use a dry soft brush for loose dirt and a microfiber cloth for the wet treatment.
How do I clean Vessi laces?
Remove them and hand-wash them separately in warm water with baking soda, then rinse, blot, and air-dry before re-lacing.
Can I use bleach on white Vessi shoes?
Avoid bleach. It can alter knit color, damage fibers, and affect bonded details. Use the official baking-soda and white-vinegar spot method after testing.
Why are my Vessi shoes wet inside after cleaning?
Water can enter through the opening even when the knit resists external water. Tip it out, blot, insert loose newspaper, and continue room-temperature airflow until the lining is dry.
Can Vessi shoes dry in direct sunlight?
No. Vessi says to air-dry at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat such as a radiator. Heat can affect fit, color, and bonded construction.