Toronto is finally warming up with the start of the spring and summer seasons, and for many of us, this marks the beginning of outdoor adventures in Ontario.

Whether you're heading out on international travels, or looking to have some fun in your own backyard, comfort is key for walking around and exploring. For me, that means my feet must be pain-free at all times!

This is why I jumped at the chance to try some of Vessi's most popular shoe styles for a day of activity in Toronto.

Known for their cult-favourite sneakers, Vessi is a Vancouver-based company that produces the world's first 100 per cent waterproof knit shoes.

Wanna see how these Vessi shoes did in the real world? Get ready to tie up your laces and explore the city with me!

First, a muddy hike through High Park

Early spring in Toronto marks the beautiful cherry blossom season and I had the chance to test out my Vessi Stormburst Low Tops against High Park's muddy terrain.

My first thought was how lightweight yet extremely cushy the Stormburst shoes are, slipping on with ease thanks to Vessi's signature cloud-like comfort. The Cushioning Midsole meant I could literally hit the pavement without any fatigue — like a true urban hiker.

Enhanced traction made navigating the cherry blossom crowds a breeze (if you know, you know!), while the hiking boot grip allowed me to get off the sidewalk and hit the muddy trails, without worrying that I'd slip and become High Park's newest attraction... 

I didn't have to avoid any puddles since the Stormburst Low Tops are fully waterproof, which meant I could wander down to the pond and check out the swans too! No shoe change necessary.

These shoes were definitely a game changer for traversing High Park's trails and made exploring the blossoms that much easier and more comfortable.

City commuting to the St. Lawrence Market

After a beautiful time at High Park with my ultra cushy Vessi Stormburst Lows, I traded them in for the sleek Vessi Weekend style as I headed to the other side of the city for my second test stop at St. Lawrence Market.

I actually brought the shoes with me to High Park and they added virtually no extra weight to my backpack. The Vessi Weekend shoes are also 100 per cent waterproof and are one of Vessi's top-selling women's shoes, made for unmatched comfort with a casual style.

Running to catch the subway meant I was sweaty and out of breath but my feet were not, thanks to the Weekend's temperature-regulating and breathable upper knit. Breaking in a new pair of shoes is often painful but not with these — no blisters or sore toes for me!

Whether I was going up and down the stairs at the market, waiting in line to buy lunch or simply wandering around the vendor stalls, the Vessi Weekends let me explore aimlessly without worrying about discomfort.

My official verdict

Both the Vessi Stormburst Low Tops and Weekend were incredibly versatile and matched my outfit seamlessly — an extra bonus! 

Both pairs are super comfy and are so incredibly light that I could explore Toronto for as long as I wanted. Believe me when I tell you that after nearly 11,000 steps, my feet were not tired in the slightest.

Perfect for experienced travellers, active thrill-seekers or weekend warriors, Vessi's shoes are a must for exploring any city, rain or shine.

And since they are super lightweight, easy to slip on, and waterproof, you don't have to pack extra shoes with you! That means more space for souvenirs.

For me, this was a 10/10 experience, and I would recommend these shoes to anyone who is travelling this season. Check out the Vessi lineup of versatile and comfy shoes and get ready for a summer of pain-free exploring.