10 Best Breathable Shoes for People With Sweaty Feet
Peeling off your sneakers after a walk or workout and finding soggy, sweat-soaked socks can be annoying. Though it’s normal for your feet to perspire, especially in the warm weather, if the slippery feeling is hindering your ability to enjoy your favorite exercise routine—or if the odor is making you self-conscious—you might want to consider upgrading your shoe game with a more breathable pair.
Choosing the right footwear is also important to your well-being—non-breathable shoes may cause or exacerbate health ailments such as athlete’s foot or nail fungus, especially if you have a condition like hyperhidrosis that causes excess perspiration, Miguel Cunha, DPM, a sport podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City, tells SELF. “What’s important is that you pick shoes with proper ventilation.”
What to look for when buying breathable shoes
If you struggle with sweaty feet, the most important area of the shoe to consider is its upper (where it rests against the top of your foot). “Hot air rises, so [the heat] is going to go up, and if it’s ventilated on the top, you’re usually okay,” Jay Spector, DPM, an Atlanta-based sport podiatrist and former president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, tells SELF.
You’ll want to look for an upper made of lightweight mesh—some shoes use synthetic polyester and nylon, while others feature natural materials like eucalyptus fiber. In any case, the fabric should be “designed to wick away moisture from the skin so that it can evaporate,” Dr. Cunha says. This helps your body stay cool and minimize sweat.
And remember, wearing shoes with good airflow can only go so far if you’re not pairing them with moisture-wicking, breathable socks as well—say, ones made of synthetic polyester or Merino wool. “I’m a marathon runner and I wear a brand called Balega. You would think after running for four hours they’d be dripping in sweat, but they’re not,” Dr. Spector says.
The best breathable shoes
We curated expert-approved breathable shoes that offer adequate ventilation for even the sweatiest workouts. We also leaned on winners from our SELF Certified Sneaker Awards and selected top-rated brands like Hoka, Brooks, New Balance, and Ryka.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Hoka1
Best Overall: Hoka Clifton 9
You’ve likely seen Hokas pop up left and right while searching for new sneaks. The brand is known for its ultracushioned shoes and vibrant color combinations. The Clifton 9s are designed to feel lightweight and allow feet to breathe with a knit upper made from recycled polyester. “I’ve worn them for 10 to 12 hours at a time and still found them to be comfortable and breathable throughout,” wrote one Hoka reviewer. What’s more, SELF’s executive editor considers these her go-to sneakers for relieving pain from plantar fasciitis.
- Available in US sizes 5–12
- Available in 14 colorways
- Amazon2
Best Budget Pick: Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
Both Dr. Cunha and Dr. Spector recommend Asics sneakers, and this pair of Gel-Venture 8s will support your feet on a budget. Its mesh upper has synthetic materials stitched into “strategic areas” for better durability, and its heels contain “gel technology” that the company claims helps with shock absorption (the amount of energy your foot absorbs upon impact). “I do housecleaning for a living, and these are great support for everything that I do! They are so lightweight, breathable, and supportive,” one Amazon reviewer wrote.
- Available in US sizes 5–12W
- Available in 15 colorways
- Dick's3
Best for Travel: On Cloud 5 Running Shoes
Unless you’ll be parked at a beach for the duration of a vacation, traveling typically involves a hefty amount of walking. You’ll want a shoe that’ll keep your feet comfortable for all of that sight-seeing, and Dr. Cunha and Dr. Spector both vouch for On Cloud’s shoes. “I think that those are really super comfortable and really good shoes to walk in,” Dr. Spector tells SELF. The breezy Cloud 5 uses recycled antimicrobial (meaning it kills or slows the growth of microorganisms like bacteria) materials in the mesh upper to keep your feet cool and stink-free. Plus these sneakers are slim, lightweight (easy to pack), and prevent tired, achy feet, according to reviewers. If you have wide feet, though, you may want to try something else, as reviewers say they have a pretty snug, narrow fit.
- Available in US sizes 5-–1
- Available in 15 colorways
- Kuru4
Best for Flat Feet: Kuru Atom
To accommodate flat feet, you’ll want a shoe that’s sturdy yet flexible and provides adequate arch support, Paulina Piekarska, DPM, a foot and ankle specialist and surgeon, previously told SELF. Kuru’s Atom sneaker has a light synthetic upper that’ll promote airflow as well as a wide base that provides more stability and a contoured EVA foam insole to support your arch without applying uncomfortable pressure.
- Available in US sizes 5–12W
- Available in 11 colorways
- Allbirds5
Best Slip-Ons: Allbirds Women’s Tree Loungers
Slip-on shoes make getting out the door that much easier. This pair from Allbirds uses Tencel Lyocell, a sustainable material made of eucalyptus tree fibers that’s known for its cooling efficiency, to keep your feet from overheating. Plus they’re versatile enough to wear at the office or around your neighborhood for a walk. “The shoes are very light and comfortable—perfect for these ridiculous hot summer days!” one Allbirds reviewer wrote.
- Available in US sizes 5–11
- Available in 9 colorways
- Courtesy of Merrell / Amanda K Bailey6
Best Water-Resistant: Merrell Women’s Bravada 2
Whether you’re a hiker or someone who lives in an area that sees a lot of rain, having a water-resistant shoe is a smart idea. And yes, it’s possible for a shoe to let your feet breathe but keep water out. These have a mesh lining for ventilation, and a waterproof knit upper that resists rain and slush, as SELF has previously reported. With a comfortable, flexible fit, the Merrell Bravada 2 is an all-around great pair of waterproof walking shoes.
- Available in US sizes 5–11
- Available in 2 neutral colorways
- Amazon7
Best for Road Running: Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe
Brooks is another brand Dr. Cunha and Dr. Spector highly recommend—the brand’s Ghost 14 is a great breathable road running shoe because its upper uses quick-drying mesh. What’s more, the shoe features soft cushioning made of EVA foam and rubber, which is designed to make your runs feel smoother. “I’ve been running in old Ghost 7’s, and I loved them so much I was hesitant to replace them. I’m glad I did though, and [this version is] so comfortable and breathable,” wrote one reviewer.
- Available in US sizes 5–12
- Available in 3 colorways
- Amazon8
Best for Trail Running: Saucony Core Peregrine 12 Trail Running Shoe
If you prefer to log your miles on the trail, the Saucony Peregrine 12 shoes are ones to try because of their breathable mesh upper—a detail you won’t always find on trail-running shoes. The sneakers have Saucony’s proprietary “PwrTrac,” a rubber that the brand claims can provide traction and abrasion resistance. “[It’s] my first choice when I’m running on a more technical trail,” Heather Hart, ACSM, running coach and owner of Hart Strength and Endurance, previously told SELF.
- Available in US sizes 5–12
- Available in 11 colorways
- Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey9
Best for Walking: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
Named the “best road-running shoes” in SELF’s 2022 Sneaker Awards, these New Balances are a great pick for walking, too, because they offer plenty of cushioning for long strolls. Their upper is made from the brand’s signature “Hypoknit” fabric, which is designed for breathability and stretch. Plus the sleek, minimalist design makes them stylish enough for everyday wear. We love the shoe’s heel support and medium-wide toe box that helps prevent blisters or uncomfortable rubbing.
- Available in US sizes 5 narrow–13 X-wide
- Available in 15 colorways
- Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey10
Best for Wide Feet: Ryka Journay Walking Shoe
Though some of the options above can work well with wide feet, we especially recommend these Ryka Journay Sneakers for anyone seeking extra room in their shoes. They’re breathable, thanks to a mesh upper with synthetic materials woven throughout. One of SELF’s 2021 Sneaker Awards testers praised these for having a wide toe box and terrific arch support. “The shoes don’t look funny or out of proportion at all. I can wear these all day without toe pain. I’m so glad I found them!” wrote one Amazon reviewer.
- Available in US sizes 5.5–11
- Available in 3 colorways
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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
