Nobody likes sweaty feet—soaked socks can lead to smelly shoes, blisters, and just general discomfort while you’re working out, spending the day checking off chores, or exploring your neighborhood. It’s normal for your feet to perspire, especially in warm weather, but if the hot, slippery feeling is bugging you, it might be time to consider upgrading your go-to shoes to a more breathable pair that makes you less likely to overheat and sweat.
Choosing the right footwear is also important to your well-being—non-breathable shoes may exacerbate health ailments like athlete’s foot or nail fungus, especially if you have a condition like hyperhidrosis, which 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,” he says. Eva Summer Casual Sandal 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 minimizes 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.
We curated expert-approved breathable shoes that offer adequate ventilation for even the sweatiest workouts. We also added winners from our SELF Sneaker Awards and selected well-reviewed options from trusted 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.
Best Overall: You’ve likely seen Hokas pop up left and right while searching for new sneaks. The brand is known for its ultra-cushioned 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.
Best Budget: Both Dr. Cunha and Dr. Spector recommend ASICS sneakers, and this pair of Gel-Venture 8s will support your feet for a more approachable price point than most shoes on this list. The airy mesh upper has synthetic materials stitched into strategic areas for better durability, and the soles under the heels contain gel 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.
Best for Road Running: Brooks is another brand Dr. Cunha and Dr. Spector both highly recommend, and the Ghost 15 is a great breathable option because of its mesh upper. “These genuinely may be the best running shoes I have ever worn,” wrote one SELF 2023 Sneaker Awards tester. “I’ve been running for six years now, have completed many races—including a half marathon—and have never loved a shoe so instantly or easily. I would recommend these to any runner, from casual jogger to marathon trainer.”
Best for Trail Running: 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-certified exercise physiologist, running coach and owner of Hart Strength and Endurance, previously told SELF.
Best for Racing: If you’re really trying to pick up the pace, these On running sneakers might be worth the splurge. SELF’s fitness director, Christa Sgobba, CPT, recommends them for road races and any workouts where you’re planning to hit top speed—the ample foam, carbon fiber plate, and rocker bottom will help you push forward and build on your momentum. “The comfort and fit are really top-notch here,” she wrote in her review. She wore them for a race and found there was “no rubbing, pinching, or squashing” the entire time. “The light upper is incredibly breathable, and my feet didn’t get swampy during the early September northeastern-morning humidity.”
Best for Walking: 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 and uncomfortable rubbing.
Best for Hiking: It’s not hard to find a sturdy pair of hiking boots that can support you on a trek, but getting a pair that won’t add bulk or trap heat is more of a challenge. We think these SELF 2023 Sneaker Award winners rise to the occasion, though. They look like running shoes but have a sock-like, knit cuff that protects the ankle, attached to a mesh upper that allows for airflow. One reviewer on Adidas’ site noted that the Free Hikers were “very breathable” and “lock the foot in well.” Our tester said “I could for sure backpack in this boot. It’s cushioned very well, supports your foot in the arch and ankle, and feels pretty light in weight but very solid. I had no blisters or hot spots—my feet felt great.”
Best for Weightlifting: Part of being stable on your feet—a necessity for weightlifting—means being able to feel the ground beneath you, which is why we love these minimally cushioned Xero trainers, which were SELF 2023 Sneaker Award winners. They have a moisture-wicking lining that’ll keep you cool as you power through your routine too. Our tester said they were “perfect for weightlifting workouts,” and loved their adjustability: “They can fit like a glove or loosen up depending on the activity.”
Best for Gym Workouts: Maybe your fitness routine consists of a little bit of everything—some mat work, a run on the treadmill, a few machines. In that case, we suggest picking up these SELF 2023 Sneaker Award winners, since they’ll prevent sweat buildup with a mesh upper and provide some (but not too much) cushioning for walks or jogs. Also, we think they’ll look just as good for whatever you’ve got going on after the gym.
Best for Flat Feet: 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 contoured, lightweight EVA foam insole to support your arch without applying uncomfortable pressure, a wide base for extra stability, and a breathable mesh upper that’ll keep your feet from overheating.
Best for Odor Prevention: Let’s all collectively acknowledge that sometimes feet get smelly—and it’s fine, but also annoying. Wearing shoes that are machine-washable, like these Skechers, can help, but some shoes just don’t seem to hold onto stink as much as others. One SELF editor says that’s the case with these slip-ons: “I’ve put a lot of miles on these and they don’t have any foot odor,” she said.
Best Slip-Ons: 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 effect, 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.
Best Waterproof: 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 pair a mesh lining and knit upper for ventilation with a waterproof membrane that seals out moisture. With a comfortable, flexible fit, the Merrell Bravada 2 is a great pair of waterproof shoes you could use for running or walking on roads or trails.
Best for Travel: Unless you’ll be parked at a beach for the duration of your 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 these are super comfortable and really good shoes to walk in,” Dr. Spector says. The airy Cloud 5 uses antimicrobial materials in the mesh upper to keep your feet stink-free. Plus, these sneakers are slim, lightweight (easy to pack), and prevent tired, achy feet, according to one Zappos reviewer. If you have wide feet, though, you may want to try something else, as some buyers say they have a pretty snug, narrow fit.
Custom Slippers Best for Running Errands: These sneakers are one SELF editor’s go-to for short walks and errands because of how breezy they are. “These are very comfortable and light and I don’t feel like I’m dragging around a heavy pair of shoes,” she said. Most of the color options are monochrome and even the APL label matches the knit mesh upper, so these can truly blend in with any outfit. They’ll easily take you from brunch to the grocery store and anywhere in between. (Bonus: They’re machine-washable, so you can always remedy any stains or stink.)