16 Breathable Shoes That Won’t Suffocate Your Feet (2024)

We like the Goldilocks design on this pair of Cole Haan’s—a hybrid of dress shoes and sneakers. What’s great is the shoe has enhanced breathability thanks to the Stitchlite™ knit upper that has perforated ventilation to maximize airflow—in fact, my feet even feel cool and breezy when I’ve got my socks on. The material is also temperature-regulating to prevent sweating, so you know the inside will stay fresh.

And don’t sleep on the walking comfort of these shoes. The cushioning feels smooth and supportive for long strolls, while the outsole is aggressively grooved to provide the most traction possible. And I love how they can be dressed up or down, for work, events, or living your best self.

Skechers Go Walk shoes are a game-changer in the world of breathable footwear. Crafted with a super lightweight mesh fabric upper, these shoes provide an ideal fit while allowing ample airflow. In our testing, the ventilation has even kept our feet feeling cool all day long.

We also love how stable these walking shoes feel, thanks to the cushioned lightweight midsole that helps absorb shock. And the slip-on design makes them extra effortless to put on and take off.

Weighing just 9 oz, the Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 is one of the best lightweight sneakers on the market. Normally when you have a shoe this low in weight you sacrifice in comfort but this pair covers all its bases thanks to FLYTEFOAM cushioning and Asics' signature GEL technology system.

The breathability comes from the mesh upper which not only feels cool to the touch but also offers extra support when you're active—and we love how the tongue doesn't take away the ventilation.

Set sail for summer style with these Clarks boat shoes that are as close to going barefoot as you can get without, well, going barefoot. Crafted with a breathable textile upper, the Higley Tie allows your feet to stay cool and fresh, perfect for those scorching summer days. We love how the outer of the shoes naturally contours to the shape of our foot, ensuring a customized fit that feels like an extension of yourself.

But the true game-changer lies within the EVA footbed which we found to be able to deliver all-day comfort. Each step feels effortless, and the textile linings provide an added layer of softness. While in a casual style, we also were impressed by the grippy outsole sole which ensures stability and traction.

No quick-drying needed here: Reef’s water shoes are almost entirely waterproof—only the mesh lining and laces get wet. The upper is perforated also for max breathability as well as drainage, and the bouncy EVA insole and outsole keep you sure-footed.

In our testing, we love that whether it’s for an island cruise, a long walk by the beach, or a weekend boat ride, these water shoes are ready for all the splashes. The soft, bouncy cushion keeps you going in comfort, and the breathable upper is practically beckoning you to dip your toes into some water under the sun. So don’t bother wearing socks in these.

Bruno Marc's Breathable Mesh Oxfords are the epitome of comfort and style when it comes to breathable dress shoes on a budget. Featuring a high-grade knit mesh upper, these shoes allow your feet to stretch out and breathe, keeping them cool and dry. The tightly woven bottom provides added stability with each step, and we found that after months of wear, it did not get smelly.

The insole, made of mesh and EVA, absorbs sweat while enhancing breathability and extra cushioning, thus warding off the stink and amping up comfort. Plus, we love the versatile style of these shoes that makes them suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to formal events.

Cariuma prides itself on eco-friendly materials. We're talking organic cotton canvas that is breathable all day long, vegan insoles made from cork, and raw natural rubber outsoles made from trees. The OCA Low not only is one of the best everyday fashion sneakers we've tested out there, but it's also Ashton Kutcher's go-to kicks. The footbed feels incredibly comfortable with arch support—spring and cushioned. Right from the first wear, the fit felt perfect to us so we didn't need to break it in. The classic style just works as a versatile fashion sneaker; coupled with a canvas upper that breathes and a lightweight build, the OCA Low might just be your go-to kicks this summer as well.

Read More: Cariuma's OCA Low Review

These are driving loafers moonlighting as boat shoes, and we love it. Featuring a ventilation and drainage system on the mesh upper and sides, these shoes ensure optimal breathability and moisture management, making them perfect for swimming, pool parties, and generally any summer activity that involves water. The breathable fabric wicks away sweat and moisture as well while being able to withstand light rain or wet conditions.

Offering a true-to-size, no-breaking-in-needed fit, we recommend these boat shoes for avid travelers, city commuters, or outdoorsy adventurers in general who like to get wet.

No doubt the most ingenious sneaker release of the year so far. SlipSpeed is first and foremost a pair of versatile workout shoes with better cushion and fits to handle any hardcore training. But its convertible heel lets it easily take on the form of slip-on shoes for your recovery.

However, what’s cooler about SlipSpeed is that it’s padded with Iso-Chill foam which makes the whole interior cool to the touch. And I love that its ventilating upper actually feels comfortable enough for no-sock wear at the gym, these are the perfect shoes for active guys. (And oh, did we mention that it’s 100% machine-washable?)

Upper Material: Look for breathable shoes whose upper is made of breathable materials such as mesh, knit, or perforated leather. These allow air to circulate and help in keeping your feet cool and comfortable. Also, go for lightweight materials that won't add bulk to the tongue. Heavy or bulky uppers will restrict airflow and make your feet feel hot and sweaty.

Ventilation: Check for shoes with ventilation features like mesh panels, breathable linings, or air vents. These design elements enhance airflow within the shoe, keeping your feet cool and dry. Features like perforations or strategic cutouts in the upper also will optimize increased ventilation. These features promote airflow and help regulate the temperature within the shoe.

Breathable Insoles: Shoes with breathable and cushioned insoles are a no-brainer. Insoles made from materials like foam, gel, or cork with perforations or moisture-wicking properties can enhance breathability and provide added comfort.

Moisture Wicking: Breathing air alone won't keep your feet from getting smelly. You need to counter perspiration as well. Consider shoes with moisture-wicking uppers, insoles, footbeds, or fabrics that help pull sweat away. This will keep your feet dry and reduce the chances of discomfort and odors.

How can I maintain the breathability of my shoes?
To make your shoes more breathable—and make them stay that way, always be on the lookout for any dirt and debris around the shoe's ventilation features that might obstruct airflow, and clean them regularly. If your shoes become wet or sweaty, allow time for them to dry, so it's recommended to rotate between different pairs of breathable shoes to allow each pair to fully air out between uses. And, if needed, utilize shoe deodorizers or inserts to help control odors and absorb moisture. Baking soda or talcum powder will also absorb sweat and help counter smell.

Can breathable shoes help with foot odor?
By allowing air to circulate inside the shoes and wicking away sweat, breathable shoes help create an interior environment that is much less conducive to the growth of odor-causing bacteria. But, regardless of these kicks, it's important to maintain good foot hygiene either way.

Can I wear breathable shoes in all seasons?
While they are particularly beneficial in hot climates, breathable shoes still provide comfort and moisture management throughout the year. They are particularly beneficial for warm weather or activities that induce sweating. However, in extremely cold or wet conditions, they won't provide the desired insulation or protection.

Are all breathable shoes great for athletic activities?
Breathability alone is not what makes these shoes sporty or not, and not all breathable shoes are designed for athletic activities. While many athletic shoes incorporate breathability features—as seen in our Hoka and Allbirds options—they're still just part of the full picture. So it's essential to choose shoes specifically engineered for your intended activity.

To find the best breathable shoes, our style and gear editors have personally tried on a variety of footwear and put them to the test on different grounds, such as wearing Skechers Go Walk's to run errands in summer, attending casual events in Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Oxfords, working out in ASICS Gel-Nimbus Lite 3s, or just going about the day in Cariuma's OCA Low.

From there, we evaluated these shoes based on their breathability features (upper mesh, material, perforation, etc.), style, fit, performance such as cushioning and support, and overall comfort to make the final top picks. Specifically, we're looking for styles of men's breathable shoes that are not trendy or trend-chasing; instead, our picks of the best breathable shoes all will work great even for the outdoors, provide a ton of value at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.

At Men’s Health, we don’t produce product reviews that don’t actually involve testing anything hands-on or in person. For each product, we always use items ourselves first before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience. You can read more about our testing process here.

More importantly, at Men’s Health, we have a whole fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest products. We put them on ourselves to see how the items look and feel before making our final decision. And we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials and test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on product recommendations and tips. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollayan who know the pros and cons of materials, but we also have a panel of influencers, stylists, and experts—including designers at top brands or retailers—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.