OluKai - Why Breathability Matters in Athletic Shoes: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair (2024)

NewsMAR 23, 2023

When it comes to keeping your feet happy and healthy, breathability is where it's at. Our island athleisure sneakers are here to help, but first, let’s learn a little about what makes this type of shoe so game-changing.

What Is Athletic Shoe Breathability & Why Is It Important?

Think of shoe breathability as humidity control for your feet. Footwear with this feature allows moisture and heat to easily escape instead of staying stuck inside the shoe.

But you might be wondering… Does breathability really affect the comfort and performance of athletic shoes all that much? Oh yes! Breathability is the key to keeping your feet cool and dry. For sweaty feet, breathable athletic shoes are an absolute must because they help with odor control—big time. Proper breathability in athletic shoes also impacts overall foot health and prevents common foot problems, including those from pesky moisture.

Even when you’re not using them for a workout routine, you’ll find that breathable athletic shoes for summer are essential, or for those who live in warmer climates (you know, like…Hawaii). For our toastiest times, we love the Kīlea for her and Pūnini for him. Both have all the breathable benefits above, plus a comfy contoured footbed and versatile retro-sneaker-meets-beach vibe.

OluKai - Why Breathability Matters in Athletic Shoes: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair (1)

So, What’s In The Shoes?

Wondering what materials and technologies are commonly used to improve breathability in athletic shoes? The main component is a permeable mesh that covers the upper of the shoe (and wraps around the sides as well). Because of its microporous membrane, this mesh allows moisture molecules to escape while still keeping your feet protected from the outside world.

If you’re looking for breathable shoes made from 100% vegan-friendly materials, go for the Holo for him and the Huia for her. That mesh we mentioned makes them super lightweight as well. Bonus!

How Do I Choose The Right Shoes?

Now that you know what they are and what they’re made of, what are some key considerations when looking for the perfect pair of breathable athletic shoes? Let’s step right in.

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If you struggle with pain problems and are looking for athletic shoes for Plantar Fasciitis or similar issues, search for something with supportive cushioning and a sure-footed grip. Our women’s Hā‘upu is a great one to try.

Think about what you’ll be using your new shoes for. For example, you might find a pair of breathable athletic shoes that are great for cross training (like the men’s Holo), but need something a bit more dressed up for the office as well. For those in-between moments, we again recommend the versatile look and all-day comfort of the Kīlea for her and Pūnini for him.

A couple of final factors that should be considered when evaluating the breathability of athletic shoes are whether your feet run wide or narrow. One of the most tried-and-true methods to see if a shoe will be a good fit for you is customer reviews. Let our own customers be your guide! And finally, make sure that despite its lightweight nature, the shoe has a good grip. That way, you’re sure to have foot comfort from top to bottom as you move.

Now that you’re a pro in casual, breathable active shoes, let’s find you the perfect pair.

SHOP MEN’S ACTIVE SNEAKERS

SHOP WOMEN’S ACTIVE SNEAKERS

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OluKai - Why Breathability Matters in Athletic Shoes: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair (2024)

FAQs

OluKai - Why Breathability Matters in Athletic Shoes: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair? ›

Breathability is the key to keeping your feet cool and dry. For sweaty feet, breathable athletic shoes are an absolute must because they help with odor control—big time. Proper breathability in athletic shoes also impacts overall foot health and prevents common foot problems, including those from pesky moisture.

Are OluKai shoes good for your feet? ›

OluKai Shoes Help Minimize Foot Problems

OluKai shoes feature custom lasts, and anatomical footbeds to ensure superior fit. OluKai also offers a mild arch support for those who are looking for a medium amount of support.

What are important things to consider when buying athletic shoes? ›

Check the fit.

When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle your toes. Make sure you can fit at least one thumb between your longest toe and the end of the shoe's toe box. The shoes should be comfortable as soon as you try them on. Don't plan on them fitting better after "breaking them in."

Can you run with OluKai? ›

OluKai's cross-training shoes are great for various workouts and offer ultimate comfort and stability without sacrificing style and performance. We make the best versatile workout shoes for all-in-one fitness routines, including running, cross-training, and weightlifting.

What are the benefits of lightweight shoes? ›

Improved foot health: Lightweight shoes are kind to your feet, reducing the impact and stress that can lead to foot ailments. They support natural foot movement, promoting better foot health and prevent issues related to strain and overuse. Aesthetic appeal and versatility: Lightweight doesn't mean light on style.

What brand of shoes do foot doctors recommend? ›

“There are many shoe brands out there so it is important to try on different styles and types of shoes to see what matches your foot the best. Though there are many other great brands of shoes, some examples of tennis shoe brands that provide good support are Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka,” Dr.

How long do OluKai shoes last? ›

Even with daily wear, you can expect them to last for years to come. So while we can't give you an exact time frame, we can say with confidence that you won't be replacing our durable beach sandals any time soon. We shared just a few of our favorite durable summer-ready sandals in this blog.

What is the most popular athletic shoe? ›

With global footwear sales of $33 billion in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023, Nike is not only the most popular but also by far the biggest seller of athletic footwear in the world.

When shopping for athletic shoes what are the five 5 things you should consider? ›

Here are our five tips to help you choose the proper athletic shoes.
  • Choose different shoes for different activities. ...
  • Buy athletic shoes for fit, not fashion (or status) ...
  • Size definitely matters. ...
  • Toes must pass the wiggle test. ...
  • Just say “No!” to breaking them in.

What are the factors to consider when choosing shoes? ›

Footwear should have a comfortable, durable design, be made of high quality materials, and protect the feet from injury. A proper fit is top priority (see the suggested shoe fitting guidelines below). Never buy a shoe based on looks alone; brand, design, style, and color should come second to a proper, comfortable fit.

Is OluKai a luxury brand? ›

OluKai is a luxury lifestyle brand that believes everyone, no matter where they are, can live Aloha. OluKai is one way to unlock its spirit in all of us.

Can you wear OluKai sneakers without socks? ›

And if you love feeling the breeze as much as we do, you might want to skip socks altogether. We design all of our slip-on shoes and sneakers for barefoot wear by using materials that breathe and feel soft against your skin (i.e. less sweating and uncomfortable rubbing).

Can OluKai sneakers get wet? ›

OluKai leather sandals and shoes are water-resistant, not waterproof.

Are lighter or heavier shoes better for running? ›

A small study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that we tend to run more slowly when our shoe weight increases by just a few ounces. So, go for lightweight running shoes if you have sprints or a race on the calendar.

What is considered a lightweight sneaker? ›

Anything under 9 oz (in a Men's US 9) would be considered by many to fit the definition of a lightweight running shoe. In today's running world, there are multiple factors to consider (in addition to weight), which we believe is actually a good thing.

Do lightweight running shoes make a difference? ›

The extra ~100g of weight loss will enhance your running economy, while choosing one with some cushioning will limit how much free energy you lose in comparison to your trainer. Don't stress if you can't find your flats on race day– you're probably going to be less than 0.78% slower…

What is so special about OluKai? ›

Let's Start With Comfort

The cupped heel offers stability and shock absorption. The anatomically correct arch and contoured footbed provide all-day comfort. The toe box allows the toes to spread naturally with no restrictions. That's what your feet feel like in our slippers.

What type of shoe is best for being on your feet all day? ›

The HOKA Clifton 9 is a top choice for both men and women who need to be on their feet for several hours during the day. Its compression-molded EVA foam midsole provides wearers with substantial cushioning.

Are OluKai shoes meant to be worn without socks? ›

And if you love feeling the breeze as much as we do, you might want to skip socks altogether. We design all of our slip-on shoes and sneakers for barefoot wear by using materials that breathe and feel soft against your skin (i.e. less sweating and uncomfortable rubbing).

Which shoes is best for foot? ›

The best shoes for your feet
  • Wedge heels. In lieu of high-heeled stilettos, consider wearing a slight wedge shoe with no more than a ½- to a 1.5-inch wedge. ...
  • Sneakers. While athletic shoes are generally supportive, most sneakers have a lifespan of six months or 500 miles due to the softer shoe material.

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