16 Best Breathable Shoes, Tested by Footwear Experts

It's true Hoka's are great running shoes (breathable, lightweight, tons of cushioning) but they're also a nice style flex. Their versatility in wear is what makes them our top pick. We're really talking about high-tech design here: the knit upper is engineered to be lightweight and feel breathable, and we love that the mesh actually feels like a hug and is so plush you'll want to put your feet in with no socks on. The balanced cushioning and neutral stability of these puppies will also get you through the city on your weekend gallivanting.

Allbirds' new Tree Flyers are equipped with a bio-based SwiftFoam™ midsole to deliver top-notch support ideal for traveling long distances. The upper is really the star of these shoes: made with lightweight eucalyptus fiber that's soft on the foot, it helps keep the air flowing no matter how much mileage you've logged on foot. (We also love its lightweight feel that doesn't get in the way.) While these bad boys are designed for running, we've worn them for casual days as well where we were anticipating a lot of walking, and they worked just as well.

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.

Finding breathable slip-on shoes for summer that are also supportive can be hard. The Lae'ahi, however, will give you high-quality coolness while also making it possible to take on whatever adventures the day has in store. The soft, breathable microfiber lining helps keep our feet dry and cool, while the footbed cover also allows for maximum breathability to keep everything smelling fresh inside.

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

Another heavy hitter brand in the fitness space, On's Cloustratus is ideal for road running. It's got two layers of the signature CloudTec in the outsole that alleviates pressure on the foot when striking the ground. For the upper, an airy blend made up of 75% recycled polyester. Oh, and the total weight is 10.76 oz, which is super light for mobility. Breathability-wise, we noticed that the mesh upper is perforated for maximum ventilation—in fact, our feet feel cool inside these shoes.

Simple and effective, these kicks are a hybrid of water shoes and sneakers, so you'll be ready to rock them to crush the waves. They are made with a flexible polyester and mesh upper that dries quickly while providing maximum breathability. We love that its comfortable foam footbed provides extra cushioning and shock absorption too.

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?)

Golf shoes can be way too hot and clunky when being worn for a full round of 18. The All Day Knit II is made for taking on even the hottest days at the links—all while looking incredibly stylish, no less. We love that the knit upper is stretchy, feels like socks when worn, and is constantly breathing while wicking away sweat. In fact, even the footbed feels breathable, for those warm days standing on the course.

Normally breathable sneakers and the outdoors don't go together—especially when it comes to hiking. However, Merrill's Nova 2 is a solid pair of kicks made with GORE-TEX materials that are breathable, waterproof, durable, and windproof, so they're meant for taking on the wilderness while keeping your feet cool, dry, and smelling fresh after you hike the miles.