The 15 Best Breathable Shoes for Summer to Keep You Looking and Feeling Cool (2024)

Best Breathable Shoes for Women

This smooth, breathable sneaker from carbon-neutral brand Allbirds is perennially popular for warmer weather, walking, travel — and everyday use. The upper is made from responsibly sourced eucalyptus tree fiber, and the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles.

Plus, these are just plain cute, and available in 14 color options from classic white on white to standout hot pink. Just toss them in the machine on a gentle cycle to wash.

The Details: Eucalyptus fiber upper | 5 to 11

This minimalist trainer is designed to allow feet to move in the most natural way possible, with a barefoot feel and lightweight construction. They’re foot-shaped (not toe-shaped), with a wide footprint for stability, and they’re extremely thin.

The vegan trainers are available in black, white, navy, and a standout neon yellow for safety. Plus, buying them is a low-risk proposition: you can try them at home for 100 days and return them for a full refund within that timeframe if you’re not convinced.

The Details: Vegan, recycled | 5.5 to 11.5

This pointed-toe flat is an ideal breathable shoe for summer travel: you can wear it sightseeing during the day, and dress it up for dinner, too. The footbed is ultra-cushioned for comfort, and they’re available in 14 colors and styles, from everyday suede to occasion-friendly velvet. Plus, you get a 30-day fit trial and free returns if they’re not for you.

The Details: Available in suede, leather, or velvet | 5 to 12

From podiatrist-recommended, kibbutz-made brand Naot come these sneakers made with a soft, flexible, breathable knit upper textile. They have a removable cork and latex footbed that’s ultra-comfortable for all-day wear, plus a lightweight and durable rubber and foam sole.

The Details: Knit upper | 4 to 11

This fan-favorite shoe comes in dozens of colors and prints so there’s something for every style — and every work-appropriate occasion, (but you’ll find tons of other ways to wear it while traveling, too).

The pointed-toe flat has a classic silhouette, is completely comfortable, sustainably made — and the best part? They’re fully machine washable so they’re like new whenever you want them to be.

The Details: Recycled plastic bottles | 5 to 13

These polyester ballet flats are breathable and classic, with tons of versatility and utility in a carry-on-only travel wardrobe. A faux leather sock absorbs sweat, and a padded insole has memory foam for major cushioning and comfort. They’re flexible, lightweight, durable, and soft, with a flattering round-toe shape — and they’re budget-friendly, too.

The Details: Polyester | 5 to 15 (regular and wide)

Best Breathable Shoes for Men

When it comes to comfortable men's travel shoes for walking, this cotton canvas sneaker has it all: it’s super lightweight, soft, supportive, durable, and oh-so-comfortable. Plus, it’s sustainably made from recycled cotton canvas with a 100 percent natural latex rubber outsole and recycled trims. In fact, this shoe is the environmentally conscious brand’s lowest carbon-impact sneaker ever.

While it has a barely-there feel, it also has a noticeably cool look — especially the multicolor version with standout red and blue details. It’s also available in off-white or pale pink.

The Details: Recycled cotton canvas | 4 to 11

These super lightweight and ultra-thin shoes are meant to mimic a barefoot experience (you can wear them with or without socks). An optional 2-millimeter insole lets you have less of a barefoot feel if or when you prefer it. The sole has a completely non-elevated heel to promote proper posture and performance. Wear them for a run, hike, or just around the city.

The Details: 6.5 to 15

A faux-leather upper gives this shoe a dressier feel that goes right out of your suitcase to a meeting or event (the faux leather is fully synthetic and vegan). A soft neoprene tongue and collar hug the foot, and a round toe is equally roomy and stylish. Extra support under the toe, plus foam at the ball of the foot and heel keep these super comfy.

The Details: Faux leather (synthetic) | 8 to 15 (medium or wide)

These sneakers are ideal for walking — and plenty more. The breathable mesh upper has a ventilation effect that keeps them feeling cool, and the lightweight Goga Mat insole offers major cushioning (think: yoga mat). They’re also machine washable and easy to clean, and come in six neutral and versatile colors.

The Details: 100 percent woven knit mesh fabric, synthetic upper, rubber sole | 7 to 16X (regular and wide)

This sneaker is designed explicitly as a work shoe — for all types of work requiring you to spend a lot of time on your feet. Plus, it’s great for general lifestyle and travel wear, too. It’s vegan and sustainably made from almost 100 percent recycled materials. It’s also slip-resistant, water-resistant, and has a slip-on design with an adjustable lace option for ease and fit. This shoe is available in 11 color options.

The Details: Nearly 100 percent recycled materials | 7 to 14

This sustainably made slip-on sneaker is effortless and timeless. The 100 percent vegan shoe is made of organic cotton with a natural rubber outsole. It’s slip-resistant, with a cork and foam insert for comfort. Plus, it comes in five colors, including neutral black, off-white, or gray, and standout rose or vibrant green.

The Details: Organic cotton | 5 to 13

Best Breathable Shoes for All Genders

This fully molded clog has ventilation ports for breathability, which also help shed water. It’s super light (weighing just ounces), comfortable (a heel pad on the back strap adds extra cushioning), and easy to wear. They’re also water-friendly, buoyant, and can be worn in and out of the water without issue. Plus, they’re easy to clean and dry.

The Details: Croslite | 6 to 12 (women’s sizes), 4 to 17 (men’s sizes)

Van’s checkered slip-on shoes are nothing short of iconic, and can be worn by everybody – man, woman, and child. This breathable canvas shoe with a cool and classic checkerboard pattern has a slip-on style with elastic side accents for everyday, hands-free ease. Rubber waffle outsoles ensure solid traction for everyday city wear as well.

The Details: Canvas | 5 to 17.5 (women's), 7 to 16 (men's) in regular and wide

This breathable sneaker has a classic look with an outdoorsy vibe for summer, with an upper made from cotton and hemp canvas. It slides on and off easily with a collapsible heel, and a microfiber lining feels soft against the foot. A recycled EVA top sole adds additional cushioning for optimal comfort, whether you’re at the campground or on the streets. They’re available in eight colors, too.

The Details: Cotton, hemp canvas blend | 3.5 to 14 (men), 5 to 15.5 (women)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of shoes are good for hot feet?

  The best breathable shoes for hot, sweaty feet are made with materials that promote airflow and air circulation. “Mesh or knit material is the most important factor to find as these materials will offer the best airflow and make the shoe more lightweight overall,” Daughtry says. “Many running shoes have a lighter midsole or cushioned footbed," and these are also good things to look for in a summer shoe.

• How can I make my shoes more breathable?

  There are some easy and affordable home remedies you can try to make your shoes more breathable. For instance, try placing some baking soda or talcum powder inside your closed-toed shoes to absorb any extra moisture and help manage odor.

  And don’t forget to wear socks: “Socks play an important role in helping to wick moisture away while cushioning and protecting the skin on your feet,” Daughtry says.

  Keeter concurs. “Most people do not wash their shoes on a daily basis and therefore, that hot moist environment that you are creating by walking is going to become a perfect breeding ground for athlete's foot and fungus,” she says. “I always encourage my patients to wear [a] thin sock at a minimum to protect your skin from any kind of bacterial or fungal element that inevitably might grow in your shoe.”

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