15 Breathable Shoes That'll Help You Conquer Heat and Humidity

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You, me, the guy going hard on the treadmill at the gym, knows what it's like to have shoes that suffocate your feet. Seriously though—what's worse than having your feet (which play a huge part in regulating your body temperature, BTW!) feel like they can't breathe through your shoes and socks? They're just there, helpless, festering up sweat until you can finally air 'em out.

Luckily, the solution to this problem is a simple one: Get a pair of breathable shoes. They're more common than you think, although you wouldn't really know it by how many shoes seem to hold your feet within a prison of humidity. But brands like Nike, Adidas, and Asics have perfected the art of combining durability with breathability, so you don't have to sacrifice one thing for another. No flimsiness, no sweat. Even designers like Gucci and Common Projects have breathable styles, while crowd favorites like Veja, Cariuma, and Hoka have pairs that you'll love.

When buying a pair of breathable shoes, there are a few important things to consider. You need to look for materials, like mesh or knit, that will promote ventilation, and you should seek out insoles that are cushioned—this allows airflow to move in and out. You also should probably find a pair that is flexible, so your feet aren't restricted and can wiggle freely. To help you along, we've gathered 15 of the best breathable shoes on the market. All you have to do is take the jump to make your feet feel better forever.

OCA Low Sneakers

Cariumas are a long-standing favorite because of how lightweight they are. But walking-on-air effect aside, these sneakers are pretty damn breathable, too, thanks to their canvas construction.

Tree Runners

Not only are these shoes comfortable to run around town in, but they'll air out your feet and let the breathe while you're doing it. The eucalyptus tree fiber is breezy and light, and even has thermoregulating properties. Plus, the cushioned midsole will give you extra all-day support.

Air Max 270 Sneakers

Nike has mastered the breathable sneaker over the years, and the Air Max 270s take the cake in terms of letting your dogs catch some air. These are so thin and flexible, it'll be like wearing really, really protective socks.

RS01 Sneakers

These are durable and highly breathable, but honestly? As soon as Pedro Pascal gave them his seal of approval, we were sold. The RSO1 sneakers have unparalleled versatility for a washable (hell yeah) style you can count on.

Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes

Or, if you're more of an Asics guy, there's no going wrong with a good ol' Gel-Nimbus 24. Perforation in the upper makes for an even more breathable sneaker than most, and the cushioned gel technology will make every step feel better than the last.

Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hoka is quickly becoming a household name in the world of sneakers, and it's really no question as to why. Their most popular style, the Clifton 9, is breathable as hell, thanks to the engineered knit upper. You're going to want to add every style to your cart after you try on these bad boys.

Cloud 5 Running Shoes

For a running shoe that doubles as a lifestyle shoe, On has a pair that's perfect for putting that pep in your step. These have athletic tech in their 100 percent recycled polyester upper that allows for ventilation and breathability all day long. And did we mention that they're made from recycled materials? So you can go the distance while leaving a smaller footprint behind.

Virtus Distressed Sneakers

A leather and webbing combo makes these '70s-inspired Gucci picks an absolutely infallible pair, both in terms of style and breathability.

Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

Made in part with ocean plastics, these shoes with a breathable knit upper are perfect for runs, walks, and any other kind of pace of life. The upper gently hugs your feet, while the midsoles give you an extra boost from the first step to the last mile.

Rio Branco Sneakers

You, like the rest of the world, have undoubtedly been seeing that Veja logo more and more over the past couple of years. The lifestyle shoe's most breathable iteration has an Alvomesh upper, fabricated alongside leather and suede for an effortlessly cool look.

Gum Ripstop Runners

Thanks to a perforated polyester ripstop, these shoes are crafted to be as breathable as can be. Designed to handle it all—just like you, this style is made specifically to support you during every workout.

Skagit Water Shoes

The ultimate land-to-sea option, that will keep your feet perfectly dry on land and, ironically, just wet enough in the water. They also have quick-drying mesh uppers that stop your feet from getting swampy, and an anti-microbial finish helps keep odors at bay.

Achilles Low-Top Sneakers

You don't have to sacrifice the full-grain leather look in favor of breathability. Common Projects proves you can have the best of both worlds, with their style that's equally luxe and breathable.

Zilker Gums

A knit sneaker is great for keeping your feet warm, but not hot. These aren't the kind of shoe you're going to grimace at when winter comes—they're protective and comfortable but not overbearingly hot.

Nova 3 Gore-Tex Shoes

If you’re the type of guy who likes to tackle tough terrains, then these breathable hiking shoes are perfect for you. With a recycled mesh footbed cover and airy mesh lining, your feet will stay cool, even when the hike gets hot.

Why You Should Trust Us

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to breathable shoes, especially ones that emphasize comfort—, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these breathable shoes are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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