



Walking around with swampy, sweaty feet as they suffocate in a pair of shoes might be the pinnacle of discomfort. And, if you’re someone who’s prone to perspiring soles (even when wearing socks), it can make shopping for a pair of comfortable, everyday walking shoes that much more difficult.
We scoured the internet to find the most breathable sneakers out there, enlisting the guidance of reviewers whose goals were similarly breeze-focused. Our efforts allowed us to create the following selection of men’s and women’s shoes that may range greatly in brands in price points but all share a similar ventilated design and sweat-conscious materials. Many of them don’t even require the need for socks.
Keep reading to find your next best comfy and breathable walking shoe like one chic court-side tennis shoe from Rothy’s, Allbird’s famous stay-cool Tree Runners and an affordable slip-in by none other than Skechers.
Promising Amazon review: "These shoes are so lightweight it's right next door to wearing nothing because they're also so breathable (meaning my feet don't get warm/hot)! These shoes are actually very comfortable. I got my usual size and they fit perfect. Also very light weight which I really like. They’re holding up well so far." — Dominick Ferreira
Promising Allbirds review: "This is the first pair of shoes I have ever owned that I can wear without socks. They slip right on and are so comfortable. My feet don't get hot and sweaty and the shoes never get that icky feel. When I work from home, these are the shoes I typically throw on and wear all day. I have a narrow foot with a high arch, so I am always worried about support and fit. The sole had plenty of cushion and enough arch support that I am comfortable. The whole sizes only on this model did bump me up to a 13. I would probably never wear these for an intense work out or long distance run because of the sizing. With that said, my toes have so much space, but the shoe still fits snug on my heel. As typical with my narrow foot, I do have to tighten the laces down to get a good fit but not so much that the eyelets touch and cover the tongue. A recent trip to Florida - I wore them on a short hike (2 miles) through a park. They did great! They are filthy now from the sand and dust so I am so grateful for machine washable that I am going to try for the first time!" — Eric P.
Promising Amazon review: "I wear work boots all day long and usually have wet socks from my own sweat. These shoes allow air to reach even the bottom of my feet. My toenails are not pleasant to look so I don’t wear sandals or flip flops. These shoes are the best at keeping my feet dry, with or without socks." — Scott Solomonson
Promising Reef review:These shoes are fantastic, they are very light, very comfortable and breathe well so they stay cool. The only issue that I have is that I have a Medium to narrow foot, and these are a bit wide, but I think once I work with the laces a bit more they will be fine. These go well with everything from a pair of jeans to business casual. I think I will order other colors too." — Myche B.
Very lightweight and comfortable. I've worn them with and without socks; with shorts or pants; even to work. Recently wore them as my primary footwear for a work trip where I was walking in excess of 5 miles per day and they are amazing. Ordering in some different colors as soon as I get home." — Eric
Promising Amazon review: "I have been wearing sketchers for years and love them. Now that I am 70, my feet have changed and I needed comfort, flexible, lightweight, easy to slip on with NO socks (can't get down to put them on) that DON'T make my feet sweat! Read all of the reviews and these ladies were SPOT ON! Buy these shoes ... no wont be disappointed. I wear a size 8 and bought 8 and 8.5 but the 8 fit perfect - like wearing a glove." — Placeholder
Promising Vivaia review: "I ordered these sneakers before having my hip replaced. I have very wide feet and often have to size up but these were a good width but best of all were easy to take on/off without bending over or having to lace up. Very comfortable with good shock absorbing soles and can be worn without sock but feet stay fresh. Highly recommended. I am female age 67." — Janette M.
Promising Nobull reviews: "Love them! I now have 3 pair of Aspire. Mesh allows feet to breathe and I have wide feet so allows for a little give." — Janice J.
"Very comfortable. Nobulls are the only shoe I can walk in that don’t hurt my feet. My go to are the mesh runners because they keep my feet nice and cool." — Tabitha R
Promising Amazon reviews: "These shoes are incredibly comfortable and I love the wide toe box. They are also cute which is important. Lightweight and the soles are sturdy but give you the feeling of walking with your natural balance. My feet don't sweat and I have even washed them and no problems there. These are a must-buy but go a 1/2 size up at least." — Lisa Castro
"The most comfortable shoes I own! So glad I came across them... was looking for Merrell’s but these are just like them a lot of toe room to avoid bunion formation... my feet don’t sweat or get hot, great quality two thumbs up!!" — Elizabeth
Promising Rothy's review: "Love these tennis shoes. Very comfortable, breathable, my feet don't sweat in them which keeps them from smelling. Love the bright (which I call "Old fashion") white. Have been asked by others, whose shoe?, glad to recommend it." — Barbara W.
Promising Amazon review: I am a runner, but don't always want to wear running sneakers casually; so I was looking for something like a walking shoe to wear with jeans, shorts, etc. I tried these in Navy blue and fell in love. I now have them in 5 colors and rotate them often. They're so comfortable..I literally feel like I'm walking on clouds. The size fit perfectly are true. I've worn them both with and without socks and it's fine either way. My feet sweat a bit more than most, but these even handle that well. Great in the rain too. I highly recommend them; and at a reasonable price, you can have a full palette of colors." — Mel
Promising Suavs review: "I'm very happy with these classic sneakers. They are now my third pair of Suavs. They are comfortable to walk around in all say and are lightweight and do not make my feet sweaty. They are cute and simple and look nice with a summer dress and also look great with jeans and leggings." — Elizabeth B.