The best breathable shoes for guys with sweaty feet
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Sweating is a uniquely human evolutionary trait that allows us to keep cool and regulate our body temperature. But if you're someone who sweats easily and often — especially on your feet — you probably find yourself cursing this biological function more often than not. Fortunately, the best breathable shoes for sweaty feet are designed to keep perspiration under control so you can stay dry and comfortable all day long.
There are several factors that make shoes sweat-friendly. First of all, they need ventilation. Whether it's mesh panels, air vents, cooling inserts, or simply a design that incorporates breathable materials, there must be a way for air to circulate.
Another helpful factor is moisture management. Whether it's leather, canvas, or another material, it also helps if the uppers are made with a fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly. This kind of material is especially helpful to have in the footbeds, where sweat tends to pool with lesser shoes. Cushioning made with air-cooled memory foam or other dry technology is ideal.
Lastly, if you're going to be sweating a lot, it doesn't hurt to have shoes that offer odor control. This is typically achieved through anti-microbial linings or other components that discourage odor-causing bacteria from building up.
To help connect you with the right pair of shoes, I put together a list of the top options out there. Read through the selections below to find the best breathable shoes for sweaty feet.
1. The best sneakers
The lowdown: Constructed with top-of-the-line air-cooled memory foam, these Skechers classic fit sneakers are an excellent choice for sweaty feet. In addition to the cooling footbeds, they feature mesh fabric that offers breathability and prevents perspiration from pooling. The popular sneakers, which boast nearly 20,000 positive reviews on Amazon, are available in a wide ranges of sizes and colors.
One reviewer wrote: "Love these Sketchers sneakers. Great arch support and springy soles, like walking on air. The mesh breathes so stay cool and no sweaty feet. Got these for work, they are classy enough to wear with casual slacks or go great with jeans. They are slip on shoes but the bungee laces give them a nice look. A little tight to get on but fit snug so no slipping of my heel. [...]Will most likely get another. GREAT CHOICE!!”
- Available sizes: 7 to 16 (regular and wide)
2. The best loafers
The lowdown: With a blend of light, airy cotton and tough polyurethane, these breathable men's loafers provide a stellar combination of durability and sweat-resistance. The canvas is loosely woven to allow ventilation, and the soft rubber soles offer reliable traction. Additionally, these shoes are outfitted with molded EVA footbeds that contain an antimicrobial additive to kill bacteria, reducing foot odor. These loafers come in your choice of several neutral colors.
One reviewer wrote: "I think the Sanuk slip-ons will help my feet this summer. I have a hard time finding summer shoes that breath and don't overheat my feet.”
- Available sizes: 7 to 18
3. The best running shoes
The lowdown: Made with a flexible — and highly breathable — mesh upper that’s almost socklike, these running shoes let air flow freely so your feet stay cool. The indented rubber sole provides all the shock absorption you need in a lightweight design, and fans raved about the shoe’s quality for the price. You can score them in 16 different colors.
One reviewer wrote: “Super comfortable, colorful and sporty. They fit perfect and are breathable. Living in Arizona, you need a shoe that is light weight and keep your feet from sweating. Would buy again and recommend.”
- Available sizes: 5 to 12
4. The best moccasins
The lowdown: Constructed with breathable genuine leather, these high-quality moccasins work well for sweaty feet, largely due to their ventilated design that allows for plenty of air circulation. The unique construction helps keep your feet cool and dry, which ultimately reduces odor build-up, too. The shoes have soft footbeds that dry quickly, along with sturdy, no-slip rubber soles. Best of all, the stylish shoes come in a dozen color choices.
One reviewer wrote: "I like that they are light weight. I like the openness of the shoe (my husband's feet sweat a lot in the summer). The air holes keep his feet cooler. He said when he walks, it's like his feet are getting a massage."
- Available sizes: 6.5 to 10.5 (regular and wide)
Also Great: The best sandals for sweaty feet
The lowdown: If you're looking for a pair of sandals that won't become slippery with sweat, these sporty men's flip flops are just the ticket. Reviewers noted that, unlike lots of sandals, they don't cause your feet to perspire excessively and they're comfortable, too. The shoes have great arch support and TPR midsoles that offer shock absorption, and their rubber outsoles provide traction as well. On top of all that, they come in 19 color options.
One reviewer wrote: “I looked for something cool and therapeutic and I think I found it. I order one size bigger than my shoe size and they fit perfect. My feet don't even hurt. I wear them after a long day at work and they are so comfortable. Love this product.”
- Available sizes: 7.5 to 16
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