7 Best Breathable Sneakers in 2024
If you’re looking for a new pair for the summer season, it’s important to have breathable sneakers in the closet when the temperature rises. Aside from keeping your toes cool and comfortable, a reliable pair of shoes will protect your feet and ankles from the impact of walking on concrete paths or standing for long hours.
Whether you're attending a formal gathering, or going out with friends on a weekend getaway, there’s a perfect pair of breathable shoes for your feet. Shoe manufacturers are constantly innovating their designs using various materials to produce more comfortable and breathable sneakers that suit everyone’s lifestyles.
With tons of options out there, getting into your summer sneaker hunt can be time-consuming. We can help you with that. How? We have purchased breathable sneakers and personally tested their ventilation (among other properties) while wearing them on our indoor and outdoor trips and by also performing a smoke test in the lab. We appointed the pairs that were really impressive and put them on a list. Here are our top picks in various categories.
How we test sneakers
Carefully wear testing one shoe at a time, we are sneakerheads who put in the hours of research and performance tests just to review them with the full scoop. We also examine each model to its essential parts inside our independent RunRepeat shoe testing lab. As you can see, we want to be comprehensive in our approach which includes:
- Buying breathable sneakers for testing using our own money. This eliminates any taint of bias in all of our reviews.
- Thoroughly wear-testing each model, which involves not just a quick on-foot try but engaging in a variety of activities like a short walk to the grocery store, going on a date, or other similar activities. We take every sneaker for days of wear and tear use before giving our assessment on its fit, comfort, durability, etc…
- Testing the shoes in our lab. Yep, more sets of tests. We do this to provide proof and a deeper explanation behind how a shoe performs or feels on foot. We also chop up the shoes to gather as much information from their parts.
Best futuristic breathable sneakers
What makes it the best?
Out of all the breathable sneakers in our lab, the Nike Air Max 270 emerges as the epitome of futuristic footwear. Renowned for its groundbreaking 32mm heel height, it stands as the pioneer lifestyle-centric Air Max model. Other than being a visual standout with over 200 colorways, it delivers comfort through its light and loose build.
Our extensive testing revealed that the AM270's gentle neoprene interior offers unparalleled comfort, even without socks. Coupled with strategically placed mesh panels, it ensures optimal airflow, resulting in a consistently cool and airy feel. Upon slipping them on, our feet were met with a snug yet comfortable fit, erasing any worries of sweat, blisters, and hotspots.
Additionally, the durable mesh upper proved its robustness in our abrasive test in the lab, resisting damage and maintaining its integrity. This reinforces its reputation as a reliable choice for sneaker enthusiasts.
Despite its height, AM270 feels light on foot, with its free-flowing nature adding to its weightless feel. It barely fought back as we bent our feet while walking, leading to a comfortable and natural ride.
However, its tall and soft nature requires an adjustment period because it feels quite unsteady. We recommend those who prefer stable support right out of the box to check alternatives.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Instantly comfortable
- True to size
- Durable
- Can be worn without socks
- Flexible
- Super breathable
- Sleek modern looks
- Crazy number of colorways
Cons
- Heel height might need adjusting to
- Not the best for standing all day
Best breathable sneakers overall
What makes it the best?
There were a lot of breathable sneakers, but the ASICS Gel Lyte III trampled on them all through its clever use of materials to ensure ventilation. While a good part of it was made of real suede, it made use of highly breathable mesh in key areas. It was able to keep our feet aerated, earning a score of 4 out of 5. In addition to breathability, this shoe also delivered noteworthy plushness and effective structural flexibility to give us a completely comfortable experience.
The typical midsole would get a rating of 30.9 from our HA durometer. The midsole of the ASICS Gel Lyte III, for its part, only got 22.1, making it significantly softer than average. When worn, the soft midsole compressed when needed and ensured a pain-free experience for us.
Structurally, this ASICS sneaker was more flexible than usual. In our lab, we learned that the typical sneaker would need as much as 23.2N of force to bend at 90 degrees. When we subjected the Gel Lyte 3 to our flex test, we saw that it only needed much less; just 17.2N. This extra flexibility allowed the shoe to be more attuned with the movements of our feet.
If only the platform were a bit wider, this shoe would have been the perfect one. Our caliper measured it to be only 100.0 mm wide on the forefoot and 76.8 mm on the heel. The width of the average platform was measured to be 108.9 mm and 83.4 mm at the same points.
Pros
- Electrifying ‘90s look
- Splendidly comfy
- Easy to slip on and off
- Generously padded tongue
- Durable structure
- Breathable
- Premium materials
- Reliable grip
Cons
- Tight-fitting
- Narrow platform
Best lightweight breathable sneakers
What makes it the best?
When it came to breathability, the New Balance 327 was definitely up there with the likes of the NB 990 V6 and the Nike Air Max 270. It also offered other benefits, and its lightness was a definite standout, together with its pretty minimal feel on the foot. It easily became our favorite lightweight pick among the breathable ones.
The breathability of the 327 from New Balance deserved a 4 out of 5. We felt quite airy while wearing it, and it performed so well during our breathability tests in the lab.
Weighing only 10.62 ounces or 301 grams, this shoe was definitely among the lightest that we’ve ever walked in. Our feet didn’t feel worn out even after strolling the whole day. The average sneaker could go as high as 14.04 ounces or 398 grams.
We also loved that this shoe felt very nice and minimal on the foot. Its tongue was only 2.0 mm thick based on our caliper measurements. The average tongue could rack up a whopping 8.7 mm of padding.
It’s just too unfortunate that wide-footers wouldn’t be able to enjoy the goodness of the New Balance 327. At its widest, the footbed was only 94.0 mm wide when the average could give as much as 99.1 mm of space.
Pros
- Fashionably sporty
- Well-cushioned
- Stable and planted platform
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Above average breathability
- Superb grip
- Suitable for driving
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Relatively stiff
- Fits a little tight
- Not suitable for wide feet
Breathable sneakers with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
It was already good enough that the Adidas Alphaboost V1 was breathable, but it just didn’t stop there. It also delivered one of the softest cushioning systems that we tried. As a result, it easily became our pick for the breathable sneaker with the best cushioning. The durability of its outsole, which made it outdoor-ready, was already a bonus.
Deserving of a 4 out of 5 rating for breathability, the Alphaboost V1’s upper easily allowed air to pass through. We confirmed this through our own experience and conducting a smoke test in the lab.
Aside from being thick, the midsole was also nice and soft. The impact from occasional jumps and jolts was easily neutralized by it. Our HA durometer gave this midsole a 22.4 rating, which is significantly lower than the 30.9 average.
We were pleasantly surprised that the outsole displayed a good amount of abrasion resistance. We subjected it to high-pressure Dremel drilling in the lab, and our assault only managed to leave 0.4 mm of damage. This number is far lower than the 1.0 mm that we would have seen in a typical outsole.
Unfortunately, the Adidas Alphaboost V1 was too inflexible for its own good. Based on the results of our flex test, it needed 41.9N of force to be bent at a 90-degree angle. The average sneaker would have required only 23.2N.
Pros
- All-day comfort
- Springy ride
- Well-cushioned
- Great for casual runs
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Amazingly stable platform
- Futuristic look
- Versatile for many activities
Cons
- Largely inflexible structure
- Flimsy heel hold
Best breathable retro sneakers
What makes it the best?
In the category of breathable sneakers, the PUMA RS-X prevailed as the superior retro model. The ventilation of this sneaker really wowed us as it notably relieved us from sweaty feet even on the hottest days. What’s more, is that it offers affordability without sacrificing its bold and captivating vintage aesthetic.
To fully grasp how inviting the PUMA RS-X’s upper to air, we meticulously inspected it under the illumination of a bright light and our microscope. These two tests unveiled identical results: porous toebox and quarter.
The colorway selection for this retro piece is simply a feast for the eyes. While its classic charm is stunning, it didn’t require a fortune. In fact, the PUMA RS-X is priced at $110, which is 30.2% cheaper compared to its kind.
We confirmed that its hefty silhouette equates to its weight. Our scale read 16.05 oz (455g), which is 12.3% above the typical sneaker weight. If you wish for something that’s unburdening on your feet, we urge you to explore other breathable alternatives.
Pros
- Retro charm
- Numerous vivid colorways
- Very comfortable step-in feel
- Plenty of cushioning for all-day wear
- Breathable, summer-ready upper
- Very stable platform
- Highly durable outsole
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Stiff forefoot
Best budget breathable sneakers
What makes it the best?
One look at the New Balance 237 and you would already know that it’s going to be breathable. The upper had mesh portions that let air in and out. Selling for only $75 (average was $110), this shoe felt comfortably light and had a pretty stable platform, especially around the heel. The NB 237 is easily the best breathable budget sneaker to date.
Several breathability assessments were done on this shoe in the lab, and the results concurred: this shoe was pretty well-ventilated. A score lower than 4 out of 5 would be a gross injustice!
Despite its thick midsole and rather bulky appearance, the New Balance 237 actually felt light. Our weighing scale in the lab confirmed our observations. This budget sneaker weighed only 11.25 ounces or 319 grams, making it significantly lighter than the average sneaker (14.04 oz or 398g).
The platform was pretty wide, especially around the heel. Our caliper measured the platform’s heel part to be 101.7 mm wide when the average was only 83.4 mm. The extra surface area served as an outrigger that kept our steps stable and safe.
We could say that the firm midsole also contributed to the shoe’s stability, but it was just too much. Our HA durometer gave it a 42.5 rating, which is far higher (therefore firmer) than the 30.9 average.
Pros
- Breathable and ready for the summer
- Very durable and premium materials
- Real suede
- Out-of-box comfortable
- Incredibly light
- Retro vibes and effortlessly chic
- Mix-and-match queens
- Loads of colorways
- Compliment magnet
- Super affordable
Cons
- Firm sole
- Narrow fit
- Materials wrinkle