<p>Here, we’ve found 11 sneakers that are airy and breathable, thanks to excellent textile innovations and design. We’re looking at perforated cotton canvases, engineered mesh, and sweat-wicking nylons. Some are great for a tough workout, like Hokas or APLs, while others do better for everyday dressing, like <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a63420755/everlane-winter-sale-2025/” target=”_blank”>Everlane’s</a> canvas sneakers or a perforated <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/a63855557/adidas-samba-amazon-sale-february-2025/” target=”_blank”>Adidas Samba</a>. Find your smartest spring and summer sneaker investment here. </p>” data-next-head/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
best sustainable breathable shoes
Rothy’s RS01 Sneakers
Pros
- Great for everyday
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Can look dirty quickly
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.
| Upper Material | Sustainable Knit |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
Most Cushioned Breathable Sneaker
HOKA Clifton One9
Pros
- Classic Hoka support
- Good for workouts
Cons
- Runs wide for some
The Hoka Clifton is a classic and the One9 has a more technical upper, still done with an airy open-hole mesh. For a summer running shoe, it’s a favorite.
| Upper Material | Mesh, TPU |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4-14 |
Best Cotton Canvas Breathable Sneaker
Everlane The Tread-Bare Sneakers
Pros
- Great non-mesh upper option
- Good for casual outfits
Cons
- Sizing runs small
Everlane’s barely there sneaker is made with cotton canvas, which is going to give you a solid amount of breathability. The fabric is thin and the profile low for the most skin-to-air ratio possible.
| Upper Material | Recycled cotton canvas |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4-11 |
Best Investment Breathable Sneaker
APL Euphoria Shoes
Pros
- Extremely airy
- Great for working out
Cons
- Expensive
APL’s newer Euphoria sneaker is built to be as breathable as a sneaker can get, and the only complain we’ve really heard is that the fabric is so breathable that you can actually see through it. But for the purposes of aired-out feet, we don’t mind this a bit.
| Upper Material | Net |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-14 |
Overall Best Breathable Summer Sneaker
adidas Samba OG Shoes
Pros
- New fabric on familiar shoe
- Easy to style
Cons
- Sambas are everywhere
Sambas defined summer last year, and with updates like this, they might just do it again. This perforated iteration is just as stylish but a little more functional.
| Upper Material | Cotton mesh |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4-14 |
best stylish breathable shoes
Veja Rio Branco Sneakers
Pros
- Great for everyday
- Versatile look
Cons
- Branding not for everyone
The Veja runner is an excellent summer shoe, and its most breathable iteration has an Alvomesh upper. It’s fabricated alongside leather and suede for an effortlessly cool look.
| Upper Material | Alevomesh |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 40-46 |
What to Look For
If the sneaker is breathable, we’re looking for holes. Actual holes. We want air coming in and out of the sneakers as we move about our days, and thick, impenetrable fabrics do not do this. Most breathable sneakers will have a net-style mesh upper, be made with lightweight canvas, or add perforated detailing for added airflow.
Why You Should Trust Us
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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