When it comes to keeping your feet happy and healthy, breathability is where it's at. Our island athleisure sneakers are here to help, but first, let’s learn a little about what makes this type of shoe so game-changing.
What Is Athletic Shoe Breathability & Why Is It Important?
Think of shoe breathability as humidity control for your feet. Footwear with this feature allows moisture and heat to easily escape instead of staying stuck inside the shoe.
But you might be wondering… Does breathability really affect the comfort and performance of athletic shoes all that much? Oh yes! Breathability is the key to keeping your feet cool and dry. For sweaty feet, breathable athletic shoes are an absolute must because they help with odor control—big time. Proper breathability in athletic shoes also impacts overall foot health and prevents common foot problems, including those from pesky moisture.
Even when you’re not using them for a workout routine, you’ll find that breathable athletic shoes for summer are essential, or for those who live in warmer climates (you know, like…Hawaii). For our toastiest times, we love the Kīlea for her and Pūnini for him. Both have all the breathable benefits above, plus a comfy contoured footbed and versatile retro-sneaker-meets-beach vibe.
So, What’s In The Shoes?
Wondering what materials and technologies are commonly used to improve breathability in athletic shoes? The main component is a permeable mesh that covers the upper of the shoe (and wraps around the sides as well). Because of its microporous membrane, this mesh allows moisture molecules to escape while still keeping your feet protected from the outside world.
If you’re looking for breathable shoes made from 100% vegan-friendly materials, go for the Holo for him and the Huia for her. That mesh we mentioned makes them super lightweight as well. Bonus!
How Do I Choose The Right Shoes?
Now that you know what they are and what they’re made of, what are some key considerations when looking for the perfect pair of breathable athletic shoes? Let’s step right in.
If you struggle with pain problems and are looking for athletic shoes for Plantar Fasciitis or similar issues, search for something with supportive cushioning and a sure-footed grip. Our women’s Hā‘upu is a great one to try.
Think about what you’ll be using your new shoes for. For example, you might find a pair of breathable athletic shoes that are great for cross training (like the men’s Holo), but need something a bit more dressed up for the office as well. For those in-between moments, we again recommend the versatile look and all-day comfort of the Kīlea for her and Pūnini for him.
A couple of final factors that should be considered when evaluating the breathability of athletic shoes are whether your feet run wide or narrow. One of the most tried-and-true methods to see if a shoe will be a good fit for you is customer reviews. Let our own customers be your guide! And finally, make sure that despite its lightweight nature, the shoe has a good grip. That way, you’re sure to have foot comfort from top to bottom as you move.
Now that you’re a pro in casual, breathable active shoes, let’s find you the perfect pair.
SHOP MEN’S ACTIVE SNEAKERS
