7 Best Breathable Sneakers in 2024 (2024)

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.

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.

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.