The combination of summer heat and closed-toe shoes can spell disaster real quick. Excessive moisture from triple-digit temperatures then layered with socks then layered with damp, dark, sometimes airless space inside of your shoes often makes for a stinky, sweaty, uncomfortable situation. Sure, you can use shoe deodorants or antifungal powder, but if your sneakers aren't constructed out of antimicrobial and breathable materials, you're going to run into the same, smelly issues over and over again. Your best bet? Odorless shoes which—surprise!—do actually exist.
As you can glean from the moniker, odorless sneakers don't cling to those cheesy feet smells that make you cringe when you go to put them on. Instead, they're made from breathable, antimicrobial fabrics that give your feet room to breathe, keeping both feet and sneakers smelling fresher than daisies.
"The ideal athletic shoe has a mesh upper that allows for the moisture to evaporate," Alex Kor, DPM, MS, a podiatrist based in Indiana, previously told W+G. "For certain athletic activities, canvas shoes that are washable can be of help as well. Some leather shoes also breathe well."
Experts say, typically, natural fabrics, like cotton, wool, and bamboo, stave off odors better than synthetic materials, like polyester and Lycra. If your sneakers are synthetic, look for features that help ventilate air, like mesh or perforated uppers. Some odor-repelling sneakers (and socks, which you should wear with sneakers!) even have threads of copper or silver to neutralize bad smells and kill bacteria.
A lot goes into avoiding smelly feet and foul-smelling sneakers, but one of the best things you can do is wear a pair of breathable and anti-microbial kicks. Here are some pairs that don't stink (pun intended).
Sizes available: 5-10, in half sizes
Go about your day sweat- and stink-free in Thousand Fell’s Lace Up Shoes. These simple-yet-stylish kicks are perfect for summer, particularly on the odor-repelling front. Featuring a mesh liner that’s been coated with aloe vera, the lace-up shoes are breathable and wicks moisture away from feet as to not cling to funky stenches. Another notable feature is the easy-to-clean outer—which is made of recycled plastics and corn waste—so that your shoes don’t wreak of whatever you step on.
I’ve personally tested these shoes for a week and can safely say no stinky feet over here, especially in the sweltering Texas heat. I particularly like the blend of synthetic and natural touches, specifically the airy foam (which is made from castor beans) and the bioleather uppers (which are scuff-proof, too.) Stylish, eco-friendly, and ridiculously comfortable, you won’t want to take them off.
Colors: 15
Pros:
- Natural and recycled synthetic breathable materials
- Durable and easy to clean
- Versatile
- Mesh, aloe-coated liner
- Recycling program
Cons:
- Limited sizing
Sizes available: 5-13, in half sizes
Cariuma is beloved by W+G editors for many reasons: the brand is sustainable and comfortable, but the kicks are also breathable, even when temps soar on the thermometer. The IBI Lows are made of temperature-regulating bamboo, which vents hot air and regulates sweaty feet. Even more to love, the shoe is machine-washable. So if you’re sweating profusely—fear not! You can throw these baddies in the wash after a long day. Trust us, these shoes don’t stink.
Colors: 17
Pros:
- Natural and recycled synthetic breathable materials
- Perforated uppers
- Machine washable
- Versatile and comfortable
- Brand plants 10 trees for every purchase
Cons:
- Some sizes sold out
Sizes available: 5-11
Constructed out of breathable eucalyptus fibers, the Allbirds Tree Runners are another airy option to add to your wardrobe. Not only do they regulate hot temperatures, the Tree Runners offer unparalleled comfort with a cushioned midsole, lightweight feel, and stylish look. Plus, they’re available in 15 colors that’ll meet everyone’s style needs, from neutrals to brights and everything in between. Whenever your pair is smelling funny, throw them in the wash so that they can look and smell fresh for the seasons to come.
Colors: 15
Pros:
- Natural and recycled synthetic breathable materials
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
- Supports a carbon-neutral business
Cons:
- Might not be supportive enough for those who over-pronate
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes
If you’re looking for an odorless running shoe that will help you go the distance, Hoka Bondi 8s are a great option. While not technically antimicrobial, they’re loaded with airflow-friendly features galore, including a mesh outer that’s so breathable and a lightweight foam midsole your feet will love to crash on. More importantly, these kicks are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot movement and health. Breathable, shock absorbing, and versatile, the Bondi 8s are what you’ll want in your running shoe arsenal.
Colors: 19
Pros:
- Breathable recycled synthetic materials
- Mesh upper
- Super lightweight yet supportive
- Approved by the APMA
Cons:
- Expensive
- Few natural materials
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes
Another running sneaker in your quiver, Asics Novablast 3LE is as cool as it sounds. The rocker-like sole and cushioned midsole can help you reach new distances; it has amazing cushioning and shock-absorbing capabilities; and lastly, it doesn’t trap heat or odors. No matter how far you’re striding, the upper mesh recirculates cool air so that your feet feel and stay fresh. Kiss shoe deodorants goodbye because these kicks deodorize for ya.
Colors: 7
Pros:
- Breathable mesh upper
- Supportive and run-ready
- Designed to keep feet cool
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited natural/recycled materials
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes
Mesh is great. But even better? Antimicrobial mesh. That’s what On Running’s Cloud 5 is encased in. The antimicrobial mesh outer vents hot air, keeps a cool environment for your feet, and ensures your insoles don’t reek. Atop of this cool feature, the Cloud 5s offer cushioned landings that allow more energy to be returned to your stride so you don’t have to work twice as hard. Smelly odors will become a thing of the past in these!
Colors: 17
Pros:
- Recycled materials
- Antimicrobial mesh uppers
- Lightweight yet supportive
- Fantastic energy return
Cons:
- Only 44 percent of the materials are recycled—not as sustainable as other options
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