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Ball Run don’t stop. As the heat index rises and most of us take reprieve by sprinting to the nearest air conditioned building, dedicated runners are still out there, pounding away at the scorching pavement and leaving pools of sweat in their trail. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to stop the perspiration, but it can be managed with the right pair of shoes.
If your running shoes are constructed with a mostly leather, suede, or synthetic upper, you’re only asking for trouble in the sweltering sun. Instead, you’ll want something that uses mesh or mesh-like materials to allow air to flow freely throughout the sneaker. Even better, a number of kicks feature moisture wicking antimicrobial liners and other funk-fighting technologies to keep your feet cool and dry. If you’re looking to keep up your regimen in the heat, don’t sweat it, this is Stay Fresh: The 10 Most Breathable Running Shoes This Summer.
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things pop culture, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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No. 10 – Saucony Triumph 11
Heavy on cushioning and breathable up top, the Saucony Triumph 11 is a neutral runner well equipped for summer runs. The open mesh upper is kept clean and simple with minimal Sauc-Fit overlays, and a Hydrator Collar Liner and ComfortRide Sockliner have been implemented to wick away moisture from the inside out.
No. 9 – Altra The One2
Known for their specialty zero-drop footwear, Altra has upgraded The One model for improved performance this season. The Altra The One2’s Quick Dry Air Mesh upper is exactly the kind of material you’ll want in the heat, as it is both super breathable and won't get weighed down by moisture. In terms of fit, the shoe is best for Flat footed runners.
No. 8 – Merrell AllOut Flash
Don’t let the Merrell AllOut Flash’s name fool you: There’s no reflective overlays or metallic hits here, it’s just an incredibly lightweight, speedy runner. At 6.5 ounces, you won’t be slowed down carrying a bulky load, and it’s built with an air mesh upper for plenty of breathability. Overlays are used only where they’re needed, making the AllOut Flash a great choice for use on the trail or road.
No. 7 – Newton Motion III
The Newton Motion III’s upper is a little heavier on synthetics than other shoes on this list, but the overlays are thin and sparse enough that they won’t get in the way of the open mesh used throughout the upper. The brand’s anti-friction and antibacterial ETC Sockliner is used underfoot, so you won’t have to worry about any funk down low. The Newton Motion III is one of the best summer choices for moderate overpronators.
No. 6 – adidas adizero adios Boost 2
The adidas adios line is the sort of thing running legends are made of, and now the Three Stripes have somehow found a way to make it even better with the addition of Energy Boost cushioning. The adidas adizero adios Boost 2 combines liberal use of open mesh with the brand’s Techfit material for a feel that is both highly breathable and supportive.
No. 5 – Karhu Steady3 Fulcrum
Finnish brand Karhu might not be the biggest name in the US, but they’ve been pumping out footwear innovations for over a century. In the ‘70s, they were one of the first brands to make nylon and air cushioning popular in running shoes, and now they continue to push the envelope with technologies like their Fulcrum midsole. The Steady3 Fulcrum ‘s upper is almost entirely mesh and It features a soft, plush sockliner.
No. 4 – Nike Free 5.0 ‘14
The use of supportive Flywire technology allows the Nike Free 5.0 ’14 to get by with minimal synthetics, enhancing the breathable properties of its stitch-free mesh, which was specifically designed for the Free 5.0 ’14. Choosing between the Free 5.0 ’14 and the Free Flyknit models can come down to personal preference, but the Free 5.0 ’14 actually features larger open mesh holes than the Flyknit variations.
No. 3 – Brooks PureFlow 3
The Brooks PureFlow 3’s upper combines a flexible Nav Band for snug lockdown, seamless synthetic overlays, and a breathable mesh upper with large air holes. Far from minimal, the PureFlow3 offers just the right amount of airflow to get the job done as temperatures rise. Meanwhile, the brand’s proprietary BioMoGo DNA delivers user-specific cushioning in an environmentally friendly package.
No. 2 – Asics Gel-Cumulus 16
Certain sneakers just look cool, breezy, and breathable, and the Asics Gel-Cumulus 16 is definitely one of them. The open mesh upper makes use of some of the largest perforations you’ll find, and the Gel-Cumulus 16 also features a ComforDry Sockliner for antibacterial protection that keeps odors at bay. Unlike many sneakers on this list, the Gel-Cumulus 16’s overlays are not seamless, but that doesn’t affect the stellar breathability. Those in search of a neutral cushioned sneaker with both breathable and antibacterial properties should consider the Cumulus-16.
No. 1 – New Balance Fresh Foam 980
New Balance’s latest cushioning endeavor is both a high performer and a head turner. The unique one piece Fresh Foam midsole was developed with an emphasis soft, plush cushioning, while also eliminating the need for internal tooling. But the upper of the Fresh Foam 980 is what’s going to get you through the summer. It’s constructed of air mesh and minimal yet supportive no-sew overlays, and NB’s senior footwear product manager Claire Wood has explained that they could’ve taken a busier approach to the design, but wanted to keep things simple and streamlined. The result is one of the best neutral summer runners around.
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things pop culture, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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