The Best Shoes for Sweaty Feet – The Proven Method to Stop Kids Feet from Sweating
Some kids naturally have sweatier feet than others—often due to genetics—but the right shoes and socks can make a big difference. As a children’s shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped many parents find breathable, supportive footwear that keeps moisture under control. The best shoes for sweaty feet feature breathable mesh (not suede), antibacterial insoles, and are often machine washable. While mild foot sweat is normal during active play, excessive sweating can lead to discomfort and other foot issues—making proper shoe choice essential.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Addressing the issue of sweaty feet early on can have long-term benefits for your child’s foot health. Delaying action might result in complications that could have been easily avoided with the right footwear choices.
The challenge is finding shoes that are both breathable and machine washable—without compromising fit. To keep your child’s feet healthy and comfortable, the shoes must also match their specific foot shape, whether narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide.
Best Shoes for Sweaty Feet: Key Features to Look For
When selecting shoes for kids with sweaty feet, several features are essential:
The Importance of Getting Shoes that Are Machine Washable
Machine washable shoes are a game-changer—just toss them in the washer whenever needed to keep them fresh and clean. Regular washing helps eliminate 99.9% of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes hiding inside, keeping your child’s feet healthier and odor-free.
Kids with Sweaty Feet – Learn About the Symptoms!
While some sweaty feet symptoms might seem obvious, below you can find a list of these symptoms so you can keep a close eye (and nose!) on your kids’ foot health!
- Foot odor
- Itchy feet
- Skin problems
- Toenail fungus
- Wet socks
- Clamminess
Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Sweaty Feet
When it comes to choosing shoes for kids with sweaty feet, certain brands have consistently proven their worth. Here are my top recommendations for 2025 from the brands I trust:
Tsukihoshi
Tsukihoshi shoes are renowned for their lightweight construction and exceptional breathability. They incorporate innovative designs that promote air circulation, which is vital for reducing sweat and maintaining foot health.
See Kai Run
Their shoes often feature breathable materials and flexible soles, making them an excellent choice for active kids. The brand focuses on ergonomic designs that adapt to the natural shape of children’s feet, enhancing comfort and movement.
Dream Pairs
Dream Pairs provides affordable yet high-quality footwear options. Their shoes are designed with comfort in mind, including features like cushioned insoles and breathable fabric to help manage sweat effectively. The brand offers a wide range of styles and colors, appealing to both children and parents alike.
These three brands use breathable mesh in their shoes, but some styles do a much better job than others at keeping kids’ feet cool and dry. Below you can find my top recommendations for 2025 from the brands I trust.
Best Shoes for Sweaty Feet – Breathable and Machine Washable
Check the description below each shoe to see its key features and the right size to allow for proper growing room.
1. Kaz by Tsukihoshi
These Tsukihoshi shoes are among the best shoes for sweaty feet, thanks to their ultra-breathable, lightweight design that keeps little feet cool, dry, and comfortable all day long.
Key Features
- Order the shoe KAZ by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
- All Tsukihoshi shoes run wider than normal medium-width shoes
- Generous forefoot construction allows toes to splay naturally for superior balance and comfort
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Machine-washable synthetic leather and nylon mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
2. Viento by See Kai Run
These breathable shoes for kids are lightweight and designed to keep feet cool and comfortable. They feature a ventilated mesh upper that promotes airflow, helping to reduce moisture and prevent sweaty feet.
- Order the shoe Viento by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Mesh lining and the EVA sockliner allows air movement for breathable comfort
- Oversized openings for easy-on
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Velocity Sneaker by Tsukihoshi
These breathable sneakers by Tsukihoshi feature a lightweight, flexible sole and a wide toe box to avoid pressure points. The seamless, breathable interior and soft materials help reduce irritation.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Velocity Sneaker by Tsukihoshi on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
4. Aven by See Kai Run
These See Kai Run sneakers are also among the best shoes for sweaty feet, combining a breathable design with water-friendly features to keep your child’s feet cool, dry, and comfortable—no matter how active they get.
- Order the shoe Aven by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Partially enclosed design
- Lightweight, water-friendly open mesh upper with rubberized overlays
- Cushy EVA footbed for all-day comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Tennis EZ-Ons by Dream Pairs
These breathable sneakers for kids are an excellent choice for preventing sweaty feet. They feature a highly breathable knit upper that promotes airflow, keeping feet cool and dry during active play.
- Order the shoe Tennis EZ-Ons by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded tongue and collar
- Lightweight EVA sole delivers a natural feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Mako by Tsukihoshi
These breathable Tsukihoshi shoes are an excellent choice for kids with sweaty feet. The removable insoles are infused with natural green tea extract, providing antibacterial properties to combat odor-causing bacteria.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Mako by Tsukihoshi on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Removable insoles
- Extra cushion and padding around the heels
- Ultra-lightweight outsole made with flexible non-marking EVA/TPR
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
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The Importance of Wearing the Correct Shoe Size
The wrong shoe size can contribute significantly to sweating. As a solution, I offer a virtual shoe fitting service that helps parents get the correct shoe size online. This service will help you measure your child’s foot size accurately, ensuring you select the best fit. It’s a practical solution for busy parents who may not have the time to visit a physical store.
Say Goodbye to Sweaty Feet: The Right Shoes and Socks Matter
When adults feel that their socks are damp, they tend to switch to a pair of dry socks. However, most children won’t say a word, even when they feel that their feet are soaking wet from the sweat. Because kids don’t monitor sock dampness, parents should constantly check their kids’ feet after they come home from school. Feel their socks and make sure they don’t feel damp, and if they do, explain to your child that it is important to switch to a clean pair of socks.
Choosing the right shoes is only part of the solution. Pairing them with the right socks can make a significant difference in managing sweat. The combination of breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks creates an optimal environment for keeping feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.
Personalized Recommendations
If you’re unsure about what shoe size to order or which style to choose, consider reaching out for personalized recommendations. As a shoe fitter, I can provide tailored advice based on your child’s unique foot shape and needs. Personalized recommendations take into account the specific characteristics of your child’s feet, ensuring the best possible fit and comfort.
The Importance of Alternating Shoes – Use That Extra Pair!
Not all families can afford two pairs of sneakers, and that’s perfectly fine—one good, supportive pair is enough for everyday use. But if your child does have two pairs, make the most of it! Switching shoes after school helps keep feet dry and allows them to breathe better.
What Are the Best Boots for Kids with Sweaty Feet?
When it comes to boots, look for styles with breathable linings and moisture-wicking insoles. Waterproof boots with breathable technology, such as Gore-Tex, are excellent for wet conditions while keeping feet dry inside. These boots are designed to repel external moisture while allowing internal moisture to escape, making them ideal for rainy or snowy days.
If you have tried breathable shoes and socks, and you still feel that your kids’ sweating is out of control, you should consult your doctor, as your child may be suffering from hyperhidrosis —excessively sweaty feet regardless of the temperature. Remember that shoe materials play an important role in preventing your kids’ feet from sweating too much. The choices that I recommended to you are made from porous, breathable fibers, such as canvas and leather.
We have a three year old who has had sweaty feet since day one. He doesn’t even have to be wearing socks or sneakers for them to be sweaty! We let him be barefoot as much as possible but when it rains and in the winter when it’s rainy or snowy he needs boots (puddles anyone?). Every year since he started walking (starting before his first birth day) we come out of winter with some kind of foot or toenail fungus issue with him despite our best efforts to change socks frequently and have breathable shoes. Seems breathable rain/winter boots are impossible though! Any recommendations for boots? (Also note i can’t wear wool on my feet and he’s got all of my same skin sensitivities so far so I’m expecting the same for him… and to make matters more complicated he has extra wide feet… the only sneaker we’ve found that fits him is one specific style of new balance in extra wide where two Velcro straps allow the shoe to open completely… other brands‘ extra wide shoes aren’t even wide enough!) Thank you for this post!
Hi Heather,
The fact that your son has extra wide feet makes the situation a lot more challenging, as he is limited in the type of shoes he can wear. However, have you ever tried the shoe brand Tsukihoshi? They make some of the most breathable shoes that are machine washable and come with antibacterial insoles. Some of their styles are even capable of fitting children with extra wide feet.
Below you can find examples of how these shoes look like:
Option 1
Option 2
The only boot that comes into mind is one made by the same company Merrell. This boot is waterproof (so your son can jump into puddles).
Boot Option 1
This is not a rain boot, it’s more like a hiking waterproof boot. However, it will keep your son’s feet dry.
I hope this helps!
Thank you so much!! I’m looking at your socks recommendations (we’ve always bought cotton) so I’m really hoping that helps too.) Thank you again!
Good luck and keep us posted!
Hello! OMG! I have 4 boys and 2 little girls 5 and 12. My sons feet have no odor whatsoever, but both my daughter feet cute as they are smells like rotten cheese that’s been marinading in moldy vinegar for months in the hot dessert sun, then dipped in ammonia, sprinkled with old cornchips and smashed with rotten eggs, and that’s on a good day. My sister and my brother have the same problems with the girls, but not their boys either, AND I also read on so many mom blogs that it is around 95% girls with the foot odor issues. It was the same way when I was growing up. All my female cousins feet reeked, but never the boys. Is this more predominate in the female species or something? It has to be. This is NOT coincidence.
Dear Kim,
I believe that the cause might be that most girls tend to wear their shoes without socks. Keep in mind that socks play a huge role in keeping our kids feet healthy, since they act as a barrier between their feet and the shoes.
When it comes to foot odor, bacteria are to blame. Bacteria multiplies in sweat, so if the child doesn’t wear socks, that really gets them going. Always provide your kids with breathable shoes and socks to prevent their feet from sweating and smelling so much!
Thanks so much for your reply! The thing is, I make my girls wear their shoes with socks all the time since they smell so horrid, but their little stinkers still STINK! But then again, me and my childhood friend were the same way, but once we hit around 14, they didn’t smell as bad. SO maybe it’s just the younger girls.
But I guess we can look on the bright side. There is a National Odor Eaters Contest held once a year, and most of the time it’s a little girl who wins the contest.. go figure… ($2,000.00) So I guess the girls having really stinky feet pays off right? LOL??????
Dear Kim,
I think there are several parents who can relate to your experience with your girl’s feet smelling so bad. I had no idea about the National Eaters Contest, that’s pretty incredible!
Thank you so much for your useful information. My daughter is 3 and she has sweaty foot since baby. She’s now having Tsukihoshi sneaker but her socks still get wet after a couple hour of wear. I need to look for a breathable indoor shoe for her upcoming preschool in Sept and I don’t know what to get her as she will need to wear the shoe whole day long. I was thinking to buy Converse but afraid there won’t be enough support. Do you have any recommendations? She has wide feet also. Thank you.
Hello Mich,
Don’t buy her Converse to wear to school since they offer no support whatsoever. Converse are meant to be worn to the shopping mall or to go to an activity for a couple of hours only.
You should start by checking out this post I wrote where I describe the best socks for kids with sweaty feet (since the shoes your daughter is wearing are breathable, it might be the socks that are making her feet sweat so much):
The Best Socks for Kids with Sweaty Feet – PREVENT Your Kid’s Feet from Smelling!
For her indoor shoe, does it have to be a sneaker or it can be a slip-on shoe? Please clarify so I can give you better advise!
As long as it’s not a open toe shoe is fine. I have read your other post about socks so I just ordered some online to try but they just contain 50% merino wool. I hope that works on her. There are thin, medium and thick wool socks. Does the thick ones can absorb more sweat but I was thinking if she will be more comfortable of wearing the thin one with shoe? Would be great if you can give me some recommendation which shoe should I get. Thank you!
Also let you know that her feet is thick too.
Hello Mich,
It’s really up to your daughter, but probably she will feel more comfortable wearing the thinner socks. Next time you contact me please provide your daughter’s shoe size (it makes the whole process of finding her a shoe much easier)
Below are the options I believe will be best to combat your daughter’s sweaty feet. The first option is a sneaker/sandal, which is great because is open and breathable and your child can run around in it (it is also available in wide widths)
Indoor shoe for sweaty feet made by Stride Rite: 1st Choice
The second option is a mary jane made by Tsukihoshi (washable and more open than the sneakers)
Indoor shoe for sweaty feet: 2nd Choice
I hope this helps and clarifies! Let me know if you have any other questions.
This is exactly what I was looking for. My son is having this problem – his feet are sweating a lot so I was looking for a proper solution for this problem. He is very active so I actually thought that this is because of him being so active. For sure, I knew that also socks and shoes matter but didn’t know that the sweating can be eliminated just by choosing appropriate shoes and socks. I will definitely try your suggestions but to make my search easier – could you please advise which of your suggestions is suitable for wide feet? I would prefer machine washable shoes jsut would like to know which brand is more suitable for wide feet.
Arta,
If your child has wide feet, you should choose the ones made by Tsukihoshi! They are machine washable, super flexible, and they come with an antibacterial insole! They will fit the widest from the shoe styles I describe. Wearing the correct type of shoes and socks will make a tremendous difference to your kids’ feet!
This information about the best shoes for sweaty feet which are proven to stop kids feet from sweating will definitely help me in buying the appropriate footwear for my daughter. Her feet sweat a lot after having PE from school. She wears canvas closed shoes for PE as well as trainers. She always forgets to wear socks, and I need to remind her of this every time because it will help her feet breathe. I will have to buy that seamless socks that you have recommended next time. Thank you!
Your daughter should only wear trainers for activities such as PE or when she is running around a lot. Trainers shoes or “running shoes” are much more supportive than canvas shoes, and they also breathe better. Providing your daughter with the correct pair of shoes and socks will have a huge impact on the way her feet smell!
They actually have shoes designed to combat sweaty feet? Where were these about 30 years ago when I was a young kid? I have two kids’ with extremely sweaty feet and their shoes end up stinking up the whole house.
I like the fact that these shoes are machine washablae, and I will also get some of the socks you recommend!
Oliver,
The shoes that I describe in the post are the best shoes for children who have sweaty, stinky feet. You will be shocked about the difference that they will make when it comes to keeping your kids from sweating and smelling so much!
Ok, I don’t know what it is about my son, but he has the world’s stinkiest feet hands down. And when he wears his shoes, then takes them off… it’s awful! He is 17 with a big foot, so I don’t think he can wear any of the shoes you have recommended. Is there a men’s shoe you would recommend, or do I just click on the shoe and then look for a men’s size?
I always recommend taking children to your local kids’ shoe store. I don’t review men shoe sizes, but Asics and New Balance are brands that come in wide widths. Keep that in mind and make sure you are getting him good breathable socks. It will definitely help reduce the smell of his feet!
I remember when I was in high school, I was wearing shoes without socks (some of the time) and I noticed that my feet became sweaty and stinky. Nowadays, shoe making technology has vastly improve so parents can have lots of choices when buying. Specially now that they make machine washable shoes and shoes with very breathable materials.
I ordered one of the machine washable shoes from your site I will let you know how my child likes it and if the smell goes away!
The fact that shoe companies are making machine washable shoes and shoes with breathable material is a huge deal for our children who tend to sweat a lot and have stinky, sweaty feet. Wearing the right sock will also make a huge difference! Let me know how it works out!