The Best Shoes for Sweaty Feet – The Proven Method to Stop Kids Feet from Sweating

January 15, 2023 Sweaty/Smelly Feet Juan Pablo Valenzuela 23 - Comments

“My child has the smelliest feet!” is what parents often tell me before I get ready to remove their kids’ shoes to measure their feet. Some children’s feet tend to sweat more than others. One of the most common causes is believed to be hereditary, but the type of shoes and socks that your child wears can significantly reduce or completely eliminate the sweat. I am going to show you a list of the best shoes for sweaty feet based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.

If you are in a rush, you can go directly to the selection of the best shoes for sweaty feet.

If your child has been dealing with sweaty feet, I am going to show you a selection of breathable shoes, machine washable, and come with antibacterial insoles.

Be Proactive and Don’t Take the “Wait and See Approach”

If your child is dealing with sweaty feet, you must take action before this issue escalates to a bigger problem. Did you know that bacteria multiply in sweaty environments? Some parents even allow their kids to wear their shoes without socks, and that really gets the bacteria going!

I have seen children develop all sorts of foot issues from not wearing breathable shoes such as Athlete’s foot, blisters, calluses, or corns. If your kids’ feet are wet or damp for most of the day, the skin gets softer and more susceptible to developing foot issues. 

I always recommend breathable and machine-washable shoes for children with sweaty feet. The issue is that there is a small selection of shoes that allow your child’s feet to breathe properly and that are machine washable at the same time. In addition, the shoes need to fit your child’s exact foot shape —narrow, medium, wide, extra wide.

The Importance of Getting Shoes that Are Machine Washable

Finding a shoe that is machine washable can be a great asset, since you will be able to throw them in the washing machine as often as you need, making sure you are killing any bacteria that is living inside the shoe. Being able to wash your kids’ shoes in the washing machine allows you to kill 99.9% of the bacteria, fungus, viruses and other microbes.

Kids with Sweaty Feet – Learn About the Symptom! 

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

Reducing and Eliminating Sweaty Feet – Shoes and Socks Work Together!

If you provide your child with a pair of breathable shoes but the socks are made out of synthetic materials, then your child’s feet will continue to sweat. On the other hand, if you provide your child with a pair of breathable socks but the shoes are not breathable enough, then your child’s feet will continue to sweat. The shoes and the socks work together in trying to reduce or fully eliminate your kids’ sweaty feet.

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.

Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Sweaty Feet

There are 2 shoe brands that are my go-to ones for children with sweaty feet:

➡️Tsukihoshi

Tsukihoshi is a Japanese shoe brand that makes lightweight yet supportive shoes that are breathable, machine washable, and come with anti-bacterial original insoles. 

➡️ Geox

This shoe company incorporated breathing panels into the soles of their shoes, promoting breathability and creating an ideal micro-climate inside the shoe. In addition to making shoes that are practically indestructible, with great support and structure, Geox also makes shoes that are as breathable as it gets.

While these 2 shoe companies have created breathable shoes by incorporating as much mesh material as possible, certain shoe styles among these brands are better than others when it comes to allowing feet to breathe.

I only review shoes that I have fitted before as that is the only way for me to tell how well-made the shoes are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world. 

The Best Shoes for Sweaty Feet

The shoes below can fit children with medium or wide feet. Simply take a look at the description below each shoe to find out what features it provides and the size you should order to allow for the correct amount of growing room.

  • Shoe style 3537 by Tsukihoshi
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Leather/mesh upper
  • Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 
  • Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Generous toe box provides room for healthy foot development 
  • Adjustable hook-and-loop strap
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Shoe style Saylor by See Kai Run
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook and loop closure for easy on off
  • Lightweight, water-friendly open mesh upper with rubberized overlays
  • Oversized openings for easy-on 
  • Removable EVA sockliner with mesh overlay
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Saylor by See Kai Run
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook and loop closure for easy on off
  • Lightweight, water-friendly open mesh upper with rubberized overlays
  • Oversized openings for easy-on 
  • Removable EVA sockliner with mesh overlay
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Wader 21 by Geox
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Unique microporous membrane that absorbs and expels sweat while keeping water out
  • Lightweight and flexible with padded collar and tongue for added comfort
  • Machine washable
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size 
  • Shoe style Sprintye 16 by Geox
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Removable insoles
  • Lightweight and flexible with padded collar and tongue for added comfort
  • Machine washable
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size 
  • Shoe style Buller by Geox
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook and loop closure for easy on off
  • Unique microporous membrane that absorbs and expels sweat while keeping water out
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Artin 2.0 by Stride Rite
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Removable insoles
  • OrthoLite® memory foam for enhanced comfort
  • Machine washable
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size 
  • Shoe style 3570 by Tsukihoshi
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Heel Stabilizer – Long heel counter provides stability 
  • Velcro closure
  • Machine washable
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Shoe style 3584 by Tsukihoshi
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Leather/mesh upper
  • Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 
  • Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Shoe style 1521 KAZ by Tsukihoshi
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Shoe style M2P Player by Stride Rite
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Removable insoles
  • OrthoLite® memory foam for enhanced comfort
  • Machine washable
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size 

Keep in mind that shoes that are fitted too short can be a contributing cause of your child’s sweaty feet. Before you buy your kids’ shoes online you must be 100% sure of your child’s foot size.

Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?

In each of the descriptions of the shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.

*A half a size bigger translates to 3/16 of an inch or 0.4 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.

*A whole size bigger translates to 3/8 of an inch or 0.8 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.

Are you Sure your Child is Wearing the Correct Shoe Size?

Not all parents have a good-fitting children’s shoe store in their area. That is the reason why I decided to create a resource where I describe the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state.

If after looking at the resource you still can’t seem to find a good kids’ shoe store in your area, then proceed to read an article I created where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.

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 recommend to you are made from porous, breathable, man-made fibers, such as canvas and leather.

Keep in mind that most kids have sweaty feet from playing and running around. This is totally normal! The problem comes when they have excessively sweaty feet since this can create several foot issues.

The Importance of Alternating Shoes – Take Advantage of That Extra Pair!

Let me start by acknowledging that not all families can afford to provide their children with two pairs of sneakers. In fact, most parents purchase one pair of sneakers for their kids to wear for their everyday activities.

One pair of good, supportive sneakers is all your kids need. However, if your child happens to have two pairs of sneakers, take advantage of this and alternate them! Have your children switch to their other pair as soon as they come back from school. This will allow his/her feet to stay dry and breathe better.

Try to emphasize to your child the importance of good foot hygiene, since this can prevent foot odor and infection. Also, make sure your child is drying his/her feet thoroughly after taking a shower.

Experiences from Parents Dealing with Kids with Sweaty Feet

Let’s see if you can relate to some of the stories below, as they are from parents of children who are dealing with sweaty feet.

“I didn’t know what else to do to stop my son’s feet from sweating so much! I decided to go ahead and try a new pair of shoes made by a Japanese brand named Tsukihoshi, and when I checked his feet after coming home from school, they were completely dry! I didn’t know what a difference the right pair of shoes could have in my kids’ sweaty feet!”

“It’s about 20 degrees where I live, and my daughter’s feet still sweat! I barely ever put shoes on her because her feet sweat like crazy. I decided I was tired of feeling crazy and reached out to our pediatrician and nurse today, who were unhelpful. I tried one of the shoes that you recommend and my daughters’ feet don’t sweat nearly as much! It worked! My daughter calls them the magical shoes!”

“My son always had really sweaty feet and they were staying damp for several hours after removing his shoes. The skin on his feet was also starting to peel. I got a pair of the socks that you recommended along with a pair of the Geox shoes, and his feet are much healthier now! Thank you!”

Excessive foot sweating in kids can have a negative impact on their everyday activities such as being comfortable at school or at home. Before you go to your doctor, try simple things such as changing to an appropriate pair of socks and wearing the correct type of shoes.

You will be amazed by the difference these changes can make! If your kids’ stinky feet are driving you insane, take action!

Now you know the health implications that occur when your kids’ feet sweat excessively and they stay in damp shoes and socks for extended periods of time.

What Are the Best Boots for Kids with Sweaty Feet?

I created a different resource that describes the most breathable boots for kids.

If you happen to need pair of breathable shoes for yourself, you should take a look at an article I wrote where I describe the best shoes for women with sweaty feet.

Looking for Other Shoe Choices Available?

Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my email if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My email address is: [email protected]

Do your kids’ feet sweat a lot? Is it out of control? Have you tried any particular shoe style that has helped reduce the sweat? Please share your experiences below, so other parents can all benefit from them!