Sweaty feet in summer: causes, tips and why the right materials make all the difference

How to keep your feet feeling fresh on hot days and enjoy more day-to-day comfort
09.06.2026
Close-up of a person’s legs in sand-coloured Giesswein trainers with a white sole. The person is walking on a natural stone path, surrounded by ferns and shrubs.

 

When temperatures rise, we enjoy long days, travel and outdoor activities—until sweaty feet spoil the fun. Especially in summer, the interplay of shoe choice, materials and airflow determines how comfortable your feet feel. Light, breathable fabrics can wick moisture away from the foot more quickly for greater comfort. If you also look for a soft lining and styles designed to feel great barefoot, every step becomes noticeably more relaxed. In short: with the right set-up, your feet stay fresh even on hot days—and everyday life becomes far more comfortable.

 

Why do feet sweat more in summer? Simple: our body regulates heat via sweat—and there are particularly many sweat glands on the feet. High outdoor temperatures, longer walks and little air circulation in the shoe act like a turbo. Add dense, synthetic materials or overly tight fits and moisture builds up quickly. If it isn’t effectively carried outwards, a warm, humid microclimate develops—uncomfortable, and it can also affect comfort and freshness. The good news: with clever materials and smart routines, much of this can be avoided.

 

Five simple steps help straight away: First, choose breathable materials that allow plenty of air circulation. Second, rotate your shoes regularly so moisture can evaporate. Third, go barefoot if the lining is made for it—it often feels especially good in summer. Fourth, don’t forget care, for example a short, cooling foot bath in the evening. Fifth, ensure the right width so your foot has room to breathe. Merino wool makes a real difference here: it reliably regulates temperature and moisture and creates a naturally balanced foot climate—all day long.

 

Merino Slides

On hot days, do you want maximum airy comfort? Merino Slides combine the open, summery feel of a mule with distinctly refined comfort. A softly cushioned Merino–cork sole, a cushioning cork footbed and an ergonomic midsole cradle every step—individually adjusted with continuously adjustable straps made from soft ajour knit. A robust, non-slip EVA sole gives you confident grip day to day, while gleaming metal buckles and an upper made from recycled material perfect the urban chic. Whether office, holiday or city: these slides deliver light, airy comfort with style—day after day.

Split image: On the left, a woman in a cream linen outfit and dark Giesswein sandals walks across sunlit cobblestones on a city street. On the right, a man in a beige linen suit with dark blue Giesswein sandals sits on a stone bench in a park.


Merino Slides Women
Merino Slides Men

 

Wool Sneaker

Prefer closed shoes but still want summer lightness? The Wool Sneaker uses extra-thin Merino knit and an ultra-light EVA sole—so every step feels truly featherlight. The soft Merino insole and the removable interchangeable footbed provide gentle support and make the sneaker a joy to wear barefoot. Merino wool regulates temperature and moisture, is breathable and naturally odour-inhibiting—ideal for long, warm days. Extra smart: the sneaker can be washed at 30 °C and air-dried. For slim to normal feet, the comfortable width F offers a pleasantly precise fit.

Split image: On the left, a woman in a light blue summer dress and blue Giesswein trainers sits on a stone staircase in front of tropical vegetation. On the right, a man in light shorts and a white shirt with blue Giesswein trainers stands on a garden path, also in front of lush greenery.


Wool Sneaker Women
Wool Sneaker Men

 

What do our customers say?

I saw the Merino Slides Women, ordered them, they arrived quickly, tried them on—they fit, and I love them.
Christa — ★★★★★

 

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