Black Oszea Tasman sneaker

Best Breathable Running Shoes in NZ and Australia (2026)

Short answer: for warm-weather road running, the Hoka Mach 7, Saucony Ride 18 and Brooks Ghost 17 stand out in published lab testing for how well their uppers let heat and moisture escape. If you want something lighter and faster, look at the adidas Adizero EVO SL; if you need stability, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24; and for race day, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo.

How we chose

We make waterproof lifestyle sneakers, not running shoes, so we haven't wear-tested any of the shoes below. This shortlist draws on published independent reviews, mainly RunRepeat's lab breathability tests and Solereview's hot-weather guide. We then checked that each shoe was listed by at least one New Zealand or Australian retailer when we researched this guide (October 2026). Stock and colourways change often, so check your local store before you buy. We have left out prices on purpose.

A note on scores: RunRepeat's newer reviews rate breathability as a "BR" score, with a lab average of 75 BR. Older reviews use a 1–5 smoke-test scale, with an average of about 3.6. We quote each figure exactly as the review gives it.

Comparison at a glance

Shoe Best for Upper / breathability note Source
Hoka Mach 7 Daily training and some faster runs Jacquard engineered mesh; 96 BR, rated "exceptional" RunRepeat (May 2026)
Saucony Ride 18 Easy and moderate daily miles Dual-layer mesh with large outer vents; 5/5 RunRepeat (upd. Feb 2026)
Brooks Ghost 17 Everyday neutral running Engineered mesh; 92 BR RunRepeat (upd. Jul 2026)
adidas Adizero EVO SL Lightweight training and tempo Single-layer mesh, minimal tongue padding; 76 BR RunRepeat (upd. Jul 2026), Solereview (Jun 2026)
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Stability for heel strikers Multi-layer mesh with oversized vents; 4/5 RunRepeat (upd. Jun 2025)
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo 10 km to marathon racing Ultra-light mesh, perforated tongue, no gusset Solereview (Jun 2026)

The shoes

Hoka Mach 7

In RunRepeat's May 2026 review, the Mach 7's creel jacquard engineered mesh scored 96 BR, well above the 75 BR lab average. The reviewer called the result "exceptional". The review describes it as a versatile daily trainer that can also handle faster runs. We found it listed at Frontrunner Colombo (NZ) and Rebel (AU).

Saucony Ride 18

RunRepeat gave the Ride 18 a top breathability score of 5/5. Its dual-layer mesh has very large ventilation holes on the outside and finer holes underneath, and testers ranked it among the most breathable daily trainers they had tested. The review notes padding at the tongue and heel, and says the shoe suits slow to moderate paces better than marathon distances. We found it at Frontrunner Colombo (NZ).

Brooks Ghost 17

The Ghost 17's engineered mesh upper scored 92 BR in RunRepeat's review, which the reviewer called "outstanding". It is a straightforward neutral daily trainer. Frontrunner Colombo (NZ) listed several Ghost 17 widths when we checked, alongside the newer Ghost 18.

adidas Adizero EVO SL

Solereview's June 2026 hot-weather guide picks the EVO SL for daily runs. It says the lightweight mesh upper has no heavily padded tongue or internal sleeve, so air flows freely. RunRepeat describes the upper as a single-layer mesh and measured 76 BR, just above its lab average. The appeal here is low weight and versatility from easy runs to tempo work rather than standout lab airflow. We found it at JD Sports NZ.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

If you need support, RunRepeat scored the Adrenaline GTS 24's upper 4/5 for breathability, against a 3.6 average. The reviewer credits the oversized ventilation holes and says the multi-layer mesh would likely have scored far lower without them. The review points out the firm midsole and high 13.5 mm drop, which suit heel strikers. Frontrunner Colombo (NZ) listed both the GTS 24 and its successor, the GTS 25.

ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo

For racing in the heat, Solereview calls the Edge Tokyo "very breathable". It credits the ultra-light mesh, the perforated tongue and the lack of an internal gusset. The review also notes that the roomy upper gives up some fit security. Active Feet (AU) listed it as in stock when we checked.

How to choose a breathable running shoe

  • Fit first. A breathable upper is no help if the shoe rubs. Try shoes on later in the day, when your feet have swelled, and leave roughly a thumb's width at the toe.
  • Drop. Heel-to-toe drop varies a lot, from moderate to the Adrenaline's high 13.5 mm. If you are used to one range, change gradually.
  • Surface. All of these are road shoes. On trails you'll want more grip. Solereview's guide picks the Nike Terra Kiger 10 for hot trail runs.
  • Mesh vs knit. RunRepeat's testing found Nike's Flyknit InfinityRN 4 runs warmer, and Solereview credits thin mesh and unpadded, sleeve-free tongues for better airflow. Solereview lists the Hoka Bondi 9, ASICS Nimbus 28 and Nike Vomero 18 among shoes that don't breathe well.
  • Socks. A thin, moisture-wicking sock does a lot of the work. RunRepeat's ASICS Novablast 5 review, for example, recommends one for hot days because that shoe's upper is only average for airflow.

Rainy commutes and everyday wear

A breathable running shoe is built to let air and water through, so it will soak through in a downpour. For wet everyday wear rather than running, a waterproof lifestyle sneaker is a different tool. Full disclosure: we make Oszea. Our Tasman Essentials and Urban Essentials use a four-layer ZEA-TEX build: a breathable knit outer, a waterproof membrane, a flexible elastomer layer and a soft lining. They are designed for rain, puddles and wet grass, not for full submersion, and they are not running shoes. If you're weighing the trade-offs, read Are Waterproof Shoes Breathable? and our waterproof sneakers shortlist for NZ. If your runners do get soaked, here's how to dry wet shoes without damaging them.

FAQ

What is the most breathable running shoe in this guide?

On the published figures we used, the Hoka Mach 7 (96 BR) and the Saucony Ride 18 (5/5) score highest in RunRepeat's lab testing. The two use different scales, so treat both as top-tier rather than ranking one above the other.

Are knit running shoes less breathable than mesh?

Often, yes. RunRepeat's testing found thicker knits warmer than thin mesh, and it describes Nike's Flyknit InfinityRN 4 as less suited to summer. Construction matters more than the label, though, so look for visible holes and a thin, unpadded tongue.

Can I run in waterproof shoes in summer?

You can, but a waterproof membrane limits airflow. RunRepeat notes that a Gore-Tex trail shoe let little air through in its test. For warm-weather running, a mesh shoe is the better choice. Keep waterproof shoes for wet days.

Are these shoes sold in both NZ and Australia?

We confirmed at least one NZ or Australian retailer for each shoe in October 2026, as noted above. Range varies by store and by country, so check locally.

Sources

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