What does a cool American surfer and “Hey Dude shoes” have in common? They both say, “hey dude!” It’s just that Hey Dude shoes say it in how cool, stylish, lightweight, and comfortable they are. Coincidentally, it is the same feeling you get when surfing some sweet waves or chilling with some free-spirited Australians.
So if you’re still wondering why Hey Dudes are so popular, ponder no more. Who doesn’t want a pair of sleek sweet kicks that are cool, solid, lightweight, and wait for it… affordable? Well, we know you want one for sure. With Hey Dudes, every cool dude can have his dream shoe easily.
There’s so much more to know about hey dudes. So get ready for a load-down on why Hey Dudes are so popular. We’re not giving you three or five but nine reasons you’ll want to own a pair of hey dudes.
Why Are Hey Dudes So Popular?
Hey Dude shoes are popular for a lot of reasons. So let’s look at a few, shall we?
#1. They Are Sturdy And Comfortable:
Hey Dude shoes were created from a desire for comfortable and sturdy shoes that can take you on many adventures. This is exactly what you get when you purchase a pair of Hey Dudes.
The comfort of Hey Dude shoes is to die for. You can walk many miles without feeling the stress of the journey. Thankfully, they are sturdy, withstand wear and tear, and you’ll have your Hey Dudes for a long time.
Two major reasons for their comfort are that they’re lightweight and breathable. So you won’t feel bogged down by your footwear. Also, you can wear them for long periods without your feet getting moist or wet.
The insoles are light, and some feature memory foam for comfort and special foot care. Depending on your preference, you can even get insoles made from cork or canvas.
As for the outer material, they’re made from vegan-friendly materials. You definitely want to invest in shoes that support the environment.
#2. They Offer Great Aesthetic
Hey, Dudes, do not sacrifice comfort and durability for beauty. They are as beautiful as they are functional. They also come in unique designs.
Hey dudes designs are fun and simple with unique detailing that helps you spot a pair amongst many others.
#3. They Offer Variety
With Hey Dude shoes, you get a variety of designs and styles perfect for you. They provide shoes for men, women, and children, factoring in the uniqueness of each foot.
For warmth, you can wear boots, sandals, or slip-on designs with different kinds of fleece lining. If you have sweaty feet, you can wear footwear with moisture-wicking abilities to keep them dry. These are also perfect for rainy seasons.
Their designs range from simple to eccentric and casual to formal footwear. They’re also available in different colors, patterns, drawings, plaid, etc. It’s, therefore, true to say that the design possibilities are endless.
#4. They Are Eco-friendly
This is a major selling point for Hey Dude shoes. In a time when everyone is contributing towards saving the planet, Hey Dude tactically stormed the market with this eco-friendly footwear.
The Hey Dude Wally model is made from farmed flex wood, which gives it a unique texture. This shoe was made using clever wood processing technology, which is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
These shoes are also made from recycled leather. Talk about keeping the environment clean and creating useful things in the process.
#5. They Provide Excellent Grip
The grip on Hey Dude shoes is superb. The boots also offer great traction for balance and foot protection.
So no matter the surface you’re walking on, you don’t have to worry about slipping or falling.
#6. They Are Versatile
Hey Dudes offer versatile styles that match any dressing. Forget that the “Hey Dude” brand is casual; these shoes work fine in office wear.
You can choose suede or leather options to match your office attire. For a cool, laid-back style, almost any Hey Dude shoe fits the description.
#7. Easy To Wear
Ease and comfort are very important to Hey Dude shoes, so they ditched lace-ups for slip-on designs.
So forget the hassle of getting into a lace-up shoe and embrace the ease of Hey Dude slip-on shoes.
#8. Easy To Maintain
You can wash your Hey Dude shoes in your washing machine. They dry really fast, so you’ll be ready for your next adventure in no time.
Thankfully, they don’t get destroyed or lose shape from being washed.
#9. Fit
Hey, dudes, they are designed to fit well. They fit true to size as they are designed for different foot sizes for men, women, and children.
You also get a wider toe space, which means no more uncomfortable, cramped toes.
Who Made Hey Dudes So Popular?
Founded by Alessandro Rosano and Dario Kaute, Hey Dude was inspired by the desire to combine style and comfort in the perfect sneakers.
This brand was launched in 2008 in Italy, the center of high-end footwear. You’ll be glad to know that despite how affordable these shoes are, the same quality and care that goes into making high-end shoes went into making these.
Alessandro Rosano and Dario Kaute didn’t just make stylish and comfortable shoes; they also put the planet into consideration. The result was vegan, non-toxic footwear made from recycled materials. Even the packaging is biodegradable.
They entered the market in 2009, and by 2010, the USA branch had opened. By June 2010, the market had expanded to cover Europe, South America, and Eastern Asia.
Over time, these shoes gained popularity and, in 2011, sold over 1 million shoes worldwide.
Then, in October 2017, Hey Dude partnered with Zappos, and by December 2017, one million pairs were sold in the U.S. alone. The Wendy shoes, which are the female version of the Wally, were released into the market. In August of that year, the shoes went on to sell over 5 million pairs worldwide.
Do Hey Dudes Stretch Out?
Hey, dudes, do stretch depending on the one you buy. For example, the Wally and Wendy versions are made from cotton, which will stretch after a while. So when buying these, you should buy one size less than your regular size for the best fit.
Hey, dudes, they are supposed to provide a great fit. If they don’t fit well, you can tighten them using the shoelaces.
Do Crocs Own Hey Dudes?
In 2021, Crocs Inc. was set to buy the Hey Dude company for $2.5 billion U.S. dollars. The Hey Dude brand is a profitable business that rakes in an estimated $500 million U.S. dollars. The acquisition is, however, expected to be complete by 2022.
This new deal will definitely take Hey Dude Shoes to the next level in the footwear industry. Crocs Inc. intends to use this acquisition to meet its target of $5 billion by 2026, making Crocs the second-largest company in casual footwear.
According to Crocs, both companies will operate separately commercially to preserve their brand identity and consumers. However, it is not clear if they will operate separate websites.
Crocs may be on their way to achieving their target with this acquisition. The acquisition is also a great platform for Hey Dude to expand in the U.S market.
Can You Get Hey Dudes Wet?
Hey dude, shoes can get wet and dry easily, too. Although they aren’t waterproof, their EVA soles allow them to float in water.
The first Hey Dude water shoe, “Mistral,” was made in 2007. This shoe is suitable for the beach and even in rainy seasons.
Can Hey Dudes Go In The Dryer?
When cleaning your Hey Dudes, do not put them in the dryer. Sure, you can use a washing machine, but avoid the dryer.
To care for your Hey Dudes:
- Remove all visible dirt using a soft brush, especially if you enter mud.
- Remove the insoles and laces before putting them in the washer. Then, wash them by hand with a little detergent.
- It’s better to use liquid detergent when washing shoes than powdered detergent. Powdered detergent can spoil the fabric of the shoe, and even liquid detergent should be used in a small amount.
- Wash using a delicate cycle and cold water, so your Hey Dudes don’t shrink.
- After washing, dry your Hey Dudes inside or outside but not under direct sunlight as the sun can bleach them.
- If your Hey Dudes are made from leather, suede, or wool, do not use a washer to wash them. Rather, clean them by hand.
Can You Wear Hey Dudes In Winter?
There are Hey Dude shoes you can wear in winter. Even though Hey Dudes are known as great summer/beach footwear, the Wally winter Suede and the Farty Suede will keep you warm in winter.
These slip-on shoes feature a suede upper and EVA soles lined with textiles for warmth. They still retain their lightweight feature, which Hey Dudes are popular for.
The Farty Chalet is insulated with a faux fur lining for added warmth. Its outer material is a water-repellent canvas, which protects it against the elements.
If slip-ons are not your style for winter, Hey Dude shoes have stylish winter boots you can opt for. The Hey Dude Volterra Suede is ideal for you. It’s designed like a Derby, which is a classy style, and it also features a pliable insole.
The Torino suede is also a great choice. Both of these shoes can be worn casually and formally. Plus, they feature the patented City Lights sole for a firmer grip in colder months.
So, you can add a pair of Hey Dudes to your winter essentials.
Are Hey Dudes Business Casual?
Not all Hey Dudes are business casual. In fact, hey dudes are famous for being casual footwear. However, the Hey dude Wayne lace-up and the Volterra Suede will match your business casual outfit nicely. And still, maintain the classic Hey Dude comfort.
Are Hey Dudes For Wide Feet?
Hey, Dudes are ideal for wide feet. The shape of the shoes makes this clear. They do not feature a pointed toe but a wide toe, which is very comfortable.
In finding the right size of Hey dude, if you wear a half size, you should go for a size larger. If you wear a full-size, you’ll likely get a true-to-size fit.
How Can You Tell A Fake Hey Dude Shoe?
With Hey Dude’s growing popularity, many fakes are also infiltrating the market. This is why you should know how to spot a fake, and here’s how:
- Quality: Original Hey dudes feature smooth, breathable outer fabric, while the fakes are usually hard and not breathable. You can also tell an original Hey Dude by its porous exterior, which allows water to escape easily. Fake shoes, on the other hand, are trapped in water, which spoils the shoes faster.
- Flexible: Original Hey dudes are made with flex-and-fold technology, which allows for flexibility and easy storage. They also feature EVA soles and a light memory midsole for flexibility and durability. Fakes, on the other hand, have hard midsoles that break and wear away at the center when folded or worn.
- Packaging: You can spot a fake immediately from its packaging. Hey Dude uses biodegradable material in its packaging.
The packaging box usually features a deep logo imprint, while fakes do not.
- Lightweight: Just holding a pair of fake Hey Dudes in your hands, and you can tell. This is because original hey dudes are made from lightweight, high-quality material. Fakes, on the other hand, are made from low-quality materials and so aren’t lightweight.
- Cushioning and grip: Original Hey Dudes feature supple midsoles and EVA outer soles, which provide cushioning when you’re walking. The outer soles also provide great traction to protect you from slipping. Fake Hey Dudes, on the other hand, have a plain and smooth outsole and do not offer memory foam cushioning, making them uncomfortable and unsafe.
These amazing features and more are why hey dudes are so popular. Now that you know, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a pair of Hey Dudes today. You’ll be glad you did. For more of everything you want, check out these articles: