Why Are Hey Dudes So Popular?

Hey Dude is now a household name and one of the top everyday footwear brands among Gen Zs. For a company that only dates back to 2008, this is no small feet.

But why are Hey Dudes so popular? The main reason is that their shoes are versatile, breathable, affordable, and at the same time sustainable. 

Moreover, the company has garnered a lot of social media attention, going viral all over TikTok. According to Forbes, they have close to a million followers on social media across platforms. 

So let’s dive deep into when this company started gaining traction and why you must give Hey Dude shoes a try. 

When Did Hey Dude Become Popular?

Hey Dude is an Italian footwear company that started back in 2008. In February of the next year they launched their products in the market.  Within a year of starting, they opened a branch in the US. 

The company sold its first million shoes by October 2011. At this point, the company sells millions of pairs each month. The growth this company has seen is extraordinary.

If you’re wondering who owns Hey Dudes, Crocs acquired the company in 2021 and since then has worked on increasing the company’s overseas sales, generating more revenue quarter after quarter. This strategy makes sense as when Crocs was acquiring Hey Dude, almost 95% of the sales were in the US. 

But Crocs can’t be credited for the popularity of Hey Dude, as that happened in 2020. According to Piper Sandler survey, in 2020 the brand jumped from 54th most popular teen footwear to 17th most popular. The latest survey taken in the fall of 2022 shows Hey Dude is now the 7th most popular brand among teens. 

So, when did hey dudes become popular? 2020 seems to be the year when Hey Dude reached record growth in its popularity and it’s still growing but more steadily.  

Why Are Hey Dudes So Popular? – 15 Reasons Behind Their Success

Hey Dude shoes are growing in popularity each year. But what are they doing right? Here’s our take on what factors have contributed to their success. 

1. Comfortable Build

A one word answer to ‘why are hey dudes popular?’ is comfort. Their soles are lightweight, with exceptional flexibility thanks to their Flex & Fold technology. A round, wide toe box offers a roomy fit. 

The upper is breathable and moisture wicking. Memory insoles mold to the shape of your feet and there are different levels of arch supports available depending on the model you pick. Dual-density midsoles take the shock absorption of these shoes to the next level so that you can walk comfortably.

Every aspect of the shoe is built for superior comfort and you can feel that in every step you take. 

2. Lightweight Shoes

Hey Dude shoes are also popular for their lightweight construction. Your feet won’t feel weighed down even if you wear their Wally shoes all day long because of the lightweight woven uppers and EVA sole.

Obviously, the particular materials used differ based on the model of the shoe, but the manufacturers identify these shoes as lightweight and design all their shoes that way.

Another incredibly lightweight model is the Farty Slip On. It’s made out of a lightweight canvas and their original superlight sole. The female version of the Wally shoes, Wendy, is also equally lightweight. 

One of their more sporty options, the Mikka Braided Army, is made out of lightweight knit material that’s highly popular. 

3. Supportive Material

As we have already mentioned, most of their shoes are made of dual-density, EVA midsoles that are excellent when it comes to shock absorption. The insoles are made of memory foam that can mold to the shape of your feet to provide you with the best cushioning possible.

The insoles being removable, you can upgrade your shoe with aftermarket orthopedic insoles in case you need extra support. In terms of arch support, different models offer minimum to good arch support. 

The Ava model for women is one of their best known for arch support. Many people with flat feet find this brand to ease the pressure on their feet.

4. Breathable Uppers

A breathable upper is an essential when it comes to everyday footwear. Hey Dudes design their uppers for maximum airflow and easy ventilation. Made of materials like braided, mesh, or canvas uppers, they keep your feet dry and wick away moisture.

Their most popular model, Wally, features a soft and elastic knitted upper that hugs your feet providing a snug yet comfortable fit. A lot of their models feature a breathable canvas upper that soaks up your sweat in the summer. An example of that is their Wendy shoes.

These shoes are great examples of all-day long comfort but in style. 

5. Shoe Quality & Durability

Hey Dude shoes are in no way the most high-quality, durable shoes in the market but given what you pay for, you get a pretty good bargain in terms of durability. 

They use innovative designs like their Flex & Fold Technology to improve the durability of their shoes. Because this feature allows for flexible and dynamic movement, it prevents early wear and tear. You can expect your shoes to last for a year at least even with regular usage.

When it comes to quality, each detail is on point on these shoes and you can admire the craft just by looking at the neat stitching on the uppers. They use high quality material like leather, canvas, fabric, suede, and mesh that can withstand your regular outings.

6. Multiple Styles Available For All

Hey Dude shoes have something for everyone . There are so many options to choose from for both men and women as well as kids. 

Their popular shoe models are available for everyone. Wally and Wendy shoes come in different patterns and colors for toddlers as well as in monochromatic colors for a more sophisticated look. 

Men can shop for casual shoes like Wally Sox or Conway Craft or go for rugged, sportier options like Mikka. They make boots, sandals, platforms, casual slip ons and snickers. So you won’t ever fall short of styles to choose from.

Women have just as many options. From Misty Rise for outdoorsy activities to the Wendy Chambray that goes with your casual wear as well as with summer dresses, Hey Dude is a go to whether you want to dress up or down. 

7. Versatile & Functional Everyday Wear

As we have already mentioned, Hey Dude makes different styles of footwear but their best sellers are their versatile and functional slip ons and sneakers.

With incredible cushioning from memory foam, arch support to relieve pressure from your feet, EVA midsole for shock absorption, and a breathable upper that snuggly fits your feet, these shoes are the Holy Grail when it comes to everyday casual wear.

You will get superior performance from these shoes even when staying on your feet all day and spending time outdoors.

8. Sustainable Materials Used 

We love a brand that is committed to sustainability and Hey Dude has kept up that commitment time and time. 

So, what are hey dudes made out of? Their ECO-kint collection is made out of recycled plastic waste converted to PET fibers. These fibers are used in their shoe lining and insoles. So, each pair sold reduces the plastic going into the ocean. Their customers love that they’re helping the effort to conserve the environment. 

They also reuse cork in their footwear which reduces the need to hurt trees. Organic cotton used in their uppers also reduces the use of pesticides that harm soil and water.  

9. Eco-friendly Cornstarch Packaging 

The carbon footprint of companies are largely impacted by their packaging and not just the product they’ve made. Hey Dude uses cornstarch packaging that is not only made out of a renewable resource but also decomposes naturally.

As the younger generation are more conscious towards the environment, these practices have struck a chord with them, making hey dude very popular among Gen Z. 

10. Snug Fit

Hey Dude shoes offer a snug and comfortable fit. Those made out of mesh or knit material more so. They also offer a wider and roomy toe box, so there is space right where you want it.

People with wide feet seem to enjoy the fit as well, which can be quite a challenge for brands. This is possible, because the upper is made out of stretchy material that conforms to your feet in the popular models like Wally, and Sirocco.

11. Eases Mild Plantar Fasciitis 

Although the company doesn’t make any claims, people with mild Plantar Fasciitis have reported feeling relief wearing Hey Dude shoes.

The support provided by these shoes due to the combination of EVA and memory foam reduces the pressure on your feet. Because these shoes are lightweight, your feet aren’t exhausted from weight when you walk or stay on your feet for a while. 

Having said that, these shoes aren’t specifically made for people with this condition and only mild cases have seen improvement. 

12. Affordable

Hey Dude shoes are considered affordable and reasonably priced taking their quality and material into account. You can expect to get a decent pair of slip ons for under $50, but depending on the model the price can go up to $80-$100.

This price is higher than some budget brands for sure but most customers view them as value-for-money and justified due to their eco-friendly practices. Moreover, the brand constantly provides discounts and offers.

13. Easy To Clean

Another great feature that may get overlooked but is surely important for an everyday footwear brand is that their shoes are machine washable and clean easily.

Just remove the laces and insole, with a little liquid detergent and washer set to delicate, your shoes will be as good as new. However, you can’t toss them in the dryer, you have to wait till air dried.

14. Brand Image & Value

The brand’s social media image has made it a hot ticket. Thor are hundreds of customers raving about the shoes on TikTok. There are videos of bridal and groomsmen parties sporting these shoes. 

The internet loves Hey Dude and their sustainable practices are widely applauded. Moreover, people enjoy the product and vouch for comfort. Such promotion from customers has created an organically favorable image that definitely helps its popularity.

15. Positive Reviews

People rely a lot these days on reviews they read online. That’s good for Hey Dude as they have a lot of positive reviews on e-commerce platforms, their official website, as well as on blogs. 

FAQs

Final words

To sum up, why is Hey Dudes so popular? You can attribute their popularity to their superior comfort, lightweight, breathable, and supportive build, eco-friendly practices, versatile styles, positive image, and presence on social media.

Hey Dude is steadily becoming one of the USA’s favorite shoe brands and it has especially connected with the younger demographic. This is mostly due to their functional designs, quality, and relative affordability. 

Their commitment to sustainability is also what makes them stand apart from all the emerging footwear brands. Customers get to help the environment by associating with the brand, which makes them feel good about themselves. It’s an incredible strategy that has led to a booming business.