Meet Hey Dude: The Laid-Back Shoe Brand Everyone's Feet Are Loving

Love feeling light on your feet? Us, too. That's why Hey Dude is the shoe brand we're kicking around in lately. At first glance, we wondered if Hey Dude was just cute for the sake of being cute, or if they actually pull off the cuteness and comfort factor. As the team behind countless best-of lists and style roundups, we've walked a mile in shoe brands we love—and plenty that we don't—to see what makes a shoe worth the hype. While Hey Dude isn't our first rodeo in the realm of comfortable shoes, it may be our last if the brand keeps churning out stylish, supportive styles for work and play. Keep reading to learn more about Hey Dude's all-day wearability, our favorite styles, and a bonus coupon to save on your next pair.

What's Hey Dude All About?

Despite its all-American name, Hey Dude was actually founded in Italy in 2008. The name nods to the brand’s relaxed, easygoing vibe—and that energy definitely shows in its designs. What sets Hey Dude apart from other casual shoe brands is its innovative construction: the shoes look structured but feel ultra-lightweight and incredibly flexible. While the brand originally focused on men’s styles, it’s since expanded and become just as popular with women and kids. Fun fact: Crocs acquired Hey Dude in 2022.

The Hey Dude Story

Let’s take a closer look at how this once-obscure Italian brand became one of the most recognizable names in American footwear.

You’ve probably heard of the world-famous Italian shoe industry—renowned for combining generations of artistry with top-tier quality. Founders Alessandro Rosano and Dario Kaute were already veterans in that world when they launched Hey Dude nearly 20 years ago. After years in shoe distribution, Rosano had a vision: create slipper-like shoes that paired Italian craftsmanship with the comfort and laid-back vibe the American market craved.

Hey Dude’s first shoe, the Wally, was a slip-on style featuring an ultra-light EVA sole, memory-foam insole, and elastic laces. It quickly took off, and by 2019, the brand had sold over a million pairs. In 2022, Crocs acquired Hey Dude for $2.5 billion. As part of the deal, Rosano stayed on in a creative role to help preserve the original charm and functionality that made the shoes such a hit in the first place.

Bestsellers + Why Everyone Loves Them

Hey Dude shoes have a signature look—and once you know it, you’ll start spotting them everywhere. Whether you’ve seen them on friends, at the airport, or just out and about, these top-selling styles are beloved for a reason. 

Here are the standouts worth knowing:

• Wendy:
  This fan-favorite women’s slip-on comes in dozens of colors and styles. Options include clog-style silhouettes, slip-resistant soles, chunk heels, stretch canvas, and more—available in everything from classic hues to textured finishes and bold patterns.
• Wally:
  The original men’s style that launched the brand’s success, Wally shoes come in a wide range of colors and constructions, including stretch canvas and more rugged designs like the supportive “worker toe.”
• Sox:
  Designed with a sock-like knit upper, this style is lightweight, breathable, and flexible—while still offering a polished, structured look.
• Phoenix:
  A casual slide with a memory-foam footbed and adjustable strap for that breezy, just-right fit.
• Branson:
  The brand’s go-to boot for men and women features a round-toe, ankle-height design with a flexible rubber outsole. Select styles also include a water-resistant leather upper.
• Kids:
  The girls' Wendy and boys' Wally bring the same comfort and versatility as the adult versions—only with extra fun. Expect playful designs like Mickey Mouse, glitter, cow prints, and even ice cream cones.
• Hey20 Mesh + Hey20 Active:
  These sporty, beach-inspired shoes feature a ventilated mesh upper and drainage holes, making them ideal for warm-weather adventures.
• Austin Lift:
  Lightweight platform slip-ons with a 34-millimeter height boost. Stylish and comfortable, this viral style became a sensation thanks to Sydney Sweeney—who also happens to be its official spokesperson.

Aside from the stylish designs, Hey Dude shoes are known for their barely-there weight (most styles come in under six ounces), Flex & Fold technology that hugs the foot with every step, cushy memory-foam insoles, and easy slip-on entry. Bonus: some styles are even machine washable.

Style Vibe: Chill, Casual, and (Yes) Cute

Hey Dude is like the cuter younger sibling of Crocs or Birkenstocks. While they offer the same comfort and durability, we'd say that Hey Dude shoes actually have more intricate construction than either brand. If you're arguing if Hey Dude is comfortable or just cute along with the rest of the internet—the answer is that they're so cute it might surprise you by how comfy they stay after all-day wear. The laid-back, minimalist, and beachy vibe of Hey Dude makes them the perfect blend-in-anywhere shoes. While we like the occasional bold print for vacation looks, the heathered knits, canvas, and neutrals are just sneaky enough to wear under select workwear looks.

How Much Do They Cost?

Most Hey Dude shoes fall in the $40–$70 range, which we love for footwear that’s equal parts comfortable, durable, and well-crafted. Limited-edition styles and special collabs can run a bit higher—up to around $90—but overall, Hey Dude delivers major value for the price point.

Want to save even more? Don’t forget to check out our latest HEYDUDE promo code for exclusive discounts and deals on your next pair.

Here's the price breakdown by category:

• Classic Slip-Ons (Wally, Wendy, Sox)
  Typically $60–$70, depending on the material and construction.
• Platforms & Clogs (Austin Lift, Delray Clog)
  Range from $60–$80, with elevated options in suede or leather.
• Slides & Sandals (Phoenix, Chandler Slide, etc.)
  Usually $40–$60, perfect for warm-weather wear.
• Boots (Branson, Britt, Denny)
  Priced between $70–$80, especially styles with water-resistant or leather uppers.
• Kids’ Styles (Mini Wally/Wendy)
  Generally $40–$60, with fun prints and seasonal markdowns.
• Sale & Clearance Items
  Often discounted up to 50%, with some styles dipping below $50.

Where Can You Buy Hey Dude Shoes?

With a steady handful of retailers selling Hey Dude shoes, it's easier than ever to get a pair. You can even grab them on sale pretty easily. Different retailers usually discount Hey Dude shoes during seasonal sales and back-to-school promos. 

Here's a look at our favorite places to shop for Hey Dude:

• The Hey Dude website:
  For the widest range of options for styles, patterns, and sizes, shop directly from the Hey Dude website. Plus, all orders over $50 ship free.
• Amazon:
  Amazon has a decent selection of Hey Dude shoes for women, men, and kids—even styles from past seasons. Shop with an Amazon promo code. 
• Zappos:
  Find a huge selection of styles and patterns in men's, women's, kids', new arrivals, and sale items.
• DSW:
  DSW has a great selection of Wally, Paul, and Bradley styles not found at most other retailers. Shop for the family with a DSW coupon. 
• DICK's Sporting Goods:
  This retailer has a great selection of Wally and Wendy shoes in a wide range of colors and funky patterns for men, women, and kids.
• Nordstrom Rack:
  Find new arrivals for Wendy and Wally toddler and kid styles. Use a Nordstrom Rack promo code for savings. 

Hey Dude’s Step Toward Sustainability

Hey Dude builds sustainability into its production practices by prioritizing eco-friendly materials. The brand routinely utilizes recycled materials in its soles and packaging. In 2018, Hey Dude even ran a collection of eco-knit shoes featuring PET fibers derived from plastic bottles as part of an effort to protect the world's oceans from pollution. Now part of Crocs, Hey Dude will be part of one of the fashion industry's most ambitious sustainability initiatives ever. As you may have heard, Crocs has pledged to reduce the carbon footprint of its most popular shoes by 50% by 2030.

If You Love Hey Dude, You'll Love These Brands, Too

If you can't already tell, we're big fans of low-maintenance, casual footwear around here. If you're already practically living in your Hey Dude shoes, there are some brands that are perfect for keeping the same vibe while either going sportier and more casual or dressing things up a bit for office or social time.

Looking to expand your comfort shoe collection? These brands hit the same sweet spot:

• Crocs:
  Owned by the same parent company as Hey Dude, Crocs makes the most iconic comfort shoes ever. Lightweight, comfy sandals, slides, and clogs have earned their cult following. We also love the fun of Jibbitz™ charms.
• Sanuk:
  This laid-back California brand, famed for casual slip-ons and footbeds made from actual yoga mat foam, shows off "grown-up" SoCal skater and surfer vibes for days off.
• OluKai:
  This brand's Hawaiian-inspired footwear, which looks easy and breezy, is actually made with incredible arch support and durable materials. We're fans of the comfy, coastal-cool sandals and closed-toe slip-ons in airy, modern colors.
• Allbirds:
  One of our favorites overall, Allbirds is a powerhouse for sustainable shoes that perform. Different styles comprise combinations of wool, eucalyptus, and sugarcane foam that are so lightweight and breathable. While this earthy brand's shoes are more sneaker-style compared to Hey Dude, they still have the same easy-on, easy-off vibe that's perfect for adventuring. Check them out with an Allbirds discount code.
• Skechers:
  We still love a good Skechers sneaker or foam-cushioned slip-on after all these years. The GOwalk lineup is especially supportive for all-day travel trekking. Skechers is a safe go-to for a huge selection, broad sizing, and accessible pricing when you want something that's comfy and well-made.

Why Rank & Style Is Team Hey Dude

Hey Dude is a great brand when you want to look preppy and elevated while giving your feet a vacation from work shoes. Styles are super-wearable and practical for daily life. We also like that you can easily style your Hey Dude shoes with a casual wardrobe to look put together in that "beach club" kind of way. The brand has become a first pick around here for travel, errand days, and any time we can get away with comfort-first dressing. There's really no question why Hey Dude ranks highly in comfort shoe reviews and roundups. At the end of the day, Hey Dude is a brand that lets you feel totally polished in under-the-radar styles that feel like a million bucks.

Questions About Hey Dude Shoes

Are Hey Dude shoes true to size?

Yes, we generally find sizing to be on point. Some people say they find the brand to run a little big. If you're between sizes, sizing down is the move.

Can you machine wash them?

 Yes, many Hey Dude styles are machine-washable. Check the care label first to be sure.

Are they good for travel or long walks?

Yes, we consider these to be quintessential shoes for vacations or general trekking around town. In addition to being so lightweight for your feet and ankles, they easily slip on and off. Bonus points for getting through the airport.

Do they have arch support?

Hey Dude shoes don't offer orthopedic support or extended cushioning. However, we find them to be moderately supportive. They are perfect for everyday wear for anyone who is comfortable in a traditional sneaker.