Thinking about purchasing Hey Dudes but curious whether water will harm them?
The truth is, water can damage them.
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ToggleCan You Wear Hey Dudes in Water?
However, you can still wear Hey Dudes in water since they are water-resistant, though not completely waterproof. Luckily, you can even make them waterproof by using Scotchgard. Hey Dudes don’t naturally come with a hydrophobic layer to repel water, so there are some things you should know before taking your Hey Dudes to the beach or tossing them in the washing machine.

Hey Dudes can handle some moisture, but prolonged exposure to water will increase the risk of damage.
So, it’s essential to be cautious when wearing them near the beach, by the pool, or even when cleaning them in the washer.
Now, let’s discuss how to handle Hey Dudes when they’re in or around water.
We will break it down into two sections:
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How to Wear Hey Dudes in Water?
Wearing Hey Dudes near water and actually in water are quite different scenarios.
Wearing them on a beach likely won’t ruin the shoes right away, but if they remain wet for too long, you could run into issues. Hey Dudes are only water-resistant, and the longer they stay exposed to water, the more potential damage they’ll endure. Likewise, since they’re made of breathable material, sand will easily get inside the shoes’ crevices and won’t come out until you thoroughly wash them.
How to Wash Hey Dudes in Water?
To wash Hey Dudes, especially to get rid of sand, you’ll need to soak them in clean water and gently scrub the shoes. This will help release any sand stuck in small nooks and crannies. The entire shoe will be wet afterward, so make sure to hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area. However, avoid direct sunlight, as it could lead to damage and discoloration.
Washing Hey Dudes to remove stains is another scenario. Let’s go over how to clean stains on Hey Dudes.
How to Remove Stains on Hey Dudes?
For stains, sometimes a bit of nail polish remover or vinegar can work to eliminate grease, oil, tar, ink, or even blood marks. However, depending on the type of Hey Dudes you own, you might need different cleaning techniques. Let’s explore the best methods for cleaning various types of Hey Dudes.
For leather Hey Dudes, avoid water altogether. Water will dry out leather, leading to cracks, which is why leather shoes are always polished during colder months.
To remove stains on leather Hey Dudes, start with a leather polisher or conditioner. This will usually take care of most stains. For dirt clumps, gently peel off larger pieces with a toothpick, and then wipe off any remaining residue.
For tougher stains, use a damp cloth to wipe the shoe and immediately follow up with polish, but don’t overdo it as excessive polish can ruin the shoe.
For other types of Hey Dudes, you can stick to using a washing machine or hand-wash method. Place the shoes in a mesh bag, toss them in the washer, and run it on a gentle cycle to avoid twisting or scuffing the shoes.
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After washing, rinse them in clean water to remove any remaining detergent, then hang them to dry.
If your shoes are simply dirty and need disinfecting, you don’t have to soak them in water. You can use methods like freezing them to kill bacteria, using baking soda, or applying vinegar to eliminate bad odors. Avoid bleach, as Hey Dudes are too delicate for it.
What Are Hey Dudes?
Hey Dudes have gained popularity for their comfort and versatility, offering a range of trendy footwear that aligns with the latest fashion trends.
Their appeal comes from the combination of affordability, washability, style, and durability. Designed by Alessandro Romano in 2008, the brand has steadily grown, offering shoes that are stylish, washable, reliable, and even stretchable.
Hey Dudes are available in various materials, including leather, Sox, suede, and cotton, for all genders: men, women, and kids.
These shoes are designed to be worn barefoot and are durable enough to withstand regular use without losing their shape.
Hey Dudes are eco-friendly, as they’re made from recycled materials. No animals are harmed in their production, and even the fur used is recycled.
Thanks to the ventilated canvas upper, memory foam insoles, soft leather linings, and EVA bottoms, Hey Dudes offer an incredibly comfortable and soft experience.
Moreover, they are easy to clean and don’t hold onto odors.
The Hey Dude lineup provides the perfect footwear for daily activities like walking, running errands, or even sports, with stretchable materials to fit snugly and durable laces for adjustment.
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Lastly, Hey Dudes can be paired with socks, jeans, leggings, shorts, dresses, or sweatshirts, and all types of stains (grease, blood, dirt, ink, water, ketchup) are washable.
I would rate Hey Dudes 10/10 for being the most comfortable, stylish shoes made from recycled materials. Whether you’re wearing them for casual business outfits, running, or daily use, they don’t stretch out, shrink, or change in size.
Hey Dudes are versatile enough to wear with or without socks, and they go well with a wide range of outfits like jeans, t-shirts, and other casual attire. However, going sockless could lead to moisture buildup, causing issues like fungal infections or bunions. Thanks to their breathable fabric, Hey Dudes can be washed without causing any damage.