Are you planning to buy Hey Dudes or do you already have a pair?

If your shoes are stained and you’re uncertain about washing them, it’s important to note that they aren’t waterproof (consider using Scotchgard to make them water-resistant).

There could be other concerns, like worrying about stretching them or getting them wet, but here’s the key point:

Hey Dudes, regardless of the material (Canvas, Sox, Suede, Wool, Leather), are merely water-resistant and not fully waterproof. Exposure to water poses a risk, depending on the amount, such as running through mud, getting caught in the rain, or even just moisture from your feet.

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Are Hey Dudes Waterproof?

It doesn’t stop there; Hey Dudes can also be stained by dirt, ketchup, ink, blood, grease, and more. You’ll need to figure out how to remove these stains without damaging your shoes, as water can harm footwear, especially Hey Dudes.

In this article, I’ll detail what to do if you find yourself caught in the rain, get mud on your shoes while jogging, or face any other stains that require washing.

Let’s dive into it.

Unlike other shoes, Hey Dudes lack hydrophobic coatings like Gore-Tex or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), meaning they don’t have inherent waterproofing unless you opt for special models like the Paul Sox H2O, which offer better water repellency.

But it’s essential to consider the material of your Hey Dudes—are they leather or another type like Sox, Suede, Wool, or Canvas? Each material has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to handling water. I’ll explain which materials manage moisture well and which can’t withstand even a drop.

Are Leather Hey Dudes Waterproof?

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I adore leather shoes, but leather Hey Dudes require extra attention, or they can fall apart quickly.

Leather is sensitive, and exposure to water can dry it out, making it brittle and prone to cracking. In winter, it’s crucial to keep them moisturized with polish and conditioners, while in summer, you might neglect them due to the humid climate.

Therefore, leather Hey Dudes are not waterproof and are only water-resistant if treated with a weatherproofing coating, like Beeswax, which forms a protective layer. If water contacts the leather, stains will become harder to remove.

If you lack that coating (try a waterproof spray), you’ll need to manage stains through polishing, as water is not an option for cleaning leather Hey Dudes. Excessive polishing can also harm your shoes, so always wipe and buff them with a soft cloth for that desired shine.

Additionally, wearing socks with leather Hey Dudes is advisable to prevent foot moisture from causing odor, as moisture from sweat can damage the interior. If odor becomes an issue, placing the shoes in the freezer can kill odor-causing bacteria and is a better alternative than washing.

Are Sox, Hey Dudes Waterproof?

Sox Hey Dudes are not waterproof, but certain styles are designed for environments with water, making them more water-resistant than the average pair.

Sox is a breathable and stretchable fabric, allowing you to either hand wash or machine wash them to clean embedded dirt.

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Avoid harsh chemicals and detergents; instead, opt for Sox-friendly soap mixed in cold water. Soak a cloth in this solution to wipe away stains like mud, ketchup, or blood. For ink or grease stains, be cautious, as they can spread and potentially discolor the shoe.

After 2-3 hours in the solution, rinse the shoes thoroughly in clean water to remove all soap residue, then hang them to dry. For quicker drying, use a fan but keep them out of direct sunlight. Avoid hair dryers, dryers, fireplaces, or heaters as they can cause damage.

Are Wool Hey Dudes Waterproof?

Wool is a delicate material that offers slight water resistance but isn’t waterproof, especially when compared to Suede Hey Dudes.

Like leather, maintaining wool Hey Dudes can be tricky. Wearing them without socks can lead to odors or bacteria, potentially causing foot issues like bunions. Odor management is crucial, and methods such as using baking soda to absorb smells, vinegar to kill bacteria, or dryer sheets can help freshen them.

Cleaning them can also be a challenge if mud stains occur.

Start by wiping away dirt, then use a detergent-soaked cloth for stains. If that doesn’t work, submerge the shoes in a bucket of water mixed with wool-friendly soap, then rinse with clean water to remove soap residue. Hang them to dry without exposing them to sunlight or heat sources.

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Don’t forget to remove laces and insoles for proper cleaning, using a separate friendly solution to scrub away dirt. Traditional drying methods are recommended, avoiding heat.

If you encounter bubble gum stuck to your wool Hey Dudes, freezing the shoe will harden the gum, making it easier to remove without residue. Though this may sound unappealing, it works effectively.

For those hesitant to machine wash for fear of voiding the warranty, a spray wash can also be tried. Avoid bleach or vinegar on your wool Hey Dudes to prevent damage.

Is Suede Hey Dudes Waterproof?

Suede Hey Dudes are more water-friendly than leather or wool but still not completely waterproof; they are merely water-resistant.

Water should signal caution for Hey Dude owners, but there are methods to remove stains without fully immersing your shoes in water.

For blood or mud stains, a cloth dampened with water can help wipe them away. For dirt, gently remove clumps with a toothpick or knife to ease the cleaning process.

For tougher stains like grease, tar, or ink, wiping might worsen the situation. In such cases, spray detergent on the shoe when necessary, then soak them in lukewarm water mixed with detergent for a couple of hours, scrubbing with a toothbrush or your hands to dislodge the stains.

Once clean, rinse in fresh water to remove any remaining chemicals and hang them in the shade to dry. Avoid using a dryer, direct sunlight, or heat sources.

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Are Canvas Hey Dudes Waterproof?

Canvas Hey Dudes rank among the most water-resistant options available. They come close to being waterproof, which is why they’re favored by those who stand or walk for long periods, including teachers, athletes, and cooks.

Canvas is elastic and stretchable, allowing for washing without concerns of shrinking or stretching. Various techniques, such as shoe stretchers or stuffing newspaper into the shoes, can help with sizing.

Canvas Hey Dudes are the most comfortable and simplest to clean. You can use regular detergent, place them in a washer on a slow cycle, and protect them in a pillowcase to prevent twisting and scuffing. Avoid washing them with clothes; instead, balance the load with towels.

Before cleaning, be sure to wash the insoles and laces separately in detergent-mixed water, or use diluted shampoo for scrubbing away dirt.