Ever tossed your favorite shoes in the dryer and worried you just ruined them? Will Hey Dudes shrink in the dryer? The answer might surprise you — yes, canvas and cotton Hey Dudes can shrink when exposed to heat, while leather or suede pairs are more likely to get damaged. The good news is you can use this to your advantage if you want a snugger fit, or avoid it entirely if you just need them dry and safe.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to shrink Hey Dudes intentionally, how to protect delicate materials, and the best drying methods to keep them looking and feeling like new.
Will Hey Dudes Shrink In the Dryer?
Let’s dive into how to intentionally shrink your Hey Dudes if you want to downsize while also discussing how to dry them to avoid shrinking. It’s clear you either want to shrink them deliberately or are looking to prevent any unintended shrinking.
I will break this article into two main topics.
- Different techniques to intentionally shrink Hey Dudes
- How to dry Hey Dudes to avoid shrinking
Other Techniques to Shrink Hey Dudes:
If you’re aiming to intentionally shrink your Hey Dudes, here are a few methods to consider. Keep in mind that once you successfully shrink them, they may not be able to stretch back, leading to fitting issues.
While this may sound speculative, I’ve experienced it firsthand. I love my Hey Dudes and often wear them all day, which can feel a bit awkward sometimes. Nevertheless, the footwear is incredibly comfortable, with padded insoles that reduce fatigue. However, extended wear does stretch them out, so I’ve experimented with a few techniques that might be useful for you.
Here are some DIY hacks to shrink your Hey Dudes for a better fit.
Method 1: Hair Dryer for Shrinking Hey Dudes
Hey Dudes are true-to-size shoes, and if you find that excessive wear or washing has caused them to expand, applying heat can help. A hair dryer is an excellent source of heat; when you blow hot air directly onto the shoe material, the fibers contract, and you’ll see your shoes shrink almost instantly.
Dampen the area you want to shrink, such as the toe section, hold the dryer at a distance, and apply heat while dampening the area. Be cautious with the heat, as excessive heat can damage the shoes, so proceed at your own risk. Too much heat might even melt the shoe material, rendering it unusable.
Method 2: Machine Wash for Shrinking Hey Dudes
A practical method for shrinking Hey Dudes is to wash them in a machine with some salt and chlorine, but this is only effective for specific materials like socks, suede, and canvas. Avoid putting wool or leather Hey Dudes in the washer, as they are too delicate.Leather and wool are sensitive to water, so consider other techniques for those types.
Method 3: Dryer for Shrinking Hey Dudes
You can place your shoes in a dryer along with some towels to protect them from damage. Let them run for about 20 minutes; this technique effectively tightens the fit. However, avoid using the dryer for leather or suede, as it may ruin those materials.
How to Shrink Different Hey Dude Materials?
To shrink leather, you can use a hair dryer or other heat sources (sunlight, microwave, fireplace, or heater) to dampen the area you wish to shrink and apply heat. However, leather dries quickly, and there’s a risk of cracks forming in certain areas that might not improve even with conditioner or polish.
For canvas shoes, you can either use a hair dryer or put them in the dryer with towels for about 20 minutes. This is an effective method for tightening them. You could also place the shoes on a stove at low heat to warm the fibers, causing them to shrink, but be careful not to overheat, as it could melt the material.
How to Prevent Hey Dudes From Shrinking?
Now, let’s explore how to prevent your shoes from shrinking. Your Hey Dudes may get stained with mud, grease, grass, tar, blood, or ink. If it rains while you’re out, they can get wet, so you should dry them in a way that prevents expansion or stretching. Oversized shoes will not fit properly.
If you’re hesitant to wash your shoes or wear them outside, consider using Scotchgard to make them waterproof.
Washing Tips to Prevent Shoes from Shrinking
Washing Tips for Leather Hey Dudes:
Leather does not respond well to water; it dries out and develops cracks. Keeping leather moisturized with conditioner or polish is essential. For cleaning, use a soft cloth to wipe away stains, avoiding water washing, which helps prevent shrinkage. If you wear them outside, Scotchgard can waterproof them, ensuring water won’t harm them.
Washing Tips for Canvas Hey Dudes:
Canvas is highly stretchable and breathable but is only water-resistant, not waterproof. The Hey Dude brand does not use hydrophobic layers like Gore-Tex or PVC for waterproofing. You can use waterproof sprays available in stores for added protection.
If moisture causes odor or mud stains, you may need to wash them. Try removing mud with a toothpick or knife before placing them in the washer. Use cold water and regular detergent, and set the washer on a low cycle to prevent twisting and scuffing.
Washing Tips for Suede Hey Dudes:
Suede is also stretchable, but washing can lead to shrinkage, so consider spray washing. If you need to disinfect or deodorize, you don’t need to submerge the shoe.
You can cover the shoe with baking soda, insert dryer sheets, or use vinegar, which will absorb odors and refresh your boots. Avoid bleach, as it can damage your Hey Dudes. Another useful technique is freezing the shoe, which can cause shrinkage, so it’s best to avoid this method.
Washing Tips for Wool Hey Dudes:
Wool is delicate and should not be exposed to water, as it can shrink or stretch. Use spray wash or nail polish remover for stubborn stains, ensuring you don’t soak the shoe completely to avoid drying issues.
Drying Tips to Prevent the Shoe from Shrinking:
Drying Hey Dudes can be tricky; you may need to stuff newspaper or dry cloth inside to absorb excess water while maintaining the shoe’s shape. However, overstuffing can lead to stretching. If your shoes shrink during washing, you can try stuffing them or using a shoe stretcher to regain size unless heat was used previously.
What Are Hey Dudes Shoes Made Of?
Many Hey Dudes shoes feature materials such as canvas, cotton, leather, or wool, and they come with different types of soles. Most use lightweight materials like Flex & Fold technology or Memory Foam soles for comfort.
Different Materials of Hey Dudes
- Leather: Durable, adds class, and provides warmth.
- Canvas: Lightweight, breathable, and stretchable.
- Wool: Comfortable and lightweight.
- Synthetic materials: Soft and light.
Some types come with Memory Foam for maximum comfort and ease of wear.
Hey Dudes Washing Instructions
Hey Dudes can be machine washed using cold water and detergent on a low cycle. For canvas shoes, hang them out to dry away from direct sunlight, and do not put them in the dryer to avoid shrinkage.
Final Words
Hey Dudes can shrink in the dryer, so the best approach to prevent shrinking is to wash them with a gentle method while using towels or letting them air dry.
If you’re looking to shrink them, consider the techniques mentioned above, but keep in mind that maintaining shoe size is crucial for comfort. Using these methods can help maintain your Hey Dudes in their best condition, allowing for comfort and functionality.
