In terms of comfort and style, Hey Dudes loafers score some winning points, but as everyday footwear, they’re bound to get wet. So, can Hey Dude shoes get wet, and are Hey Dude shoes waterproof? Or will some rain ruin the experience for you?
Yes, Hey Dude shoes made with canvas or stretch-cotton uppers can get wet and the water won’t ruin the shoes. But if you are wondering whether or not they are waterproof, no they are not. If you wear Hey Dude shoes in wet, rainy conditions, they will absorb water. However, Hey Dude now offers “water-ready” shoes (called H20) that are more appropriate for wet conditions. Click here to view the men’s Wally H20 water-ready shoes. Click here to view the women’s Wendy H20 water-ready shoes (paid affiliate links take you to HeyDude.com).
It is important to note that Hey Dude also makes certain types of loafers using suede, leather, and other unique materials. Not all Hey Dude shoes can get wet. If you have some of these delicate materials like suede, it is best to keep them as dry as possible.
This is how you should wash your Hey Dude shoes.
If you are unsure about the material on your Hey Dude shoes, my advice would be to reach out to the Hey Dude customer support team to let them advise you on proper care instructions.
It is worth noting that Hey Dude now offers both the Wally and the Wendy in a “water-ready” version called the Hey Dude Wally H20 and Hey Dude Wendy H20. If you need Hey Dudes that are more water-appropriate, those will be a better option than classic Hey Dude shoes.
But, again, normal types of Hey Dude shoes that use canvas or stretch-cotton materials can be exposed to water and they will not be ruined. What does that actually mean in terms of the shoes’ durability, washing, and maintenance? Let’s discuss.
Table of Contents
Can Hey Dude Shoes Get Wet?
Yes, Hey Dude shoes can get wet and the water will not ruin the material. Of course, this is for basic Hey Dude shoes made with canvas and stretch-cotton uppers. For any special edition shoes that are made using suede, wool, or leather, you will want to contact Hey Dude customer service for proper care instructions.
Also, keep in mind that while the main canvas and cotton uppers can handle a bit of water, the memory foam insoles can’t. However, that doesn’t really get in the way of a cleaning session every once in a while.
Your Hey Dudes are good to go for either a cycle in the washing machine or for a traditional hand wash, provided that you do it right. The main precautionary measure you’ll need to take here is avoiding hot water or harsh detergents, but we’ll go into that in detail later on!
Are Hey Dude Shoes Waterproof?
It’s nice to hear that your Hey Dude shoes can handle a cycle in the washer, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that they’re waterproof. Are Hey Dudes waterproof?
No, Hey Dude shoes are not waterproof. If you expose them to wet, rainy conditions, the shoes will not hold out water.
One of the main reasons Hey Dude shoes are not waterproof is the stretch-knit upper is very breather. For example, look at how much the upper stretches on my Hey Dude shoes:
Sure, the water won’t ruin the material, but it still seeps through it.
Think of it just like any other apparel piece you own. You can throw a t-shirt into the machine washer without batting an eye, but would you count on it to keep you dry during the rain? Hopefully not.
Similarly, the canvas and knit upper on Hey Dude loafers will do nothing to keep the water off your feet if you walk in a puddle.
Because they aren’t waterproof, Hey Dude shoes might not be the best option for winter.
Here are three reasons why the Hey Dude shoes aren’t really waterproof:
The Shoes Don’t Have a Hydrophobic Canvas
The main appeal of the Hey Dude selection is that its canvas keeps the shoe breathable and lightweight. On the plus side, the light canvas will dry quickly if it does get wet.
However, this means that it lacks the hydrophobic layers that could make the shoe more resistant to water. For instance, you won’t find Gore-Tex or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) high on the Hey Dude material list.
That said, you can find waterproof-ish options like Hey Dude’s Paul Sox H2O. Just understand that those also won’t stand a chance against a full-on soak. They’re only slightly water-resistant.
The Canvas Isn’t Wax Coated
Not all waterproof shoes have to be made of a sturdy canvas like PVC—that much is true. However, those that use light fabrics usually have an outer coating of wax to boost the water repelling character.
Other shoes and boots use a silicone-based spray to keep the material waterproof, especially with suede and leather finishes.
Once again, that’s not something you’d expect to see with Hey Dude shoes.
You’re Not Getting Any Extra Protection from Socks
While there’s nothing stopping you from wearing socks with your Hey Dude loafers, many people opt to sport them barefoot.
This means that you’ll be missing the extra barrier between your feet and the moisture, reducing the water resistance even more.
If you’re looking to make your Hey Dude footwear experience as dry as possible, you can always get a pair of waterproof socks. However, you might be compromising on the aesthetic side a bit with this move.
How Do You Machine Wash Hey Dude Shoes?
Before we dig into the steps, you’ll have to keep in mind that Hey Dudes can survive machine washing, but it won’t do the fabric any favors. In fact, the process can null the warranty entirely.
So, only resort to this option if your loafers are desperate for a wash, and make sure you do it right to avoid ruining the material.
Here’s how you can get it done in five simple steps:
Check the Material
While many Hey Dudes are machine washable, throwing in suede, wool, and leather into the load is off the table. So if you have a special edition Hey Dude shoe made of those materials, do not machine wash it.
Always double-check what the material is and whether it’s listed as a machine-wash safe product on the company’s website.
Brush the Dirt Away
Once you confirm that your loafer is suitable for machine washing, it’s time to tackle the obvious signs of dirt.
With a soft-bristled brush, remove the mud and grime on the bottom. This way, you can opt for a quicker cycle without compromising the results.
Prepare the Load
Since memory foam gets ruined with water, be sure to remove the insole before washing. Removing the laces is also better to avoid tangling inside the washer, but you can wash it manually in the sink.
To keep the shoes from twisting and scuffing, it’s better to put them in an old pillow case and tie the end with a knot.
If you’ll wash multiple shoes, bag each pair separately. Meanwhile, if you’re only going to wash one shoe, you might need to balance out the load by adding a few old shirts or rags into the cycle.
Choose a Delicate Cycle With Cold Water
The key to cleaning Hey Dude shoes with minimal damage is using cold water and the mildest detergents you can get your hand on.
Usually, the delicate or hand wash cycles will be your best bet.
Hang the Shoes Out to Air Dry
Once your washing cycle is over, you can take the shoes out to a well-ventilated area and let them dry for the day.
This will also help clear out any stubborn odors, especially if you air out the insoles, too!
Other Hey Dude Resources
To read more about Hey Dude Shoes, visit my article linked below:
- How Do Hey Dude Shoes Fit?
- Are Hey Dude Shoes Wide Fit?
- How Comfortable Are Hey Dude Shoes?
- Are Hey Dudes Slip Resistant?
- Hey Dudes Compared to Vans
