Can You Shrink Hey Dude Shoes?

Can You Shrink Hey Dude Shoes?

Will Washing Hey Dudes Shrink Them?

Can You Shrink Hey Dude Shoes? Many of us own a pair of Hey Dude shoes, treasuring them for different occasions. Whether it’s a formal event or just part of our daily routine, these shoes have become a staple, known for their comfort and style. 

They effortlessly complement a vast array of dresses and clothes, adding to our style with their unique brand identity. However, the struggle to keep them clean and stain-free is real. After all, dirty shoes not only reflect poorly on our personality but also impact the quality and beauty of the footwear.

This brings us to a common question: Will washing Hey Dudes shrink them? Many are concerned that the size of their beloved shoes might be compromised if they wash them. As someone who has experienced this dilemma, I understand the worry. 

The answer is not as straightforward as we might hope. In this article, I’ll delve into this issue, examining how washing can affect your shoes and providing insights to maintain their comfort and quality without risking shrinkage.

Will Washing Hey Dudes Shrink Them? 

Owning a pair of Hey Dude shoes is like having a versatile companion for different occasions. Whether we choose to wear them in formal situations or as part of our daily routine, they always offer comfort and style. 

Their ability to complement a vast array of clothes, from dresses to casual wear, is remarkable. However, the struggle to keep them clean and stain-free is a challenge many of us face. Dirty shoes not only reflect on our personality but also impact the quality and beauty of these comfortable, stylish shoes.

The big question we often ponder is: Will washing Hey Dudes shrink them? This concern is valid, as we are often concerned about maintaining the size and quality of our shoes. 

The fear that they might compromise their perfect fit after a wash is common. In this article, I will answer this question, drawing from personal experiences with these shoes and offering insights into whether washing can cause them to shrink.

How to Tighten Hey Dude Shoes

Hey Dude shoes are known for being uber comfy and stylish, a perfect blend for various occasions. Whether it’s a formal event or just a part of our daily routine, these shoes have become a go-to for their comfort and style. 

The brand is celebrated for footwear that complements a vast array of clothes, from dresses to casual wear. However, the unique lacing system might leave some scratching their head, wondering how to tighten a pair of slip-on shoes.

In this article, we’ll enlighten you with simple ways to adjust your Hey Dudes to fit just right, ensuring they stay clean and stain-free. We understand the struggle to keep these comfortable, stylish shoes looking their best. Maintaining their quality and beauty is essential, as dirty shoes can negatively reflect on your personality and impact your overall appeal. 

Also, we’ll explain their sizing to help you get the most out of your comfy cool Hey Dudes. The question of whether washing them might cause them to shrink or compromise their size is a valid concern for many. Here, we aim to answer that and ensure your Hey Dudes remain as comfortable and stylish as ever.

Things You Should Know

  • Tighten your Hey Dude shoes by untying the knots in the laces. This is the first step towards ensuring a snug fit.
  • Pull the laces taught and tie a simple overhand knot in each lace of the shoe. This method offers a secure fit that lasts throughout the day.
  • For a temporary yet classic look, tie a bow with both laces. This not only keeps your shoes tight but also adds a touch of style.
  • Wear thick ankle socks or insoles. This is a clever trick to fill more space inside your Hey Dude shoes, making them feel more snug and comfortable.

Tightening Hey Dude Laces

Tightening the laces of your Hey Dude shoes is key to ensuring a perfect fit. Start by untying any knots, then pull the laces taut. Next, tie a simple overhand knot on each lace for a secure hold. Alternatively, tying a bow with both laces offers a classic, adjustable fit. This method keeps your shoes snug and comfortable all day, enhancing both comfort and style.

1 Untie the Existing Knots and Tie a New knot Lower on Either Lace.

Hey Dude shoes, renowned for their comfort and style, are a popular choice for different occasions. Whether it’s for formal situations or daily wear, they effortlessly complement a wide range of clothes, from dresses to casual outfits. However, ensuring a perfect fit can sometimes be a struggle, especially when trying to keep them clean and stain-free. 

A practical solution involves adjusting the laces for optimal comfort. Simply untie the existing knots and tie a new knot lower on either lace, near each eyelet, for a firm hold. This method, versatile and suitable for multiple Hey Dude slip-on models like Wally, Walsh, Jack, Paul, Wendy, and Polly, ensures a snug but not tight fit. 

By using a toothpick or needle, you can position the knot precisely next to the lace hole, and then pull the end of the lace to tighten it effectively. This simple and practical approach enhances both the quality and beauty of your shoes, reflecting your personality and maintaining the brand’s high standards

It’s an easy yet effective way to adjust the fit of your Hey Dude slip-ons, ensuring they remain as comfortable and stylish as ever, without the worry of whether washing or wearing will compromise their size or quality.

2 Tie the Laces Together for a Traditional Look and a Temporary Fit.

For those who love their Hey Dude shoes but seek a snugger fit, a simple method works wonders. Hold a lace in either hand, pull them taught, and tie your shoes on top, just like you would with an ordinary sneaker. 

This approach not only makes the shoes feel tighter but also adds a classic touch to your style. Suitable for any lace-up style of Hey Dude shoes, this technique is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you’re dressing for a formal event or just going about your daily routine. 

It’s a great way to ensure your shoes complement your clothes while maintaining the comfort and stylish look the brand is known for. By adjusting the laces, you uphold the quality and beauty of your shoes, reflecting your style and personality without compromising their integrity. 

This easy adjustment method effectively addresses the question of whether washing or altering Hey Dudes can shrink or compromise their size, offering a temporary yet effective solution to keep them clean and stain-free.

Other Ways to Tighten Hey Dude Shoes

Exploring other ways to tighten Hey Dude shoes is essential for the perfect fit. Inserting insoles or thicker socks can fill excess space, creating a snugger feel. Alternatively, re-lacing the shoes in different patterns or using lace anchors can provide a customized fit, enhancing both comfort and style.

Wash Hey Dudes With Your Hands
Wash Hey Dudes With Your Hands

1 Wear thick Socks to Make your Shoes More Snug.

A simple yet effective way to ensure a tighter fit for your Hey Dude shoes is by wearing thick socks. This reduces the room between your feet and the shoe, providing a more secure and comfortable feel. 

While ankle or no-show socks are often recommended for slip-on and boat shoes, opting for a high sock can also offer a classic look. This approach not only enhances the comfort of your Hey Dudes but also allows them to better complement your style and clothes, suitable for different occasions. 

Whether you’re dressing for a formal event or just going about your daily routine, this method helps in keeping your shoes clean and stain-free, while maintaining their quality and beauty. It’s an easy solution that adds to the personality of your footwear, without the worry of washing or altering them causing a compromise in size or impact.

2 Use insoles to Make Hey Dude Shoes Tighter.

Insoles are a fantastic solution to tighten your Hey Dude shoes. They not only offer additional arch support but also effectively fill the extra space inside the shoes, ensuring a more snug fit. Simply buy and place the insoles in the bottoms of your Hey Dudes for a quick and easy adjustment. 

If you’re into DIY solutions, make your insoles by tracing your feet on cardboard or a yoga mat, then cutting out the shape. Since Hey Dude shoes already come with their insoles, ensure to purchase ones that are thicker than the original to achieve the desired tightness. 

This method is particularly useful for various occasions, enhancing the comfort and style of your footwear while keeping them clean and stain-free. It’s a practical way to complement your daily routine or formal wear, maintaining the quality, beauty, and personality of your shoes without the worry of them getting dirty, compromised in size, or impact from washing.

3 Place your Shoes in the Dryer to Shrink Them.

A nifty trick to shrink your Hey Dude shoes for a snug fit involves using your household dryer. First, spritz the shoes lightly with water, then stuff them with old socks to maintain their shape. Place the shoes in the dryer and run a normal, warm cycle. 

This process shrinks the shoes slightly, ensuring they fit more comfortably on your feet. To protect your shoes further, consider placing them in a dryer bag to prevent excessive tumbling. However, be cautious, as altering your shoes in this way might void their warranty or shrink them more than desired. 

When in doubt, it might be safer to opt for another method. This technique is a handy solution for those occasions when your comfortable and stylish Hey Dude shoes start to feel a bit loose, especially if you want to keep them clean and stain-free without compromising their quality, beauty, or style.

Cleaning Hey Dude Shoes: Can You Shrink Hey Dude Shoes?

Cleaning Hey Dude shoes is straightforward. Remove insoles and laces, then gently brush off dirt. Hand wash with mild soap and cold water, avoiding harsh scrubbing. Air dry away from direct sunlight to preserve their shape, color, and comfort, ensuring your shoes stay fresh and stylish for every wear.

Wash Canvas Shoes With Liquid Detergent on a Delicate Cycle.

Keeping your Hey Dude shoes clean and stylish is easier than you think. First, remove the laces and insoles to ensure a thorough cleaning. Place the shoes in your washing machine, adding about 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent. 

Opt for a delicate or light cycle to protect the fabric and structure of the shoes. After washing, it’s crucial to air-dry the shoes in a well-ventilated area but avoid placing them in direct sunlight. An open window is an ideal spot, allowing them to dry naturally over 2-3 hours. 

If your shoes are particularly dirty, pre-treat them with a stiff-bristled brush to scrub away any grime or caked-on dirt before tossing them into the wash. This approach helps maintain the comfort, quality, and beauty of your Hey Dude shoes, ensuring they remain clean, stain-free, and ready for any occasion, from daily wear to formal situations.

Scrub Suede Hey Dude Shoes by Brushing Them With a Suede Brush.

Maintaining the clean and stylish appearance of your suede Hey Dude shoes requires careful attention. Begin by gently scrubbing away any dirt or grime using a suede cleaning brush, always brushing in the same direction to avoid damaging the material. 

For tougher stains, lightly dampen the outside of the shoe with a thin coat of water, then use a sponge to dry up the excess moisture. After treatment, allow the shoes to dry overnight in a well-ventilated area, ensuring they are not exposed to direct heat. 

The following day, use the suede brush again to brush away any residue. For stubborn stains like oil, a dampened nail brush can be effective. 

To preserve the quality and beauty of your suede Hey Dude shoes, regularly spray their upper, and outer portions with a protective suede spray. This routine care is essential for keeping your Hey Dudes comfortable, clean, and stain-free, ready for any occasion – from daily wear to formal situations.

Do Hey Dude Shoes Run True to Size?

When it comes to Hey Dude shoes, many wonder if they run true to size. Generally, they do, but slight differences in sizing can occur between shoe styles. It’s advisable to consult the official size chart for more specifics. 

Since Hey Dude doesn’t offer half sizes, those who wear a half-size should buy the next size up for a comfortable fit. The slip-on style may feel a bit loose, which is perfectly natural.

Hey Dude Shoes Do run True to Size, But Don’t Have Half Sizes.

Hey Dude shoes are known to run true to size, offering a comfortable fit for various occasions. However, there are slight differences in sizing across different shoe styles, so it’s wise to consult the official size chart for specifics. 

A key point to note is that Hey Dude doesn’t offer half sizes. Therefore, if you wear a half-size, it’s recommended to buy the next size up to ensure a comfortable fit. The slip-on style of these shoes may result in a fit that’s a bit loose, which is quite natural and part of their comfortable, stylish design

This aspect is crucial in maintaining the quality and beauty of the shoes, reflecting the brand’s personality. Keeping them clean and stain-free is simpler when they fit well, enhancing their overall style and comfort for daily wear or formal situations.

Tips

To keep your Hey Dude shoes in top condition, store them in a place with good air circulation to prevent mold or mildew. Always place shoe trees inside to maintain their shape, ensuring they stay clean and retain their comfortable fit.

Wash Hey Dudes With Your Hands

For best results, hand wash your Hey Dude shoes using a mild detergent and cold water. Gently scrub away dirt and stains, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. This method preserves the shoes’ integrity, ensuring they remain comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting.

Wash Hey Dudes With Your Hands
Wash Hey Dudes With Your Hands

Remove Laces and Insoles

When washing your Hey Dude shoes, it’s crucial to first remove the laces and insoles. Washing them together can cause damage. I’ll explain the separate washing method for these parts in the next part, ensuring your shoes stay clean and well-maintained.

Soak Them in Warm Soapy Water

For cleaning Hey Dude shoes, fill a bucket with lukewarm water, ensuring it’s only mildly warm. Then, add a mild liquid detergent or dish soap to the water to create a soapy solution, perfect for a gentle yet effective wash.

Scrubbing

After soaking your Hey Dude shoes, use a nail brush or cloth to scrub them clean, effectively removing stains and mud.

Rinsing

After soaking your Hey Dude shoes, it’s time to rinse them thoroughly under clean water. Ensure every speck of dust and soap is removed for a pristine finish.

Air Drying

Air drying your Hey Dude shoes is essential to maintain their quality and appearance. Follow these steps for a successful air-drying process that keeps your shoes in top shape.

How to Wash Insoles and Laces?

  1. Fill a container or sink with mild water.
  2. Add mild detergent to the water to create soapy water.
  3. Submerge the laces and insoles in the soapy water.
  4. Use a bristle brush to scrub and clean the insoles.
  5. Rinse them thoroughly once they are cleaned.
  6. Air dry both the laces and insoles, ensuring the insoles are in a flat position.
  7. Make sure both the laces and insoles are completely dry before placing them back in your shoes.

Dos and Don’ts of Washing for Shrinking Shoe Size:

  • Suede, Canvas, and Sox: You can shrink Hey Dudes made of suede, canvas, and sox materials.
  • Chlorine and Salt: Use chlorine and salt in the washer to prevent fabric expansion and shrink your shoes.
  • Low-Cycle: Run the washer on a low-cycle to avoid twisting and scuffing of your Hey Dudes.
  • Light Detergent and Lukewarm/Cold Water: Use light detergent with lukewarm or cold water to soak your shoes in a mesh bag.
  • Balance with Towels: If washing in a machine, put towels to balance the washer.
  • Leather or Wool: Avoid attempting to shrink leather or wool Hey Dudes through washing.
  • Sunlight: Do not dry your shoes in direct sunlight, as it can damage the shoe material.
  • Bacterial Growth: Drying in open air helps prevent bacterial growth and bad odors.

Tight Hey, Dudes with Laces:

Shoelaces or shoestrings are essential accessories for your Hey Dude shoes, but they can sometimes lead to issues. 

While they help secure your shoes, extra-long laces can compromise both the aesthetics and safety of your Hey Dudes. Here’s how to deal with this common concern.

Safety First: Those extra-long shoelaces pose a safety and health risk. They can lead to tripping accidents, potentially causing injuries. It’s essential to address this issue.

Techniques to Try: There are several techniques you can use to tackle this problem. One option is to cut the excess length of the laces and then burn the ends to seal them. This prevents fraying and maintains a clean look.

Different Knots: Another approach is to experiment with different types of knots. Some knots, like the surgeon’s knot, can help reduce the length of the laces while still ensuring a secure fit.

Double Laces: If you find that the laces are excessively long, you can try using double laces. This involves lacing your shoes with two sets of laces instead of one. It not only shortens the effective length but also adds a unique style to your Hey Dudes.

Consider Length: Lastly, it’s crucial to consider the length of shoelaces when purchasing them. Opt for laces that are an appropriate length for your shoe size and type. This can help you avoid the worries associated with extra-long laces.

In summary, while shoelaces are indispensable for keeping your Hey Dudes snug, dealing with excess length requires some attention. By following these techniques and considering the length of laces when buying them, you can enjoy both the style and safety of your Hey Dude shoes.

Why, Hey, Dudes Stretch Out?

  • Wet Conditions: Wearing Hey Dudes in wet weather, such as during rainy days, can cause them to stretch out.
  • Washing: Machine washing or hand washing Hey Dudes can lead to stretching.
  • Drying: Using a dryer to dry Hey Dudes can also contribute to them stretching out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining the size and condition of your Hey Dude shoes when washing them is essential. To achieve this, it’s crucial to follow the right washing and drying methods, choose suitable conditions, and be mindful of the materials.

Proper rinsing and air drying in appropriate conditions can help ensure your shoes stay in great shape. Remember these steps to keep your Hey Dudes looking good and fitting comfortably.

FAQs

Can you shrink Hey Dudes in the dryer?

No, it’s not recommended to shrink Hey Dudes in the dryer as it can damage the shoes and affect their fit.

Can you put Hey Dudes in the washing machine?

Yes, you can put Hey Dudes in the washing machine, but it’s important to follow the proper washing instructions to avoid damage. Use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and a mesh bag for protection. Ensure thorough drying afterward.

Are Hey Dudes supposed to fit snugly?

Hey, Dudes are designed to fit comfortably and may not be extremely snug. They provide a relaxed, slip-on style that offers a comfortable fit without being overly tight.

Do Hey Dudes get stinky?

Hey, Dudes can develop odor over time due to sweat and bacteria. Proper cleaning and drying methods can help prevent them from becoming stinky and maintain freshness.

Are Hey Dudes comfortable to wear all day?

Hey, dudes come with padded and cushioned insoles that can keep your feet relaxed even if you wear them all day.

How do you make Hey Dude shoes tighter?

Will washing Hey Dudes shrink them?

Wash on Delicate/Light. Set washer on a delicate cycle using only cold water to help preserve the longevity and prevent shrinking or warping.

Can you put Hey Dudes in the dryer?

Hey Dudes of any kind should not be dried in the dryer due to warping and shrinking. How do you get the smell out of Hey Dudes? Gagliardi recommends cleaning insoles and treating them with a disinfecting spray to reduce odors. Insoles should be completely dry before inserting back into shoes.

Should Hey Dudes be snug or loose?

Our suggestion is if you usually wear half sizes, choose the next size up for the best fit. But if you do enjoy a more snug feel, it’s important to know that the Wally and Wendy HEYDUDE styles are made out of woven cotton and will stretch out, meaning you may want to size down.

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Jane Austen

Jane Austen

Hi, I'm Jane Austen, a lover of all things shoes! I've tried countless brands and styles, and I can't wait to share my experiences with you. Together, we'll explore the latest trends and find that perfect pair that screams elegance and style. Let's step into the world of fashion with a touch of fun and sophistication!

Jane Austen

Jane Austen

Hi, I'm Jane Austen, a lover of all things shoes! I've tried countless brands and styles, and I can't wait to share my experiences with you. Together, we'll explore the latest trends and find that perfect pair that screams elegance and style. Let's step into the world of fashion with a touch of fun and sophistication!

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