How to Care for Hey Dude Shoes: Wash and Dry

Before you wash: preparation

Start by removing the laces and the insoles from both shoes. The insoles absorb most of the sweat and odor, so washing them separately gives them a more thorough clean and lets them dry faster. Pulling them out also lets water and detergent circulate inside the shoe, which is key for a deep clean without heavy scrubbing. If you are choosing a new pair, the best HEYDUDE shoes guide can help you find a style that is easy to maintain.

Knock the shoes together or use a soft brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the outsole and the upper. Caked-on mud can hold grit that scratches the fabric during the wash cycle. Check the pockets of the stretchy upper for small stones or sand that can settle in the weave. A quick once-over before washing makes the whole process more effective.

• Remove both laces and both insoles.
• Brush off loose dirt and debris from the upper and outsole.
• Spot-clean stubborn stains with a tiny amount of mild detergent and a soft cloth before the machine wash.

Machine washing: the safe way

Place the shoes, laces, and insoles in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to keep them from tumbling against the drum. Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and a mild liquid detergent. Hot water can relax the stretch fibers in the upper and cause the shoe to lose its shape, so keep the temperature cool. If you own several pairs of lightweight shoes, you can compare care needs in the best slip-on shoes guide.

A low-spin or no-spin setting is best. High spin speeds force water through the shoe quickly, which can distort the upper and put stress on the glued construction. If your machine has a delicate cycle with a low spin, use it. If not, choose the shortest gentle cycle you have, and use a small load so the shoes have room to move without being crushed. For more on fabric uppers, see how to wash knit shoes.

• Use a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
• Select the gentle or delicate cycle.
• Wash in cold water only.
• Use mild liquid detergent, not bleach or fabric softener.
• Choose a low or no-spin setting.

Air drying: protecting the upper

Never put Hey Dude shoes in the dryer. The heat can shrink the stretchy knit upper, pull the glued sole away from the upper, and warp the insole. Instead, air dry them in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric and make the upper brittle over time. The same principle applies to other lightweight casual shoes, as explained in drying wet shoes properly.

Stuff each shoe with dry paper towels or a clean, dry cloth to help it hold its shape while it dries and to absorb moisture from the inside. Replace the stuffing once it becomes damp. Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them; a damp interior can lead to odor and can break down the insole materials. Depending on the humidity, this can take a day or longer, so plan ahead.

• Air dry in a well-ventilated spot, out of direct sun.
• Stuff the shoes with paper towels or a clean cloth.
• Replace damp stuffing as it absorbs moisture.
• Wait until the shoes are fully dry before wearing.

Keeping the stretchy upper in shape

The stretchy upper is what makes Hey Dude shoes easy to slip on and comfortable for all-day wear. That flexibility comes from the knit or woven material, which responds to how you handle it. Pulling hard on the upper to put the shoes on or taking them off by the heel can stretch the fabric out of shape. Use a shoe horn or loosen the laces before slipping them on. The material's behavior is covered in more detail in shoe upper materials durability.

When you wash the shoes, handle them gently. Do not wring or twist the upper to remove excess water, because that can stretch the fibers permanently. Press the water out with a towel instead. Stuffing the shoes while they dry also helps the upper keep its intended shape rather than sagging or collapsing.

If you plan to store the shoes, keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Heat from radiators, car trunks, or direct sunlight can weaken the elastic fibers in the upper over time. A shoe tree or a rolled towel inside each shoe helps maintain the shape when they are not being worn.

How often to wash

There is no fixed schedule for washing Hey Dude shoes. The right frequency depends on how often you wear them, how much you sweat, and where you walk. As a general rule, wash them when they start to look dirty or smell, rather than on a set calendar. Frequent washing, especially in a machine, puts more stress on the materials, so it is best to wash only when needed.

For daily wear, a quick refresh might mean wiping the outsole with a damp cloth and letting the shoes air out after each use. Foot health organizations suggest that keeping your footwear dry and clean supports overall foot health, so letting shoes air out between wears is a simple habit that extends both freshness and comfort. If odors are a concern, see odor control in shoes.

If you wear the same pair several days in a row, give them a full day of air drying between wears. This lets the insole and lining dry completely, reducing the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. When washing does not fully restore freshness, consider replacing the insole, which often traps the most odor, rather than washing the whole shoe more often. Compare easy-care options in the best TOMS shoes guide if you like canvas-like uppers.

What not to do

A few habits can damage Hey Dude shoes quickly. Do not use the dryer, do not use bleach, and do not soak the shoes for hours in a sink or bucket. Prolonged soaking can weaken the glue that holds the sole to the upper, and bleach can discolor the stretchy fabric. If you prefer hand washing, use a soft cloth or brush with a little detergent and wipe the upper in a circular motion, then rinse with a damp cloth.

Avoid washing Hey Dude shoes with heavy items like jeans or towels, which can press and twist the shoes in the drum. A dedicated small load with just the shoes (or with similarly lightweight items) is safest. After washing, never leave the shoes in a sealed plastic bag or in a stuffy closet; trapped moisture is one of the fastest ways to create odor. For soft footbeds, the memory foam insole tradeoffs article explains why some insoles need extra care.

• No dryer.
• No bleach.
• No prolonged soaking.
• No heavy items in the wash load.
• No storing wet shoes in a closed space.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I put Hey Dude shoes in the dryer?

No. Heat from a dryer can shrink the stretchy upper, relax the glued sole, and warp the insole. Always air dry Hey Dude shoes in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. For similar guidance, see drying wet shoes properly.

Do I need to remove the insoles before washing?

Yes. Removing the insoles lets each part dry more thoroughly and prevents water from being trapped between the insole and the shoe bed. Wash the insoles separately in the same gentle cycle or by hand.

Can I use bleach on Hey Dude shoes?

No. Bleach can discolor the stretchy upper and weaken the fabric fibers. Use a mild liquid detergent instead. For white shoes, a paste of baking soda and water applied gently can help whiten without harsh chemicals.

Will washing Hey Dude shoes make them shrink?

Washing in cold water and air drying will not shrink them. Shrinking happens when you use hot water or a dryer, because the heat relaxes and contracts the stretch fibers. Stick to cold water and air drying to keep the fit true to size.

How long does it take for Hey Dude shoes to dry?

Air drying takes time; it depends on humidity and ventilation. With paper towel stuffing and good airflow, expect at least a day. Rotating the shoes and replacing damp stuffing speeds up the process. Do not wear them until they are completely dry.

Can I hand wash Hey Dude shoes instead of machine washing?

Yes. Hand washing is even gentler than machine washing. Use a soft brush or cloth, a little mild detergent, and cold water to wipe the upper and outsole, then rinse with a damp cloth and air dry. Avoid prolonged soaking.