Why are Hey Dude Shoes so Popular?
Hailing from Pistoia, a medieval city not far from Florence in Italy, Alessandro Rosano, founded the Hey Dude in 2008. Florence is better known as being the home to high end brands such as Ferragamo and Gucci. Having previously worked for Fratelli Diversi, an ethical shoe distributor, co-founded a wooden watch company and created wood clogs with spring-loaded heels. On a business trip in China, Rosano, came up with the concept of merging the comfort of slippers with contemporary design.
"Ugly But Comfortable"
Hey Dude did little marketing or advertising through the years, instead relying on word-of-mouth referrals from customers, who had experienced the comfort of the lightweight loafers. They have a sock-like fit, that moves naturally with your foot. Memory foam insoles and breathable uppers that add to the all-day wearability.
During the coronavirus pandemic people looked primarily for comfort and this resulted in huge growth of the Hey Dude brand, and by 2021, the company was selling 10m pairs of shoes annually, with the vast majority to the USA.
Why Are Hey Dude Shoes So Popular?
- Lightweight and breathable
- Affordable and stylish
- Easy to slip on and off
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Appeal to a wide range of age groups
The Wally and Wendy
Hey Dude offers a range of moccasins for both men and women. The mens main line is named the Wally and the womens is called the Wendy. Within these lines there are various models such as Stretch Sox or Sport Mesh as well as an eclectic range of colours for every occasion.
Wallys and Wendys are often seen as the go-to shoe for people who seek comfort, but recent collaborations and limited-edition releases have pushed Hey Dude mainstream. Seasonal prints and woven textures, whilst encorporating eco-conscious materials have further expanded their appeal.
Acquisition by Crocs
In late 2021, Crocs announced its acquisition of Hey Dude for $2.5 billion. The purchased by Crocs solidified Hey Dude’s place in the comfort footwear market. Since then, Hey Dude has expanded into new international markets, while continuing to focus on its core strengths: simplicity and comfort.
If you seek casual comfort, why not try a pair of Hey Dude.
