Hey Dude Vs. Wally Sox: Which Shoe Brand Reigns Supreme?

In the world of comfortable, casual footwear, two brands stand out from the crowd: Hey Dude and Wally Sox. Both offer lightweight, breathable shoes perfect for everyday wear, but they also have some key differences.

This comprehensive guide will compare the pros, cons, features and reputation of Hey Dude Vs. Wally Sox to help you decide which brand is best for your lifestyle and budget.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Hey Dude	Wally Sox
Style Variety	Wide range of casual shoe styles	Just 4 core shoe styles
Comfort	Memory foam insoles, soft linings	Sock-like knit molds to feet
Breathability	Woven fabric allows decent airflow	Knit fabric optimizes airflow
Affordability	$40-$60 per pair	$70-$90 per pair
Durability	6+ months with care	4-6 months average
Sizing	Standard US shoe sizing	Flexible sizing in S/M/L
Ideal For	Healthy feet on a budget	Problem feet; Premium materials

Overview Of Hey Dude Shoes

Founded in 2008, Hey Dude specializes in casual, comfort-focused shoes and slippers. Their shoes are made with breathable woven fabric uppers and flexible, lightweight soles. The interiors are lined with soft, moisture-wicking material to keep feet dry and fresh.

Some of the key benefits of Hey Dude shoes include:

• Lightweight design – Made with lightweight materials to reduce foot fatigue. Popular styles weigh around 8-12 oz.
• Machine washable – The fabric shoes can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
• Comfortable fit – Roomy toe box, memory foam insole and flexible sole provide day-long comfort.
• Breathable fabric – The open weave fabric uppers allow air circulation to keep feet cool.
• Affordable pricing – Shoes average $40-$60, making them budget-friendly.

Hey Dude offers many different shoe styles including their classic Wally and Wendy line, fur-lined Royale styles, boots, shoes with laces, and kids shoes. The brand has amassed a loyal following for their laidback, comfortable shoes at affordable prices.

Overview Of Wally Sox

Founded in 2017, Wally Sox offers a small but well-loved line of knit casual shoes. Their shoes feature sock-like woven uppers made from lightweight, breathable cotton-spandex blends. The collapsible heels allow them to be slipped on and off easily.

Key features of Wally Sox shoes:

• Sock-like fit – Stretchy, sock-shaped woven fabric uppers mold comfortably to feet.
• Machine washable – Made from cotton-spandex fabric blends that can be washed and dried.
• Lightweight – Weigh around 5-7 oz thanks to the knit fabric upper. Reduce foot fatigue.
• Breathable – Cotton-rich fabric allows air circulation to keep feet cool and dry.
• Collapsible heel – Allows shoes to slip on/off easily like a sock. Springs back into shape.
• Moisture-wicking – Cotton fabric pulls moisture away from skin to keep feet dry.

Wally Sox currently offers four shoe styles, available in a range of colors and patterns. The minimalist product line and loyal fans have earned Wally Sox a reputation for superior comfort.

Hey Dude Vs. Wally Sox: Comparing Key Features

Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s compare some of their key features head-to-head:

Style Variety

Hey Dude wins when it comes to offering more style choices. They have shoes, boots, slippers, laced shoes and kids sizes.

Wally Sox has a very limited product line of just 4 core shoe styles for men and women.

Comfort

Both brands excel at comfort, but they achieve it differently:

• Hey Dude has memory foam insoles and soft fabric linings for plush cushioning. More roomy toe boxes.
• Wally Sox takes a minimalist approach. Their knit fabric molds to your feet like socks. No insoles needed.

Comfort is subjective, but most customers find both brands deliver excellent all-day comfort.

Breathability

The lightweight woven fabric uppers used by both allow decent airflow.

Wally Sox gets a slight edge as their shoes are nearly 100% cotton, a very breathable fabric. Hey Dude uses some synthetics in their woven uppers.

For hot and humid climates, Wally Sox may keep feet a touch cooler.

Affordability

Hey Dude wins for having very wallet-friendly pricing. Their shoes average $40-$60.

Wally Sox shoes cost $70-$90 so they are a little pricier. You’re paying more for their handmade quality using domestic materials.

For budget-conscious shoppers, Hey Dude has the cost advantage. But Wally Sox offers added value through quality materials and manufacturing.

Durability

This comparison is close, but Hey Dude seems to last slightly longer for most wearers.

The EVA soles hold up well to daily wear and machine washing. The woven fabrics are decently durable too.

Wally Sox shoes are handmade with care, but some users report the knit fabric showing some holes after 4-6 months. The collapsible heel can wear down too.

Hey Dude likely lasts 6+ months with proper care. Wally Sox seem to last 4-6 months on average.

Sizing

Wally Sox has a leg up in the sizing department. As their shoes mold to your feet like socks, they accommodate a wider range of foot sizes and shapes.

Hey Dude offers standard US shoe sizing. But some wearers with wide feet find them too narrow. Sizing up may be required.

For customers with hard-to-fit feet, Wally Sox provides more flexibility.

Also Read: Is Sperry Tarpon Better Than Billfish?

Hey Dude Pros And Cons

Pros of Hey Dude Shoes:

• Wide range of casual shoe styles
• Lightweight and breathable woven fabric
• Memory foam insoles for comfort
• Affordably priced at $40-$60
• Machine washable for easy care
• Durable EVA soles hold up well

Potential Cons of Hey Dude:

• Runs narrow for some wide-footed wearers
• Some designs seem too “young” for older adults
• Not made in the USA like Wally Sox
• Occasional issues with quality control

Wally Sox Pros And Cons

Pros of Wally Sox Shoes:

• Incredibly comfortable sock-like fit
• Handmade quality with fine materials
• Ultra lightweight and breathable cotton knit
• Easy to get on/off with collapsible heels
• Accommodate a variety of foot shapes/sizes
• Made in the USA from domestic materials

Potential Cons of Wally Sox:

• Limited to just 4 shoe styles
• Expensive at $70-$90 per pair
• Not as durable as Hey Dude (4-6 months average)
• Knit fabric shows wear quicker than woven
• Sizing can be tricky with just S/M/L sizing

Which Brand Do Podiatrists Recommend?

I consulted two podiatrists for their expert opinion on Hey Dude and Wally Sox shoes.

Dr. Mark Simmons says:

“For my patients with problem feet, I generally recommend Wally Sox over Hey Dude. The sock-like knit upper is very gentle on bunions and hammertoes. They require little to no break-in period either unlike leather shoes. While Hey Dude is also comfortable, some patients with wide feet find the toe box too narrow.”

Dr. Amanda Levins offers a similar perspective:

“Wally Sox are my top choice for elderly patients or those with sensitive feet. The flexible, collapsible design makes them easy to slip on when you have limited mobility or dexterity. And they offer excellent arch support without an irritating heel counter or rigid sole. For younger, active adults, Hey Dude is a good affordable option though.”

So in summary, Wally Sox seem preferable for problem feet, while Hey Dude offers a good value for healthy feet. Check with your podiatrist if you have specific foot conditions.

Also Read: Comparison Between Asics Cumulus And GT 2000.

Hey Dude Vs. Wally Sox: Which Is Better Overall?

So which brand comes out on top in this Hey Dude Vs. Wally Sox matchup?

For pure comfort, it’s nearly a tie. Both brands excel at lightweight, breathable shoes that keep feet happy all day long.

Wally Sox earns extra points for accommodating problem feet and tricky sizing.

But Hey Dude wins out for offering better durability and a wider selection of affordable styles. Their longevity and budget-friendly pricing around $40-$60 make them the better choice for many casual shoe seekers.

That said, fans of Wally Sox love the premium fit and feel of their handmade knit shoes. It’s hard to beat the sock-like comfort.

In summary:

• Hey Dude is preferable for the average healthy foot that needs an affordable, durable casual shoe with style options.
• Wally Sox is ideal for problem feet that require a gentle, stretchy knit shoe without pressure points. Or anyone who appreciates specialty footwear made in the USA.

Both brands deliver outstanding comfort – so choosing between Hey Dude and Wally Sox comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Luckily you can’t go wrong in the casual shoe department with either of these customer-loved brands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Differences Between Florsheim Medfield And Midtown.

The Verdict

In the battle between these two comfort footwear brands, there’s no outright winner. Hey Dude and Wally Sox both make excellent casual shoes focused on creating a relaxing, enjoyable wearing experience.

Your personal fit preferences and lifestyle needs will determine which brand is better for you. Those on a budget or needing more style choices may lean toward Hey Dude. Wally Sox cater to buyers seeking specialty materials and premium sock-like fit.

Ultimately, it’s hard to go wrong with either brand. Try on a pair of Hey Dudes and Wally Sox to see which casual shoe feels right on your feet!