Hey Dude Wally H2O Reviews: Is It Worth It?

If you hate soggy socks, heavy boat shoes, or shoes that stink after one wet day, stop scrolling and add the Wally H2O to your cart today.

They’re the lightest, most breathable, actually-waterproof slip-ons I’ve ever owned. At $65, they’ll save your feet (and your mood) this summer and beyond. Trust me, your feet deserve this upgrade.

My Experience With Hey Dude Wally H2O

Picture this: I’m 41, two kids, a dog that loves mud, and a husband who drags me on spontaneous lake trips. Last March, I was done with Crocs that filled with water and Vans that stayed wet for two days. I needed something I could hose off, wear sockless, and still look decent at the brewery afterward.

I ordered the Wally H2O in Jaquard Coastal Mesh (the blue-green wavy one) on a whim during an Amazon Lightning Deal for $59. They showed up looking like upgraded boat shoes: knit upper, no-sew overlays, tiny drainage ports on the sides, and that famous Hey Dude cloud sole.

First wear? I slipped them on with zero break-in and walked 8 miles around Charleston without a single hot spot. That night we got caught in a downpour; I stomped through puddles like a kid. Water drained out the ports instantly, feet stayed dry, and 20 minutes later they weren’t even damp inside.

Fast-forward nine months: I’ve worn them on boats, beaches, water parks, brewery patios, dog walks in the rain, and even to the office on casual Fridays. I’ve hosed them off after sandy beach days, thrown them in the washing machine twice, and they still look almost new.

The insole bounces back, the knit hasn’t stretched, and (miracle) they still don’t smell. My husband stole my first pair so often I bought him his own. If you live anywhere humid or near water, these are the shoes you didn’t know you needed until you try them.

Pros Of Hey Dude Wally H2O

Actually Waterproof and Fast-Draining: Four side ports + raised insole mean water never pools; I walked through ankle-deep puddles and my socks stayed bone dry.
Insanely Light: 6 ounces per shoe; feels like wearing thick socks with a sole.
Zero Break-In Pain: Flex & Fold tech lets them bend 360°; I wore them 12 hours day one with zero blisters.
Machine Washable: Tossed them in a delicates bag twice; came out perfect, no shrinking or fading.
No Smell After Months: Antimicrobial insole + drainage ports = zero funky odor even sockless in 95 °F humidity.
Wide Toe Box Heaven: My duck-wide feet finally have room; no pinky toe squeeze like boat shoes.
Surprising Arch Support: Memory-foam insole cradles better than most slip-ons; I stood 8 hours at a music festival no problem.
Looks Good Enough for Casual Nights: People ask if they’re OluKai or Freewaters; they pass the “brewery test” easily.
Grips Wet Decks: Soft rubber pods bite boat decks and pool tiles; I didn’t slip once on a rocking pontoon.
Crazy Breathable Knit: Coastal mesh lets air flow even when wet; feet never felt clammy.
Easy On/Off with Heel Kick: Collapsible heel means hands-free slip-on; perfect chasing kids.
True to Size (Finally): I’m 8.5 wide and the 8.5 fit perfect; no half-size-up nonsense.
Under $70 Most Days: Regularly drops to $55–$60 on Amazon; insane value for the performance.

Cons Of Hey Dude Wally H2O

Not for Serious Hiking: Soft sole is comfy but zero ankle support; fine on light trails, sketchy on rocks.
Tread Wears Faster on Concrete: After 400 miles the pods are smoothing; still grippy wet, but not forever shoes.
Lint Magnet Knit: Light colors attract dog hair and grass; dark patterns hide it better.
No Half Sizes: Whole sizes only; I lucked out, but some people need inserts.
Heel Slip If Too Loose: Size down if between; I went true and it’s perfect, but loose pairs slip.
Insole Can Shift Slightly: After 6 months of abuse, mine moves 1/8 inch; glue dot fixes it.
Limited Color Selection: Cool patterns sell out fast; basics always available.
Not Warm in Winter: Super breathable = cold toes below 50 °F.
Squeak If Water Gets Trapped: Rare, but once water sneaked past ports and squeaked until dried.
No Lace Option: Pure slip-on; some people miss adjustability.

Maintenance Tips For Hey Dude Wally H2O

Rinse Immediately After Salt Water: Hose off ocean or lake gunk; prevents knit from stiffening.
Machine Wash Cold, Delicates Bag: Gentle cycle, air dry only; keeps shape and freshness.
Stuff with Newspaper When Wet: Speeds drying and holds shape; 4–6 hours and they’re ready.
Baking Soda Overnight for Smell: Sprinkle in, dump out morning; works even after fishy boat days.
Toothbrush the Ports: Keep drainage holes clear; prevents trapped sand squeaks.
Replace Insole Every 9–12 Months: $15 Hey Dude insoles restore that cloud feel.
Spot Clean Knit with Dawn: Gentle dish soap + soft brush lifts sunscreen stains fast.
Store Away from Direct Sun: Prevents knit fading; closet or shoe bag best.
Rotate Pairs: I have two now; doubles lifespan dramatically.
Silicone Spray on Sole: Once a season keeps rubber grippy on wet decks longer.

Comparison With Other Brands

Hey Dude Wally H2O Vs Crocs Classic Clog

Crocs win if you want indestructible and cheap, but they fill with water, look like garden shoes, and have zero arch support.

Wally H2O drains instantly, looks 10× better, and feels like a sneaker. Crocs for yard work; Wally for everywhere else.

Hey Dude Wally H2O Vs OluKai ‘Ohana

OluKai has better leather and arch support, but costs $130 and stays wet forever. Wally is half the price, dries in minutes, and is lighter.

OluKai if you want premium island vibes; Wally if you actually get them wet daily.

Hey Dude Wally H2O Vs Sperry Boat Shoes

Sperry looks classier with jeans, but leather takes days to dry and weighs a ton. Wally is ready in an hour and weighs nothing. Sperry for yacht club; Wally for actual boating.

Hey Dude Wally H2O Vs Native Jefferson

Native is fully waterproof plastic, but zero breathability and slippery when wet inside. Wally breathes, drains, and grips. Native for little kids; Wally for adults who want comfort.

Hey Dude Wally H2O Vs Allbirds Tree Dasher

Allbirds are eco-friendly runners, but not truly waterproof and twice the price. Wally handles water better and costs half. Allbirds for city running; Wally for lake life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Hey Dude Wally H2O actually waterproof?

Yes, water resistant knit + drainage ports keep feet dry in puddles and rain.

Do they smell after getting wet?

No, antimicrobial insole + fast drying = zero odor after 9 months sockless.

Should I size up or down?

True to size for most; size down if between or get heel slip.

Can you put them in the washing machine?

Yes, cold gentle cycle in a delicates bag; air dry only.

Conclusion

Stop wasting money on shoes that get ruined the first time you step in water. The Hey Dude Wally H2O is the rare shoe that’s actually comfortable, actually waterproof, and actually looks good enough to wear out at night. At $55–$65, they’re the best summer/beach/boat/errand shoe I’ve ever owned. Buy them now, thank me later when you’re walking through puddles with dry feet and a smile.