Today on the agenda is another battle of the brands. This time it is Hey Dude vs. Sanuk: which ones are better to opt for?
Choosing between two amazing footwear brands is never an easy job. Trust me, I know. Somehow I always find myself in the middle of two (sometimes even three!) brands, trying to determine which one is better for me and my lifestyle.
However, this should not be so hard for you, since no matter what brand you end up picking out of these two, I can assure you, you won’t regret your decision. Both Hey Dude and Sanuk know how to do business. They are well aware of what’s trendy, and what people want to wear on their feet.
So, choosing your “sole” mate will be easy-peasy! Especially after you skim through this article and get all the information you need.
Right, let’s not waste any more of your precious time – let’s jump in!
A short introduction to these two brands
Hey Dude
There’s most certainly a reason Hey Dude is loved by so many people today. Founded in 2008 by mastermind footwear experts, Alessandro Rosano and Dario Kaute, this Italian brand quickly took the world by storm.
The main intention behind its design was to create footwear that would be well-made, extremely lightweight, exceptionally comfortable, and undoubtedly stylish, modern, and business casual, yet affordable.
Hey Dude may have been born in Italy, but not long after it came to be (just two years later, in the spring of 2010), it also won the heart of America. And one year after that, it won the rest of the world.
What people love about this brand’s designs is the comfort they offer. Once you put these shoes on, you definitely feel as though your feet were always destined to wear them. And with every step you take, the comfort of these shoes becomes more and more irresistible.
Sanuk
On the other hand, Sanuk is a slightly older brand. Founded in 1997 in Southern California, this American brand prides itself on creating the most fun casual shoes and sandals.
Its founder, Jeff Kelley, came out with this brand with a simple intention in mind: to make people smile and to spread happiness throughout the world through his unique and extremely comfortable footwear. And I would say he succeeded since many people truly enjoy Sanuk and everything it has to offer.
This brand started by producing its famous Furreal Flip-Flops, after which it extended its footwear options to sandals and surf shoes, and later a combination of sandals and shoes.
What many people love about Sanuk is the fact that this brand offers not only comfort but durability, too. Their shoes are famous for their long-lasting material that doesn’t wear out too quickly. And these shoes are also incredibly lightweight and suitable for warm climates, while also being very stylish.
All in all, Sanuk is undoubtedly a good brand that offers many amazing features. No wonder people truly love and enjoy it.
Hey Dude vs. Sanuk: What are their similarities and differences?
Now that we’ve briefly introduced these two brands, it’s time to discuss their similarities and differences and see where these two brands resemble each other (if they even do) and where they act as each other’s stark opponents.
1. What material are they made out of?
We’re starting our discussion with the first difference between these two brands – the material.
Hey Dude has taken great measures and efforts to be as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. For the most part, their shoes are made out of various recycled materials, like plastic or garbage found in the environment.
Contrary to that, Sanuk shoes are made out of hemp, which is manufactured from the plant Cannabis sativa. Their shoes are 100% organic and cruelty-free.
Although these brands use two completely different materials in the making of their footwear, their properties are still very similar. They are both vegan and durable, so by choosing either of them, you’re investing in longevity.
2. What about the stitching?
Hey Dude and Sanuk are stitched very differently. This is important to note since the method of stitching significantly impacts the robustness and sturdiness of the shoe.
With that said, Sanuk shoes are better sewn than Hey Dudes. They come with double-reinforced stitching on their upper, making them more durable and water-resistant.
Hey Dudes don’t come with this double stitching, which of course doesn’t mean they’re automatically bad. The stitching method used on these shoes is still very professional and neat.
3. Are these shoes comfortable and supportive?
Both Hey Dude and Sanuk are famous and loved precisely for the level of comfort they provide. They both come with EVA footbeds which are extremely flexible and well-cushioned, and they offer great shock absorption while remaining lightweight.
However, when it comes to support, we’re afraid Sanuk doesn’t really have much to brag about. They are very flat and come with no lining in the heel area, meaning they often tend to pinch and cut ankles and heels.
Their insoles are also not removable, so you cannot put in supportive orthotic inserts if you need them.
Meanwhile, Hey Dudes are very supportive! They feature memory foam insoles with high arches that perfectly “adhere” to the arch of your own foot, thus avoiding the feeling of discomfort. This makes them a great option for those with flat feet.
Additionally, their already supportive insoles are also removable. So, if for whatever reason, they’re not working for you, you can easily remove them and insert the ones you prefer more. This feature also makes Hey Dude footwear easier to clean.
4. Are they waterproof?
Both Hey Dude and Sanuk brands claim their shoes are waterproof. However, that’s not entirely true for either of them, as they do not keep your feet dry once they come in contact with water.
We can say that Hey Dudes and Sanuk shoes are rather water-resistant than completely waterproof. They will be able to keep your feet dry to some extent, like if there is light rain and you happen to be outside.
But if you completely submerge them in a puddle of water on the street, your feet will definitely get soaked.
5. Do these shoes fit true to size?
Both these brands also claim their shoes fit true to size. And while that might be true for Sanuk, there have been some complaints that Hey Dudes have some issues concerning sizing.
According to online reviews, some people claim their Hey Dude came a tab bit too small, while others say they came too large, despite the fact that they bought the size they usually wear.
This imposes a serious problem, especially for people who love to shop online (like we do!) as they can easily make a mistake and order a size that’s not right for them.
To avoid this from happening, make sure you always buy Hey Dude footwear directly from the store (if that’s possible, of course). Opt for a model that offers you a snug fit – not too big, not too small – and if you are usually in between sizes, make sure to size up.
It’s better to have shoes that are a little too big on you than to wear something that is too tight and restricts your toes. Besides, you can always wear your Hey Dudes with socks that can successfully fill them in and ensure they fit you much better.
6. How easy are they to wear?
There’s no question about it – both Hey Dude and Sanuk shoes are easy to wear.
Hey Dudes feature an easy lacing system so you can adjust the fit to your liking. They are secure and once you slip them on, they’re there to stay.
Sanuk shoes usually don’t come with functional laces. They are a type of loafer and feature an elastic band at the tongue area, which makes them secure and comfortable on your feet. And their slippers and sandals are also extremely easy to put on and wear for as long as you like.
Hey Dude vs. Sanuk: The final verdict
So, which ones to get?
Honestly, both of these brands offer some pretty good features. They are stylish, comfortable, lightweight, and extremely versatile, not to mention easy on the wallet while maintaining quality. At the end of the day, it all boils down to your own preference and liking.
If you want something that’s more durable and that will last you longer, go for Sanuk. But if you prioritize comfort and don’t mind buying new shoes every once in a while, go for Hey Dude.
Whatever brand you go for, I guarantee you won’t regret your decision. They both come with unique qualities and will make a great addition to your wardrobe.
Good luck with your purchase and do let us know if there’s a major difference or similarity we have missed! We’d love to hear from you.
