Do Hey Dude Shoes Have Arch Support? Tips for Flat Feet

Do Hey Dudes Have Arch Support? An In-Depth Look

Hey Dudes are a popular style of lightweight, slip-on shoes with a cult following. With their laidback styling and knit or canvas upper, many wearers wonder if Hey Dudes provide arch support. This article will take an in-depth look at the construction, features, and arch support of Hey Dude shoes to help you decide if they are the right option for your feet.

What are Hey Dude Shoes?

Hey Dudes are a brand of men's and women's casual shoes distinguished by their lightweight, flexible, and breathable canvas or knit fabric upper. The brand was founded in 2008 in Italy and has grown into a globally recognized name.

The shoes have a slip-on silhouette with a rounded toe and elastic goring panels on the upper. The footbed is made from memory foam to mold to the wearer's foot. The outsole is durable rubber with good traction.

They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, from solids tostripes, florals, and camo prints. The casual style makes them popular for travel, beach vacations, casual office wear, and everyday use.

Do They Have Arch Support?

Most Hey Dude shoes do not have substantial arch support built into their construction. Here are some of the reasons why:

Minimal Midsole

Hey Dudes have a very thin midsole, usually around 5 mm thickness. Most shoes require a thicker midsole foam to provide good arch support and cushioning. With such a minimal midsole, there is less room for supportive arch features.

Flat Insole

The removable insole in Hey Dudes is very thin, flat, and flexible. It is not contoured to support the arch. It lays flat inside the shoe rather than curving up to cradle the arch. This provides minimal arch support.

Flexible Upper

The knit fabric or canvas upper of Hey Dudes is very flexible. While this makes them comfortable for some, it means the material does not offer structure to support the foot's arch.

Zero Medial Posts

There are no medial posts built into the midsole of Hey Dudes. Medial posts are firmer foam sections usually along the arch side of the shoe. They prevent excess inward rolling of the foot, providing more arch support.

Where They Provide Support

While Hey Dudes lack substantial arch support, they do provide some cushioning and support features including:

Memory Foam Footbed

The memory foam footbed molds to the shape of your foot for a custom fit. This adapts to the contours of your arch and cradles it gently.

Wide Toe Box

The rounded toe box provides plenty of room for the toes to splay naturally without constriction. This helps support the arch.

Traction Outsole

The durable rubber outsole has lugs that grip the ground. This provides stability underfoot so you don't slip and roll your ankles.

Arch Support Features to Look For

While most Hey Dude styles don't have built-in arch support, some special editions do have features that provide a little more support:

Wendy Wedge

The Wendy Wedge style for women has a 1.5 inch wedge heel that slightly lifts the arch and takes pressure off the foot.

High Top Silhouette

High top styles like the Hey Dude Becket offer more coverage and stiffness through the ankle to enhance support.

Inserts

Some collections like the Hey Dude XP 2.0 or Hey Dude XP Lite allow you to remove the footbed and insert your own orthotic insole with arch support.

Adding Your Own Arch Support

If you want to add more arch support to Hey Dudes, here are some easy modifications:

Supportive Insoles

Add over-the-counter arch support insoles or orthotics into your Hey Dudes. Opt for sturdy, molded designs with adequate depth and contouring.

Wear Compression Socks

Compression socks hug your foot structure and provide a sleeve of support around the arch area when worn with Hey Dudes.

Tape or Brace Your Arch

Applying sports tape across the arch can support the foot. You can also wear an arch sleeve or brace under or over your socks.

Who Might Want More Arch Support

Here are some of the people who may want to add extra arch support when wearing Hey Dudes:

High Arches

Those with high arches need adequate support to prevent the arch from collapsing and putting strain on the foot.

Overpronators

If you overpronate or your ankles roll inward, you'll need arch support features to prevent this excessive motion.

Plantar Fasciitis

Extra arch support helps take pressure off the inflamed plantar fascia tissue along the arch side of the foot.

Diabetes/Neuropathy

Those with nerve damage or circulation issues need sturdy arch support to prevent injury and accelerate healing.

Getting the Right Size Hey Dudes

Finding the right size is key to getting arch support from your Hey Dudes. An improper fit can undermine the support the shoes do provide:

Size Up for Wide Feet

Those with wider feet may need to size up for a roomier toe box to allow natural toe splay that supports the arch.

Size Down for Narrow Feet

Size down if your feet are narrow to prevent excess motion inside the shoe, letting the foot stay stable over the arch.

Measure Both Feet

Many people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Fit your larger foot to make sure Hey Dudes aren't too tight.

Try Different Widths

Hey Dudes come in medium or wide widths. Pick the width offering your foot the most comfort and stability.

Use Manufacturer Size Chart

Consult Hey Dude's size chart to match your foot measurements to the optimal size and fit.

Are Hey Dudes Good for Flat Feet?

Hey Dudes can be worn with flat feet, but typically will not provide enough arch support on their own. Flat feet need well-cushioned, stability shoes to prevent inward foot rolling.

If you have flat feet, look for Hey Dudes with removable insoles so you can add your own orthotic insert. Also consider more substantial styles like high tops or wedge soles for a little lift.

Additionally, taping or bracing the arch, wearing compression socks, and using inserts can enhance the arch support of Hey Dudes if you have flat feet.

Are Hey Dudes Good for Plantar Fasciitis?

Hey Dudes can be a good shoe choice for plantar fasciitis in some cases. Here are tips on making them work:

Cushioning is Key

The responsive memory foam footbed absorbs shock and eases pressure on the inflamed plantar fascia tissue along the arch.

Low Impact

The flexible sole allows a natural stride. There is no heavy or rigid sole putting excessive strain on the arch.

Room to Accommodate Orthotics

You can remove the footbed and insert supportive orthotic insoles with arch support and cushoning.

Avoid Excess Walking

Hey Dudes alone may not be supportive enough for prolonged walking. Take them off and rest periodically.

Do Hey Dudes Stretch Out?

Hey Dudes will stretch and form to your feet over time. Here's what to expect:

Fabric Upper Stretches

The knit fabric uppers will conform and loosen a bit as you break them in.

Foam Footbed Flattens

The memory foam footbed will begin to flatten and compact after regular wear.

Loosening Elastic

The elastic goring panels may lose some tension and stretch slightly.

Widening Toe Box

The toe box may widen and lengthen providing a little more wiggle room for your toes after wear.

More Flexibility

The rubber sole becomes more pliable and flexible the more you wear your Hey Dudes.

Do Hey Dude Shoes Run Big or Small?

Overall, Hey Dude shoes tend to run true-to-size for most wearers. However, fit can vary slightly by style. Here are a few tips on sizing:

Canvas Styles Run Large

Canvas Hey Dudes often fit large by a half or full size. Size down for the best fit.

Wides Run Large

The wide width options tend to run about a half size large. Consider your normal size in wide.

Knits Run True

Knit fabric styles like the Hey Dude Wendy and Becket fit true-to-size for most.

Hey Dude Kids Run Large

The kids' styles usually run at least a half size large. Size down for the right amount of wiggle room.

Try Before Buying

Your best bet is to try Hey Dudes on in-store before purchasing when possible to ensure ideal fit.

The Bottom Line

In summary, Hey Dude shoes provide minimal arch support on their own due to their thin, flexible construction. While this makes them comfortably lightweight, it means they lack the substantial arch-cradling features needed for flat feet or plantar fasciitis.

However, sizing up, using orthotic inserts, adding compression socks or taping, and opting for high tops or wedge soles can customize Hey Dudes to provide suitable arch support. Take into account your foot structure, gait, and comfort needs to decide if Hey Dudes are right for you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.