Are Hey Dude Shoes Good for Flat Feet? | Arch Support Shoes

Do Hey Dudes Help With Flat Feet?

Having flat feet can cause a variety of foot, ankle, and even back problems. The arched structure that most people have in their feet acts as a shock absorber and helps distribute body weight evenly across the feet. When you have flat feet, the tendons, ligaments, and muscles have to work harder to provide stability and support to the feet.

This often leads to overuse injuries and pain in the feet, ankles, and legs. Having proper arch support from shoes is crucial for people with flat feet to help reduce pain and prevent further complications.

What are Hey Dude Shoes?

Hey Dude shoes have become an increasingly popular footwear choice in recent years. These shoes stand out for their lightweight, flexible, and casual styling. The uppers are made from breathable fabrics with a padded collar around the ankle for extra comfort.

The footbeds of Hey Dudes feature a molded EVA foam insole that provides a little extra cushioning. However, these shoes lack substantial arch support features that would benefit people with flat feet.

Do Hey Dudes Provide Arch Support?

Unfortunately for flat foot sufferers, Hey Dude shoes do not have adequate arch support to properly align the feet. The basic EVA foam footbed does supply some cushioning but does not have a contoured or raised arch design.

People with flat feet require shoes that will help support the arch area of the foot and reduce overpronation. Without added arch reinforcement, the feet are left unsupported which can exacerbate existing foot problems.

Features to Look for in Shoes for Flat Feet

When shopping for shoes to accommodate flat feet, there are certain helpful features to look for. In general, the best shoes will have good arch support, stability, shock absorption, and comfort.

Arch Support

This is the most vital element for flat foot relief. Shoes should have an arched shape built into the design of the footbed in order to properly support the foots arches. This helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia ligament and surrounding muscle tissues.

Stability

Overpronation is common with flat feet, which is when the foot rolls too far inward when walking. This causes added strain and torque through the legs. Finding shoes with stabilizing features will aid in realigning foot positioning for better support.

Cushioning

Having ample shock absorbing cushioning is key since the feet lack the proper arches to absorb impact. Thick foam midsoles or air pockets work well to cushion foot strike to keep feet comfortable all day. This also reduces pain and fatigue.

Comfort

Those with flat feet need shoes that feel great right after putting them on. There should be no pinching, rubbing, or squeezing sensations that often lead to blisters or corns. Prioritize comfort and support from top brands specializing in shoes for problem feet.

Are Hey Dudes Good for Other Foot Conditions?

The easygoing styling of Hey Dude shoes makes them seem like a comfortable choice, but their lack of support precludes them from being recommended for some other common foot conditions including:

Plantar Fasciitis

This painful inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament requires rigid arch support. Without proper reinforcement, every step strains the already aggravated plantar fascia leading to more microscopic tears.

High Arches

Just as flat feet cause issues on one end of the spectrum, high arched feet bring about problems on the other end. High arches need cushioning under the arch area which Hey Dudes lack.

Diabetes

For those with nerve damage in their feet from diabetes, having protective padded shoes that reduce injury risk is vital. The thin basic footbed and fabric uppers of Hey Dudes may not adequately safeguard sensitive diabetic feet.

Arthritis

Joints afflicted with arthritis need plush cushioning and excellent shock absorption. The rigidness and lack of support from Hey Dude shoes could intensify painful arthritis symptoms.

Best Shoes for Flat Feet

While Hey Dudes fall short of being an ideal shoe choice for flat feet, there are better options available. Some top footwear brands engineer shoes specifically to address flat feet.

Here are some top rated styles to consider:

New Balance 940v4

The stabilizing POST system, quality arch support, and cushioning make this athletic shoe a top choice for flat feet and overpronation issues.

Brooks Addiction Walker

With an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar and high energizing cushioning, these shoes help guide flat feet into proper alignment.

Asics Gel-Kayano 28

Featuring extra stability elements and dynamic arch support, this shoe relieves pain from flat feet and plantar fasciitis.

Vionic Tide II

Podiatrist designed with built-in orthotic support, this sandal realigns flat feet thanks to its deep heel cup and arch support.

Trying some of these top-rated supportive shoes for flat feet will surely be far more comfortable and beneficial than Hey Dude shoes.

While the retro casual styling of Hey Dudes has its appeal, the lack of arch support unfortunately makes them a poor choice for flat feet. To properly realign the foot structure and provide stability, shoes made specifically to accommodate flat feet are best.

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.