How to Tighten Hey Dude Shoes

PDF download Download Article
Secure the laces on your Hey Dude shoes for a comfortable fit
PDF download Download Article

Your Hey Dude shoes are uber comfy and uber stylish, but their lacing system may have you scratching your head. How do you tighten a pair of slip-on shoes? Well, we’re here to enlighten you. We’ll show you 4 simple ways to tighten your Hey Dude shoes to make sure they fit right, then show how to clean them and explain their sizing to make sure you get the most out of your comfy cool footwear.

Things You Should Know

  • Tighten Hey Dude shoes by untying the knots in the laces, pulling the laces taught, and tying a simple overhand knot in either lace of the shoe.
  • Or, tie a bow with both laces for a more temporary and classic look that keeps your shoes tight through the day.
  • Wear thick ankle socks or insoles to help fill more space in your Hey Dude shoes and make them more snug.
Section 1 of 4:

Tightening Hey Dude Laces

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-1.jpeg\/v4-460px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-1.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-1.jpeg\/v4-728px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-1.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Untie the existing knots and tie a new knot lower on either lace. Untie the default knots in the laces, then pull on them until the fit is snug, but not too tight. [1] Tie an overhand knot in the lace near the eyelet, then repeat on the other side. [2]
    • To position the knot, thread a toothpick or needle through the knot’s loop, then position the toothpick right next to the lace’s hole. Pull on the end of the lace to tighten the knot down to the toothpick.
    • This method works with any Hey Dude slip-on style including the Wally, Walsh, Jack, Paul, Wendy, and Polly shoes.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-2.jpeg\/v4-460px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-2.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-2.jpeg\/v4-728px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-2.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Tie the laces together for a traditional look and a temporary fit. Hold a lace in either hand, pull them taught, and tie your shoes on top (like an ordinary sneaker) to make them feel tighter. This method works for any lace-up style of Hey Dude shoes.
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Other Ways to Tighten Hey Dude Shoes

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-3.jpeg\/v4-460px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-3.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-3.jpeg\/v4-728px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-3.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Wear thick socks to make your shoes more snug. Wearing thick socks with your Hey Dude shoes removes some of the room between your feet and the shoe itself, providing for a tighter fit. We recommend wearing ankle or no-show socks with slip-on boat shoes, but a high sock is also a classic look to rock.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-4.jpeg\/v4-460px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-4.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-4.jpeg\/v4-728px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-4.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Use insoles to make Hey Dude shoes tighter. Insoles rest at the bottom of your shoes and offer arch support. They also fill some space inside your shoes to make them more snug. Buy and place insoles in the bottoms of your Hey Dudes for a quick and easy way to tighten them.
    • If you prefer not to buy insoles, make some yourself by tracing your feet on a bit of cardboard or a section of yoga mat, then cutting out the tracing.
    • Hey Dude shoes come with their own insoles, so purchase insoles thicker than the original insoles.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-5.jpeg\/v4-460px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-5.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-5.jpeg\/v4-728px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-5.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    3
    Place your shoes in the dryer to shrink them. Spritz your Hey Dude shoes with some water, then stuff them with old socks so they keep their shape in the dryer. Place the shoes in the dryer and run a normal, warm cycle. This shrinks your shoes slightly, making them more snug on your feet. [3]
    • To better protect your shoes, place them in a dryer bag to keep them from tumbling around.
    • Altering your shoes this way may void their warranty or shrink them too much. When in doubt, use another method.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Cleaning Hey Dude Shoes

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-6.jpeg\/v4-460px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-6.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-6.jpeg\/v4-728px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-6.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Wash canvas shoes with liquid detergent on a delicate cycle. Remove the laces and insoles from the shoes. Then, place the shoes in the washing machine with about 1  tsp (4.9 mL) of liquid detergent, and run a delicate or light cycle. Air-dry your shoes somewhere well-ventilated but out of direct sunlight, like near an open window, for 2-3 hours. [4]
    • If your shoes are especially dirty, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub away grime or caked-on dirt before you toss them into the wash.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-7.jpeg\/v4-460px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-7.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-7.jpeg\/v4-728px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-7.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Scrub suede Hey Dude shoes by brushing them with a suede brush. Clean suede shoes by gently scrubbing away dirt or grime with a suede cleaning brush , brushing in the same direction each time. Dampen the outside of the shoe with a thin coat of water, then use a sponge to dry up the excess to remove stains. Let them dry overnight, then use a suede brush to brush away the residue. [5]
    • Use a dampened nail brush to gently scrub away other more stubborn stains, like oil.
    • Preserve suede shoes by spraying their upper, outer portion with a protective suede spray .
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Do Hey Dude Shoes Run True to Size?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-8.jpeg\/v4-460px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-8.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-8.jpeg\/v4-728px-Tighten-Hey-Dude-Shoes-Step-8.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hey Dude shoes do run true to size, but don’t have half sizes. For the most part, Hey Dude shoes run true to size, but there may be slight differences in sizing between shoe styles. Consult the Hey Dude official size chart for specifics. Hey Dude doesn’t offer half sizes, so if you wear a half-size, buy the next size up to ensure a comfortable fit. [6]
    • As a slip-on style, Hey Dude shoes might fit a bit loose, which is natural.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Store your Hey Dude shoes somewhere with good air circulation to prevent mold or mildew, and place shoe trees inside them to maintain their shape.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Lace Shoes
      The 4 Easiest Ways to Tie Shoelaces
      How to
      Hide Shoelaces
      The Best Ways to Lace Up Your On Cloud Shoes
      How to
      Straight Lace Shoes
      The Best Ways to Tie Your Converse Sneakers
      How to
      Shorten Shoe Laces
      How to
      Tie Laces in a Double Knot
      How to
      Lace Timberlands
      An Easy Guide to Lacing Vans: Old Skools, High Tops, & More
      How to
      Tie Kilt Shoes
      How to
      Lace Boots
      How to
      Tie Your Shoe Laces Differently
      How to
      Tie Yeezys
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about footwear, check out our in-depth interview with Victor Adrian .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.scheels.com/e/post/a-guide-to-hey-dudes.html
      2. ↑ https://www.scheels.com/e/post/a-guide-to-hey-dudes.html
      3. ↑ https://tallpaul.ca/how-to-shrink-shoes/
      4. ↑ https://www.heydude.com/pages/care-instructions
      5. ↑ https://www.heydude.com/pages/clean-suede
      6. ↑ https://www.heydude.com/pages/faq

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 27,248 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement