Apparel & Shoes

How to Clean Hey Dude Shoes Safely

HEYDUDE shoes use different uppers, linings, trims, and finishes, so there is no safe one-method-fits-all wash. Water-friendly textile styles may tolerate a cold gentle cycle, while suede, leather, wool, coated, and embellished styles need targeted care. Washing can also affect the product warranty. This guide helps you identify the material first, choose the least aggressive method, and avoid heat that can shrink fabric or deform the lightweight sole.

Published · Updated

Primary reference: HEYDUDE customer-service care FAQ. Always check the manual for your exact model.

What you will need

  • Mild laundry detergent (liquid is preferred)
  • A clean pillowcase or mesh wash bag (for machine washing)
  • A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
  • Warm water and a small bowl
  • A dry towel
  • Suede brush and eraser (only for suede styles)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Check the upper and care information

Read the product listing, tongue label, or packaging and identify canvas, knit, wool, suede, leather, coated fabric, or a mixed-material upper. If the material is uncertain, use the hand-cleaning method. HEYDUDE states that washing shoes can void the warranty, so consider that before machine washing even a washable textile pair.

Step 2: Remove loose parts and dry soil

Remove laces and removable insoles. Brush dry mud and grit away with a soft brush, including around the welt and outsole grooves. Do not soak leather-covered insoles. Wipe them with a barely damp cloth and mild detergent, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth.

Step 3: Spot-clean first

Mix a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent with cool water. Test it on an inconspicuous area. Dab textile stains with a soft cloth or brush, working from the edge toward the center, and blot away the detergent with a clean damp cloth. This is the lowest-risk method for mixed-material shoes.

Step 4: Machine-wash only a confirmed washable textile style

If the exact style's care guidance permits machine washing, place the shoes and laces in a mesh bag, use a small amount of mild liquid detergent, cold water, and a delicate cycle. Do not add bleach or fabric softener. Never machine-wash suede, leather, wool, water-repellent finishes, or embellished uppers. When in doubt, stop after spot cleaning.

Step 5: Clean suede or leather without soaking

Let suede dry, lift soil with a suede brush, and use a suede eraser for small marks. Use a cleaner specifically labeled for the material only after a hidden-area test. For leather details, follow the leather-care label. Water rings and color transfer can become permanent if these materials are saturated.

Step 6: Reshape and air-dry

Blot excess moisture with a white towel, loosely stuff the shoes with plain white paper, and dry them in moving air away from direct heat and sunlight. Never use a clothes dryer, radiator, or hair dryer. Reinsert the dry insoles and laces only when the upper and interior are dry to the touch.

Specific cleaning questions

Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.

Can all HEYDUDE shoes go in the washing machine?
No. Material and finish matter. Machine washing is unsuitable for suede, leather, wool, coated, and embellished styles, and HEYDUDE notes that washing can void the warranty. Use a cold gentle cycle only when the exact textile style's care guidance permits it.
Should I remove HEYDUDE insoles before cleaning?
Yes. Remove the laces and removable insoles so the upper dries evenly. Do not soak or machine-wash a leather-covered or foam insole unless its label specifically permits that. Wipe it with a barely damp, mildly soapy cloth and air-dry it separately.
Can HEYDUDE shoes go in the dryer?
No. Dryer heat can shrink the upper, deform foam, and weaken adhesives. Blot moisture, loosely stuff the shoe with white paper, and air-dry it away from direct sunlight, radiators, and hair dryers.
How do I clean suede HEYDUDE shoes?
Let the suede dry before brushing. Use a suede brush to lift the nap and a suede eraser on small scuffs. Avoid saturating it. Test any suede-specific cleaner in a hidden area because dye and texture can change.
How do I remove odor from HEYDUDE shoes?
First clean and completely dry the removable insoles and interior. Air the shoes after wear and rotate pairs so moisture can evaporate. A light layer of baking soda may be left in a fully dry textile interior overnight and vacuumed out, but keep powder away from wet fabric and leather.
How do I clean a white HEYDUDE outsole?
Use a soft brush or cloth with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Work on the sole without flooding the seam, then wipe with a clean damp cloth. Test a melamine sponge in a hidden spot because it is mildly abrasive and can dull a finish.
Can I use bleach on white HEYDUDE shoes?
Avoid chlorine bleach. It can yellow fabric, weaken fibers, strip color from trims, and affect adhesives. Use mild detergent and repeat gentle spot cleaning instead of increasing chemical strength.
Why did my HEYDUDE shoes shrink after washing?
Warm water, dryer heat, and direct sun can contract textile fibers and deform the sole. Let the shoes finish air-drying around loosely packed white paper. Do not force-stretch a wet glued shoe; if the fit remains changed, replacement may be safer than another wash.