How to tighten HEY DUDEs?

You can tighten your HEY DUDE shoes by tying your shoelaces in a bow or wrapping the laces in and out of the eyelets. Apart from this, you can also loop your laces, wear socks, use lace anchors, or shrink your shoes by drying them in the dryer.

You and I, know HEY DUDE shoes for their comfort and loose style. However, there can be a bit of a hassle sometimes when it comes to tightening them. I’ve been there, struggling to keep my feet snug in our favorite pair of HDs.

After trying multiple tricks and hacks, I have finally figured out how to tighten HEY DUDEs. Don’t worry you won’t be compromising on their easy-going vibe. Whether you’re gearing up for a full day of walking or just want a more secure fit, we’ve got you covered.

Things to do before tightening your HEY DUDE shoes

Before you jump right in to tighten your HEY DUDEs by hook or crook, make sure to tick the following checkboxes.

Step 1: Check if you actually need it

First things first, let’s ensure you actually need to tighten your kicks. Imagine walking through your favorite park and feeling your shoes slip with every step- super annoying, right? This can be due to the extra space inside. Do your feet slide around inside, or do you feel like there’s too much space? If the answer is yes, then let’s fix it.

Step 2: Gather the equipment

To tighten your HEY DUDE shoes, you’ll need a few tools to help you along the way. Here are some essentials:

• Soft Cloth
• Mild Detergent
• Shoelaces or Straps
• Insoles
• Cushioning Inserts

Step 3: Prep your HEY DUDEs

Tightening doesn’t only involve pulling, pushing, and stuffing- to ensure the right fit, you may want to:

1. Clean your shoes

First things first, let’s start by cleaning your shoes. Grab a soft cloth and some mild detergent to wipe away any dirt and oils. This might seem basic, but it’s super important. Dirt and oils can damage the shoe material, making it less effective and durable. Think of it as prepping a fresh canvas. Once they’re clean, be patient and let them dry completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Adjust the laces 

Next up, if your Hey Dude shoes have laces or straps, it’s time to adjust them. Make sure the laces are tight enough to keep your feet secure but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable. This simple tweak can make a big difference. Properly tightened laces help distribute pressure evenly across your feet, which means less strain and better stability. You’ll notice a big difference in how your feet feel.

3. Use insoles 

If cleaning and adjusting the laces don’t give you the snug fit you need, try adding insoles. Insoles can fill any empty space inside your shoes. Go for ones that offer good support and place them at the bottom of the shoe. This not only improves the fit but also enhances comfort when walking. Imagine walking on a cushioned cloud- it makes every step more enjoyable. This is because insoles provide extra cushioning and support for your arches. Thus reducing foot fatigue and helping with better alignment.

4. Add cushioning 

Finally, consider adding cushioning inserts around pressure points to avoid rubbing and discomfort. These inserts are a lifesaver if your shoes are slightly too big in certain areas. They reduce friction and pressure points, preventing blisters and other foot issues. By adding these, you’re creating a more customized fit that’s both comfortable and supportive.

How to tighten your HEY DUDE shoes?

And it’s time to finally pull your Hey Dudes tight to your preferred fit.

1. Reknotting the knot 

HDs have a unique lace system. This lacing system makes it easy to reposition the knot for a better fit. Here’s how you can tighten your Hey Dude shoes:

1. Slip your feet into the shoes.
2. Pull the knots of lace from each side until they snugly fit your feet.
3. Once satisfied with the fit, tie the shoelaces. You can make a bow or wrap the laces in and out of the eyelets.

But what if you still have extra laces sticking out?

There are a couple of solutions for this. 

One option is to cut off the excess lace. 

But if you prefer not to cut them, here’s another trick: thread the lace through the front lace, tugging each side. Ensure the toggle faces forward. 

Many HEY DUDE designs, such as Walsh, Jack, Paul, Men’s Wally, Paully, and Women’s Wendy, don’t even require tying the laces due to their easy-on fit.

2. Looping the laces

The second technique is called looping the laces. It is especially useful if your shoes have a toggle. Here’s what you have to do:

1. First, put on your shoes.
2. Pull and stretch the elastic laces until the shoes fit snugly around your feet.
3. Thread one lace under the other.

No need to tie a knot. The toggles will secure the shoes just fine. This is great for a quick and easy adjustment.

3. Wear socks

An easy way to make your Hey Dude shoes fit tighter is to wear socks. Choose socks that complement your shoes. This simple addition can make a big difference in how snug your shoes feel. Plus, they’ll look stylish too.

4. Shrink them

If your Hey Dude shoes are extremely loose, you can shrink them slightly. Here’s how:

How to wash and shrink your HEY DUDE shoes?

Before starting, gather these supplies:

• Mild detergent or shoe cleaner
• Soft-bristled brush or cloth
• Lukewarm water

Step 1: Prepare your shoes

Remove the laces and insoles to clean them separately and prevent damage.

Step 2: Spot cleaning

For minor stains, dampen a soft-bristled brush or cloth with lukewarm water and mild detergent. Gently scrub affected areas.

Step 3: Washing process

• Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
• Dip the brush or cloth in the soapy water and scrub the exterior of the shoes, focusing on stained areas.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue.

Step 4: Machine washing 

• Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them.
• Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.

Step 5: Drying

• Air dry naturally after washing.
• Reshape shoes and stuff with paper towels or cloth to maintain their shape.
• Avoid direct heat sources or dryers, as they can damage the material.

Step 6: Finishing touches

• Once dry, reinsert insoles and laces.
• For white shoes, use a mixture of mild detergent and water to gently scrub and maintain brightness.

Alternative options to tighten HEY DUDE shoes

Replace your standard laces with elastic lock laces or opt for lace anchors. Here’s exactly why they might be the solution to your problem. 

1. Elastic lock laces

Instead of wrestling with traditional Hey Dude laces, you can try using elastic lock laces. You can tighten these quickly to enjoy a snug fit.

Why elastic laces?

Elastic lock laces are designed to replace traditional laces with a stretchy, durable alternative. Made from high-quality elastic material, they ensure a secure fit without the hassle of tying knots.

1. Elastic properties: The elasticity of the laces allows them to expand and contract with your foot’s movements. Do you know what this means? This means the elastic laces adapt to your foot’s natural swelling throughout the day to offer consistent comfort.
2. Locking mechanism: Unlike regular laces that require tightening and retying, elastic lock laces feature a locking mechanism. Once adjusted to your desired tension, simply lock them in place with the slider or clip provided. This ensures a customized fit that stays put, no matter your activity level.

2. Lace anchors

You can add lace anchors to the ends of your laces to hold them in place. This ensures the laces stay tight without slipping and, thus, enhances the overall fit and stability of the shoe.

Why lace anchors?

Here’s why lace anchors can help you keep your HDs fit to your feet.

1. Secure anchor point: Lace anchors are small devices that attach to the ends of your shoelaces. They work by creating a secure anchor point, preventing your laces from slipping or becoming untied. This stability enhances the overall fit of your shoes, providing a snug and consistent feel.
2. Intact knots: Imagine slipping into your Hey Dudes and knowing that your laces are going to stay exactly where you want them. That’s what lace anchors do. They not only ensure that shoes fit comfortably throughout the day but also ensure that the knots remain intact. You can say goodbye to retightening your Hey Dudes again and again.

Marty’s final words

Getting the right fit for your Hey Dude shoes is important if you want to stay comfortable and keep your feet happy. You can find that perfect snug fit by cleaning them, adjusting the laces, using insoles, adding cushioning, and trying techniques like repositioning knots and looping laces. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these methods to see what works best for you. Your feet will thank you!

FAQs

And I know you have some questions. Don’t worry, as always, I’m taking care of it.

1. Do elastic lock laces really make a difference in comfort?

Yes, elastic lock laces adapt to your foot’s movements, offering consistent comfort by accommodating natural swelling throughout the day.

2. How do lace anchors improve shoe fit?

Lace anchors secure the ends of your laces. Thus preventing slipping and maintaining a snug fit throughout the day. They ensure your shoes feel secure and comfortable.

3. Can I use elastic lock laces on all Hey Dude shoe models?

Yes, elastic lock laces are versatile and can replace traditional laces on most Hey Dude designs.

4. Are lace anchors difficult to install?

No, lace anchors are easy to install. Simply attach them to the ends of your laces to create a secure anchor point that prevents them from coming undone.

5. How can I tighten my Hey Dude shoes without traditional laces?

You can opt for elastic lock laces for easy adjustment and a snug fit or use lace anchors to secure existing laces in place. Both of these accessories enhance stability and comfort without constant readjustment.