Hey Dude has a lot of fans all around the world. People love their design, versatility, and comfort. But many have no idea where they are manufactured.
If you’re here, it means you’re also now getting curious to see where they are made.
We’ve got the answer:
Hey Dude shoes are now made in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and a few other countries. Most production happens in China and Vietnam, as the supply-chain management is smoother there.
Want more info?
Continue reading as we explore why Hey Dude shoes are made in these countries (the answer is surprising). You will also learn how they are manufactured, and what materials are used in this guide.
Key Points About Hey Dude
- Hey Dude production is getting diversified, as the company is contacting manufacturing units in different countries.
- In 2022, Hey Dude reported a total revenue of 896 million U.S. dollars, with approximately 574 million of that coming through wholesale channels.
- About 95% of Hey Dudes are made in China and sold in the United States.
- In 2022, Hey Dude was identified as the fastest-growing brand at retail, according to consumer research firm Circana (formerly NPD).
- Crocs CEO Andrew Rees predicted that Hey Dude would surpass $1 billion in sales in 2023.
Where Are Hey Dude Made? Exploring the Details
|
Country |
Details |
|
China |
Initial and main manufacturing location |
|
Indonesia |
Part of the diversified network |
|
Vietnam |
Included after the Crocs acquisition |
|
Portugal |
A recent addition |
|
Other Countries |
Expanding to more South Asian countries |
Hey Dude shoes are made in many countries, but the top one is China. But it’s not a 100 percent Chinese product.
The first Hey Dude shoe was designed and made by two Italians. However, they did not choose any European place to manufacture these shoes. They contacted a manufacturing facility in China and then brought in the United States.
Hey Dude got popular in the USA as soon as it was launched. In a few years, thousands of units were imported and sold to the distribution centers.
Then, in 2021, Crocs took interest in the Hey Dude and bought it for 2.5 billion dollars. The news was exciting for footwear enthusiasts, as they were wondering what would be next.
After taking over Hey Dude, Crocs Inc. diversified its manufacturing. Instead of just relying on China, the company made contracts with facilities in Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and other countries.
So, it’s safe to say that Hey Dude has the “Asian touch.”
Why Does Hey Dude Production Mostly Take Place in China?
You might be wondering why Hey Dude and many other footwear brands choose China over other countries. Well, there are many reasons and we’re now explaining them.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
China's strategic location plays a crucial role. The country is considered as a gateway to Asia, as it offers easy access to different markets. You will also get the idea if you look at the shipping routes and logistics networks.
Another thing that makes China an automatic choice is infrastructure, like roads, ports, and technological advancements. These things make moving goods around the globe a smoother process.
Skilled Workforce and Speed to Market
In China, you will find a skilled workforce, especially in footwear manufacturing. That's why brands often find that Chinese factories can turn around products faster.
Most of them have said that the level of craftsmanship is also hard to match.
Remember that this speed to market is crucial in the fashion industry. Why? Well, the trends can come and go in a flash.
Scale and Flexibility
We also found that the scale of production can be massive in China. That’s not a small thing for those brands that need to ramp up production. It has to be done to meet seasonal demands or sudden spikes in popularity.
In the USA, scaling up production suddenly can be very challenging.
The flexibility offered by Chinese manufacturers is another thing we should discuss here. The manufacturers are willing to adapt to the specific needs of brands most of the time. Whether a company wants a unique design or a change in order volume, the Chinese are usually cooperative. That’s usually not the case with America and many European countries.
Advanced Technology
Technology in Chinese factories is cutting-edge. It has to be top-quality or the shoes won’t be designed or stitched properly.
Note: From automated cutting machines to AI-driven quality control, the technological advancements we’ve seen in some Chinese factories are impressive.
This technology does two things:
- Improves efficiency.
- Ensures a consistent level of quality that brands demand.
Government Policies and Ecosystem
In our opinion, China's government policies are also a factor. Incentives like tax breaks and subsidies can make manufacturing in China more economically viable for footwear brands (like Hey Dude).
Plus, the government often invests heavily in infrastructure and technology. This also encourages companies to form contracts.
On top of this, the supply chain ecosystem in China is incredibly integrated.
When we spoke with industry experts, they emphasized how raw materials and even specialized services (like dyeing and printing) are readily available. This means fast delivery.
So, due to these reasons, Hey Dude prefers most of their production to happen in China.
Now, it’s time to know how Hey Dude shoes are made.
How Are Hey Dude Made? Complete Manufacturing Process
Hey Dude manufacturing process is interesting. It starts with the design and then goes through different stages (each has a different purpose).
Let’s discuss them.
Step 1: Design and Development
First, the shoes are designed by a team of footwear experts. This stage involves:
- Creating the shoe's concept.
- Determining the style.
- Focusing on the features.
Crocs has hired top professionals from around the world to make top-notch Hey Dude shoes for you. They gather at the headquarters and share their opinions on the design and development.
They bounce back ideas and after a while, they agree on a design that they think is the best.
Step 2: Material Selection
Once the team of experts approves the design, the next thing they do is to choose the manufacturing materials.
Let us tell you here that the materials they opt for are of high quality. We have analyzed them and are satisfied with what they add to their shoes. These are canvas, leather, lightweight synthetic fabrics, and many more.
In fact, due to these materials, the Hey Dude shoes are super lightweight and durable.
Step 3: Cutting and Preparing Materials
After selecting the materials, the next step is the “Cutting.” For this, the company has hired professionals who have been doing this for years.
As a matter of fact, we think that’s the difference between Hey Dude and many other footwear (especially the cheap ones).
These people precisely cut the selected materials into the necessary shapes for the various parts of the shoe.
When we contacted the officials, we learned that the company does two types of cutting:
- Manual
- Computer Controlled.
Step 4: Stitching and Assembling
The next manufacturing step is the most critical one, in our opinion. In this, the cut pieces are stitched together to form the upper part of the shoe. If it’s not done correctly, we’ve seen the shoes going bad in a few weeks.
Luckily, the manufacturers use both machine and hand stitching here.
Step 5: Sole Construction
We all know how important comfort and lightweight design are when picking shoes. If a brand uses heavy or low-quality soles, no one will like such a shoe.
But when we examined Hey Dude, we found out that they provide the “supreme” support. It’s because the sole is flexible, light, and soft.
Most models are made from a lightweight foam or rubber material. They are attached to the upper part of the shoe with adhesive, stitching, or a combination of both.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
After reading about the above steps, you must be wondering, “What’s next?”
Well, the final touches.
This usually includes two things:
- Cleaning
- Final decorative elements.
These are done via machine only. The reason could be the higher precision (which is hard to achieve manually).
That’s why the new Hey Dude shoes look shiny and elegant.
Step 7: Quality Control
Most footwear brands stop at the finishing touch. But Hey Dudes are made with more care than others.
After a shoe is made, the next critical step is Quality control. In this, the shoes are inspected for any defects or inconsistencies.
If someone finds any flaw, that shoe gets discarded.
But how to know if a shoe is defective? Well, the company has set the standards. Employees examine the footwear according to them before they pack them.
Step 8: Packaging and Distribution
Finally, the Hey Dude shoes are packaged and shipped to various distribution centers, like the one in North Las Vegas for the U.S. market. From there, the shoes are distributed to retailers or directly to consumers.
What Are Hey Dudes Made Of? Explain with Examples
Those who search for “Where are Hey Dude made” also want to know about which things are used to make the shoes.
We’ve gathered details after weeks of research:
|
Shoe Part |
Material Used |
Example Models |
Description |
|
Uppers |
Canvas, Stretch Fabric, Leather |
Wally, Mistral, Welsh |
Durable, breathable, and flexible materials offer comfort and style. |
|
Insoles |
Memory Foam, Leather |
Wally Sox |
Provides cushioning, support, and durability. |
|
Outsoles |
Rubber, EVA |
Various Models |
Flexible and lightweight, offering good traction and shock absorption. |
|
Laces |
Elastic Laces |
Wally Stretch |
Allow easy slip-on and snug fit without the need for tying. |
|
Accessories |
Metal Eyelets, Contrasting Stitching |
Wally Linen |
Enhance durability and provide a distinctive look. |
Let’s now discuss each shoe part one by one.
Uppers
When you look at the uppers of Hey Dude models, you will notice that the company has added different types of fabrics there.
- Canvas: Many Hey Dude shoes, like the popular Wally style, use canvas for the upper part. Canvas is a durable, breathable fabric that offers both comfort and a casual look.
- Stretch Fabric: For models that require more flexibility, such as the Mistral model, a stretchable fabric is used. Note that this material “conforms” to the shape of the foot, which provides a snug, comfortable fit.
- Leather: Some Hey Dude shoes, like the Welsh model, use leather uppers. They give a more formal appearance while maintaining comfort.
Insoles and Outsoles
The materials used to make insoles and outsoles determine how you will feel in the shoe. Luckily, Hey Dude has the best ones.
For insoles:
- Memory Foam: Many Hey Dude shoes have memory foam insoles, which easily conform to the foot's shape (for enhanced comfort). For example, the Wally Sox model features a memory foam footbed that provides cushioning and support.
- Leather Insoles: In more premium models, leather insoles might be used for their durability and comfort.
For outsoles:
- Rubber: Lightweight rubber is commonly used for the soles of Hey Dude shoes. This material is flexible and provides good traction, which is essential for casual and walking shoes.
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): Some models use EVA outsoles for their extreme lightness and shock absorption capabilities. But what’s EVA? It is a foam-like material that is both durable and comfortable.
Laces and other Accessories
Almost every Hey Dude shoe has elastic laces. The reason is that such laces don't require tying. Furthermore, they allow the shoe to be slipped on and off easily.
The other details and accessories are
- Metal Eyelets: Metal eyelets are often used for the lace holes in canvas shoes. The reason might be to enhance durability.
- Contrasting Stitching: Many Hey Dude shoes feature contrasting stitching for a distinctive look. An example is Wally Linen.
So, that’s all about what Hey Dude shoes are made of!
Final Words
In a nutshell, Hey Dude is made in China, Vietnam, Portugal, and a few other countries. However, most of the production takes place in China because of skilled labor and government incentives. The shoes are then transported to the United States and then to you!
