Both Vans and Hey Dude offer slip-on casual shoes, but there are significant differences that might affect which brand is right for you.
Quickly, here’s what you need to know regarding Vans vs Hey Dude shoes:
- Vans have the sturdier design built for performance, whereas Hey Dude shoes are lightweight casual shoes that feel laid-back (but presentable).
- Sizing is very similar (I order normal sizing for both), but Hey Dude shoes use a stretchy-knit upper fabric that fits a wide range of foot shapes.
- My size 12 Hey Dude Wally Classics weigh 0.45 pounds per shoe. My size 12 Vans Slip On shoes weigh 0.99 pounds per shoe.
- Hey Dude shoes have thick, removable memory foam insoles.
- Vans slip-on shoes are offered in slip-resistant versions, and Hey Dude shoes are not certified slip-resistant.
Hey Dude vs Vans Sizing
As I stated above, when I directly compared the sizing of the men’s Hey Dude Wally Sox Classics to the sizing of the Vans Slip-Ons, I found the sizing to be similar. Here is a size 12 Hey Dude Wally Sox shoe compared to a size 12 Vans Slip-on:
As you can see, the sizing is similar (I found the sizing to be similar for most all types of Vans shoes).
When I compared the sizing of the women’s Hey Dude Wendy Sox Classics vs Vans Slip-on shoes, I found a slightly different result. Below is a size 7 Hey Dude Wendy Sox shoe compared to a size 7 Vans Slip-On:
Even though the sizing is similar, I felt like the women’s Hey Dude shoes ran just a slight bit longer. To read more about sizing, visit my Hey Dude Shoe Sizing Guide or my Vans Slip On Sizing Guide.
Are Hey Dude Shoes Wider Than Vans Shoes?
In my experience, Hey Dude shoes fit wider than Vans Slip-On shoes. The biggest difference come from the stretchable knit upper that most Hey Dude shoes are made with.
In the short 9-second video below, I tried to capture just how stretchy Hey Dude shoes are:
It should be noted that both companies do offer wide-fit options. Are Hey Dude Shoes Non-Slip?
Hey Dude vs Vans Design
The design of Vans vs Hey Dude shoes is quite different. Vans slip-on shoes were originally created to be skate performance shoes. Because of this, they have a sturdier, more dependable design.
This includes a sturdier outsole and durable canvas upper. No, Vans slip-on shoes aren’t what I would describe as stiff, but they aren’t as flexible as Hey Dude shoes. The outsole of Vans slip-ons is heavier and more durable.
Hey Dude classics are made with lightweight stretch-knit uppers and feature outsoles that are very flexible. In the photo below, I tried to capture how flexible Hey Dude shoes are:
Are Hey Dude shoes more comfortable than Vans Slip-Ons?
In my opinion, Hey Dude Wally Sox Classics have a more comfortable fit than Vans Slip-on shoes. But, again, this doesn’t mean Vans are uncomfortable.
Vans provide a more secure fit than Hey Dude shoes. And Vans shoes are offered in slip-resistant versions, and Hey Dude shoes are not. This means Vans are better for performance, and also better as a work shoe.
But, if you are looking for a laid-back casual shoe, in my opinion, Hey Dude shoes are the better option.
One thing I really like about Hey Dude shoes is they use thick memory foam insoles to help absorb shock and provide comfort under the foot:
Both Vans and Hey Dude shoes can get wet and not be ruined.
Hey Dude vs Vans Shoe Weight
Perhaps a good way to illustrate the difference between Vans and Hey Dude slip-ons is to show the weight difference.
Hey Dude shoes have a lightweight design built for casualwear. My size 12 Hey Dude Wally Sox Classics weigh 0.45 pounds per shoe:
Vans slip-on shoes are built for performance and have a sturdier design. Because of that, they weigh more. My size 12 Vans slip-on shoes weigh 0.99 pounds per shoe:
To read more, visit my article about Vans shoe weight.
Vans vs Hey Dude Summary
Vans have the sturdier design built for performance, whereas Hey Dude shoes are lightweight casual shoes that feel laid-back (but presentable).
As we discussed earlier, sizing is very similar (I order normal sizing for both), but Hey Dude shoes use a stretchy-knit upper fabric that fits a wide range of foot shapes.
I found Hey Dude shoes to weigh less than half as much as Vans slip-ons. My size 12 Hey Dude Wally Classics weight 0.45 pounds per shoe. My size 12 Vans Slip On shoes weigh 0.99 pounds per shoe.
Hey Dude shoes have thick, removable memory foam insoles. Vans slip-on shoes are offered in slip-resistant versions, and Hey Dude shoes are not certified slip-resistant, which means Vans may be the better work option.