The footwear market is full of the latest shoes, slippers, boots and sandals from different brands, which makes it challenging to choose the right brand because you have to consider many factors, such as comfort, style, durability and performance while buying a pair of shoes.
Two notorious brands in this article are Hey Dude and Olukai that have caught huge attention in the footwear industry because of their wide variety of product lines to overcome the needs of all customers.
Without wasting your time, I would like to explore more about these brands to give you an idea of which may be the better choice for you.
Comparison Table Between Hey Dude and Olukai:
| Hey Dude | Olukai |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 2005 |
| Casual and modern | Distinctive Hawaiian workmanship and tropical flair |
| Offer exceptional arch support | Offer decent arch support |
| Slip-on shoes, loafers, boots and sandals | Sandals, shoes and boots |
| Durability may vary with the model | Built for longevity |
| Relaxed fit and wide-toe box | Various widths and comparatively narrow toe box |
| Suitable for casual wear and sports | Ideal for walking, outdoor activities and everyday wear |
| More breathable | Less breathable |
| lightweight | Slightly heavy-weight |
| Affordable | Slight costly |
| 2-months limited warranty | 1-year warranty |
Overview of Hey Dude:
In 2008, Alessandro Rosano and Dario Kaute combined comfort and class in shoes and launched Hey Dude in the heart of Italy.
The brand is well-known for its highly-performing sneakers, slip-ons and lace-ups for men, women and children that transcend style and quality.
Due to their modest plus modern style and versatility, the shoes are the perfect addition to jeans and any other outfit, making them a super choice for outdoor activists, urban explorers and eco-conscious users.
Hey Dude is committed to sustainability in each shoe, along with biodegradable packing and eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, cork and recycled materials.
All Hey Dude shoes are lightweight and super comfortable with innovative technologies that enhance cloud-like cushioning and allow natural extension of the feet.
With the passing years, Hey Dude has earned huge fame and success in the footwear market. The brand sold almost 1 million shoes in 2011, and now this number is continuously growing because of quality products.
To get some deals and discounts, you can visit the “Sale Tab” on the official store of Hey Dude and get the shoe at a discounted price. The brand also offers 15% off to new customers after signing up.
Hey Dude shoes are manufactured in Indonesia and China, and the brand is committed to fair labor practices, which ensure fair pay for employees.
As the brand has a wide range of product lines but the best-selling product is the “Wendy Canvas Sparkling shoe” with a rose gold shine that keeps it glittery in the sun. The shoes are super comfortable and minimize the chances of aches and pains.
Overview of Olukai:
Olukai is a Hawaiian island-inspired footwear brand with a deep commitment to nature. It was founded by Bill Worthington and Matt Till in 2005 for the creation of supreme quality and comfortable shoes to showcase the culture and spirit of Hawaii.
In the heart of Olukai, the Aloha spirit lies, which reflects the way of deeply rooted love, care and respect for the world around it. This philosophy serves each step of Olukai, from sustainable construction methods to commitment to the conservation of marine life.
Olukai is dedicated to serving the community along with the conservation of marine life with the use of premium materials and quality craftsmanship. Each Olukai shoe reflects the finest materials, such as fabrics, sustainable components and full-grain leather. Due to this construction and attention to each detail, Olukai shoes not only look appealing but also bring durability and comfort.
The unique anatomically contoured footbed reflects the natural curve of the Hawaiian island. Due to this unique feature, each shoe offers an unparalleled level of support and comfort so you take each step with pleasure whether you navigate around rough terrains or beaches.
Olukai partners with the Ama Olukai Foundation, which shows cultural support and conservation of the environment in Hawaii and its surrounding areas.
The brand is a Certified B Corporation with a main focus on sustainability and manufacturing of shoes that not only last long but also minimize the carbon footprint.
Olukai shoes are mainly designed in the US and crafted in Asia, Mexico and China by adhering to high-quality standards and environmental sustainability.
The Olukai Ohana flip-flop sandal is considered as a best-selling product because it symbolizes the Aloha spirit and offers unparalleled comfort and support to live with an open heart.
Differences Between The Brands
After reviewing both brands, it is evident that both have some major differences in terms of comfort, price, popularity, flat feet and design. So let’s shed light on these aspects in detail:
1) Comfort
Hey dude shoes are comfortable with soft and flexible upper that enhance cushioning while wearing for a long period. Due to the wide toe box and high-quality materials, these shoes allow the feet to move naturally and minimize the chances of cramps.
With the use of lightweight and breathable materials, these shoes can’t resist or absorb water which may not make it the perfect choice in rain otherwise, it will keep your feet uncomfortable.
However, breathability keeps the feet comfortable and ventilated during all-day wear and minimizes the risks of blisters.
Olukai shoes are also comfortable with drop-in heels and lightweight materials that enhance comfort and support which become a perfect choice for those who are always on the go.
These shoes are equipped with water-resistant materials, which may restrict water entry but not completely absorb water. Due to this feature, Olukai shoes are good to go in light rain and around the pool but never soak them in water nor use them in water activities.
2) Walking
For walking purposes, Hey Dude shoes are the perfect choice because of their lightweight and breathable construction, along with enough support to offer a stress-free and comfortable all-day long walk.
On the other hand, Olukai shoes are also comfortable but not for long walks because of their durable and tough construction.
3) Flat Feet
Hey Dude shoes offer exceptional arch support because of Flex and Fold technology along with maximal cushioning and wide baseplate that keep flat feet comfortable and become the better choice for people with poor arch support and plantar fasciitis.
Some famous Hey Dude models for Flat feet are:
- Hey Dude Wendy Retro
- Hey Dude Wally Free
- Hey Dude Venice
On the other hand, Olukai shoes are also supportive but not an ideal choice for flat feet compared to Hey Dude. However, some models of this brand are perfect for flat feet, such as:
- Olukai Ohana
- Olukai Nui
- Olukai Ulele
4) Popularity
Hey Dude shoes are super famous because of affordability, comfort and style. On Instagram, the fan following of this brand has reached 439k and it has been mentioned in many outlets such as Yahoo! News, Motherly and People magazine.
Olukai shoes also have a strong fan following because of quality craftsmanship, Hawaiian culture and supreme materials.
5) Target Market
Hey, Dude is for those who have to walk and hike for long hours, for users who have foot-related pain and for outdoor activists, athletes and campers.
Overall, this brand targets all ages and genders, from men to women to kids and is the better choice if you want to replace your winter heels and summer sandals with comfy shoes.
Olukai shoes are mainly designed for men and women who want functional yet comfortable and stylish shoes. Due to durable materials and quality construction, these shoes are perfect for runs, hikes and everyday adventures.
6) Price
Hey Dude shoes are available at the average cost of $50-$100. While Olukai shoes have an average price of almost $80-$150.
7) Design
Hey Dude shoes are simple with lace-up closure, tranquil aesthetic and 2-3 eyelets along with various colors and patterns. Commonly, these shoes are equipped with cotton lining, stretchy mesh and synthetic overlays on the upper with thin fabric.
Olukai shoes are classy with slip-on and superior style and closed toe along with different colors. Due to the signature foldup heel, these shoes are flexible and perfect for dinners and formal wear.
8) Availability
Hey Dude shoes are available at the official store. Other than this, you may shop these shoes at online stores such as Amazon, Walmart, Nordstrom, SoftMoc and Dillard’s.
To shop for Olukai shoes, you can visit the official site. You may visit other online stores such as Nordstrom, Walmart and Amazon for shopping.
Rating and Overall Score:
The overall score for Hey Dude is 4.4 and Olukai has an average score of 4.3 on knoji. For more information, you can visit https://knoji.com/compare/heydude-vs-olukai/.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
The battle between Olukai and Hey Dude ends here because we got a complete overview of both brands in terms of comfort, style, versatility, price range and overall score.
Olukai is the master because of its versatility and durability, which may make your day comfortable whether you have to go out with friends or embark on an adventure.
Though the price range of Olukai is somewhat more, the brand is worth investing in because of its longevity and quality.
In comparison, Hey Dude shoes are super comfortable with a wide fit and classy look that may make them perfect for casual and semi-casual wear.
Also, the exceptional arch support of Hey Dude shoes makes them perfect for flat feet, and affordability adds another layer of their fame among budget-conscious users.
Whichever brand you choose, you will feel confident with your purchase.