HEYDUDE Wally Shoes Review: The Perfect Slip-Ons Your Summer Wardrobe Is Missing
Can you own too many shoes? As an avid shoe collector, I always ask myself this question when I’m eyeing a new pair of elegant dress shoes or the latest sneakers – especially considering how much a new shoe collection for the warmer months costs. Most men limit their summer footwear to a pair of white men’s sneakers and their favorite flip-flops. I don’t mean to judge anyone, but these two must-haves don’t cover all needs. I myself have discovered a relatively small but important gap in my summer shoe collection – and that’s where the Wally Palm shoes from HEYDUDE come in.
These featherweight slip-ons are the perfect choice for all summer adventures. The breathable canvas upper and supportive, featherweight cushioning make them the ideal everyday companion. Whether in the big city or spending the summer at the beach, the HEYDUDE Wally shoes are more versatile than leather sandals or flip-flops. Sure, running shoes are also suitable for a stroll around town, but why rack up the miles in expensive sneakers when you can wear this casual style all day long? The machine-washable shoe with Flex-and-Fold technology also makes the Wally a practical solution for lightweight travel. This casual summer shoe at a low price could be just what my shoe rack is missing.
Admittedly, I’ve never tried a pair of HEYDUDE shoes, but as a long-time shopping editor, word of mouth surrounding the brand hasn’t left me. After reading an overwhelming amount of enthusiastic customer reviews and watching several TikTok videos (the brand’s video reviews have a combined total of over 623 million views), I knew it was time to try out the HEYDUDE Wally style.
The Style
If you’re more fashion-conscious, you’ll appreciate the Wallys’ boat-shoe-like design. The return of the preppy look calls for the classic boat shoes so beloved by style icons like Paul Newman and John F. Kennedy. However, their usual boat shoes lack the springy, supportive feel of the HEYDUDE Wallys. Both Newman and Kennedy liked to wear socks with their boat shoes—something that classic menswear experts might consider sacrilege. The Wallys, on the other hand, have a cotton lining and a padded ankle collar for added comfort if you want to wear these cool boys sans socks.
What immediately caught my eye about the Wally Palm model was the abstract palm tree pattern on the upper. It has a Warhol-esque screen-printed effect, subtly reminiscent of the tropical leaf pattern, contrasting with the bold, “dad-style” Hawaiian shirt. The painterly effect of the Wally Palm creates a casual and relaxed look that has become popular with both fashion labels and male consumers in recent years. The white and light brown color combination makes the shoe versatile: It can lighten up the look of a white shirt and chinos, or perfectly complement a simple T-shirt with slim-fit cargo pants. Scuff marks on the upper of the HEYDUDE Wally add an even cooler touch. (Since the shoe is quite durable, I might sand the edges of the upper for a slightly rougher effect.)
For a business-casual day at the Footwear News office, I kept the look tonal and paired the fresh pair with pleated chinos and an oatmeal short-sleeved knit shirt. On weekends, I styled the Wally Palms more playfully with patchwork pants and a casual blue striped button-down shirt, taking some inspiration from Junya Watanabe’s Warhol-inspired Spring 2023 collection.
Fit
The HEYDUDE Wally Palm runs true to size, but some reviewers recommend sizing up. Since I typically wear half sizes, I find the next size up to be just right for wearing with or without socks. The size fits perfectly for my slightly wider feet, which can feel cramped in tight toe boxes.
The Feel
The shoe’s soft cushioning and slight bounce are undeniable. However, compared to running shoes with maximum cushioning, it’s more neutral than too soft, making it more appealing to men who prefer a bit more stability. What really surprised me was how incredibly lightweight the HEYDUDE Wally shoes are; they’re lighter than my iPhone.
Are the HEYDUDE Wally shoes good for sweaty feet?
Breathable canvas keeps feet pleasantly cool in the summer sun. However, men who plan to wear HEYDUDE Wallys all day, every day, should throw these slippers in the washing machine every few weeks. If this applies to you, check out HEYDUDE’s care guide. There are dozens of TikTok videos with tips for cleaning the removable insoles of HEYDUDE shoes. If you value freshness, thousands of customers have tried covering the insole with an invisible sock for additional odor protection. For fashion-conscious individuals, pairing the Wally Palm shoes with a ribbed, neutral sock and chino shorts is a trendy way to prevent odors.
Summary
Whether you’re looking for an everyday hiking shoe, lightweight travel footwear, or simply something comfortable and affordable, the HEYDUDE Wally Palm shoes are perfect for your needs. I can’t guarantee I won’t continue to stock up on more fun footwear for the season, but either way, I know the Wally shoes will provide me with the right footwear for fun in the sun.