Our verdict
Between the Atoms Shoes and the Hey Dude Shoes, we lean toward the Atoms Shoes — we rated it 6.5/10 versus 5.5/10. Comfortable and versatile, but poor breathability and excessive foot sweat make Allbirds the better choice.
Our pick
Atoms Shoes
Hey Dude Shoes
Side by side
| Attribute | Atoms Shoes | Hey Dude Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 6.5/10 | 5.5/10 |
| Best for | Comfortable and versatile, but poor breathability and excessive foot sweat make Allbirds the better choice. | Lightweight and comfortable, but the aggressively casual aesthetic and quality issues we encountered make them a pass. |
| Standouts |
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| Watch-outs |
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Which one is right for you?
Choose the Atoms Shoes if…
Comfortable and versatile, but poor breathability and excessive foot sweat make Allbirds the better choice.
- Minimalist design pairs with many outfits
- Stretch laces cinch tight and stay snug
Choose the Hey Dude Shoes if…
Lightweight and comfortable, but the aggressively casual aesthetic and quality issues we encountered make them a pass.
- Extremely lightweight (177g, minimal packing)
- Comfortable memory foam + EVA cushioning
Why we rate them this way
Atoms Shoes — 6.5/10
Comfortable and versatile, but poor breathability and excessive foot sweat make Allbirds the better choice.
What we liked: Minimalist design pairs with many outfits, Stretch laces cinch tight and stay snug, Vegan and 100% recyclable, Lightweight foam midsole with good cushioning, Wide variety of colorways.
Worth knowing: Polyurethane-knit upper causes excessive sweating and poor breathability, Generic style doesn't justify the $145 price tag, Stretchy laces still require tying and untying, Uncomfortable without socks due to moisture.
Hey Dude Shoes — 5.5/10
Lightweight and comfortable, but the aggressively casual aesthetic and quality issues we encountered make them a pass.
What we liked: Extremely lightweight (177g, minimal packing), Comfortable memory foam + EVA cushioning, Machine washable, Removable insoles for customization, Built-in arch support.
Worth knowing: Aggressively casual, not stylish, Cushioning degrades with heavy use, Product defects and quality issues, Poor customer service.
Common questions
Is the Atoms Shoes or the Hey Dude Shoes better?
We rated the Atoms Shoes 6.5/10 and the Hey Dude Shoes 5.5/10, so we lean Atoms Shoes — but it depends on what you want it for (see "which one is right for you" on the page).
What's the difference between the Atoms Shoes and the Hey Dude Shoes?
Short version — Atoms Shoes: Comfortable and versatile, but poor breathability and excessive foot sweat make Allbirds the better choice. Hey Dude Shoes: Lightweight and comfortable, but the aggressively casual aesthetic and quality issues we encountered make them a pass.