Our verdict
The Atoms Shoes and Hey Dude Shoes are close. We gave the Atoms Shoes a slight edge at 6.5/10 over the Hey Dude Shoes at 6/10 — close enough that fit matters more than the score. Versatile and eco-friendly, but excessive foot sweat from poor breathability loses to Allbirds Tree Dashers.
Our pick
Atoms Shoes
Hey Dude Shoes
Side by side
| Attribute | Atoms Shoes | Hey Dude Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 6.5/10 | 6/10 |
| Best for | Versatile and eco-friendly, but excessive foot sweat from poor breathability loses to Allbirds Tree Dashers. | Comfortable everyday shoe, but aggressively casual design and reported quality issues mean they're not for style-conscious buyers. |
| Standouts |
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| Watch-outs |
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Which one is right for you?
Choose the Atoms Shoes if…
Versatile and eco-friendly, but excessive foot sweat from poor breathability loses to Allbirds Tree Dashers.
- Minimalist design pairs with any outfit
- Stretch laces provide snug fit without frequent retying
Choose the Hey Dude Shoes if…
Comfortable everyday shoe, but aggressively casual design and reported quality issues mean they're not for style-conscious buyers.
- Extremely lightweight (177g per shoe)
- Comfortable cushioning for casual wear
Why we rate them this way
Atoms Shoes — 6.5/10
Versatile and eco-friendly, but excessive foot sweat from poor breathability loses to Allbirds Tree Dashers.
What we liked: Minimalist design pairs with any outfit, Stretch laces provide snug fit without frequent retying, 100% vegan and recyclable materials, Copper threading effectively controls odor, Lightweight foam midsole offers good cushioning.
Worth knowing: Polyurethane-knit upper causes excessive foot sweating, Poor breathability makes them uncomfortable without socks, Simple design doesn't justify the $135–145 price tag, Stretch laces still require tying and untying.
Hey Dude Shoes — 6/10
Comfortable everyday shoe, but aggressively casual design and reported quality issues mean they're not for style-conscious buyers.
What we liked: Extremely lightweight (177g per shoe), Comfortable cushioning for casual wear, Machine washable, Breathable with removable memory foam insoles, Sustainable materials and eco-friendly packaging.
Worth knowing: Aggressively casual aesthetic, not stylish, Cushioning compresses and loses comfort with heavy use, Poor quality with product defects reported, Unsatisfactory 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 6/10, 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: Versatile and eco-friendly, but excessive foot sweat from poor breathability loses to Allbirds Tree Dashers. Hey Dude Shoes: Comfortable everyday shoe, but aggressively casual design and reported quality issues mean they're not for style-conscious buyers.