The Stride S marks HEYDUDE’s first true performance sneaker. Why was now the right time for the brand to move into performance footwear?
I wouldn’t say we’re moving away from what HEYDUDE is known for, it’s more about building on it. This is a natural expansion of the brand and an opportunity to bring new ideas and products to our customer base. When I joined Crocs, Inc., one of the things that excited me was the opportunity to work across both Crocs and HEYDUDE brands. With HEYDUDE, there was clear potential to evolve the product offering in a way that still feels true to the brand. Given my background, developing something in this space felt like a natural fit.
You’ve spent more than 40 years in the footwear industry and are widely recognised as the father of the dad shoe. What made you the right person to lead this project?
It started with a bit of humor—“HEYDUDE, HeyDad”—and given my background in the category, it felt like a natural fit. Beyond that, it was about helping HEYDUDE expand into a space that aligned with both the brand’s DNA and where the customer is heading. With technologies like EVERCOMF, HEYCOMF, and HEYGRIP+, the building blocks were in place to create a shoe that truly delivers on comfort and performance in everyday life. The Stride S is designed to perform where it matters most: in your daily routine. That’s always been HEYDUDE’s strength, so this felt like a natural progression.
The dad sneaker started as a niche trend but has become a major cultural category. What does the dad shoe mean to HEYDUDE, and how did that influence the design of the Stride S?
We embraced the “dad shoe” with a sense of humour, which is very true to HEYDUDE. For us, the dad shoe isn’t just a trend, it represents a shift toward everyday wear, focused on comfort and durability. That directly influenced how we approached Stride S, making sure it delivers on those real-life needs in a way that feels effortless and authentic to the HEYDUDE DNA.
During the design process, were you looking at other iconic dad shoes for inspiration? How do you actually design a shoe that fits within that culture?
Since I designed many of the shoes that helped define the category, some of that design language naturally carries over. But the goal was always to give it a HEYDUDE twist. What’s been great is the freedom the team gave me to create and innovate. When I think about HEYDUDE, I see a quality product at an incredible value. And what dad doesn’t appreciate those traits? Getting the best possible product for your money has always been part of the appeal, and that’s exactly what HEYDUDE represents to me.
What were the key design elements that helped define the Stride S?
It really came down to having all the key ingredients: a strong toe shape, a saddle, a heel counter, and a comfortable, cushioned midsole. I’ve been wearing them from the very first prototypes, testing and making sure they lived up to the standards we set. I honestly haven’t taken them off, they’re one of my favourite pairs, and I think it’s really designed for all dads. What guided the process was designing for the customer, not for myself.
The Stride S is built around HEYDUDE’s comfort technologies—EVERCOMF, HEYCOMF and HEYGRIP+. How do you approach incorporating those technologies into the design process?
For me, it starts with the key ingredients: support and comfort. Those elements guide the design, and the technologies naturally become part of the process. It’s not a fixed recipe but an evolution. You start with an idea, then you work with the team and see what new ingredients are available. The goal is always to create the best possible product. If you have exciting new technologies available, why wouldn’t you combine them? It’s like building a concept car, you’re showcasing the best ideas and the best ingredients. The Stride S is that concept car, but in sneaker form.
What makes HEYDUDE different is that it delivers a lot of comfort and performance at an accessible price point. Was the $99.99 price point something that influenced the design process?
We didn’t start with a price point in mind. We focused on creating the best possible product first. So when I learned it would retail at $99.99, it genuinely reinforced what HEYDUDE stands for: delivering exceptional comfort and quality at an accessible price.
You mentioned designing the shoe for dads. Was that because you’re a dad yourself?
Yes, I’m a dad, so it makes sense that I understand that customer, but the shoe wasn’t designed specifically for me. That’s the trap designers can fall into—creating something based on their own preferences. The job is to understand the customer and create something that works for them. That’s what I’ve always tried to do.
The shoe launched at Home Depot on Father’s Day, which feels like a very fitting choice for a dad shoe. It’s also quite an unexpected move for the sneaker industry, where releases are often built around hype and exclusivity. What was the thinking behind partnering with Home Depot?
The thinking behind partnering with Home Depot was to tap into a very real, culturally relevant space for the “dad shoe.” It’s a place that naturally aligns with the lifestyle and mindset we had in mind for Stride S. The Father’s Day timing added a layer of humor and self-awareness, which felt very true to HEYDUDE’s personality. At the end of the day, great products need a story and a point of view. Bringing that sense of fun and relatability into the launch is what made it memorable, and ultimately made the shoe feel more human and connected to real life.
The Stride S is interesting because it redefines what performance means. Usually, performance footwear is associated with elite athletes and peak achievement, but here it’s about everyday life.
Exactly. We wanted to broaden what “performance” means. It’s not just about elite sport—it’s about showing up in everyday life. Being a dad is its own kind of performance: running out to the garage fridge, taking the bins out, grilling, being on your feet all day. We say that this is the brand’s first “performance-first” sneaker, built around the performance of HEYDUDE’s Comfort System technology. It may not look like traditional performance, but it still demands comfort, support, and reliability. These real-life moments are what the Stride S is designed for.
You’ve always been known for pushing boundaries and reinventing categories. How important is it to avoid getting stuck repeating past success?
I think the biggest risk is trying to repeat what worked instead of moving forward. Success should be a foundation, not a formula. With HEYDUDE, the core is very clear—comfort, ease, and simplicity—but that doesn’t mean you stay in one lane. Stride S is a good example of evolving that DNA into something new, bringing those qualities into a more elevated, sneaker-inspired silhouette. For me, it’s always about looking ahead and asking what people need next. If you stay focused on the customer, evolution becomes natural. The real challenge, and the exciting part, is having the confidence to push beyond expectations. That’s how you create something that feels both familiar and new at the same time.
You’ve always been willing to push boundaries and go places other designers might not. Do you think that’s part of your secret?
I think it is. It’s about pushing boundaries to create something people genuinely connect with. At the end of the day, footwear is a simple product—but how it makes you feel is what really matters. You want that immediate reaction: this feels great, this works for my life, I’m glad I chose it. That emotional connection is everything. With Stride S, the focus was on delivering that feeling through comfort, ease, and lightweight wearability—making something that fits seamlessly into everyday life, but still feels considered and special.
Release Information
The HEYDUDE Stride S will launch in North America with an exclusive drop at 9am ET on Father’s Day, June 21st, followed by select distribution moments throughout the remainder of the year to surprise and delight fans. Consumers can go to HEYDUDE.com to sign up in advance and be alerted when the Stride S officially goes on sale. The HEYDUDE Stride S will launch internationally on October 22nd.