HEYDUDE
Crocs, Inc. · Italy
HEYDUDE is a casual footwear brand founded in Italy in 2008 by Alessandro Rosano and owned by Crocs, Inc. since 2022. It makes comfortable, versatile and accessible shoes, best known for lightweight slip on styles.
| Founded | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Alessandro Rosano |
| Origin | Italy |
| Parent | Crocs, Inc. |
| Acquisition announced | December 2021 |
| Website | heydude.com |
What is HEYDUDE?
HEYDUDE, also written Hey Dude, is a casual footwear brand founded in Italy in 2008 by Alessandro Rosano, who also led the company as chief executive. The brand's stated aim is to develop comfortable, versatile and accessible footwear for everyday wear.
History
In December 2021 Crocs, Inc. announced an agreement to acquire HEYDUDE, with the deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2022 subject to regulatory approval. Through Crocs, HEYDUDE gained access to a global distribution network, marketing infrastructure and established wholesale relationships.
Products and positioning
The offer centres on lightweight, casual shoes for men and women, with an emphasis on comfort and easy wear:
- Casual shoes for men
- Casual shoes for women
- Lightweight, easy to wear designs
Pricing places the brand in the accessible segment of the casual footwear market.
Distribution
HEYDUDE has a strong direct to consumer business, with digital sales accounting for a significant share of revenue at the time of the acquisition, complemented by wholesale through footwear and sporting goods retailers.
Why it matters
HEYDUDE is a notable example of a comfort footwear brand that scaled quickly through online demand and was then acquired by a larger footwear group to broaden its portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns HEYDUDE?
HEYDUDE is owned by Crocs, Inc., which announced the acquisition in December 2021.
Where is HEYDUDE from?
HEYDUDE was founded in Italy in 2008 by Alessandro Rosano.