Would you wear a snoafer? It’s the latest luxury shoe, a hybrid sneaker loafer that’s taking over this fall.
New Balance launched their version on September 19, which shocked the internet when it was first announced, leading to people on X (formerly Twitter) to call out the surprising footwear.
One person slammed the hybrid shoe ‘cursed’ as another tweeted, ‘I’ll sit this current sneaker trend out.’
Even before the shoe was actually available on the sneaker website, resale sites were already offering it for upwards of $200 – and now, it’s going viral on TikTok as content creators try theirs on.
The New Balance description reads: ‘The juxtaposition of sneakers and more formal attire isn’t a new idea, but it’s never been done quite like this.’
On TikTok, young women are showing off how they’re styling the New Balance sneaker loafers with tracksuits and skirts
New Balance launched their version of the sneaker loafer on September 19, which shocked the internet when it was first announced
One person called the hybrid shoe ‘cursed’ as another tweeted, ‘I’ll sit this current sneaker trend out’
The New Balance description reads: ‘The juxtaposition of sneakers and more formal attire isn’t a new idea, but it’s never been done quite like this’
The 1906 Loafer combines the sneaker upper portion with the chunky sole in the classic penny loafer shape.
‘This design doesn’t just blur the lines between high-performance heritage and cutting-edge fashion; it erases the distinction altogether,’ New Balance promises.
On social media, men and women are showing how they’re styling the snoafer – with everything from tracksuits to skirts.
The sneaker brand isn’t the only one making the snoafer happen.
Rombaut, the designer behind the equally controversial ballet sneaker, is bringing back their take on the snoafer, which they first released in 2021.
Doja Cat, Pink Pantheress, Bella Hadid, Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus are all fans of the sustainable, biodegradable and gender-neutral brand.
The Healer Loafer, which retails for €395, or $437, is a hybrid shoe that was dreamed up by Mats Rombaut, the founder and creative director of the Belgian brand.
‘We saw ballet flats and Mary-Jane sneaker hybrids take off last season, and now the loafer is having its moment – just with a twist,’ Mats told DailyMail.com.
On social media, men and women are showing how they’re styling the snoafer – including with a denim jacket, as seen above
Rombaut, the designer behind the equally controversial ballet sneaker, is bringing back their take on the snoafer, which they first released in 2021
‘The snoafer is the ultimate autumn shoe,’ Mats added, calling it ‘effortlessly cool, gender-neutral, and just about perfect for anyone with feet,’ and ‘business in the front, party in the back.’
Mats described the snoafer as ‘not just stylish’ but also ‘a multitasking genius,’ taking you ‘from desk to dance floor without a pit stop at home.’
‘You get the best of both worlds: the sleek vibe of a loafer with the cozy comfort of your favorite sneaker.’
Rombaut predicts the next big trend – after snoafers, of course – is the sneaker heel, which is back again after former fans called it dated for many years.
The brand created their own version, and they’re not alone in bringing back the early aughts trend.
Puma created its own version of the sneaker loafer, The Sophyr, available for $110 and described as ‘combining a street-smart upper with a hiking-inspired outsole’
Celebrities including Doja Cat, Pink Pantheress, Bella Hadid, Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus are all fans of the sustainable, biodegradable and gender-neutral brand
Mats believes sneaker heels will have a ‘massive moment next year,’ because the shoes ‘offer an effortless blend of fashion and function.’
Sara Blakely, the billionaire founder of Spanx, famously reinvented the shapewear industry, and now, she’s created Sneex, her own updated take on the sneaker heel.
Sneex is a controversial sneaker stiletto that’s meant to revolutionize high heels and finally make them comfortable.
Despite the ingenuity, many people were shocked by the high price point, as the three-inch heels range from $395 to $595.
In a press release, Sara explained the reason for the more laid-back sneaker aesthetic was because ‘consumers are dressing much more casually now,’ which explains the rise in popularity of hybrid shoes.
