Sneaker-Loafers Review: How to Style Snoafers
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Jasmine Fox, Retailers
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“Who’s brave enough to style the New Balance loafers?” That was the question posed by the Cut’s fashion news writer, Danya Issawi, when the brand debuted its infamous silhouette last spring. Despite any initial doubts the fashion world may have had about the prospect of a sneaker-loafer, the style has stuck around like an annoying relative who can’t read social cues. Did anyone ask for the advent of an amalgamation of a sneaker and a loafer? No. Are they the “ugliest” shoes ever created? Potentially! But will they also consistently sell out? Yes. Much like the Margiela tabis, “snoafers” are just as popular as they are polarizing.
The hype surrounding this shoe isn’t the only thing that has cemented its cultural relevance — there’s also the fact that our favorite sneaker brands are hoping on board. From Puma’s release of the Sophyr to the debut of Hoka’s first-ever sneaker-formalwear hybrid, it’s clear that sneaker-loafers have staying power. We can’t run from them and we can’t hide! So who is brave enough to embrace this trend? With, apparently.
For years, I’ve been part of the cult of fashion girls who cling to their uncomfortable heels even though their calluses have begun to bleed out in the back of a cab. But New York City is nothing if not humbling, and, well, there are only a certain number of times one can tumble down the subway steps before crashing out and submitting to sneaker-loafers. I tested a few different versions of the shoe to find out how to style them and see if they’re actually as comfortable as they look. Read on for my honest review of three snoafer styles from New Balance, Puma, and Hoka, ranked from best to worst.
➼ New Balance 1906L Loafers
➼ Hoka Speed Loafers
➼ Puma Sophyr Loafers
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Although the inherent design of these sneaker-loafers makes them a far more comfortable option than stilettos, they’re not exactly an orthopedist’s wet dream. Unlike the other two options, which have plushy footbeds, New Balance’s interior is slightly more rudimentary in comparison. The style runs true to size, so you won’t have issues in that regard. But the combination of mesh and leather feels more constricting, so there was some discomfort initially. Still, with some time and slight wear and tear, I could see these becoming some of the most comfortable shoes in my closet.
Photo: Jasmine Fox
Everything about these New Balance shoes screams, “I’m heading from the gym to the office,” so I wanted to let that iconography inform the styling. While I knew I wanted to go for a suiting moment, I decided to tame down some of the tones by opting for an all-black suit styled with statement accessories — specifically, a nipped blazer from Symthe styled with baggy trousers from Madewella leather belt from Déhancheand a green necklace. So much of this look encapsulates the essence of these sneakers, taking what was once rigid and transforming it into something new.
Photo: Jasmine Fox
You know what? Hell yeah. For as much flack as the New Balance sneaker-loafers first got when they debuted, they’ve won many people over (myself included). I never thought I’d walk away from this test-drive thinking that I could be the type of person who wears a snoafer, but here we are. I definitely see the appeal. Of course, some part of me still wonders if they actually look good. I might be suffering from Stockholm syndrome, but I digress. I’m resolved to continue wearing them for now, even if that means potentially regretting it later. Like all fashion choices, one must accept that you’ll never know if something is cringe-worthy unless you first dare to give it the good ol’ college try.
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I thought these sneaker-loafers looked like a glorified version of Granny’s orthopedic shoes at first sight. But after trying them, I realized that the girls who ride for orthopedic footwear are clearly onto something. Hoka’s speed loafers slid onto my feet so effortlessly that it didn’t even feel like I was wearing shoes. As much as I might have initially hated some of the design elements, it’s so clear that every detail is made with comfort in mind — from the curve of the lug sole to the padded footbed to the supple leather.
Photo: Jasmine Fox
Trying to figure out what to wear with these shoes sent me to a dark place. I ended up tearing apart my entire closet in search of a styling solution. After a few mental breakdowns, I finally saw the light: Hoka’s Speed loafers are best suited to be the casual footwear option thrown on for a quick walk around the corner to get coffee. I keep it simple by pairing them with a black funnel-neck coat, a sweater layered underneath, dark-wash straight-leg jeans, and a few of my favorite accessories. By embracing the innate casualness of the hybrid, I finally cracked the code of how to make this cross-pollinated shoe feel a bit chicer.
Photo: Jasmine Fox
Honestly, probably not. They’re just not my style, even though they look better in person than they did online. Should I ever spot them in the wild, I won’t judge like I would have before this experiment (call it spiritual growth). I totally get why someone would want to wear these shoes; they’re so comfortable. However, they will require a level of dedication to creativity to make them feel a bit more stylish, which I can’t possibly maintain at this point in my life.
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The comfort level of these shoes did not disappoint. Despite the chunky sole, they are relatively light. The interior has a foam footbed, so it felt like I was stepping on a cloud when I wore them. One of the best things about the design is that it tries to address one of the oldest issues regarding loafers: chafing. The lid of the upper sole is lined with cotton, so you won’t get the typical rash or rolling band of sweat around the ankle that comes from loafers lined with leather.
Photo: Jasmine Fox
Before unboxing them, I had an idea of what I wanted to wear with the shoes, but reality threw a wrench in that carefully laid-out plan. This sneaker-loafer is so oversize that styling it with baggy trousers or barrel-leg jeans made me look like Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Way too much volume for my taste. I tried to lean into the nerdy look instead by pairing them with a white button-down shirt, miniskirt, a few smart base layers, and nondescript accessories. This made them feel less Monsters, Inc. coded and more “girl who reads Gothic horror for fun at her local bar.”
Photo: Jasmine Fox
No. Although these shoes are so comfortable, I cannot get past the ultrachunky shape. Whenever I’ve had to ask myself, Are these genius or grotesque? about a pair of shoes, I know I’m giving into the pressure of trying to look cool rather than choosing shoes that fit into my current lifestyle. Frankly, I’m too old for all of that at this point in my life. But the kids still running around the Lower East Side chasing trends might have fun with these.