Snoafers are just about what they sound like — a hybrid shoe that blends the practicality of sneakers with the slip-on ease and barely elevated look of loafers. And having examined numerous slip-on shoes, from versatile Mary Janes to on a regular basis ballet flats, this trending silhouette is one we are able to get behind.
Ahead, we’ve consulted trend stylists on a few of their prime picks, together with different snoafer-adjacent suggestions — as a result of who doesn’t love choices? Whether you’re on the hunt for a brand new wardrobe essential or simply interested in whether or not this trending fashion is value attempting out for your self, these expert-recommended choices are an ideal place to start out.
“I love how these shoes can easily be worn dressed up for client meetings or dressed down for a weekend morning at the farmer’s market,” stylist Amber Rana stated. “They’re super breathable, the insoles have a lot of cushion for all-day wear and they’re waterproof.”
Skechers has a breadth of snoafer options for men and women. NCS Underscored trend and wonder editor Sophie Shaw has been testing the Var-City shoes, which she stated stand out for his or her light-weight really feel, whereas the mesh uppers and reminiscence foam insoles ship all-day consolation.
I’m a longtime fan of Aldo’s pillow walk shoes. Especially in relation to extra formal shoes like loafers, I discover their designs to be much more light-weight and simpler on my ft all through the day than conventional choices — no break-in interval wanted. This true hybrid silhouette will look equally trendy with trousers or your go-to athleisure match.
Rana recommends this sporty but stylish fashion from New Balance. “As soon as the burgundy color dropped, I immediately added them to my cart,” she stated. In true snoafer trend, these take beloved elements of the model’s 1906 sneakers — together with the mesh uppers and shock-absorbing insole — and bundle them in a elegant silhouette.
When it involves what consultants suggest for prioritizing foot consolation — arch help, flexibility, deep heel cups, shock-absorbing insoles and rubber outsoles — these shoes verify all the packing containers. The leather-based and suede building leans decidedly dressy. They’re an important office-appropriate possibility that’ll hold your ft completely happy all-day lengthy.
I like loafers with a little bit of peak, and this snoafer silhouette options 1.5-inch platforms. The trendy white colour has a enjoyable distinction with the chunky rubber soles, making for an on-trend shoe that is simply as straightforward to slide on and off because it is to fashion.
“Girotti is the ultimate solution for the ‘hard-to-please’ wearer or anyone with very specific fit requirements,” Nancy Schuster, a trend stylist, artistic director and brand and image consultant, stated. This slip-on idler is customizable to your preferences: You have the capacity to decide on the shoe’s end and peak, and even embrace personalised monogramming. “With width options ranging from extra narrow to extra wide, these are tailored specifically to you,” Schuster defined.
Schuster describes these slip-on shoes as the finest sneaker-slipper crossover. “These are for the days I want to feel the ground without freezing my feet,” she stated. They’re lined with fake fur and have the model’s signature sturdy outsole, designed for excessive out of doors environments. “The buckle closure is a life-saver — I can adjust it for a perfect fit and then just slip it on and go,” she defined. “It’s incredibly lightweight and gives my toes plenty of room to breathe.”
If you’re keen on the fashion and flexibility of snoafers however need one thing a bit extra female, we suggest ballet sneakers. Kathryn Hamed, a fashion stylist and artistic director, loves this selection from Steve Madden for his or her distinctive form and delicate cross detailing, which are a enjoyable distinction to their sporty material.
We’re massive followers of Rothy’s at NCS Underscored, and these loafers are no exception. They boast the similar plush footbeds and machine-washable materials as the model’s popular flats, alongside the conventional idler outsoles for grip and help. Perfect for many who don’t need to sacrifice the polish of conventional loafers however want one thing extra forgiving on your ft.
“While we’re on the matter of consolation, I’d be remiss to not point out these — they actually are comfy all-day lengthy,” Hamed stated. While the Cedar Featherweights are extra like a standard idler and made utterly from leather-based, their considerate particulars — like a light-weight design and scrunched again for flexibility — make these a beautiful dressy shoe alternative for the workplace or formal occasions.
Comfort and slip-on design
“The number one thing I look for is comfort,” shares Rana. “As a stylist, I’m running around the city or on my feet all day at a set,” she defined, “so I look for a shoe that can look put-together but also won’t hurt my feet by the end of the day.” Some of her consolation must-haves embrace ample arch help and sufficient room in the shoe to have the ability to wiggle her toes. Schuster loves a simple slide-on, slide-off design when she’s engaged on set. “If it’s not a slip-on, I’m not wearing it,” she stated. For those that put on customized orthotics, she recommends searching for snoafer kinds with a detachable footbed.
While loafers are sometimes leather-based or faux-leather, snoafers are usually designed with the similar versatile and light-weight supplies present in sneakers. Rana stated that “breathable materials are important features to look for when on the hunt for the perfect snoafer,” which is able to assist to seamlessly “marry the structure of a loafer and comfort of a sneaker.”
Snoafers reside at the intersection of favor and luxury, stated Hamed, sharing that there are tons of “cute ones currently on the market.” While some designs will feel and appear extra like comfy loafers, others will lean extra informal and really feel extra streetwear-style. The key is discovering a method that finest lends itself to your wardrobe and life-style and that has the versatility to to be worn in multiple approach. It is a hybrid shoe, in spite of everything!
The following FAQs have been answered by skilled trend stylists Kathryn Hamed, Amber Rana and Nancy Schuster.
“Snoafers are what they sound like,” defined Hamed. “A hybrid shoe — a mix of sneakers and loafers that combines the polished look of loafers with the comfort and soles of a sneaker.”
“Loafers tend to feel more professional, while sneakers can read more casual,” Hamed stated. “There are always exceptions, of course, but that’s the beauty of a hybrid style — it’s versatile enough for the office and beyond, without sacrificing comfort.” Rana stated that one among the principal variations is in the fabrication and construction of the shoes. “Loafers are typically made with leather and have a sturdier or structured sole, whereas sneakers typically are made with synthetic uppers and rubber soles,” she stated.
For this text, we consulted the following stylists to achieve their skilled insights.
NCS Underscored has a group of expert writers and editors who’ve a few years of expertise testing, researching and recommending merchandise, and so they guarantee every article is fastidiously edited and merchandise are correctly vetted. We discuss to prime consultants when relevant to make sure we are testing every product precisely, recommending solely the finest merchandise and contemplating the execs and cons of every merchandise. For this story, contributing author Noelle Ike talked to stylists about what snoafers are and a few in style choices. She’s beforehand coated Mary Janes that will keep your feet comfy all day long, the best ballet flats that are chic and comfortable and the best loafers for women and men, according to stylists.