Snoafers, a hybrid sneaker-loafer, become footwear’s hottest trend

In the world of fashion hybrids, there are skorts (shorts that look like skirts), jeggings (leggings made of stretch denim) and shackets (shirt jacket...

In the world of fashion hybrids, there are skorts (shorts that look like skirts), jeggings (leggings made of stretch denim) and shackets (shirt jackets). The latest style mash-up: snoafers.

One of the biggest trends in footwear combines the cushioned sole of a sneaker with the upper of a loafer, for a comfortable business casual shoe that is meant to be worn anywhere. Although their divisive appearance initially generated backlash, snoafers have emerged as a viral breakout category for major sneaker brands including New Balance, Hoka and Puma, selling out quickly and landing on online marketplaces at wildly inflated prices since last year.

Joining the trend late is Nike, which recently introduced its Air Max Phenomena, created through the company’s Serena Williams Design Crew apprenticeship program. Prior to its release last week, the QR565 (USD 155) snoafer was listed on StockX for as much as QR1825 (USD 500), fueling buzz for the sportswear giant after a year-long sales slump.

In a USD 457 billion global footwear market loaded with sneakers, customers are looking for something different, said Drew Haines, senior marketplace director at resale marketplace StockX, which has seen an influx of shoppers vying for the latest snoafers.

Sneakerheads seem to be more open to unconventional silhouettes developed by a wider selection of brands, he said, an encouraging sign for footwear designers eager to experiment and stand out from the competition. When trends in fashion arise, they historically tend to have short lifespans, something that has become more pronounced in a culture driven by social media, forcing companies to constantly innovate to stay ahead.