Snoafers Are The Hot New Mash-Up In Footwear

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

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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 2024.

Joining the trend late is Nike, which recently introduced its Air Max Phenomena, created through the company's Serena Williams Design Crew apprenticeship programme.

Prior to its release last week, the US$155 (S$197) snoafers were listed on StockX for as much as US$500, fuelling buzz for the sportswear giant after a year-long sales slump.

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