Sneaker-loafers, ‘snoafers,’ or whatever we want to call this “ugly shoe” hybrid have a je ne sais quoi that cannot be explained.

It’s all about hybrids. After slippers merged with loafers–and subsequently went viral–the formal shoe we so despised as children and was featured in the vast majority of school uniforms has conquered the more casual and sporty sectors.

Let’s be more specific and refer to sneaker moccasins by the name that social media has given them: snoafers, a term that comes from the union of sneakers and loafers. The emergence of aesthetics like “eclectic grandpa” or “grandpacore,” nods to Y2K, and the ongoing obsession with the ’90s have born—or revived—trends such as this magical amalgamation of footwear.

The footwear trends for this fall-winter 2024/2025 season have been clearer than ever and almost categorical, since loafers rose as the main design from the beginning. In their different versions, such as leopard models or two-tone loafers , these shoes have captivated even the most reluctant of us who swore not to enter that spiral. We have fallen, and we are in love with the designs that best suit us because there’s a style for everyone—and snoafers are one of them.

Snoafers: this strangely pronounced word, which means “the piece we silently dream about,” is an innovative combination of sneakers and moccasins that became popular after Junya Watanabe presented the New Balance 1906L during his FW2024/2025 show at Paris Men’s Fashion Week. From then on, they have exploded in popularity. So much so that they are sold out (nearly) everywhere.

The normcore and anti-fashion inclination is a trend, even if it is denied. While its intention is to reject the most popular trends or the mainstream, it ends up establishing itself as a new stylistic framework. This paradoxical stance redefines fashion by focusing on functionality and comfort as the foundations on which the season’s most interesting designs appear, and to the evidence we refer. The upswing can also be seen in the growing inclination towards classic models such as the ClarksWallabee—certainly influenced by the flare around nautical shoes—or the coveted Salomon XT-6.

In this case, Sneaker loafers are a unisex shoe that allows for multiple styling possibilities. For a relaxed look, fashion influencer Sofia Coelho paired her snoafers with barrel jeans, a basic white T-shirt with an oversized blazer, and a sweater draped over her shoulders. If you are looking for something more sophisticated, don’t hesitate and opt for a plaid skirt, socks, and a voluminous faux fur coat.

The boundaries between fashion categories are blurring. Sporty brands are exploring more sophisticated designs like the one above and adapting to preppy aesthetics, while luxury brands like Ralph Lauren are relaxing their approach to casual, collaborating with other urban brands like New Era. This creative exchange reflects a strategic change in their objectives in order to capture the spirit of Gen Z, a generation that seeks authenticity and versatility. And it does so through a dialogue between the functional and the elegant, without fear of experimentation.

In an era where fashion becomes a paradox in itself, snoafers are the epitome of a movement that blurs boundaries and redefines styles. This hybrid born from the fusion between sneakers and moccasins not only captures the essence of normcore, but shows the obsession for retro and functional. With Generation Z as a reference, snoafers are positioned beyond a simple trend. They are part of the new language that today’s fashion speaks.

This article was originally published by Vogue Spain.