The Snoafer New Balance 1906L: for or against this viral pair of shoes?
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Contraction of sneaker and loafer in English, the snoafer is an improbable mix between athletic shoes and loafers.
An hybrid crossover that seems straight out of a designer’s imagination in need of inspiration. (at best, a trainee), the New Balance 1906L snoafer has nonetheless graced the runways of Paris Fashion Week for the collection New Balance x Junya Watanabe autumn/winter 2024/2025.
Yet, sometimes in fashion, the ugly and the improbable work. And the New Balance 1906L snoafer hasn’t even been released yet (set for August) and it’s already a success. For or against the New Balance 1906L? I’m here to help you decide if you’ll wear them (or not) on your feet this summer!
The New Balance 1906L or the Triumph of Ugly Fashion
Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit, the snoafer isn’t horrible; it looks smart, modern with a slight technological aspect. And far be it from me to mock. In fact, it’s not the first pair to be labeled as ugly. Remember the completely wrecked “Paris sneakers” from Balenciaga, Crocs, and UGGs, which are also considered ugly shoes.
Ugly-chic or ugly fashion is a real stylistic movement among the younger generation who often thrift on Depop and who are more focused on developing a unique look than on spending a fortune trying to follow trends.
The Return of Classicism
Have you noticed that the trends of the past year have been rather classic, even downright outdated?
Quiet luxury, old money aesthetics, grandpacore, workwear… Amid all the trends this year, many signified a return to classicism, to a sober, sustainable, and basic fashion.
Several reasons may explain this phenomenon. A social reason that would push the wealthiest among us to adopt a simpler and less ostentatious look in times of crisis. An ecological reason as well, leading us to shop mainly for high-quality basics or to create our capsule collections at home with as few pieces as possible.
Pros: When Streetwear Meets Loafers
Why wear the snoafer? Because it confirms the influence of streetwear in so-called “official” fashion.
Both comfortable and polished, the New Balance 1906L snoafer can be worn both at the office during the week and while out for a family stroll on the weekend.
It’s comfortable, has an athletic and original look. What more could you ask for (maybe a bit more elegance?)
Most New Balance shoes are unisex, but snoafers seem more tailored for men, as they are a bit closer to men’s loafers. The argument that would sway me towards the snoafer? The fact that it offers men the opportunity to add a touch of originality and comfort to their daily routine.
Cons: Comfortable Yes, Ugly No!
Fashion has changed and it’s a far cry from the days when women twisted in corsets (except for Kim Kardashian at the MET gala) and men had to wear stiff suits.
Sure, it’s important to feel good in your shoes, and while they may not be pretty, the New Balance 1906L is comfortable.
However, I don’t know what was going through the marketing team’s head when they chose the color for the snoafers. Not content with having a unique design, they released the first pair… in green.
I’m generally against it because I prefer a pair of shoes, as ugly as they may be (and lately, ugly shoes have been trending) with an original design rather than mixing a new pair that wavers between sneakers and loafers.
Verdict
No matter how I look at the New Balance 1906L, I’m definitely against it. And yet, I was the first this year to buy a pair of Buffalo platform fisherman sandals, ultra Y2K, and I have to admit that I love seeing some slightly ugly trends that shake up fashion. I’m not really a fan of the snoafer, but it has the merit of shaking up the codes of men’s fashion.
