The Snoafer New Balance 1906L: for or against this viral shoe?
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Contraction of sneaker and loafer in English, the snoafer is an unlikely mix between sports shoes and loafers.
An hybrid crossover that seems straight out of the imagination of a designer lacking inspiration. (at best, an intern), the New Balance 1906L snoafer has nevertheless graced the runways of Paris Fashion Week for the New Balance New Balance x Junya Watanabe autumn/winter 2024/2025 collection.
Yet, sometimes in fashion, the ugly and the improbable work. And the New Balance 1906L snoafer isn’t even out yet (expected in August) and it is already a success. For or against the New Balance 1906L pair? I’ll help you decide whether you’ll wear it (or not) on your feet this summer!
The New Balance 1906L or the triumph of ugly fashion
Alright, I’m exaggerating a bit, the snoafer isn’t horrible, it looks smart, modern with a slight technological aspect. And I have no intention of mocking it. Moreover, this isn’t the first pair to be labeled as ugly. Remember the completely destroyed “Paris sneaker” shoes from Balenciaga, crocs, and UGGs, which are also considered ugly shoes.
Ugly-chic or ugly fashion is a real stylistic trend among the younger generation who often thrift on Depop and who is more focused on developing a unique look than breaking the bank trying to follow trends.
The return of classicism
Have you noticed that the trends over the last year have been quite classic, even downright outdated?
Quiet luxury, old money aesthetics, grandpacore, workwear… Among all the trends this year, many signaled a return to classicism, to a sober, sustainable, and basic fashion.
Several reasons can 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 primarily shop for good quality basics or create our capsule collections at home with the fewest clothes possible.
For: 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 for a family outing on the weekend.
It is comfortable, has an athletic and original look. What more can you ask for (perhaps a bit more elegance?)
Most New Balance shoes are unisex, but the snoafers are said to be more suited for men, as they are slightly closer to men’s loafers. The argument that would make me lean towards the snoafer? The fact that it offers men the opportunity to add a bit of originality and comfort to their daily lives.
Against: comfortable yes, ugly no!
Fashion has changed and long gone are the days when women twisted in corsets (except for Kim Kardashian at the MET gala) and men were forced to wear stiff suits.
Sure, it’s important to feel good in your shoes and, if they aren’t pretty, the New Balance 1906L are comfortable.
However, I don’t know what went through the marketing team’s mind when they chose the color of the snoafers. Unsatisfied with having a unique design, they released the first pair… in green.
I am rather against it because I prefer a pair of shoes, however ugly they may be (and lately, ugly shoes have been trendy) with an original design rather than mixing a new pair that oscillates between sneakers and loafers.
Verdict
No matter how I look at the New Balance 1906L, I am definitely against it. And at the same time, I was the first this year to buy a pair of Buffalo platform fisherman sandals, ultra Y2K, and I must 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.
