3 Sneaker Loafers Young People Are Splurging on

You don’t have to choose between your Nikes and a pair of leather loafers for the office.

Instead, you can combine them with a pair of sneaker loafers, or “snoafers,” for a professional look that accents your pants with the added comfort of a cushioned athletic sole. It’s a trend that young people are willing to pay for — just look at the data.

The most popular snoafers on the shoe marketplace StockX are selling for well above their retail prices in some cases.

“When a shoe has that high of a premium over the retail prices, it tells there’s real interest,” said Brendan Dunne, senior director of customer community and engagement at StockX.

Not all stylists are on board with the trend.

Reginald Ferguson, founder of NY Fashion Geek, disagrees that a shoe can be both a sneaker and a loafer in a professional setting. Ferguson also said it’s a “spinoff” of a hybrid that has existed for a while. This time, it’s targeted at a “different, younger demographic.”

Meanwhile, Dunne said he recently wore his pair of New Balance 1960L loafers with a tuxedo to a friend’s wedding — with permission, of course.

Whether you’re considering a pair or just curious about what young people are wearing to work these days, here are the snoafers that are selling out at retail price and commanding a resale premium.

Nike Air Max Phenomena – $155

The Nike Air Max Phenomena came out on July 7 as part of the Serena Williams Design Collection. It’s sold out of most sizes on the Nike official website as of Friday afternoon. On StockX, the premium is at $214, about 38% more than the retail price on average.

“I think they’re catching on because the younger generation clearly likes them. They rep these brands, and these specific styles reflect contrast and subversion,” Ferguson said.

New Balance 1906L – $160

The New Balance 1906L is where the trend kicked off in the fall of 2024, Dunne said.

“At first it was this weird ‘Frankstein’ moment that could’ve been a blip, but right after the New Balance 1906L arrived, you had all these mainstream media outlets paying attention,” Dunne said.

StockX has seen nearly 9,000 sales of the New Balance 1906L since it was released. It retails for $160, and its resale premium sits at an average of 15% more than the original price, according to StockX data.

Hoka One Speed Loafer – $185

The Hoka One Speed Loafer, which first released in January, often resells for around $341 on StockX, about 84% more than its retail price of $185.

Whether or not snoafers are appropriate for the office depends on your company’s dress code, Ferguson said.

“Artistic Director at Complex? Yes. First year investment banker at Goldman? No.”