New Balance Loafers Are This Season's 'It' Shoe—Shop 13 Similar Comfy Pairs We're Eyeing, Up to 50% Off

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

Many shoe trends are often controversial. Our closets are full of comfy, polarizing styles, from Crocs clogs to ballet sneakers. Summer's biggest shoe trend is chock-full of love-it-or-hate-it charm, and it's comfortable enough to serve as your go-to travel shoe. Introducing: the sneaker loafer.
The 'snoafer' craze started with New Balance's 1906L Sneaker-loafer, a play off the brand's beloved 1906R sneaker. We've been spotting the sporty trend all over NYC, and now, Vionic, Converse, Tory Burch, and more top brands have designed similar styles. Keep reading to shop the best travel-friendly styles we've found, starting at just $33.
Here's the sneaker loafer that started it all. This shoe has the sporty look of a traditional New Balance shoe, plus the silhouette of a penny loafer. It's beloved by fashion enthusiasts for its comfy feel and everyday style that can take you from the airport to the streets of Paris in style. While the shoes are no longer available directly from New Balance, they're still fully stocked at StockX. Prices range from $118 to $267.
This low-profile iteration of the sneaker-loafer is sleeker than the New Balance style, aligned with the minimal sneaker trend that's also been everywhere this year. These Chucks have a suede upper, wide fit, and cushy insole to keep you comfy on long travel days. We love the bold black star imprint on the beige colorway, but if you prefer a monochromatic look, choose the black or white options. $169 at Nordstrom $169 at Vivaia.com
Vivaia makes some of the comfiest flats around, and now the brand is treating shoppers to sneaker loafers that reviewers call 'unbelievably comfortable.' They have removable insoles, generous cushioning, and plenty of arch support. Plus, the water-repellant upper makes them durable enough to handle whatever your vacation has in store. $130 at Nordstrom $130 at Zappos
These are some of the most stylish sneaker loafers we've spotted, and they come from a podiatrist-approved shoe brand that even Oprah loves. They're designed to provide optimal arch support, and one reviewer even calls them 'Vionic's best walking shoes yet.' We'd pair these snoafers with wide-leg trousers or pleated shorts.
These Toms espadrille sneakers are the epitome of summer. They blend various styles with the upper of a loafer, woven detail of an espadrille, and rubber sole of a sneaker. Thanks to an orthopedic footbed, one reviewer says they're 'easy to walk in and extremely comfortable.' Plus, they're so easy to style for summer; they'll look beautiful with linen pants, summer dresses, and more.
If you're looking for a loafer that makes a statement, consider the Puma Loafyrs. They feature a super chunky sole with plenty of height, so fans of platform shoes love them. The thick rubber outsole is inspired by trail shoes, meant to provide plenty of traction and stability. Style these snoafers with athletic, casual, or even professional outfits—they're versatile enough for any occasion. With the code PUMAFNF, you can get 40 percent off of these right now, too. $130 at Amazon $140 $135 at Zappos
The Vionic Uptown Loafers look like pure business on the upper, but the sole offers all the comfort and flexibility of a sneaker. With a sneaker-like rubber outsole, they're comfy enough for all-day wear, while bridging the gap between business and casual.
We love that these Dr. Scholl's sneakers can be worn to the office or just to run errands. They feature a sleek faux leather exterior and cushiony insole. Reviewers rave about them, touting that they're ideal for summer, easy to slip on and off, and comfy enough to stand in all day.
The Dream Pairs Loafers look so much like the Vionic Uptown Loafers, but they're a fraction of the price thanks to a faux leather composition, as opposed to Vionic's genuine leather shoes. Only $33 at Amazon today, the lugged sole offers plenty of stability, though this shoe still has a lightweight feel, according to reviewers. Plus, one reviewer says they're 'great for travel' since they 'slip on and off easily at airport security.'
If you're looking for an investment pair, we love this option from Tory Burch. They feature a flexible rubber sole and elevated suede upper. Reviewers rave about the comfort they offer, with one shopper adding that these shoes pack well for travel.
These snoafers are ideal for summer. According to the brand, they offer impressive ventilation and moisture-wicking abilities, so they'll keep you comfortable on summer trips. They have a knit upper and rubber outsole that's complemented by leather detailing reminiscent of a traditional penny loafer design. Snag them in navy or black—they're both on sale today.
Shopping for something bold? These metallic penny loafers fit the bill. With a white rubber outsole, they put a sporty spin on the traditional loafer. According to the brand, they have plenty of cushioning for all-day comfort. Snag them in this statement-making silver shade, or opt for navy, beige, or black options.
These loafers can easily be styled for business or casual wear, so they're versatile enough to complement any travel capsule wardrobe. They have a sporty, white rubber sole, and one reviewer said they're 'comfortable straight out of the box.' Thanks to the perforated upper, these shoes are super breathable, too, making them ideal for summer trips.
Clarks' shoes are beloved for their comfort, which is why many people who struggle with foot health reach for the brand. These look similar to traditional penny loafers, but have a rubber outsole designed to offer enhanced support for all-day wear. According to the brand, they're easy to slip on and off and have a breathable lining. In other words, these are ideal for long days of summer travel.
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