The recent rise in popularity of Crocs continues to amaze me. But as it’s shown no signs of slowing down, I was recently very seriously considering finally just taking the plunge and picking up a pair for myself to see what all the hype is about. That was, until a colleague forwarded me a link to Floafers. Based on name alone I was eager to click to see what could be behind such a glorious moniker, and let me tell you I was not disappointed.
Are Floafers the New Crocs? We Kind of Really Hope So
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Published Oct 21, 2021
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PureWow’s executive editor Candace D. was the first to come across the foam shoe while perusing a list of the best small businesses you can shop on Amazon. The name, as you may have already guessed, is a portmanteau of loafer and foam, and a nod to the cushy, supportive EVA foam they’re made from. My first impression was to think “huh, these are kind of like if Crocs weren’t quite so overwhelming to the eye.” Indeed, Crocs are also made from EVA foam, which is incredibly easy to clean, antimicrobial (buh-bye, stinky feet) and conforms to the shape of your feet over time, offering both comfort and support. But while most popular OG Crocs clogs are pretty clunky and attention-grabbing (not always in a good way), Floafers have a much more streamlined silhouette. In fact, scrolling through the brand’s Instagram, I thought the foam could maybe even look like leather from afar, at least in neutral hues like black or brown.
Aesthetically, I love the simple, minimalist design of Floafers’s signature shoe—right now the brand makes just one style available in women’s, men’s and kids’ sizes—but based on reviews, the loafers wear well in addition to looking good. Per one reviewer, “These shoes are so comfortable and versatile. I bought them to wear as water shoes, but I've also worn them as indoor slippers and even to the mall and grocery store. They offer decent arch support and are very comfortable, easy to get on/off and are pretty darn cute. I've gotten lots of compliments and even bought a pair for my husband too.” And while Floafers aren’t specifically billed as boat or water shoes, plenty of people mention buying them for use at the water park, exploring riverbeds on vacation or wearing while sailing. “I wanted something for my feet when docking and walking around outside of my boat,” writes one reviewer. “These shoes protect my toes from hitting cleats, they breathe well and grip surfaces nicely. To clean them I just hose them down and they’re all set.”
Floafers cost $60 a pair for adults, and $40 for kids, which is slightly more expensive than classics Crocs clogs, and unfortunately they come only in whole sizes. (Reviewers suggest ordering up if you’re between sizes or if you have wide feet as the shoes tend to run narrow.) There are tons of fun colors to choose from, ranging from forest green to bright fuchsia, plus a handful of patterned options, like mermaid scales, dainty flowers and even miniature flamingos.
As far as shoes made from foam go, I’m much more inclined to slip into a pair of minimalist loafers than I am to try clogs adorned with all kinds of kitschy Jibbitz (charms you can stick in the holes of Crocs to give them a one-of-a-kind look unique to you). They feel much more grown-up and less trendy, great for anyone who doesn’t want to look or feel like they’re trying too hard to fit in with Gen Z’s definition of cool. Of course, you could always combine the two by clipping some Crocs Jibbitz onto your new Floafers for a hybrid look that’s both kooky and cool. Whatever floats your floafer.
