It’s not just the hot weather that we love most about the sunny season, it’s the style that comes with it too. Our love for mule shoes will never fade thanks to their endless versatility and easy slip-on design – hello fuss-free style!
Super flattering, easy to wear, and always ready for fun in the sun, mules make a popular choice amongst ladies and gents, in fact they’ve been a favourite footwear choice for over two and a half thousand years.
So, whether you’re searching for the mules in style for this year or pondering the difference between clogs vs mules, we have put together a handy guide so you can brush up on the style we all love the most!
Ladies Mules
Men's Mules
What does a mule shoe look like?
A mule is a type of shoe that has no back or fastening around the heel and with no constraints around the foot. Made with a distinctive slip-on design, mules are both easy to wear and elegant in appearance so you can count on them to be a failsafe style option for your wardrobe.
On your quest to find the perfect pair, you’ll find that mules are made with a range of heel heights and materials too, transforming what seems like a simple and humble shoe into a versatile silhouette that can be worn with pretty much any outfit you have in mind.
What to Wear with Mule Heels
Mule heels make a comfortable choice especially with the likes of block and wedge heels, they offer excellent support under the foot whilst delivering that all important elegant lift. Wearing heeled mules with outfits like your smart trousers and a blouse is perfect for evening events, plus they’ll keep you feeling comfortable too!
What to Wear with Flat Mules
Flat mules are probably one of the most comfortable sandals to wear, so they make a great everyday option that still retains the effortless elegance that mules are loved for. Ideal for slipping on during lazy summer days with linen trousers, shorts, or maxi dresses.
What is the difference between clogs and mules?
Clogs and mules are similar in design, both made with a backless shape they offer effortless slip-on wear and endless comfort benefits.
When trying to distinguish between clogs and mules, the best thing to look for is the difference between the soles of the shoes. Clogs tend to have a thicker sole and platform that follows the natural shape of your foot, whereas a mule usually will have no platform base although you will find that mules are available in a variety of heel heights.
Clogs are best known for their comfort and support, meaning they’re great for wearing during long days on your feet, making them the favourite working shoes for professionals like nurses and doctors. Clogs also make an ideal solution for this wanting to stay comfortable in the house or the garden too, because you can pop them on and potter.
Why is a mule shoe called a mule?
The word mule has evolved from the Ancient Roman phrase ‘mulleus calceus’ which describes the purple and red shoes worn by the reigning Roman senators.
Although the mule is a footwear style that dates back over two and a half thousand years ago, the mule did not rise to fashion until the 17th & 18th Centuries, once considered a bed slipper, mules made a scandalous appearance in the French courts and soon soared in popularity, worn by gentile ladies in French society including the likes of Marie Antoinette, the beautifully embroidered silk uppers would be seen peeping out from under lavish satin dresses.
Mules may have a proud history but in more recent times they became the known shoe still loved to this day. In the 1950’s, Marilyn Monroe proclaimed that mules were her favourite and wore them with her signature flared skirts and high waisted trousers and the 70’s flared trousers and platform mules.
Throughout history, mules have remained a favoured footwear choice, loved for both their practical and fashionable features by men and women throughout history. Today mules still make a vital style staple and can be worn as shoes, sandals, and mule slippers for a variety of occasions from smart summer events like weddings to easy days spent around the house.
Are mules heels or sandals?
The answer is both! The beauty of mules is that they are so simple and yet so versatile when it comes to style and occasion, so there are many forms that a mule can take from everyday sandals to heeled occasion shoes.
Block heel mules are a fashionable and versatile sandal option that will work well with smarter occasion outfits like your maxi dresses and summer skirts, whereas flat sandals make a great everyday alternative and can be worn with everything from your denim jeans to chinos, skirts, and dresses too.
Mules have the versatility to go much further than summer sandals and occasion heels, they can be found in slipper form too! Designed with super soft uppers, fluffy linings, and cushioned footbeds they’re a cosy option to slip on and wear around the house during every season.
Are mule shoes comfortable?
Mules should be comfortable and easy to walk in when you choose the right fit for your fit. We recommend focusing on the strap that surrounds your toes, this should fit snuggly against your foot so they don’t slip or fall off. Be careful that the straps are not too tight or loose as this can cause rubbing and painful blisters.
Mules are easy to slip on and off your feet, so it may seem like they are difficult to keep on your feet, but that’s where adjustable mules come in, look for styles with rip tape or buckle fastening straps so that you can tailor the shoe to suit you, giving a more secure and comfortable fit.
Adjustable mules also offer a great option for ladies who suffer from swollen feet and fluctuating sizes, especially during the summer months.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of footwear history and design, I'm thrilled to delve into the captivating world of mule shoes. My knowledge spans various facets of this timeless footwear, from its ancient origins to its enduring popularity today.
The article rightly points out that mules have been a favorite footwear choice for over two and a half thousand years, showcasing their enduring appeal. These shoes are distinguished by their unique slip-on design, lacking a back or fastening around the heel and providing unparalleled comfort and versatility.
Mules come in a variety of styles, with different heel heights and materials, transforming what may seem like a simple shoe into a versatile silhouette suitable for any occasion. From block and wedge heels for an elegant lift to flat mules that offer everyday comfort, the range of options caters to diverse preferences and needs.
The distinction between clogs and mules is highlighted, emphasizing that both share a backless design for effortless slip-on wear. The key difference lies in the soles, with clogs featuring a thicker sole and platform that follows the natural shape of the foot, while mules typically lack a platform base.
The article also delves into the historical roots of the term "mule," tracing it back to the Ancient Roman phrase ‘mulleus calceus,’ describing the purple and red shoes worn by Roman senators. Despite their ancient origins, mules rose to prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries, making a scandalous appearance in French courts and becoming a fashion statement worn by elite ladies.
The versatility of mules is showcased through various styles, including block heel mules for smarter occasions and flat sandals for everyday wear. Mules, as the article emphasizes, go beyond being just summer sandals or occasion heels; they also come in slipper form with soft uppers, fluffy linings, and cushioned footbeds.
A notable point in the article is Marilyn Monroe's endorsem*nt of mules in the 1950s, underscoring their timeless appeal. The comfort of mules is also addressed, with emphasis on selecting the right fit, focusing on the toe strap, and considering adjustable mules with rip tape or buckle fastening straps for a secure and comfortable fit.
In conclusion, mules stand as a testament to the enduring fusion of fashion and comfort, with a rich history that spans millennia. Whether as heels, sandals, or slippers, mules continue to be a vital style staple, adapting to various occasions and preferences with remarkable ease.
