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The 12 Best Mules to Up Your Footwear Game
Cooler than a sneaker, but just as comfortable—it's the season of the mule.
We have the French to thank for a lot of things, including champagne, croissants, and camembert. Oh, and one more luxurious little delight of life: mules.
Mules, as far as shoes go, are the perfect in-between. They have the comfort and cushion of sneakers, the ease of slippers or slides, and, usually, the elevated elegance of a loafer. When a mule is interchangeable with a sneaker, it makes your fit look better in a second; when you need to tone things down a notch and a dress shoe is too out-there, you cam always turn to mules to save you. It's the perfect shoe!
Originating for the French aristocracy, mules have evolved into the shoe for the everyman. Though they are different from the Scandinavian-originating clogs, a lot of brands use the words interchangeably: what was once a separation defined by heel height and platform thickness is muddled in the 21st century world of abstract designs and versatile styles. Get your hands on (and toes in) a pair of mules this summer—you'll feel like a French aristocrat no matter which ones you choose.
Affordable and comfy? It is possible! Oakley proves it with a minimalist, cushiony mule that's easy to slip into and go. With jeans, shorts, or, hell, even swim trunks, you're set for the summer.
| Colors | 6 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6-14 |
| Materials | Rubber |
When in doubt, go for a classic. Doc Martens couldn't make an ugly shoe if they tried, so you know that you're always stepping out in style with these on.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7 |
| Materials | Suede, Rubber |
British streetwear brand Represent has one of the coolest new mules of the season, with a simple metal R serving as the only detail. So if you want a sleek, modern mule that's easy to dress up for a day-to-night vibe, you've found one right here.
| Colors | 7 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Materials | Suede, EVA |
You knew Birks would be somewhere on this list. And how could they not be? This is the classic mule, after all, the one you don't have to think twice about, whether you're headed to the office or to run your errands.
| Colors | 4 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | UK 2.5-UK 14.5 |
| Materials | Suede, Cork, Leather, EVA |
It's hard to make a mule look sleek, but Suicoke does it with ease. This rubber style is a cooler Croc, really, with a chunky, rounded outer that lends some extra style to your look.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | UK 5-UK 11 |
| Materials | Rubber |
G.H. Bass makes some of the most timeless, elegant loafers out there, and what do you get when you remove the backs of them? Well, you get mules. For a summery take on a classically cool shoe, pair these with everything from trousers to shorts.
| Colors | 3 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
H&M has contemporary, minimalist suede mules that won't break the bank. For only 50 bucks, these are an effortlessly laidback vibe that lends your best streetwear look a helping hand.
| Colors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7.5-12 |
| Materials | Suede, Rubber |
If you want to further the look of your mules, search for a pair with some cool details—like, for instance, this Western-inspired pair from AllSaints. With a big metal buckle, you're in good hands—or, I suppose, shoes.
| Colors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-13 |
| Materials | Suede, Leather, Crepe |
JW Anderson isn't afraid to put a little bit of playfulness in your footwear, and we couldn't be happier about it. With an oversized chain detail, this bold, funky mule is one of our favorite shoes of the summer.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | IT 39-IT 46 |
| Materials | Calfskin, Suede, Cork, Rubber |
These are about as seamless as a design as you can get. Plus, they're foam—all-day softness guaranteed.
| Colors | Off-White |
|---|---|
| Sizes | EU 39-EU 47 |
| Materials | Foam |
The best way to elevate your outfit? That double G logo, naturally. This has all the Gucci bells and whistles—the horsebit detail, logo-printed design—plus a contoured footbed for all-day comfort.
| Colors | Beige |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 9.5-14 |
| Materials | Textiles, Leather |
And for sleek, modern mules, Prada has a timeless style that you'll wear everywhere you possibly can, from that dinner on your last day of vacation to your big presentation at the office. These are the luxury stompers that will last you a lifetime.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | UK 5-UK 13 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully chosen by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
We don't play when it comes to mules, and these are the styles we've tried, tested, and loved from over the years, as well as the styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse. We've put in the research, we've worn these ourselves, and now we're recommending them to you because they're just that good.
No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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