Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.
Maybe you’ve heard rumblings. Maybe you’re already a convert. Whatever your level of awareness, this is your official notice: we’re living through something of a mule renaissance. For those less familiar with the style, the mule (see: clog, slide, etc.) is a footwear choice denoted by it’s backless cut and ability to look suave as hell while also being very easy to slip on and off. Mules have taken the world by storm, with everyone from GQ to the New York Times cataloging the movement, and the shoe has racked up a variety of celeb endorsements, as well.
Whatever your relationship with the mule is, we can guarantee that it’s a surprisingly versatile shoe. The style has long been utilized as a slide upgrade, but it’s so, so much more. A chic leather clog can slip right into your office footwear rotation, no questions asked, and likewise, a sturdy hiking mule can tackle any outdoor excursion thrown its backless way. Really, there’s a mule for every occasion.
We’ve curated a list of some of the best mules to get you started. There’s a little bit of everything – something for the skeptics, the heads, and everyone in between. Whether you choose to go sleek or beefy, neoprene or suede, make sure that you’re (metaphorically) laced up in mules for fall. Browse our picks below.
The Best Mules To Wear This Fall
Birkenstock Boston
The seminal mule style for good reason, the Boston is about as synonymous with mule as Birkenstock is with comfort. Available in all sorts of different materials and colors, this the best introduction to mules you could ask for.
Crocs Bistro Pro
Chefs have been on the mule-wave for a minute, hence the kitchen-specific Croc mule. Luckily for us, they’re still very wearable (and fly as hell) even if you’re not strapped up with an apron.
Gucci Horsebit Slip-On Loafers
Gucci’s take on the mule can be summed up in one word: luxe. Complete with gold horse-bit, lug-rubber sole and supple, supple leather, these loafers might just be the sexiest mule around.
Reebok Beatnik Sandals
Reebok have singlehanded revolutionized the outdoor footwear space with the Beatnik — sturdy and ready for a trek, these corduroy-upper mules are ribbed and lugged for performance, and they embrace the ’90s revival in full force.
Our Legacy Camion Calf Hair Mules
Our Legacy doesn’t do things halfheartedly, and if you don’t either, these Camion Calf Hair Mules are for you. Sure, they’re tough to pull off, but imagine the compliments.
Blackstock and Weber The Ellis Mule
Blackstock and Weber are the newest entrants in the post-sneaker world hype shoe game, and their loafer-mule hybrid is one for the ages. Drenched in suave alligator print, these loafers are as dressy as mules go.
Adidas Stan Smith Mule
What if your Stan Smiths were just that much easier to slip on? That dream is now a reality, and for a steal!
Suicoke x Daniel Arsham Zavo-MAB
Suicoke is know for their luxury sandals, and the Zavo-MAB is no exception. Basically just a slipper (and that’s not a bad thing), the style has had a little direction from artist/designer/genius Daniel Arsham, and it makes all the difference.
Obra Light Suede Mule
Obra’s light suede mule is part slide, part sneaker and totally causal. Easy to wear and easy to pair, these mules are a win-win.
Marni Sherling Slip-On Mule
You, too, can have teddy bear feet with Marni’s Sherling Slip-On Mule. Forget walking on clouds — we want you to be walking in clouds this fall.
Subu Outdoor/Indoor Slipper
Take a sleeping bag. Shrink said sleeping bag. Attached to a durable rubber sole. Cut off the back. Enjoy.
Lemaire Flat Mule
Lemaire didn’t just cut the back off their Flat Mule — they cut the toe off, too. Perhaps the hardest mule of the list to style, it’s also one with the biggest payoff, so we’ll let you in on a little secret: a pair of thick wool dress socks and a slouchy suit go a longgg way.
Yuketen Sal 1 Suede Sandals
Yuketen are all about craftsmanship, and their take on the Boston-esque style is the perfect vessel to showcase just how committed to the build they are. Handcrafted from the finest materials, these are the mule equivalent of Sunday’s best.
Merrell Jungle Slide
If the burnt orange and khaki hues weren’t enough to convince you of its outdoor chops, the Merrell Jungle Slide, cousin to the iconic Jungle Moc, sports a leather upper and super-grip outsole. You won’t have to worry about slipping on the hike, let alone slipping out of these slides.
More Like This
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
