15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (2024)

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

The mule has waited a longtime for its coming out party.

The backless shoe dates back to Roman times, when it was worn by debating senators and known as a mulleus calceus, from which we derive the word “mule” today. But it was strictly reserved for indoor wear throughout most of its history, rendering it omnipresent yet invisible.

It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that mules began to step outside, thanks largely to post-war designers and the starlets they catered to. Today, the style feels particularly relevant to all genders, closing the gap between open-toe sandals and traditional footwear.

This season’s seen a bumper crop of mules, which have taken the form of everything from a riff on espadrilles by Frescobol Carioca to tassel loafer hybrids by Carmina and a slightly futuristic laser-cut version courtesy of Maison Margiela. We guarantee that there’s at least one mule that meshes with your personal style below—and perhaps a whole lot more than that.

  • King Kennedy Rugs Upcycled Leather-Trimmed Wool Mules

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (1)

    You usually walk on rugs—not in them. But King Kennedy Rugs has flipped the script with these leather-accented mules, which are made in L.A. from antique carpets.

    Buy Now: $850

  • Vans Classic Slip-On Mules

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (2)

    We don’t recommend that you wear these slip-on Vans mules while attempting a kickflip, but they should be fine for pre or post-beach wear. Its cowhide suede upper is trimmed with canvas for that extra 10 percent.

    Buy Now: $55

  • Saks Fifth Avenue Collection Leather Loafer Mules

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (3)

    Featuring a sculpted almond toe and a high vamp, these Italian-made mules from Saks’ in-house line strike a decidedly formal tone. Make the most of their elevated appeal by matching to linen trousers and a silk dinner jacket—or your best pajamas.

    Buy Now: $298

  • Smock Puglia Slip-On

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (4)

    Vibram outsoles indicate that Smock’s Puglia slip-on mule is meant to be a serious walker. Such an emphasis on function doesn’t mean that the designer has forgotten about form: The style’s upper is made from a velvety Italian suede.

  • Jil Sander x Birkenstock Men’s Berlin Suede Clog Mules

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (5)

    Many words have been used to describe Birkenstocks over the years, but we doubt that “sexy” was ever among them. However, that may be changing known that Jil Sander has introduced its iteration, which features soft lines and a supple suede upper.

    Buy Now: $495

  • Frescobol Carioca Veloso Espadrilles

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (6)

    Frescobol Carioca’s suede espadrille is designed with a collapsible leather heel that effectively turns it into a mule. It will be at home with the maker’s terry cloth polos and drawstring shorts, or whatever you’ve pulled on to meet the delivery guy downstairs.

    Buy Now: $215

  • Brother Vellies Greg Shoe

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (7)

    Made from black suede and finished with an engraved buckle, the Greg shoe from Brother Vellies could be convincingly worn by the villain in a Western movie (if villains in Western movies wore mules).

    Buy Now: $395

  • Baudoin & Lange Sagan Stride Plain

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (8)

    Baudoin & Lange opted for glove suede to create its slip-on mules, which should ensure that they fit like…you know. On a more utilitarian note, a water-repellant treatment and a shock-absorbing rubber sole prep them for serious wear in even inclement weather.

    Buy Now: $436

  • Marsèll Flat Leather Slides

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (9)

    Who says that mules can’t be dressed up? Certainly not Marsèll, as the Milanese shoemaker has crafted a loafer-style mule that can be paired to your finest linen suit.

    Buy Now: $866 $433

  • Hender Scheme MIP-24

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (10)

    Hender Scheme works with raw cowhide to create its MIP-24 mules, which are made by hand right down to the hand-nailed soles. Giving them a proper patina, however, is entirely on you.

    Buy Now: $866 $696

  • Maison Margiela Laser Cut Leather Moccasins

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (11)

    2022 may not have given us jet packs—but it does feature laser-cut moccasin mules from Maison Margiela. Contrast whipstitch trim grounds their sci-fi appeal.

    Buy Now: $560

  • Brooks Brothers Nappa Backless Slippers

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (12)

    In a move that may have shocked your grandfather, even Brooks Brothers has jumped aboard the mule train. Its contribution is a simple, English-made slipper crafted with a soft nappa leather upper and a suede sole.

    Buy Now: $866 $178

  • Manebi Suede Traveler Loafer Mules

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (13)

    “What if we made an espadrille that was also a loafer that was also a mule?” is how we imagine this style was pitched at Manebi HQ. However it was proposed, the Traveler Loafer Mule made the cut and is built from soft suede with a microfiber lining.

    Buy Now: $150

  • Carmina Mules Shoes 80891

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (14)

    Upon losing his re-election bid in 1992, George H.W. Bush blamed “every trial lawyer who ever wore a tasseled loafer” for supporting his opponent. We’re not sure what the elder Bush would have made of these tassel loafer mules from Carmina, but we think they deserve a place in your late-summer rotation, regardless of your voting preferences.

    Buy Now: $451

  • Del Toro Men’s House Slipper

    15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (15)

    Sure “house slipper” is right there in the name, but these Del Toro mules are made from a nappa leather so fine that we dare you keep them inside. If venturing out, we envision them being worn with ecru jeans, a black tee and a lightweight navy blazer.

    Buy Now: $225

Authors

  • 15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (16)

    Eric Twardzik

    Eric Twardzik is a Boston-based freelance writer with a passion for classic menswear and classic co*cktails. He has a deep reverence for things that get better with age, such as tweed jackets and…

    Read More

15 Stylish Pairs of Mules That Don’t Look Like House Slippers (2024)

FAQs

What to wear instead of slippers? ›

  • Slip-on sneakers because they'll ensure comfort if you're on your feet indoors. ...
  • Socks - a better and healthier alternative.
  • Wearing socks keeps your feet covered and unrestricted. ...
  • For example, a person might wear a supportive pair of sandals that have a strap around the back of the foot.
Dec 3, 2023

What's the difference between a loafer and a mules? ›

The primary difference lies in their structure: mules are backless shoes, often featuring a closed toe, making them easy to slip on and off. Loafers, on the other hand, maintain a full shoe profile with a low, lace-free front, encompassing the foot more securely.

What are open back shoes called? ›

Mule is a style of shoe that has no back or constraint around the foot's heel.

Are men mules in style? ›

However, there are a few unique shoe types that are occupying their rightful place alongside the good old classics. One of the most sought-after shoe types that men are now pairing with their outfits to make unique fashion statements is Mules.

Should elderly wear slippers at home? ›

This is why we recommend wearing a medical slipper adapted to the elderly. It's a safe and easy way to avoid falls. In the home, make sure you wear slippers that fit properly with good heel support and a non-slip sole.

What to wear on feet around the house? ›

Choosing a House Shoe or Slipper

The podiatrists we interviewed recommend looking for cushioned, comfortable house shoes with a supportive arch, a toe box (if not open-toed) that leaves plenty of toe room and some traction on the sole.

Do you wear socks with loafer mules? ›

Mules are the quintessential transition shoe. Their versatility and diverse variations help you bridge the footwear gap between spring and summer, or summer and fall. A loafer-style mule can be worn with or without socks, and pairs well with either pants or a flowy dress.

Do mule shoes slip off? ›

If you're wondering how to keep mules from slipping off, not to worry. First of all, the shoes should be made to stay on if they fit properly, so be sure to buy the right size. Second, these no-slip Foot Petals that I use in nearly all my shoes, work great with mules, giving a little extra padding and grip.

Why wear mules shoes? ›

Ladies mules are a trendy choice for good reason: they are both fashionable and easy to style, providing comfort with an effortlessly chic appeal. Whether paired with skinny jeans, dresses, or shorts, mules prove to be among the most handy footwear options available.

Are mules in style in 2024? ›

The beloved mule is back—an easy and chic shoe option to throw on when running out.

What is a FuFu shoe? ›

FuFu. A term used for shoes that are copied from well-known brands. Fufu is a corruption of the word fugazi, which means fake in slang.

What are Gobi shoes? ›

The Gobi Boot has high groundfeel and flexibility. Compared to similar conventional shoes, these are more flexible once the leather breaks in due to the flexible soles and they allow you to feel the terrain you are on and get sensory feedback through the soles of your feet.

Are mules classy? ›

While mules started out as a bedroom shoe, today, they are stylish and classy type of shoe, worn with almost any type of attire.

How to wear mules with socks? ›

The sock should be terrycloth, it should come more or less to mid-calf, and it can be colored but always only monochromatic and, in the statistical majority of cases, it should not be in open contrast with the rest of the colors you are wearing.

Are mules still trending? ›

The '90s footwear trend that's back in fashion this spring

It's time to dig those mules of yours out from the back of the wardrobe, because the backless shoes are firmly in fashion again this spring/summer.

What should I wear on my feet at home? ›

“If you have sore feet—or have had foot problems in the past—wearing a pair of what I call 'house shoes,' or 'house slippers,' is a good idea.” By that, Dr. Peden means a hard-soled, slip-on shoe or slipper that is worn exclusively inside the home (ideally) to avoid bringing in dirt or bacteria.

What can I replace flip-flops with? ›

Healthy Alternatives to Flip Flops
  • Vionic Wave - Men's & Women's Sandal. ...
  • Naot Dorith- Women's Sandal. ...
  • Ros Hommerson Virtual Orthopedic Sandals for Women. ...
  • Naot Santa Cruz Men's Sandal. ...
  • Drew Hamilton: Fisherman Shoes for Men.

Is it better to wear slippers or go barefoot? ›

For many, the cumulative time spent barefoot has caused an increase in foot pain or discomfort as they go about their day. Wearing supportive slippers inside the house is often about more than just pure comfort. Foot specialists often recommend them over barefoot at home to prevent discomfort and injury.

What to wear instead of flip-flops for ladies? ›

People can replace flip-flops with espadrilles.

Instead, the stylist recommended replacing them with espadrilles, a casual canvas slipper with a fiber sole. "Flip-flops almost never look stylish, so espadrilles provide a great summer alternative," he told Insider.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 6520

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.