Spring has officially sprung, which means we have well and truly entered the season of the mule. For the uninitiated – no, we’re not referring to the Donkey-Horse hybrid. We’re talking about the often-heeled, slipper-esque shoe that has seen revivals in popular fashion time and time again throughout history.
By definition, a mule is a style of shoe that has no back or constraint around the heel. They can vary in height and style, ranging from sky-high flatforms, to adorable miniature kitten heels, to clog-style shoes, to total flats. They have seen many different variations and style adaptations over the centuries, working overtime to keep up with contemporary fashion. Truly, mules are the unsung hero of footwear, transporting tootsies belonging to the likes of Catherine the Great, Marilyn Monroe and Carrie Bradshaw across the way.
Believe it or not, the history of the mule goes as far back as Ancient Rome. The mulleus calceus was a red or purple-hued shoe worn by Roman senators and magistrates. Later on, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the mule was largely considered a bedroom shoe – worn by men and women alike in the comfort of their own homes. The sitter in Fragonard’s The Swing (1767) is seen sporting a pair of mules, the reference to the bedroom slipper hinting at the painting’s sensual undertones.
However, by the 19th century, the so-called bedroom slipper was worn mainly by women working in brothels, resulting in a short-lived public avoidance of the shoe. The erotic voyeurism of Manet’s Olympia (1863) exemplifies this, as the nude Olympia locks-eyes with the viewer – wearing nothing but a pair of satin mules. Similarly, fluffy marabou mules were worn by sex symbols and boudoir beauties such as Marilyn Monroe in the middle of the 20th century.
It’s hard to imagine the modernised, heeled mule click-clacking around the cobbled streets, tapestry carpets and marbled floors of ‘ole. It’s even harder to imagine that our historical counterparts would choose what is a rather impractical, though absolutely dreamy fashion-statement, to trot around in both at home and in the streets. Pavements in modern London are tricky enough.
Yet by the early 1990s, designers began putting a more modern, practical spin on the ancient style. Pretty much every dELiA*s catalogue from the early-mid 90s featured a pair of foam-based flatform wedged mules, while the advent of the iconic Manolo kitten heel mules dominated the latter end of the decade. In 2015 it was the Gucci Princetown mules and as recently as 2022, styles similar to the Bottega Venetta quited mule have ruled.
The shoe that truly never goes out of style, keep scrolling for a round-up of the best mules to wear in spring/summer 2023.
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Rouje Philea Mules
For the utmost Parisian chic, these 100 per cent lamb leather, kitten-heeled mules from Rouje are the ultimate French It-girl staple. The fire engine-red colour is offset by a peekaboo leopard-print sole, with the silhouette tied together by the prettiest leather bow.
Buy now £230.00, Rouje
Vagabond Dora Mules
These Vagabond shoes mules… are longing to stray….
Strut around New York, London or Paris in the ultra-comfy Dorah mules from Vagabond. The 90s-inspired shoe has been crafted from a deep cognac brown leather with square-toed detailing. The 5.9cm block heel makes these the perfect shoes for daily wear, while providing a little bit of extra height. Pair these with a while maxi dress and a crochet bag for the ultimate summer look.
Buy now £110.00, Vagabond
Sabot Venezia Orange
For a modern clog re-imagined, look no further than Italian footwear designer, Inuikii. The Sabot Venezia is fabricated from a soft suede leather with a rubber sole and features a hidden 5cm platform for a comfortable lift. Handcrafted in Europe, these bright orange mules are reminiscent of a 70s colour palette and style, with a contemporary twist.
Buy now £223.00, Inuikii
Arket Flare-Heel Leather Mules
These flare-heel leather mules from Arket will complete your 90s wardrobe. Slightly higher than most, Arket’s mules boast a hefty 7cm heel – making these the perfect transitional shoe to take you from a daytime pub sesh to a night-time club crawl.
Buy now £159.00, Arket
G.H Bass & Co Slide-On Loafers
A good pair of platform loafers are a winter staple for many – so much so that most of us struggle to find a replacement daily shoe for when the warmer months roll around. Enter: the loafer-mule. A slip-on alternative to your classic loafer that’ll channel goth-girl aesthetic no matter how hot it gets outside. With a leather lining and rubber sole, these sturdy saddle slide loafers will take you from A to B, minus the blisters.
Buy now £145.00, Office
Alohas Indiana Suede Mules
For style with a purpose, Alohas has got you covered. Originally inspired by traditional Menorcan avarcas, the brand is known for beach-ready, sustainably produced sandals. Though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend wearing suede mules on the beach, the Hawaiian-inspired design of these shoes certainly makes for a fabulous addition to an evening dinner near the beach.
Buy now £120.00, Anthropologie
Miista Deanne Purple Mules
An intriguing hybrid between a wooden clog and a classic mule sandal, these bright purple shoes by Miista certainly stand out. Rather than trotting around in a pair of often life-threatening traditional wooden clogs, you’ll feel safe and sound with both feet on the ground thanks to the additional chunky rubber sole on these mules (despite the 9.5cm heel height).
Though available in lime and black colourways, we think the bright purple design which features some subtle contrast fuchsia stitching is on trend for spring/summer 2023, especially with the Barbie movie on its way into cinemas.
Buy now £170.00, Miista
New Balance 2002 mules in grey
We’re calling it, the slip-on trainer/mule hybrid is going to make a comeback in 2023. Named the 2002 mule for good reason, New Balance has brought back the classic Noughties design, and we for one are ecstatic. Refined and design-conscious yet entirely laid-back, these are the summer trainers of the future.
Buy now £110.00, ASOS
Wavy Strap Mules
Classy and understated with a contemporary design twist (if you’ll pardon the pun), these wavy strap heels from Charles & Keith are another option for both day and night. The 4cm cylindrical heel provides an eye-catching modern element, while the classic round-toe sandal front keeps them cool and casual. We’d pair these with everything from a sparkly party dress to some boyfriend jeans and a plain white t-shirt.
Buy now £55.00, Charles & Keith
ASOS DESIGN Thierry mule wedges in black
We could’ve sworn we were looking at a dELiA*s catalogue. These ultra-high wedge mules from ASOS are the 90s dream you’ve been looking for. We love how they’ve been paired with a maxi cargo skirt, but a denim midi number would also suit.
Buy now £35.00, ASOS
Sadi Studios Paris
An ode to The Simple Life, Sadi Studios’ Y2K strappy mule is aptly named the ‘Paris’. The tonal neutral colourway will go with almost any outfit - especially a pair of cream boyfriend jeans.
Buy now £146.00, Sadi Studios
Aeyde Wilma Hazelnut Nappa
Berlin-based independent luxury footwear brand Aeyde has an amazing selection of sandals - and this particular style comes in three colours. Featuring a sculptural mini heel, these are an elevated take on the silhouette.
Buy now £275.00, Aeyde
Jimmy Choo Avenue 50 Caper Green Nappa Leather Mules
Does it get any better than a pair of Jimmy Choos? We don’t think so.
In a buttery soft leather, they’re pared back and easy-to-wear - and every time you slip them on you’ll feel incredible. An investment that’s worth making.
Buy now £575.00, Jimmy Choo
