There’s an unspoken belief that all great looks start with a foundational wardrobe. I’d elaborate on that idea even further to say that all great outfits start from the ground up, meaning with your choice of footwear. No one emphasizes this better than Giuseppe Zanotti, who said, “Never underestimate the power of a shoe.” Though it’s somewhat predictable that a footwear designer would champion this accessory’s importance, one must admit he makes a valid point.
Footwear is the defining factor of every ensemble—it can make or break the look and provides either ease in mobility or full-fledged pain. It’s imperative, then, to have a solid arsenal of shoes. And while numerous shoes serve that purpose, none are as beloved as mules. Characterized as a shoe that does not place constraints around the back of the foot, this silhouette comes in everything from open-toe slides to slinky sandals to kitten heels to open-back loafers. While the versatility in styles available has made mules stick around season after season, that’s not the only reason these shoes have become a must-have for any wardrobe.
In truth, the power of these shoes lies in their ability to make any outfit feel more bougie. Want to dress up a denim shirt and T-shirt? Add heeled mules. Need to make shorts feel office-friendly? Pair them with mule loafers. You get the picture—mules are the solution to your style woes. Don’t believe me? Keep reading as I’ve rounded up the 40 best mules taking into consideration silhouette versatility, price point, quality, reviews, and editor perspective. These mules prove that every great outfit starts with an equally fabulous pair of mules.
Priorities seem to be shifting when it comes to shoes. For some, comfort is and always has been key. For others, a global pandemic brought function and coziness to the forefront of sartorial requirements. Regardless of the impetus, a preference for function over fashion, or what some deem “ugly fashion,” is taking over our footwear.
Previously niche and wrongfully judged as gauche, chunky clogs are now being welcomed by high fashion with open arms. Since their breakout moment circa Spring 2018, Crocs’ Classic Clogs (which its trio of creators based on a boating clog) set the scene for a new era of ugly-cute, with mainstays and trendsetters like Prada, Ganni, Simon Miller, Ugg, Clarks and of course Birkenstock banking on the arguably unsightly footwear of late.
Chunky clogs on the Spring 2023 runways. From left to right: Ports 1961, Vitelli, Etro, Ester Manas.
Photos: Imaxtree
To wit, ‘chunky’ can signify platform soles, blocked heels, lugged treads or some combination of all of the above. A clog, however, is nuanced and storied: Originally — like 13th century Europe-originally — they were carved by hand from wooden blocks and later replaced with cork (a tradition still upheld today by Birkenstock’s signature makes and models). Beloved through millennia and quintessential in nature, it’s no wonder designers love them, and that shoppers love a good designer Birk collab. (Ahem, Rick Owens or Dior, anyone?)
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Photo: Courtesy of Kate Cate
Between the slide’s ancient history and fashion’s cocktail of –cores, the carved mule today comes in a wide array of flavors. Silver hardware, like riveted dome head studs, is classic, but not required — nor is a specifically sculpted shape. Be it wood, rubber, flatform, angular or stacked, as long as the silhouette falls under the “curvaceous” category, you have tickets to the clog show.
As we know, chunky clogs can fit a variety of tastes, and they’re a safe year-round option. Consider this your sign to shop the completely practical and ultimately adorable trend, ahead.
