What are mules?
Mules — a type of women's shoe without a back, leaving the heel completely open, without straps or ties at the ankle.
The name comes from Latin mulleus calceus — the name given to the red shoes of ancient Roman magistrates. Historically, mules served as the house shoes of 18th-century French aristocracy. They became a staple of everyday streetwear in the 1950s, thanks to their popularity among Hollywood actresses.
The key design feature of these shoes is that they are secured to the foot solely by the vamp—the forefoot portion that covers the instep. The vamp can be either fully closed or open, consisting of wide strips of material.
Main types
Modern mule models are divided into several categories depending on the shape of the toe and the presence of a heel:
- Flat mules: Flat shoes that visually resemble backless loafers. They have a closed toe and are often decorated with metal hardware (buckles, chains).
- On heels: The height and shape vary from a low kitten heel to a thin stiletto or a massive, stable block heel.
- With closed toe: A traditional option with a pointed, round, or square toe. These styles are perfect for cool weather and easily fit into a formal dress code.
- Open toe: Summer variations, which feature one or more wide straps on the instep.
Mules are made from smooth leather, suede, and thick fabrics like satin or velvet. Summer collections feature woven raffia or straw options, perfect for beach and resort wear.
What to combine with
The key to styling mules is to emphasize the ankle. These shoes require an exposed lower leg, so avoid long, wide, floor-length trousers that will hide the exposed heel.
For a smart casual look, flat mules pair harmoniously with cropped straight-leg jeans and an oversized menswear shirt. Leather mules with a closed, pointed toe and a small heel are perfect for the office. They pair well with 7/8-length trousers, culottes, and a tailored, long jacket.
Stilettos and kitten heels are popular for romantic and evening styles. They complement silk slip dresses and flowing midi skirts, highlighting the delicacy of the exposed ankle.
