The 18 Best Mules to Up Your Footwear Game

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We have the French to thank for a lot of things, including champagne, croissants, and camembert. Oh, and one more luxurious little delight of life: mules.

Mules, as far as shoes go, are the perfect in-between. They have the comfort and cushion of sneakers, the ease of slippers or slides, and, usually, the elevated elegance of a loafer. When a mule is interchangeable with a sneaker, it makes your fit look better in a second; when you need to tone things down a notch and a dress shoe is too out-there, you cam always turn to mules to save you. It's the perfect shoe!

Originating for the French aristocracy, mules have evolved into the shoe for the everyman. Though they are different from the Scandinavian-originating clogs, a lot of brands use the words interchangeably: what was once a separation defined by heel height and platform thickness is muddled in the 21st century world of abstract designs and versatile styles. Get your hands on (and toes in) a pair of mules this summer—you'll feel like a French aristocrat no matter which ones you choose.

Mok Injection EVA Rubber Mules

It's hard to make a mule look sleek, but Suicoke does it with ease. This rubber style is a cooler Croc, really.

Carlson Clogs

When in doubt, go for a classic. Doc Martens couldn't make an ugly shoe if they tried, so you know that you're always stepping out in style with these on.

Initial Mules

British streetwear brand Represent has one of the coolest new mules of the season, with a simple metal R serving as the only detail.

Striped Woven Mules

It's summer, baby! This is the laidback (yet luxurious) mule of our dreams.

Carrera Suede Mules

This soft suede style is casual, sure, but you can easily elevate it. Grab your favorite pair of chinos and watch it rise to the occasion.

Kyoto Mules

Affordable and comfy? It is possible! Oakley proves it with a minimalist, cushiony mule.

Boston Soft Footbed Mules

You knew Birks would be somewhere on this list. And how could they not be? This is the classic mule, after all.

Le Raphia Les Mules Goia Mules

For a modern, dynamic mule, Jacquemus has the go-to style for the season. That thick platform is cushiony, too.

River GG Canvas Clogs

This has all the Gucci bells and whistles—the horsebit detail, logo-printed design—plus a contoured footbed for all-day comfort.

Capuleti Suede Mules

Simple and minimal. In summer, push your Oxfords and dress shoes to the back of the closet and reach for these instead; they go exceptionally well with linen suits.

2002RM Sneaker Mules

Another sneaker-mule combo, New Balance has found a solution for sneakers that you just slip your toes into to run outside real quick: just remove the heel.

California Foam Slip-On Sneakers

These are about as seamless as a design as you can get. Plus, they're foam—all-day softness guaranteed.

Decker Suede Clog

Elevated and elegant, these sculptural mules are a sophisticated summer staple.

Embroidered Wool Slippers

The coziness of a slipper with the shape (and style) of a mule. What's not to love?

Artie Mules

With a subtle plaid strap, these sophisticated loafers prove that just because something is gray doesn't mean it needs to be boring in the least.

Greg Shoes

With a wide silver buckle and suede surface, these sturdy mules are right on-trend for the season.

Leather-Trimmed Suede Mules

Traditionally, mules don't have a back, but we love the leather strap on these suede mules so much that we'll let it slide.

Leather Sabots

The luxury stompers that will last you a lifetime.

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