The mulement is only getting bigger with every passing moment as more people subscribe to a life of slip-on shoes and I think there are two big reasons why the power of heel-less footwear remains at the fore of our minds. The first of those is none other than British-Jamaican designer, Martine Rose.
The designer, whose footwear prowess recently saw her appointed as Clarks' first-ever guest creative director, has been turning her experimental dress shoes and loafers backless for some time. And while she has had much success in doing this, Kaytranada most recently being snapped in her mule-ified bulb-toe shoes, it's her Nike collab that has really seen Rose be a driving force in pushing for mules.
By turning Nike's Shox sneaker into a high-heeled mule for a second time, the designer has released what is easily one of the best sneakers of the year. Plus, she has simultaneously kept quiet anyone who has doubted the longevity of the mulement, something which Highsnobiety alumni Jian DeLeon and Noah Thomas have also been ensuring with their Instagram page @muleboyz.
Being amongst the near-40k people who follow the account means that we are across all of the latest developments in slip-on shoes which includes everything from updates on the classic Crocs and Birkenstocks to Dries Van Noten's absurd frog slides.
The mule is the ideal hybrid footwear option for those looking to flaunt less foot, while still getting that breathability that the current summer season will require. And as such, we’ve rounded up the hottest no-heelers available to shop right now.
Hop on the mule hype and shop our backless footwear highlights below.
Balenciaga Technoclog Rubber Clogs
Technoclog Rubber Clogs
Balenciaga
Of course, you can rely on Balenciaga to take things one step further than everyone else. These "technoclogs" combine the shape of traditional Dutch clogs with shiny futuristic material.
Dr. Martens Isham Jersey
Isham Jersey
Dr. Martens
For most people, any type of heel-bearing footwear constitutes taking a walk on the wild side. However, Dr. Martens has taken things one step further with its hairy cow-print mules.
Birkenstock 1774 Tokio Suede Clogs
Tokio Suede Clogs
Birkenstock 1774
Birkenstock is one of the most famous suppliers of mules and it's arguably perfected the art of backless footwear over the years. This pair from its premium 1774 line comes with a minimal look for casual mule-ing.
Trussardi Retro Mule Sneaker
Retro Mule Sneaker
Trussardi
Trussardi has turned its retro running sneakers both backless and laceless with this update — and it's done so to great effect. Slip-on sneakers make for highly comfortable footwear, which is what you can expect from these.
Nike x Martine Rose Shox MR4
Shox MR4
Nike x Martine Rose
Undoubtedly the most hyped mule on this list, you'll have to move fast to get a pair of the Nike x Martine Rose Shox when they release this week. Marking the second time that Martine Rose has customized a pair of Shox, this release comes with a much more colorful finish.
MCM x Crocs Belt Bag Clog
Belt Bag Clog
MCM X Crocs
The Crocs Clog has become one of the most popular mules around and this pair, made in collaboration with MCM, takes things to another level by strapping a mini belt bag at the front — what will you be storing in these mules?
Marni Sabot Black
Sabot Black
Marni
The perfect pair to follow up from a pair of Crocs, Marni's Sabot mule comes with a similar look but is decisively more luxe. This shoe features a 100% calf leather upper, complemented by a rich brown calf leather interior.
GmbH Selim Mules
Selim Mules
GmbH
Although mules are notoriously easy to slip into, GmbH has made things even easier for you by adding a zip to the front of this pair.
Merrell Hydro Mule 1TRL
Hydro Mule 1TRL
Merrell
For all outdoor explorers, Merrel has got its Hydro Mule 1 TRL. This shoe comes with an easily-cleanable EVA shell and a breathable mesh upper to deliver a lightweight and flexible fit in the great outdoors.
Our Legacy Camion Mules
Camion Mules
Our Legacy
If you're looking for a classy pair of mules, these from Our Legacy will do the job. Whether it's a fancy dinner or a wedding, they can slot right into the most formal of situations.
Martine Rose Square Toe Mule High Shine
Square Toe Mule High Shine
Martine Rose
As already mentioned, Martine Rose is the GOAT when it comes to making footwear heel-less. As if a square toe wasn't extreme enough, the designer made these loafers even more eye-catching through slip-on capabilities.
CAMPERLAB Traktori Clog
Traktori Clog
CAMPERLAB
Since the arrival of Achilles Ion Gabriel as creative director, CAMPERLAB has been in a lane of its own. The Traktori Clog has become one of its most popular models, continuing to be released every season with new colorways.
Clarks Originals Trek Mules
Trek Mules
Clarks Originals
One of many iconic models that Clarks has in its footwear arsenal, the Trek Mules have been around since long before the mulement and they'll continue to be here until long after.
Dries Van Noten Suede Clogs
Suede Clogs
Dries Van Noten
Loafers have become a staple in post-sneaker society and this luxurious pair for Dries Van Noten adds an extra level of comfort by cutting off the heel. The shoes are crafted in Italy from supple suede with a contrasting black rubber-injected sole.
Loewe Paula's Ibiza Logo-Print Canvas Mules
Paula's Ibiza Logo-Print Canvas Mules
Loewe
Loewe Paula's Ibiza's collections always provide a summer-ready wardrobe and this pair of shoes is calling out to be packed in your vacation bag.
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