What are Mules?
Last updated 2026-04-22
Mules are backless slip-on shoes with a closed or open toe and no heel strap. The defining feature is the open back — the shoe covers the front and sides of the foot while leaving the heel exposed. Mules range from flat sandal-style to sculptural kitten heels to towering stilettos, spanning casual and formal contexts. The style has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome where senators wore red leather mules as a status symbol. They reappeared in European courts in the 1600s as chamber shoes worn indoors. The modern mule surged into mainstream fashion in the mid-2010s and has remained a wardrobe staple since. Contemporary interpretations include leather mules in structured silhouettes, woven raffia mules for summer, and sock-shoe hybrids that blur the line between mule and slipper. Mules work best when the foot fills the shoe properly — too loose and they slap with each step; too tight and the open back causes blisters. The ideal fit has your heel resting just at the edge of the shoe with no overhang or gap. For professional contexts, closed-toe leather mules work well; for casual and warm-weather contexts, open-toe and embellished versions are appropriate.
A black leather pointed-toe kitten-heel mule with linen trousers and a silk blouse — refined, effortless, and work-appropriate.
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Start with TRYFrequently Asked Questions
Are mules in style in 2026?
Yes — mules have moved from trend to staple over the past decade. Specific silhouettes evolve (pointed toes, square toes, sculptural heels), but the mule as a category is firmly established. Closed-toe leather mules in particular have become a wardrobe essential for warm-weather professional dressing.
Why do my mules fall off when I walk?
Either the fit is too loose, or the shoe design is not optimized for walking. Check that the ball of your foot sits at the widest part of the shoe and your heel is not gaping significantly. If the fit is correct and they still slip, the shoe itself may lack the contoured footbed that keeps mules secure. Insoles can help with minor slippage; major slippage indicates a fit issue.