The pandemic left a lasting influence in every facet of our lives, and in the realm of footwear, COVID brought on a desire for comfort and easy-to-wear options. The mule has reared its head as the go-to style of the times as a versatile option for everything from lounging around the house to full on errand runs. Since 2020, the style has only been on the rise within the menswear world and the trend does not seem to be going anywhere. However, this is with good reason. So we had to take a look at some of the best men's mules available right now.
Mules can span the entire breadth of the formality scale with some looking like hotel slippers and others like ultra-luxurious loafers, ensuring that you can feel a cool breeze tickling your heels in any situation, anywhere. The last few years have resulted in no shortage of mule-adjacent shoes too, which—while not strictly backless—occupy the same cozy space that mules do. With that being said, here are 25 of our the best men's mules available now at every price point.
1. Crocs Classic Clog
Crocs
These may come off as a surprise in a best mules list, but Crocs fall into the same realm of shoes that mules occupy. Crocs have always been around, but given their surge of popularity as of late, they righteously have a place in the mule hall of fame. The polarizing shoes aren’t for everyone, but there is no shortage of collaborations and similar shoes, so we’re sure you’ll like something.
2. Merrell Hydro Moc
Merrell
Since Crocs are in this list, croc-adjacent shoes should be allowed too. Merrell’s hydro mocs single handedly brought the brand into the field of view of the menswear community and have been enjoying ever increasing popularity since their release. The intricate design of the shoes make them great to look at and also great to wear as either water shoes or everydays.
3. The North Face Thermoball™ Traction Mule V
The North Face
The perfect accessory for your Nuptse jacket, these puffy slippers are sure to keep your feet warm around the house this winter. Due to the material, we don’t recommend wearing these outside, so if you’re looking for grocery run shoes you might want a different option.
4. Vans Cozy Classic Slip-On Mule
Vans
Vans already have the ever popular slip on, but if those are still too much effort to get on your feet, try the mule variation. These come in a variety of styles, with or without the soft lining.
5. Reebok Club C Laceless Mule
Reebok
The classic Reebok Club C got a rework and got turned into a slip on. The design maintains all of the original paneling even without laces, so if you want to maintain that tennis trainer style with easy entry, these are perfect for you. For a clean all white version, look for the BEAMS collaboration of the same model.
6. Birkenstock Super-Birki
Birkenstock
Birkenstock recently released a polyurethane clog that is perfect for food and medical settings, as well as everyday use. The shoes feature a thick, textured sole to ensure comfort and come in a huge variety of colors.
7. Reebok Beatnik
Reebok
Reebok’s offering to the mule craze released to widespread acclaim and has been gaining popularity since the pandemic. The success doesn't seem to be slowing down seeing as Reebok has released a series of great collaborations as well as fantastic colorways for general release. These shoes offer a bit more in the way of visual excitement over others on this list with the jagged outsole and velcro strap.
8. Dr. Martens Carlson Lusso Leather Mules
Dr. Martens
Dr. Marten’s delivered their take of the mule with a clean leather upper nestled atop the classic rubber soles adorned with yellow stitching. The shoes feature an easy on easy off strap in around the back so the shoes can be worn with the strap or as slip-ons.
9. Birkenstock Boston
Birkenstock
Boston’s are the quintessential mule that almost everyone seems to have in their closet these days, but with good reason. Their soft round shape and buckled strap pair to create a simple shoe that offers just enough visual interest while maintaining their functionality as some of the most comfortable mules you can get.
10. 032c adidas Edition Suede GSG Mule Sneakers
SSENSE
032c partnered with Adidas to make these ultra rugged mules that look like they are suited for some sort of hiking trip. The shoes, based on the Adidas GSG-9 boot, balance the rugged sole with simply-constructed sleek suede upper.
11. Fear of God California Slip-On
Fear of God
Foam-based shoes have been everywhere since Kanye West released the YEEZY foam runners, and Jerry Lorenzo’s take on the idea plays well into his minimalist philosophy. The closed-cell foam shoes are made with XL EXTRALIGHT technology, making them extremely light without compromising any of the durability of the material.
12. Museum of Peace and Quiet Lusso Cloud Edition Pelli Waffle Loafers
SSENSE
Museum of Peace & Quiet collaborated with Lusso Cloud to create what looks like the ultimate hotel slipper. The California-based brand tweaked the shoe manufacturer's Pelli model in a simple tan colorway.
13. Suico*ke ZAVO-MAB
Bodega
Keep your toes cozy with these shearling lined mules from Suico*ke. Finished with a suede upper, these sort of recall images of Uggs, but in a good way. They also feature sturdy nylon straps to make sure your feet are always snug and the Vibram soles ensure a long lifespan for these shoes.
14. CamperLab Traktori Loafer
SSENSE
The clog version of CamperLab’s Traktori boots delivers on all fronts. The subtle embossed logos around the shoes add hits of interest to the otherwise simple upper, and their rubber construction gives them a fair amount of weatherproofing.
15. Le17septembre Leather Hike Loafers
SSENSE
Small Korean label Le17septembre's ultra simple mule-hiker hybrid makes perfect use of one of Vibram's most recognizable soles. The shape of the upper perfectly compliments the lines of the midsole, and the tan lining of the shoe adds color in just the right place.
16. GmbH Chappal Faux Leather Mules
SSENSE
These eye-catching loafers from GmbH feature crisscrossing straps on the vamp and a clean-cut stacked sole with additional logo hardware on the side. The shoes are also available in white and a snakeskin pattern.
17. Our Legacy Leather Camion Mule Loafers
SSENSE
Our Legacy's buckled mules stay true to the Scandinavian label's lowkey philosophy, with minimal detailing and an emphasis on materials and construction. The shoes have a classic shape that is sure to become a constant in your rotation.
18. Jil Sander x Birkenstock Berlin Suede Clog Mules
Neiman Marcus
Those who like Bostons but want something more luxurious, look no further. Birkenstock’s collaboration with fashion house Jil Sander combined the two German brand’s minimalist sensibilities to create something that feels modern and elegant.
19. Bottega Veneta Puddle Sandals
Bottega Veneta
The details surrounding Daniel Lee’s departure from Bottega Veneta make it clear that it was the right move, however the quality of his designs is undeniable. The mule design is the perfect follow up to the success of the Puddle boots and offers the same bulbous rubber look for warmer months.
20. Martine Rose Loafer Mules
SSENSE
Martine Rose’s signature exaggerated square toe graces the realm of casual loafers for a striking look. They feature a silver chain on the vamp and tan leather lining.
21. 1017 ALYX 9SM Leather Mono Mule
1017 ALYX 9SM
Alyx maintained the futuristic design language of their foam slip-on shoe and warped the sole unit to suit other upper designs such as this leather mule lined with a neoprene insert.
22. Marni Textured Leather Slippers
Farfetch
These slippers are the ultimate exercise in simplicity with their calf leather upper and thin rubber soles. The small seam up the toe and metallic logo hit on the heel add just enough of an accent, but if you want something louder the shoes are also available in brightly colored fuzzy calf hair.
23. Loewe Black Croc-Embossed Slip-On Loafers
SSENSE
These Loewe loafers are like the ultimate luxury convertible, with a supple leather heel that can fold up and down depending on how you want to wear the shoes. The addition of the croc print on the upper creates the perfect contrast with the textured calfskin heel.
24. Givenchy Squared Open Loafers
Givenchy
These loafers from Givenchy twist the typical black calfskin mule look with a squared off toe. The only visible logo is a small metal hit on the heel, keeping the shoes clean and minimal.
25. Hermès Calya Mule
Hermès
The Hermes Calya clogs are honestly quite difficult to find and carry a hefty price tag along with them. However, the design of these shoes speaks for itself. The calfskin upper is studded to a raised sole creating a beautiful looking shoe from all angles.
