GET ready to slip on and go: the best mule shoes are having a moment, so we’ve picked out this season’s faves for updating your wardrobe.
Mules have had somewhat of a resurgence over the past few years and it’s no wonder: this 90’s-esque style is easy to wear and looks ultra-chic for spring and summer outfits, whether worn to elevate a casual pair of jeans or dress up your best dancefloor ensemble.
The beauty of the mule is its many options: if you’re not a fan of super-duper stilettos, you’ll still be able to shop comfy block heels and miniature kitten heels as well as more towering designs.
They also come in every design imaginable: from luxe metallics and statement colour-blocking leathers to animal prints, textured fabrics and buckled beauties.
This season’s styles are more playful than ever, so feel free to lean into the sparkly and completely ‘extra’. However, if you’re more of a minimalist at heart, there’s still room to do pared back. Think sleek black designs that recall Totême’s square leather mules or low kitten heel mules that work on dressed-down days.
Ready to find your perfect match? We’ve scoured the shops and rounded up the best mule shoes below, whatever your budget.
Still wondering what exactly constitutes a mule? Well, it’s essentially a backless shoe with no fastening. It can have a closed toe, as well as an open toe design – the latter of which became really popular in the 1950s with starlets like Marilyn Monroe.
Believe it or not, the mule design dates back to Ancient Rome – but is said to have really taken off in sixteenth-century Europe, when it was worn as a bedroom slipper.
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Not into acid-bright colours and synthetic finishes?
While those may be the dominating trends, you can still go the natural route with mules — these woven heels by Dune are a great example.
Stitched from sturdy canvas, these will lend a fresh and summery boho feel to whatever you pair with them. Think white cotton, relaxed linens and plenty of layered jewellery.
All you need now is a Balearic sunset and a fancy dinner for two. Bliss.
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Colour-popping suede is always a good way to do a mule: especially in vibrant fuchsia pink.
This pair by Amazon’s own brand, Find, features a 6.5cm kitten heel that looks super dainty and elegant. Meanwhile, the suede effect finish is great for adding textural interest to an outfit.
Team with a cropped denim or an ankle-grazing skirt: either way, these shoes deserve to be seen.
Bottega Veneta has been leading the mule comeback for several seasons now with some seriously cult shoes. So if you’ve got cash to splash, they should be high up on your mule wishlist.
These padded and quilted heels are made from buttery leather and bring plenty of drama, with an exaggerated square toe for plenty of angular attitude.
In cream, they’ll go with nearly everything too, making them a fool-proof investment.
Remember how we mentioned the “sparkly and completely extra” route…
These Kurt Geigers are pure joy on a shoe: everything from the clear perspex strap to the satin orange upper and triangular heel screams “statement”.
And then there are those jewel embellishments. Multi-coloured and glistening, it all adds up to a showstopping design that deserves some serious airtime this spring/summer.
Pure fabulous!
If the delicate design of strappy mules gives you ankle anxiety, then you’ll want a pair that are more structured – like these sandals by Mango.
Made from sturdy 100% goat leather, the rectangular heel is bang on trend, while the caged effect will make your feet feel protected and enclosed.
These are part of Mango’s Committed range too, which ensures they’ve been produced using sustainable fibres or processes.
Animal print is a key trend for mules this season: it’s bold, versatile and feels super-luxe.
This snakeskin-effect mule pays a nod to 90’s minimalism with a square toe and simple double strap design.
With a 3.5 inch heel, the silhouette is ultra-sleek and elegant. For the price, we think these look way more expensive than they are, so make sure you snap them up. You really can’t go wrong.
Talk about green dream!
In the hue of the moment, these block heels by Dune are all about impact, from the scrunched crossover design to the slimline block heel.
They’re made from leather, so they’re a mule that will last the distance. Why not pick out some greens from your wardrobe and see if you can go for a tonal head-to-toe look?
If you’re looking for a mule that’s worthy of being worn with your glitziest cocktail frock, these rhinestone encrusted heels more than fit the brief.
We love that there are several options when it comes to shopping this high shine pair: you can go for a respectable 6.5cm heel, a more towering 10cm or even a flat design if you want to sparkle minus any foot ache.
There’s a fabulous range of colour choices too: from sunshine yellow to bridal nude.
Could there be any better name for a shoe brand than Essex Glam? We think not.
It’s clear what you’re getting when you shop this online retailer: affordable, trend-led footwear with a touch of Brentwood attitude.
If that sounds like a bit of you, then you’ll love these strappy mules. They’re bright, statement-worthy and feature a patent finish for that glossy Essex vibe.
Even better, the small kitten heel means you won’t be hobbling about in pain after a couple of hours.
Ruched mules have a real designer feel to them and are a massive trend. But what to do if you don’t have the designer budget?
Well, step forward these amazing shoes by ComeShun. With ruched ankle straps in a leather-effect finish, we’re obsessed with how these look.
And featuring a low block heel, leather sole and comfort insole, they should be comfortable to wear – while making maximum impact. Win-win.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best mule shoes? Then you might also like our selection of the best work shoes for women.
We’ve also rounded up the best flared leggings.
And check out our dedicated Sun Selects fashion section for more style tips, trends and products.
