Style
Mules: The Cosiest Silhouette of the Moment
Maybe it’s the ease of wear? Or perhaps the laid-back vibe evoked through wearing. Whatever it is about backless shoes that has us in a frenzy at the moment, it’s definitely more than a trend.
Circa lockdown 01, the thought of donning slip-on styles wouldn’t have crossed the majority of our minds, but as the WFH uniform became a thing, altered silhouettes started popping up all over the place, and business has only picked up since.
A slew of high-profile collaborations and the championing of ironic dressing is partly to blame, but we think, above all else, that the mules’ rise to prominence is mainly due to the versatility each pair beholds. Backless loafers feel at home when paired with joggers, and slip-on runners possess just the right amount of tech to style with just about anything – awful for running in, though.
Here, we look at some of our standout pairs that you should incorporate into your rotation, if you haven’t already...
Garbstore x Padmore & Barnes Side Seam
Designed by Garbstore in collaboration with cult Irish shoemakers Padmore & Barnes, the white cow-print Side Seam mules are a versatile summer pair, which can be dressed up or down to reflect the occasion. Handmade in Portugal from premium Spanish cow leather calf hair, they feature adjustable straps with silver-tone buckles and are set on deep crepe soles. Padded leather footbeds ensure optimum comfort throughout the day.
Clarks Originals Wallabee Cup Lo
Clarks Originals reimagines the classic Wallabee Cup Lo as an on-trend open-back style courtesy of these black mules – perfect for relaxed weekday styling. Made from suede, they have a square-toe silhouette and are set on the label's signature crepe soles.
KEEN Uneek II
Look after your feet – and your carbon footprint – with these sleek black Uneek II slides from KEEN. Made with cord uppers created using recycled PET plastic bottles, they feature metatarsal ridges that provide a natural fit and are set on spongey non-marking rubber soles.
New Balance 2002R
New Balance updates its cult-classic M801 silhouette to create the Rain Cloud & Marble Head 2002R mules. They’re made from a combination of premium pigskin suede and mesh, and feature the label’s innovative ABSORB Technology for optimum comfort.
Simple Rincoint Point Clogs
The Rincon Point clogs by Simple may look like humble house slippers, but they are so much more. Made from smooth leather, these outdoor shoes are welted for durability and feature rubber shock-absorbing outsoles – ideal for a quick dog walk or slipping into after exercise.
Clark Originals Trek Mule Warmlined
To celebrate the Desert Trek’s 50th anniversary, Clark Originals gives its Trek Mule silhouette a cosy winter-ready update with this Warmlined iteration, which is lined with plush shearling. Made in Portugal from suede, they feature adjustable buckles for a personalised fit and are set on the label’s signature natural crepe soles.
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