The 11 Best Mules of 2024

InStyle / Reese Herrington

Loafers are great, but some have a tendency to pinch the back of your foot — plus they’re often more of a workwear shoe than a brunch or party piece. Mules, on the other hand, are backless by definition, giving you extra ease of movement and most are super versatile and can take you from the office to happy hour seamlessly. Still, there’s a lot of variety under the mule umbrella, from an open-back loafer-like shoe from Gucci or Sam Edelman, to a hippie suede number from Birkenstock, to glitzy party shoes from Michael Kors or Birdies.

“A mule is the perfect transitional shoe from season to season, depending on the color you choose,” says personal stylist and fashion blogger Tara West.

Here, we dove deep into the world of mules, and — with a little help from some super savvy stylists and fashion insiders — found the best of the best you can buy right now. You’ll see there’s truly something for every style, every occasion, and every lifestyle. Keep reading for the best mules you’ll want to wear literally all the time.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clogs at Nordstrom ($128)

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Best Budget:

Journee Collection Aniee Mule at Kohls.com ($48)

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Best Splurge:

Toteme Leather Mules at Mytheresa.com (See Price)

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Best Designer:

Gucci Leather Princetown Loafer Mule at Nordstrom ($920)

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Best Heeled:

MICHAEL Michael Kors Clara Metallic Snake Embossed Leather Mule at Saks Fifth Avenue ($59)

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Most Comfortable:

Cougar Petra Shearling Mule at Dillards.com (See Price)

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Best for Work:

Free People Tallulah Mules at Nordstrom ($60)

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Best Leather:

Free People Suki Platform Clogs at Amazon (See Price)

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Best Flat:

Sam Edelman Linnie Bit Mule at Amazon ($140)

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Best Open-Toed:

Arch Moscow Mule at Archnyc.co (See Price)

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Best Overall

Birkenstock

View On Nordstrom $128 View On Zappos $170 View On Shopbop.com $170

What We Love: They’re simple yet perfect.

What We Don’t Love: They run small.

Although — as you’ll see if you keep scrolling — mules come in all sorts of styles, this Birkenstock clog pretty much embodies what many of us would picture when we think “mule.” A little hippy-dippy and a lot versatile, these shoes are ideal for a relaxed stroll down a country path on a sunny day or simply for a wander to your local farmer’s market. They’re made from soft suede on top, with an adjustable buckled strap for a perfect fit, and feature Birkenstock’s signature soft, cushioned footbed, which molds to your foot over time for added comfort. Lined with shearling, these mules are are cozy and a bit more snug, so you may have to size up.

Size: 4-12.5 | Material: Suede | Colors: 4 | Heel height: Flat

Best Budget

Kohls

View On Kohls.com $48 View On Dsw.com View On Jcpenney.com

What We Love: They’re incredibly versatile.

What We Don’t Love: They run small.

We all need a versatile pair of shoes we can just slip on for a quick trip to the supermarket, and frankly, these are it for us. They’re simple as can be, with an almond toe and ribbed knit upper, plus a half-inch block heel, and will go with pretty much any outfit under the sun. They can totally be dressed up for work or a night on the town, too! Choose from a selection of neutrals including black and sand, or more fun hues such as olive green or terracotta, depending on what you intend to wear them with.

Comfort-wise, these are specially engineered to keep you nice and supported throughout the day, thanks to a padded footbed that cushions your foot as it hits the ground. Just note that these run small, so you’ll want to order a half-size above your normal size to ensure your best fit. All in all, these are an undeniable (and affordable!) hit.

Size: 5.5-13 | Material: Manmade materials | Colors: 8 | Heel height: 0.5 inches

Best Splurge

Toteme

View On Mytheresa.com View On Toteme-studio.com

What We Love: They’re a true cool-girl pick.

What We Don’t Love: They’ll likely need some wearing in.

“If you’re looking for a dressier style mule, choose one with a little kitten heel,” says West. “This elevated mule by Toteme is a great option for light traveling, date nights, business meetings, and cocktail parties.” For example, you can style these with an elevated midi dress, a tailored pantsuit à la Kate Middleton, or a pair of mom jeans and a colorful top.

A bit more of an investment than other items on our list, these shoes hail from now-cult Swedish label Toteme, known for its iconic striped turtleneck sweater and carefully designed jeans. As such, these mules are not only a true cool-girl pick, but also a high-quality piece crafted from lamb leather, which you can expect to last you years if you take good care of them. Expect them to need some breaking in before they feel comfy, though.

Size: 5-12 | Material: Leather | Colors: 1 | Heel height: 2.5 inches

Best Designer

Saksfifthavenue

View On Nordstrom $920 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $920 View On Net-a-Porter

What We Love: They’re as iconic as they come.

What We Don’t Love: You may need to go up half a size.

Our list of the best mules would not have felt complete without a Gucci inclusion. The Italian couture label’s Princetown slipper is as recognizable as they come, with a classic design and luxe metallic Horsebit embellishment, and they are regularly reedited in new finishes and colors. “The epitome of relaxed luxury, these mules perfectly exemplify the unity between casual and formal, even without a heel,” says Rosales. These simple leather ones are a recommendation from Gabriela Rosales, a fashion stylist and founder of The Stylist Witch, while West particularly likes the suede version. Ultimately, though, you’re getting the same shoe style and overall effect with both. And if you’re feeling adventurous, they also exist embellished with a double G print, or trimmed with — for lack of better words — a hairy tuft of wool.

“These Gucci loafer-style mules are a forever classic in my book," says West. "You can wear them with or without a sock, dress them up or down with trousers for work, or denim on weekends.” If you’ve never owned Gucci shoes before and therefore don’t know your exact size, try going up half a size so your foot can fit comfortably, and you can reap all the benefits of owning such a beautiful designer shoe.

Size: 4-12 | Material: Leather | Colors: 2 | Heel height: 0.4 inches

Best Heeled

MICHAEL Michael Kors Clara Metallic Snake Embossed Leather Mule

Saks 5th Ave

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $59 View On Michaelkors.com View On Zappos $88

What We Love: They’re giving Paris Hilton circa 2002.

What We Don’t Love: They’re obviously not an everyday shoe.

In case you didn't notice, heeled peep-toe mules are the quintessential Barbie shoe. For those of you who want to keep Barbiecore going, these criss-cross heeled sandals from Michael Kors are an absolute delight. “This glamorous slip-on mule with an open toe and heel height of 3.5 inches will add allure to any outfit,” says model Allison Weiss Brady. “With gold snake embossing on both the straps and heel, this overall design is perfect for a fun night on the town.” They also come in silver, which only adds to the whole Paris Hilton circa 2002 vibe that’s so in right now.

Since these shoes are on sale right now, you’re also getting a high-quality name-brand shoe with a genuine leather upper for what is, frankly, a steal. While we honestly can’t fault these shoes, they’re obviously not for you if you’re looking for something to wear for work or, like, a Starbucks run.

Size: 5-11 | Material: Leather, polyurethane/viscose/polyester, rubber | Colors: 2 | Heel height: 3.5 inches

Most Comfortable

Dillard's

View On Dillards.com View On Dsw.com View On Shoemall.com

What We Love: They’re super cozy and comfy.

What We Don’t Love: The suede and shearling make them unsuitable for vegans.

You may have noticed by now that the terms “mule” and “slipper” are sometimes used interchangeably. That’s not because they’re the same thing, exactly, but they do overlap in terms of ease and comfort. With that in mind, these shearling mules from Cougar find themselves at the exact intersection of shoes and slippers, and can therefore be worn inside or outside or both, depending on your preference. “Although mules can be worn on any given day, there is unquestionably a purpose for the styles,” says fashion writer Emerald Elitou, “You need a pair of platform mules, like those available from Cougar, if all you plan to do is visit the mall.”

These look a lot like an UGG slipper, the difference being that the UGGs can’t really be worn outside the house. These, meanwhile, feature a thick, cushioned outsole and a ridged anti-slip EVA outsole, meaning you can safely wear them in less-than-fair weather. The inside and trim is made from genuine shearling, so isn’t suitable for vegans but is therefore super cozy and warm. Once you slide these on, there’s no telling when you’ll get around to taking them off.

Size: 6-11 | Material: Suede, shearling, synthetic | Colors: 4 | Heel height: 1.25 inches

Best for Work

Free People

View On Nordstrom $60 View On Dillards.com View On Zappos $148

What We Love: They’re incredibly comfortable.

What We Don’t Love: They may be too narrow for wide feet.

Depending on your line of work, a closed-toe shoe is usually a good idea to wear to the office in terms of being appropriately dressy and also in terms of not stubbing your toes on a colleague’s desk (hey, it could happen!). “I love how slender the toe and the heel are on these. They are super chic and unique for mules,” says Rosales. “And I’m always a fan of a low heel for both comfort and wearability’s sake.” Due to their slender shape, these mules may not be the best for those with wide feet.

Speaking of comfort and wearability, these score highly in both regards, adding to their essential workwear potential — especially if you opt for the worn-effect sand color option or for the basic black. Meanwhile, the metallic option can totally still work for wearing to your day job as long as you keep the rest of your outfit on the minimal side, but they’re also a great shoe for meeting your friends for happy hour.

Size: 6-11 | Material: Leather | Colors: 3 | Heel height: 2.17in

Best Leather

Free People

View On Amazon View On Freepeople.com

What We Love: We’re getting a serotonin hit just looking at them.

What We Don’t Love: The wooden heels make them very loud.

“These are my absolute favorite!” says Rosales. “I have them in blue and they are a staple in my closet. They can easily dress up a casual look or dress down a formal look, and the best part is, they are incredibly comfortable. I have done quite a lot of walking in these and they have never exhausted my feet or given me blisters, and there was no breaking in period.”

We’re not sure you need us to further sell you on these shoes after reading such a glowing review, but we’ll give it a go anyway: We’re loving the soft, flexible leather upper on these, and how it looks layered over the genuine wooden block heel. Available in Rosales’ favorite denim blue as well as in sunny yellow or peachy tan, these are essentially a ‘70s-inspired serotonin hit in shoe form. Just don’t expect to make a discreet entrance, because these are loud.

Size: 6-11 | Material: Leather, rubber, wood | Colors: 3 | Heel height: 3.75 inches

Best Flat

Amazon

View On Amazon $140 View On Nordstrom $56 View On Macy's $98

What We Love: They’re an almost perfect Gucci dupe.

What We Don’t Love: They cause blisters if you walk in them for too long.

For those of you who are completely obsessed with Gucci’s Princetown mule but understandably balking at the price, boy do we have something for you. “For those seeking a more reasonable option without compromising style and quality, Sam Edelman offers a fantastic range of mules,” says celebrity fashion stylist Brooke Rounick of Fashionably Noted. “From trendy designs to versatile color options, they cater to various preferences and occasions, all while providing comfort and affordability.”

As the stylist says, these come in a very impressive range of color options, including classic tan, black, or white, or sour candy-colored pink and pistachio, or textured faux hide and snakeskin. And in terms of look, it doesn’t get much closer to the Gucci version than these. Obviously, though, you get what you pay for here to an extent, since they’re made from synthetic leather. These also have a tendency to cause blisters if you walk in them for too long, so are better kept for dinners out when you’ll only be walking to the Uber and back.

Size: 4-14 | Material: Synthetic, leather, rubber | Colors: 28 | Heel height: 0.5 inches

Best Open-Toed

Arch

View On Archnyc.co

What We Love: They’re really fun as well as comfortable — a rare combo.

What We Don’t Love: The size range is a bit limited.

While we love a great classic shoe style, there’s nothing more exciting than a super fun party shoe — and Arch has totally nailed it here, bringing us a brightly colored furry sandal with a high block heel. “Since these faux fur shoes are so fashionable, they look great with virtually everything, particularly jeans,” says Elitou. “Don't let these beauties fool you: They may appear to be painful, but thanks to the memory foam that hugs your soles, they are actually incredibly cozy.”

These open-toed mules also come in equally fun orange (named “Tropic”) and green (named “Cactus”), although we would love to see them in a slightly more inclusive size range. As for the brand, we have a sneaky feeling it will become one of your new favorites: A Black-owned label founded in Harlem, NYC, Arch creates a range of shoes and slippers that are as joyful as they are unexpected.

Size: 6-11 | Material: Faux fur, resin | Colors: 3 | Heel height: 3.5 inches

Best for Parties

Birdies

View On Birdies.com View On Zappos $165

What We Love: They’re both extremely pretty and extremely comfortable.

What We Don’t Love: They may slip off a little while walking.

Birdies’ bestselling The Swan model comes in more classic suede or leather colorways, but we’re particularly crushing on the party shoe options here. The black or deep red velvet mules with a sparkly gem-embellished strap have got to be our top choices, but you can’t go wrong with the beaded chevron options or the super glittery ones either. Pair them with a solid-colored cocktail dress to really let these beauties have their moment in the spotlight or with jeans if you simply want to dress up for date night.

Other than that, one typically turns to Birdies when looking for a fashionable shoe that’s also incredibly functional, and that’s absolutely what you’re getting here — whether you go neutral or the total opposite. They come with the brand’s signature seven-layer footbed for extra comfort and a no-slip rubber sole for safety. You can even wear these if your job requires you to be on your feet all day without feeling the strain, which is pretty impressive for such a pretty shoe. Unfortunately, as is kind of par for the course with mules, some people find they need to clench their toes to keep them on while walking.

Size: 5-12 | Material: Synthetic or leather, rubber | Colors: 9 | Heel height: 15mm

What to Keep in Mind

Heel Height

Mules can be flat like our picks from Sam Edelman and Birdies, or low-heeled like the ones from Toteme and Free People, and even high-heeled like those from Arch and Michael Kors. When choosing how high you want your mules to be, consider your comfort level and the occasion. “Lower heels are ideal for everyday wear or when you'll be on your feet for extended periods," says Rounick. "Higher heels can elevate your look for dressier events or evenings out.”

Occasion

For Rosales, mules can truly work for any occasion. “I fell in love with mules because of how versatile they are while still remaining effortlessly chic,” she says. “They truly can be styled in infinite ways but always maintain their cool elegance.” Obviously, use your judgment: If your mules are high-heeled and/or embellished with a bunch of crystals like the Birdies mule, they might be better suited for a night out than for picking up milk, but generally Rosales’ point stands.

Your Questions, Answered

What are mules?

Mules can vary in terms of heel height and fabrication, but other than that they lend themselves to pretty easy definition. “Mules are shoes with no back or constraint around the wearer's foot or heel,” says West. “They’re usually made in a very soft material like leather or suede and have a variety of toe shapes like point, round, almond, open-toe, and square.”

How do you style mules?

Most mule styles are incredibly versatile, making them a smart investment for your year-round wardrobe. “For a polished look, pair them with tailored trousers or a midi skirt and a crisp blouse,” says Rounick. “For a more relaxed vibe, team them with jeans, a tee, and a blazer. Mules also work well with dresses (and oversized tops worn as dresses) and can be styled with socks or tights for colder seasons.”

Are mules comfortable?

Rosales is a certified mule aficionada, and that's partly because they’re such a comfortable style. “They are the most comfortable!” she says. “I am personally really into shoes, but I really prioritize comfort, and mules are absolutely a go-to when it comes to style that doesn't compromise comfort.” West adds that the freedom of movement mules offer is a definite selling point, while Rounick notes that not all designs are created equal. “Look for mules with cushioned insoles, proper arch support, and adjustable straps for added comfort,” she advises. With its contoured footbed and adjustbale strap, Birkenstock Genuine Shearling Lined Clog is one of the most comfortable on our list.

Why Shop With Us

Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle for the likes of InStyle, British Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Refinery29 and many more. As the former associate editor for Her Campus, she was responsible for all style and beauty news coverage. In order to write this article, she researched the best mules out there, and spoke to various fashion experts who shared their recommendations: Gabriela Rosales, a fashion stylist and founder of The Stylist Witch; personal stylist and fashion blogger Tara West; fashion writer Emerald Elitou; model Allison Weiss Brady; and celebrity fashion stylist Brooke Rounick of Fashionably Noted.