There's an unspoken belief that all great looks start with a foundational wardrobe. I'd elaborate on that idea even further to say that all great outfits start from the ground up, meaning with your choice of footwear. No one emphasizes this better than Giuseppe Zanotti, who said, "Never underestimate the power of a shoe." Though it's somewhat predictable that a footwear designer would champion this accessory's importance, one must admit he makes a valid point. Footwear is the defining factor of every ensemble—it can make or break the look and provides either ease in mobility or full-fledged pain. It's imperative, then, to have a solid arsenal of shoes. And while numerous shoes serve that purpose, none are as beloved as mules. Characterized as a shoe that does not place constraints around the back of the foot, this silhouette comes in everything from open-toe slides to slinky sandals to kitten heels to open-back loafers. While the versatility in styles available has made mules stick around season after season, that's not the only reason these shoes have become a must-have for any wardrobe. In truth, the power of these shoes lies in their ability to make any outfit feel more bougie. Want to dress up a denim shirt and T-shirt? Add heeled mules. Need to make shorts feel office-friendly? Pair them with mule loafers. You get the picture—mules are the solution to your style woes. Don't believe me? Keep reading as I've rounded up the 40 best mules taking into consideration silhouette versatility, price point, quality, reviews, and editor perspective. These mules prove that every great outfit starts with an equally fabulous pair of mules.
Mules don't have to come in the form of heels. Case in point? Slide sandals. As long as the shoe is backless, it can be considered a mule, even if it's flat. Customer Review: "I am pleasantly surprised by how much I love these sandals! I was hesitant to purchase these. In fact, I had them in my cart for quite a while. I have never purchased a Nordstrom brand shoe before, [and] I was unsure of quality and sizing. I was just overall skeptical about purchasing these. I ended up going for it, [and] I am so glad I did."
Opting for a kitten heel over a pump will make your mules comfortable for everyday wear. Customer Review: "It's a pretty little shoe that is easy to wear with sun dresses, ankle-length pants, and jeans. Quality and price point are a plus as well."
Made of suede and embellished with grommets, this is the ideal pair of pointed-toe mules for shoppers looking to embody the nostalgic trends of previous fashion eras. You can shop them in pink, brown, and black. Customer Review: "These mules are super cute and have a comfortable heel. They feel inspired by vintage Prada from the 2000s."
When it comes to designer shoes that are a safe long-term investment, it doesn't get better than Manolo Blahnik's Hangisi shoes. Not only does this signature silhouette come in various styles (think everything from flat mules to kitten heels), but it never goes out of style, ensuring that you can wear them for years. Customer Review: "This is the first pair of Hangisi flats I have tried. I have them in the higher heel versions. They are very comfortable and run true to size. And [it] goes without saying how pretty they are!"
Tamara Mellon's pillow-top technology provides the perfect amount of padding to all their heels, allowing you to wear them for long periods. Customer Review: "I swore off heels after the COVID-19 shutdowns, especially because I'm 66, not old but [an age where I] still need to opt for comfortable footwear. But these sandals provide the comfort I want. The pillow top stops that annoying clip-clop you dread hearing in a quiet room! Plus, they're a style my friends drool over."
Sure, there might not be a ton of buyer's reviews surrounding Loewe's sculptural mules, but when a pair of shoes is this stunning, are reviews really required? Since their debut on the runway, these sandals have been arguably the most coveted mules among the fashion set and are the ideal investment for anyone who loves to buy cult-status items.
For those looking for a pair of heeled mules that can match everything, look no further than this two-tone pair from Steve Madden. Customer Review: "So cute, comfy, and easy to wear."
These slides continue to be a best seller with our readers month over month, which isn't surprising considering how functional they are. You can style them with almost anything, and they come in nude, lilac, or black. Customer Review: "I am in love with these mule slides. I work 12 hour days in post-production with a standing desk, and these stood up to the test. Incredibly comfortable and adorable. You can't beat comfortable, cute, affordable shoes."
These mules are also available in green, gold, white, and nude. Customer Review: "I went into Nordstrom wanting to try on other mules but decided to try on this Marc Fisher pair, [and I'm] so glad I did! They're very comfortable and are the perfect height. Plus, they are not overly puffy like other mules, so they're easy to style."
You can wear these to a summer wedding or for a warm-weather vacation. Customer Review: "I love these sandals! Super cute, very comfortable, and they go with everything!"
These sculptural mules are given a touch of glamour thanks to the gold logo hardware. Customer Review: "Stunning! So happy I bought them. It takes a while for them to get comfortable, though. Dress up or down!"
A simple way to make this staple shoe feel a bit spicier is by opting for a pair in a hue outside the "normal" neutrals—e.g., the olive green pair above. Customer Review: "I'm on my feet all day working long hours. Do you know which brand always accommodates my requirement of meeting the 3 C's (compliments, cuteness, and comfort)? Intentionally Blank."
Looking for a pair of low-key mules you can quickly slide on? Look no further than this pair from H&M. Available in black and nude, their minimal design makes them the most wearable (and affordable) sandals you can buy for the summer.
The benefit of opting for a closed-toe mule is that you can skip pedicures. Plus, the style can be worn well into the fall. But if that's not enough to sell you, take a second longer to stare at these Reformation shoes. From the pretty bow to the stunning white satin, it's hard not to be sold on the idea of closed-toe flat mules.
The square toe on the footbed of these mules gives them a contemporary feel. Customer Review: "Perfect staple sandal!"
The great thing about these mules (besides them being flat) is that you can shop them in 12 different colorways. Customer Review: "Ilove these shoes. Perfect for work, very professional, comfortable, and stylish. Great buy!"
Note the architectural heel on these—super chic! Customer Review: "I danced all night in these, [and] as a girl that's not used to heels, that's a feat. I swear by these Raye mules."
Vince Camuto's shoes are a well-made option within an affordable price range. Customer Review: "Super cute and comfortable heels you can wear casually or with work attire."
You can shop these flat mule sandals in five other colorways. Customer Review: "So cute! So comfy. True to size."
While Charles & Keith don't have consumer reviews, the brand is beloved and worn among our editors regularly. What's great about their footwear is that it's always affordable and trend-forward. For example, the mules above feature a sculptural heel. The only downside to the brand is that they don't offer half-sizes, so if you're in-between, you'll always want to size up to avoid any potential discomfort.
Speaking from personal experience, Staud's shoes are so well-made, the sizing is always spot-on, the materials last long, and they're so stylish. If you're willing to spend more, these satin mules are the ideal investment, as the '90s-inspired silhouette ensures they'll still be stylish next year too. Plus, you can shop them in four other colors, including a saffron red satin and classic black pair.
With metallic shoes trending right now, there's no better way to tap into the trend than with these kitten-heel mules from Reformation. Not convinced they're easy to wear? Try pairing them with a T-shirt and jeans for a relaxed day look or a little black dress for a night out.
Why settle for buying mules, thongs, or wedges when you can get a pair that melds all three styles together?
The woven raffia upper of these mules gives off peak-summer energy. Customer Review: "I am so beyond happy with my purchase. I needed a pair of cute heels for my husband's work trip to Los Cabos, [and] these slides will be a part of my capsule wardrobe for years to come. They're the type of mules you turn to when you need to elevate your outfits. Plus, it's such as sexy heeled slide!"
There are only two cons to these shoes. There are no half sizes, so you'll have to size up, and you don't already own them. Customer Review: "Beautiful shoe design."
You can also shop these classic open-toe mule sandals in black, white, and caramel brown. Customer Review: "For my fellow high-arch gals, these Jimmy Choo mules are comfortable! I really appreciate where the knot hits, and the incline is perfection. Feet are well supported enough to walk in all day in these shoes."
Everything about these Gucci shoes proves that mules don't have to be basic. Take an extra second to stare at how the upper mesh is adorned with crystals spelling out "GG" or even the more angled shape of the mules themselves—every detail proves how mules can be magnificent.
Released as a part of its S/S23 collection, the Astro mules are quickly becoming the must-have mules from Ferragamo, thanks to its classic wide-band upper and logo-shaped architectural heel.
With loafer-inspired heels continuing to surge, there's no better way to get in on the trend than mules. The great thing about these Simon Miller mules is that they've got all the trappings to become an essential part of any work wardrobe while being cool enough to wear outside the office.
One of the things that make Bottega Veneta's sandals worth buying is the finer details. For example, there are more fashion-focused elements in their footwear (see: the woven knot on the heel of the mules above). And then, there are the more functional elements—e.g., rubber grips on the sole of these shoes to prevent slipping.
The angled tongue on these shoes makes the pointed toe all the more exaggerated.
Silk mules are perfect for special summer occasions. But if you want a shoe that will make you shine, look no further than these Benedetta Bruzziches sandals, which feature a sleek square toe and crystal embellishments on the back.
The kitten heel on these mules makes them the ideal everyday sandal for summer. Customer Review: "Very comfortable and beautifully made."
BY FAR's shoes are a fan-favorite among the fashion set for their melding of classic shoe styles with more trendy elements, though the mules above are a bit more classic.
When in doubt, opting for a pair of mules made from croc-embossed leather will ensure all your summer ensembles feel elegant. Plus, the style will outlast any trend cycle.
Kat Maconie's sandals are the ideal investment for those who love to make a statement with their shoes. While the British brand offers a variety of fun footwear, its mules are noteworthy as they often have classic silhouettes paired with fun heels, like the pair above, which features a chain-inspired heel.
The wonderful thing about these curved mules (besides how unique they are) is that they'll easily transition from summer to fall.
The weaving on these mules mimics the type of rope you'd see used by sailors, but it is made from sheepskin leather, so you know these shoes will outlast every summer storm.
With denim accessories being a standout on S/S 23 runways, these Jacquemue mules are the ideal investment for the season.
Looking for a pair of mules that strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary? Meet these Alexander McQueen shoes. The wide band made from leather is reminiscent of the most popular iterations of this footwear silhouette, while the architectural heel adds an artful flair.
