Are Mules the Footwear of the Summer?
Every summer there is always one footwear silhouette that quietly takes over. A few seasons ago it was chunky sneakers. Then we had the rise of loafers and technical runners. Recently we talked about comfort driven footwear in our comfortable sneakers selection, and even in vintage pieces that prioritize easy everyday wear. Now there is another category slowly coming back into focus.
Mules.
The open back shoe has always lived somewhere between casual and refined. It is easy to wear, easy to slip on, and surprisingly versatile. What started as a niche option has slowly become a serious footwear trend again. More brands are experimenting with mule silhouettes, from outdoor labels to luxury fashion houses.
The reason is simple. Mules combine comfort with style in a way that feels effortless during warmer months. You get the structure of a shoe but the relaxed feeling of a sandal.
This week’s selection looks at several mule styles across different aesthetics. From classics that defined the category to modern reinterpretations pushing the silhouette forward.
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed
If we talk about mules, we have to start with the classic. The Birkenstock Boston is probably the most recognizable mule ever made.
For decades this model has been a staple because it simply works. The cork footbed molds to your foot over time and becomes incredibly comfortable the more you wear it. The suede upper adds softness and flexibility, while the closed toe gives it more versatility than a sandal.
You can wear the Boston with loose trousers, shorts, or even relaxed tailoring. It is the kind of shoe that proves comfort and style can easily coexist. Every summer it comes back again, and every summer it still makes sense.
Available at Birkenstock
Studio Nicholson Barlow Slip On Loafers
Studio Nicholson approaches clothing with a very refined design language. Clean shapes, great materials, and timeless silhouettes.
The Barlow slip on loafers translate that philosophy into a mule style. The shape feels elegant and minimal, almost like a traditional loafer that has been simplified. The leather construction keeps it polished while the open back makes it relaxed enough for everyday wear.
This is a perfect example of how mules can feel elevated. It is a shoe that works with wide trousers, linen suits, or simple summer outfits.
Available at SSENSE
COS Leather Mule Loafers
COS often manages to deliver design focused pieces at a more accessible price point, and these leather mule loafers follow that formula well.
The shape is classic and understated, which makes them easy to style. They have that traditional loafer appearance but the mule construction makes them lighter and more casual. For someone curious about the mule trend, this is probably one of the easiest entry points.
They feel modern without being overly experimental, which is exactly where COS usually performs best.
Available at COS
Dr. Martens San Leather Mules
Dr. Martens brings its own identity into the mule conversation.
The San leather mule keeps the recognizable Dr. Martens attitude but adapts it into a more relaxed silhouette. The chunky sole adds weight and character, while the leather upper keeps that rugged aesthetic the brand is known for.
This pair feels slightly more rebellious compared to the cleaner loafers. If you like footwear with personality, these stand out while still being practical for daily wear.
Available at Dr. Martens
Adidas Y-3 Regu Mule
When Yohji Yamamoto collaborates with Adidas under the Y-3 line, the results usually lean toward experimental design.
The Regu mule is a great example. At first glance the silhouette feels futuristic, but the details make it interesting. The sculptural shape and technical materials give it a strong visual presence.
This is not the most traditional mule on the list, but it shows how the silhouette can evolve beyond classic forms.
Available at adidas
Merrell Jungle Trek Mule
Merrell takes a completely different approach by bringing outdoor heritage into the mule category.
The Jungle Trek mule is designed for comfort and practicality. It has the rugged outsole you would expect from an outdoor shoe, but the slip on design makes it convenient for everyday use.
This type of mule works well for people who want something functional. It feels equally appropriate for quick errands, travel days, or casual outdoor activities.
Available at Merrell
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sabot
If you are looking for a summer friendly mule, the Mexico 66 Sabot might be one of the best options.
Onitsuka Tiger took their classic Mexico 66 sneaker and transformed it into a mule. The result keeps the iconic shape but removes the heel structure, creating something much lighter and easier to wear.
It has that vintage athletic look that pairs well with shorts, linen pants, or relaxed denim. For warm weather styling, this is probably one of the most versatile pairs on the list.
Available at Onitsuka Tiger
Saint Laurent Le Loafer Mule
Saint Laurent has been pushing the classic loafer silhouette heavily in recent seasons.
Turning that loafer into a mule makes perfect sense for summer. The Le Loafer mule keeps the sharp elegance of the original design but feels more relaxed thanks to the open heel.
The eel leather gives it a luxurious texture and makes the shoe feel distinctly high fashion. It is the type of piece that shows how even luxury houses are embracing the mule trend.
Available at Saint Laurent
Final Thoughts
Looking at all these examples, it becomes clear that mules are not just a passing trend. Different brands from completely different segments are exploring the silhouette.
Outdoor brands see them as practical slip ons. Minimal labels turn them into refined everyday shoes. Luxury houses reinterpret classic loafers as summer ready mules.
After focusing recently on comfortable sneakers and vintage pieces that prioritize everyday wear, it feels natural to explore this category as well. Mules sit perfectly between comfort and style, which might explain why they keep returning every summer.
The question now is whether this will finally be the season where mules move from niche option to true mainstream footwear.
From the looks of it, that shift might already be happening.
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