TEN PAIRS OF THE BEST MEN’S MULES FOR 2024
Ten pairs of men’s mules, ranging from Birkenstock to Marni, prove backless footwear has never been healthier.
Sneaker exhaustion is a real thing, and we’ve collectively been working through it for the past few years. There’s still a place for raffles, resale, and collabs, but the general fashion zeitgeist has shifted towards something wholly different: derby shoes, loafers, monkstraps and, of course, men’s mules.
In terms of womenswear, mules have been a regular fixture for a long time, but the rise in popularity of men’s mule shoes is a more recent phenomenon. Guys have been revealing the heel in an attempt to break new, more exciting ground in footwear, and it’s working. In 2024, most big-name lineups featured some sort of men’s mule shoes, whether they take the form of mule loafers, men’s clogs, or more experimental, EVA-molded designs.
From loafer-leaning designs by LE17SEPTEMBRE and JW Anderson to mule sneakers from the likes of AMIRI and both, the world of men’s mules is not only growing in popularity but also in variety. With the ease of a slip-on and the potential for formality or off-duty style, it’s no wonder that mules and clogs are one of the biggest men’s footwear trends of 2024.
Featured In This Image: Diesel loafers
Led by Glenn Martens, Diesel’s star has risen once more. As a pillar of the Y2K aesthetic, the brand has a penchant for bleached and stonewashed denim, as well as a discerning eye for making trends its own. Here, Diesel tackles the men’s mule trend head-on with a classic round-toe design, comfortable cork sole, and eye-catching denim upper.
Featured In This Image: both sneakers
Hailing from Paris, where menswear often skews classic, abiding by time-tested and understated ideals, both stands out as a burgeoning maverick. Its collection of shoes extends from boots to mules, all of which are finished with the same futuristic flair. The Tyres Multilaced Sneakers feature a canvas upper, platform sole unit, and backless silhouette to attract eyes. That’s not to mention the triple-stacked, upside-down lace fastening.
Featured In This Image: LE17SEPTEMBRE loafers
Cut from soft suede, the Bloafer Loafers from Korean fashion brand LE17SEPTEMBRE are more versatile than many of their counterparts. With a forefoot styled after a classic penny loafer, the defining feature comes with the heel or lack thereof.
Featured In This Image: JW Anderson mules
JW Anderson mules are a returning favorite within the category. While the boldly embellished Chain Mules often steal the limelight, quieter pairs like this one offer similar style but in a more wearable package. Made from laminated felt, these mules still carry the kind of flair that has set Jonathan Anderson’s work apart in recent seasons.
Featured In This Image: Birkenstock loafers
German heritage brand Birkenstock has been making mules and sandals for centuries, so it tracks that the brand is held as a bastion of quality and price accessibility. The Birkenstock Boston is, for the vast majority, the easygoing first step into a world of men’s mules. For the real purists, the Boston Exquisite makes use of luxury leather to raise the levels.
Featured In This Image: AMIRI sneakers
AMIRI’s Skeltop Sneakers have been a fan-favorite for several seasons now, carrying the label’s signature bone detailing to the upper. In keeping with one of the biggest footwear trends for men, the Skeltop gets reissued as a mule for 2024. With the heel chopped off, the sneaker becomes an easy slip-on style that comes into its own in spring and summer.
Featured In This Image: CAMPERLAB clogs
CAMPERLAB’s Traktori is better known as a Wellington boot, but it looks just as good in mule form. Actually, the brutalist utilitarian visuals of the design contrast with the more streamlined, summer-leaning mule silhouette, which adds to the character. Retaining the chunky treaded sole unit, this pair is a clash of heavy-duty tooling and off-duty styling.
Featured In This Image: YUME YUME loafers
Founded in 2018, YUME YUME hasn’t had long to assert itself, but this label works quickly. Championed by Lil Yachty in the viral “Poland” music video, the brand’s mules have quickly become an anchor to the unconventional collections.
Featured In This Image: A.P.C. mules
A.P.C.’s signature pared-back character shines with the Danny Mules, which feature a comfortable cork midsole combined with a low-profile leather upper. With a rounded toe and no unnecessary detailing, this pair is one of the easiest to style right now.
Featured In This Image: Marni loafers
Whether they’re coated in long shaggy faux-fur or covered in crystals, Marni’s Fussbett Loafers are always a welcome returning character. With a goatskin lining and black buffed leather uppers, this pair still has its roots planted in classic luxury, but metallic crystal-cut detailing throughout ensures that there’s an unmissable twist in the tale.
- Date: February 8, 2024
