How to Wear Mule Shoes: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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1Selecting Your Mule Shoes

2Styling Your Mule Shoes

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Co-authored byKalee Hewlett

Last Updated: October 8, 2021

They aren’t exactly revolutionary footwear, but mule shoes have seen a major resurgence this year. Mules are close-toed, backless shoes. While women have been wearing mules forever, it’s a trend that’s been catching on with men as well. The great thing about mules is that, no matter your footwear preference, you can probably find a mule that fits your style. Embrace this trend, and explore different ways to incorporate them into your wardrobe this season.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Selecting Your Mule Shoes

1
Consider heel height. Mules with tall heels are very in right now, but you can get them in any height. There are mule flats, mule platforms, mules with thin heels and mules with big, chunky heels. Think about what kind of heels you’ll be most comfortable in.
2
Think about your current wardrobe. If you’re considering buying a pair of mule shoes, it’s great to find a pair that you can easily incorporate into your current wardrobe. If your day-to-day style is a bit dressy and you wear a lot of blacks and grays, you may want to buy some dressier, black leather mules. If you’re more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of person, you might want to instead grab some lower, more casual mules. You want to have plenty of outfit options to pair your mules with!
3
Give them a test run. Because mules are backless, they might take some getting used to. This is especially true if they have a bit of a heel, especially if you aren’t used to wearing heels. Walk around in the shoe store before purchasing your mule shoes. Then, wear them around the house to get used to them and break them in before wearing them out for the day.
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See Also
Can I Wear Mules With Stockings?

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Styling Your Mule Shoes

1
Pair them with cropped pants. These are the perfect bottoms to pair with your mules. They highlight the backless aspect of the shoe while baring a bit of skin around the ankle, without overdoing it. For a professional look, you can’t go wrong by pairing nice mules with cropped, structured black pants. Top your outfit with a button-down or blouse to complete the look.
2
Rock them with cuffed jeans. For a more casual look, wear your mules with jeans. Jeans that are frayed around the ankle or cropped are perfect. If you have a pair of full-length jeans that you love, cuff them up a bit to show your exposed heel.
3
Wear them with longer skirts and dresses. You aren’t limited to pants when you’re wearing mule shoes. If you want to wear a skirt or a dress, however, it’s best to choose ones that go to or below the knee. The big appeal of mule shoes is the open heel. With a longer skirt or dress, that heel is highlighted. Shorter hemlines can show an excessive amount of skin, which takes the attention away from the great footwear.
- If you do want to pair them with a mini skirt or dress, pair them appropriately. A flouncy, lightweight skirt or dress would pair best with a daintier mule. A heavier, structured skirt or dress would look great with a more substantial mule with a chunkier heel.
4
Wear your mules with tights. It may seem like tights would take away the effect of the bare heel, but they can actually look great with mules. On chillier days, slip on a pair of tights with your favorite mules to transition them into colder weather. However, make sure your tights are completely opaque. Sheer tights and mules don't mix.^[1]
5
Wear mules with wide legged pants. Men and women alike look excellent in a pair of wide legged pants and their favorite mules. Because the hem of the pants swing a bit while you walk, you can show a flash of heel that adds some interest to your ensemble. Whether cropped or floor length, this is a combination that can be used in both casual and professional outfits.^[2]
6
Add a pair of flashy socks. It's been a major trend to pair ordinary suits and dress pants with colorful, patterned socks. Pairing mule shoes with these fun socks can add a pop of color and interest to your outfit. Whether you're wearing a pair of tailored black dress pants or some cropped denim, a pair of bold, whimsical socks can really transform your outfit.^[3]
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Expert Q&A

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Question
How do you pick a mule?
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Expert Answer
Think about the color! A lighter color is going to look more delicate on your feet, but if you're wearing a black mule, depending on the shape, it will typically look more dominant. Just think about balancing and contrasting the right colors with your outfit.
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What outfits look good with mules?
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Expert Answer
Mules look really stylish with trouser suits and pants. They also look great with bohemian-style maxi skirts and dresses.
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About this article

Co-authored by:

Kalee Hewlett

Image Consultant

This article was co-authored by Kalee Hewlett. Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’ This article has been viewed 22,028 times.

14 votes - 79%

Co-authors: 5

Updated: October 8, 2021

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,028 times.

Reader Success Stories

Mary Lee
Aug 14, 2019
"Just bought a pair of cute mules, though wasn't exactly sure how to pair them with pants. Loved the ideas!..." more

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How to Wear Mule Shoes: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

FAQs

How to wear a mule shoe? ›

The easiest way to wear mules is to style them as you would their closest alternative counterpart. Open-toed mules, for example, easily take the place of sandals in any warm-weather ensemble. For an added fashion bonus, choose a brightly colorful pair and wear with subdued neutral separates.

Tell Me More ›

How to walk in mules shoes? ›

Firstly, it's important to make sure your heeled mules shoes are sitting correctly. Ensure that your heel is in the back of the shoe and your foot feels secure. The lower your heel is, the easier it should be to walk in them. Next, keep your core engaged as you go from one step to another.

Learn More ›

How to fit mule shoes? ›

Your mules should offer a snug fit, ensuring they stay secure without slipping or falling off. However, it's essential to strike a balance, avoiding excessive tightness to prevent rubbing and blisters. Whether heeled or flat, mules should provide comfort, allowing easy and pain-free walking.

Show Me More ›

How do mule shoes stay on? ›

The vamp of the mule should fit snugly as that is the only part of the shoe that will keep it on the foot. Leather mules with a soft leather lining is best for molding the shoe to the foot and gripping the foot around the arch area to keep the foot inside the shoe.

See Details ›

What are mule shoes good for? ›

Relaxed Foot: Benefits of Wearing Mules

One of the stand-out features of mules is that this is a backless shoe. If you are dealing with Achilles tendonitis or another type of pain in the back of your heel, the mules will not make it worse. This is because no back will rub or irritate the tendon while you are walking.

Get More Info ›

Are mule shoes fashionable? ›

Mules are a comfortable and fashionable option that can be worn with a variety of outfits. They are different from clogs in that they have an open back, and they come in many different styles and colors.

Know More ›

Do you wear socks with mule shoes? ›

SOCKS AND MULES

Like our sandals, our mules can be paired with socks. You'll find that they soften to your feet the more you wear them, but a pair of DM's socks can help with the infamous break-in. Throwing socks into the mix means you'll also be able to go through every season in your mules – no matter the weather.

Find Out More ›

Why do mule shoes hurt my feet? ›

Flat shoes with open backs, like flip flops and mules, can pose increased risk because there's no ankle support. Shoes without ankle support make sprains, strains, and ankle pain more likely, particularly if you're on your feet a lot while wearing them.

Keep Reading ›

How do you keep mule shoes from flopping? ›

If you're wondering how to keep mules from slipping off, not to worry. First of all, the shoes should be made to stay on if they fit properly, so be sure to buy the right size. Second, these no-slip Foot Petals that I use in nearly all my shoes, work great with mules, giving a little extra padding and grip.

Learn More Now ›

How to wear mules without falling off? ›

Don't slip slide away. I have run into an occasional mule which slip on my feet. To help prevent this, try a half-foot sock with a little thickness to it and on the bottom of the shoe a strip of two- sided tape will slow you down if it slips while walking.

Find Out More ›

How to make mules fit tighter? ›

If you'd like to make your shoes tighter, insoles are a safe bet. An insole is extra padding that you place inside your shoes to add comfort or tighten the fit. A good set of insoles will cushion and support your foot, as well as providing more of a snug fit for loose shoes.

How do I know if my mules fit? ›

Finding Your Perfect Fit: Sizing and Comfort in Mule Shoes

Make sure your foot is even with the back of the sole to make sure the length is correct.
Signs your shoe is too big include rubbing pain or blisters on the front of your foot. ...
Signs your shoe is too small include tingling or numbness in your toes.

Sep 14, 2023

How to Wear Mule Shoes: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

Selecting Your Mule Shoes

Styling Your Mule Shoes

Expert Q&A

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References

About this article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

FAQs

How to wear a mule shoe? ›

How to make mules fit tighter? ›