Toes are out. Show us your heels before it’s boot season in these luxe, leather-free mules and vegan clogs perfect for dressing up or down.
Crocs keep finding ways to stay afloat: Questlove accepted his 2022 Academy Award in a pair; Justin Bieber sported them to the Grammys that same year. Celebs from Madonna to Saweetie to Post Malone have been spotted in the rubber shoes. But you don’t need a red carpet to get in on the action. Nor do you need to wear Crocs. From sexy to beach-ready, these luxe clogs and mules are perfect autumn footwear, especially if you’re overdue for that pedicure.
Styling mules and clogs
As ’70s boho fashion staples have made a resurgence in the past few years, clogs and mules are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and price points — meaning there is a pair out there for everyone.
With their simplistic slip-on features and favorable versatility, they are ideal for those looking for easy and comfortable footwear options. They are the perfect combination of comfort and style, and you will find yourself reaching for them all year round, the cold winter months included.
By design, clogs are meant to be the epitome of comfort. And nothing encapsulates this better than the other celeb favorite: the Birkenstock Boston Clog. Available in a variety of colors and styles, this particular clog focuses primarily on comfort.
It is ideal for at-home cozy slippers or popping out for coffee with friends. And as the temperatures drop, they will keep your feet warm.
Best vegan and recycled leather clogs and mules
Why ditch the leather? Long a fashion staple, brands are swapping out leather to increase their sustainability efforts. Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of human-caused climate change, — about 15 percent — and that means animal textiles are a problem, too.
Leather tanning also presents a host of environmental problems. Chrome tanning, one of the most common tanning methods, is highly toxic to workers as well as a common contaminant in waterways and landfills.
Vegan alternatives to cow leather, however, can be quite the opposite — supporting regenerative crops, made from recycled materials, and using up food waste, are just some of the innovations in the space. Try for yourself with these super sexy, super fun clogs and mules.
Simon Miller Bubble Clog
These stunning Simon Miller clogs are smooth and soft, featuring a minimalistic design and a thick, supportive platform. The LA-based brand bridges fashion and lifestyle, with a nod to mid-century mod, and a playful take on classic luxury. Made in Portugal from vegan leather and rubber, these clogs are sure to bring the compliments— whether wearing them day or night.
Bottega Veneta Puddle Rubber Flash Clog
Step into the future according to Bottega Veneta with these super sleek rubber clogs. Made entirely from rubber, the slingback strap makes them a perfect clog for a light hike or beach stroll. They’re perfectly suited for a brunch outing, too. Made in Italy, with Bottega Veneta’s meticulous eye for detail, this cult-favorite luxury brand bridges minimalism and luxury, and these clogs are proof.
Birkenstock Boston Vegan Clog
What would a clog list be without Birkies? The classic Boston clog was a staple for the counterculture of the 1970s, and the vegan version is stepping the brand into the future with its iconic cork-latex footbed and its Birkibuc vegan nubuck upper. A signature staple that dresses up or down and never goes out of style, these German essentials are an eco closet must.
Stella McCartney Elyse Slingback Platform Clogs
Leave it to Stella McCartney to make the fiercest sustainable footwear. A leader in sustainability, McCartney has always eschewed leather, finding creative ways to deliver style and function without harming animals or the planet. Enter: the Elyse Slingback Platform Clog. A slingback with a Vibram platform sole, the Italian-made clogs are a mix of rubber, viscose, and polyurethane for comfort that will give Crocs a run for its money.
Ganni Off-White Lace-Up Mules
Ganni is stepping big into its sustainability commitments, and that includes footwear, too. After announcing its recent plans to phase out all animal leather, these stylish mules are made with recycled leather and Pélinova, a next-gen material that is part of Ganni’s Fabrics of the Future initiative. Inspired by 1920s lace-up boots, the Off-White Lace-Up Mules combine nostalgia with a contemporary appeal.
Prada Foam Clog
Prada is well on its way to becoming synonymous with recycled nylon, but with these foam clogs, it’s making the case for rubber as the new leather. Versatile and soft, these slide on like clouds and keep your feet feeling afloat even after hours of standing. Perfect for a beach party, festival outing, or just around the house, you’ll never want to take these off.
Gucci Perforated Platform Mules
Whether you’re after style first or comfort, Gucci is making sure that you don’t have to choose in the Platform Mules. Made with a chunky perforated sole, you’ll feel your weight distributed as you glide through your day. Rubber through and through, you’ll wonder why shoes are ever made from anything else.
Balenciaga x Crocs HardCrocs Mule
Crocs and Balenciaga deliver the best of all worlds here in a platform clog sandal with supple leather-like rubber. The bold black and studded design is perfect for a spring night out, but these will do you well through to the first frost, too. Slide in and stay in whether out for a night of drinks and dancing or sipping coconuts on the beach.
Sylven Cass Mule
The Cass is Sylven’s first-ever slip-on mule and it’s a gorgeous offering. The soft vegan nappa leather and regenerated rubber sole are handcrafted in Italy for comfort and style. Wear these to the office and then out to dinner without skipping a beat. They’re the perfect slides that will make you itch for a reason to get out of the house and show off your heels.
Rag & Co Recycled Leather Platform Clogs
These recycled leather clogs combine effortless style with sustainable design. A molded sole and high platform block heel add modern structure, while a closed round toe and gleaming stud embellishments lend a refined edge. Finished with light-cushioned insoles for all-day comfort, this slip-on pair brings versatility and polish to any look.
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