Toes are out. Show us your heels in these luxe mules and clogs perfect for dressing up or down.
Crocs, the king of the slip-on, 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. Bad Bunny’s worn them out. So have Macaulay Culkin and Michelle Yeoh. Crocs just named Pete Davidson as its newest ambassador. 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 sockless footwear, especially if you’re overdue for that pedicure.
Clogs and mules have earned a permanent spot in the current wardrobe rotation — and the runway has a lot to do with it. Chemena Kamali signaled a return to the flowing, free-spirited hippie look with Chloé’s Fall 2024 collection, and it’s been picking up steam ever since. Miu Miu and Ulla Johnson are now fashioning clogs with a ’90s slide silhouette, with peep-toes and flatform wooden soles, while a monochrome color palette moves these shoes beyond boho.
The versatility is a big part of the draw. “From a style perspective, I love clogs because they instantly add character and a touch of effortless, vintage-inspired charm to any outfit,” UK-based content creator Tandya Franchini told The Zoe Report. “They are timeless and make any outfit feel more intentional. Clogs can make even the simplest look feel more fashion-forward. I also love how they transition seamlessly between seasons, bringing that playful yet polished vibe all year round.”
How to style clogs and mules
Warm weather or cold, both silhouettes pull their weight. Marina Larroudé, co-founder and CCO at shoe brand Larroudé, says pairing a clog with “wide-leg denim and a blouse or perfect sweater” is an easy way to embrace the ’70s bohemian trend. She also makes the case for a dress. “I see clogs paired with floaty, romantic dresses — something in the spirit of Isabel Marant or early Chloé,” Larroudé told The Zoe Report. “There’s a laid-back elegance to the combination.” Come fall, Franchini leans into layering. “Styling clogs with socks, wide-leg jeans, and chunky knits or oversized blazers. They work so well with cozy textures and help balance casual and refined pieces.”
Mules are just as adaptable. In winter, wear them with jeans and socks, or try a mid-length leather skirt with socks showing for a bit of contrast. They also sit well under oversized pants, letting the front peek through. For a more polished take, opt for a closed-toe, slip-on style with a minimalist finish, keep accessories classic — a leather tote, a buckled belt — and clogs blend right into a tailored look.
The Birkenstock Boston remains the most reliable entry point into the category. Its Boston clogs have become a go-to weekend staple, typically styled with socks and a wide-leg jean. Celebrities like Emma Watson and Kendall Jenner have been spotted wearing them, while brands like Prada and The Row are making the case for mules as a year-round staple. The shearling-lined versions — available in suede, leather, and vegan-friendly materials — make a strong case for cold-weather wear, too.
Best mules and clogs of 2026
The staying power of the clog and mule ultimately comes down to what they offer that most trend-driven footwear doesn’t: genuine utility dressed up as style. These options offer style and functionality.
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, these clogs are sure to bring the compliments— whether you’re 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.
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