You hate tying conventional sneakers, and loafers are too stuffy to deal with on occasion.
So what’s the alternative? Well, that’s where mules come in.
They’re the upscale alternative to kicks and a polished downgrade of dress shoes.
They’re versatile slippers that come in various styles and builds.
Depending on how they look, you can wear them to wedding ceremonies or backyard barbecues, and the great part is that these slip-ons will never feel annoying to wear.
I scoured every corner of the internet looking for the best mules for men. Some have beautiful, intricate designs; others are built with the most comfortable insoles.
Keep reading to know more.
Key Takeaways
On the hunt for the best mules for men, I researched hundreds of notable brands and Amazon listings. I analyzed the products’ descriptions and judged my top seven based on material, fit, and color.
My best overall is the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Coast to Coast Mule because of their functionality and modern appeal. They are followed by the Crocs Unisex-Adult Mules, which are a beautiful pair that balance timeless elegance with an affordable price range.
Why they’re great: The Skechers Men’s Equalizer Coast to Coast Mule adds comfort to an athletically cool pair of shoes. The memory foam insole keeps your feet cozy and relieves them from pain even if you walk for long hours. They come in five solid colors, making them easy to pair with most of your staples.
The slip-on nature of these men’s mules means that you will never have to deal with tying your shoes again and again. They are also durable enough for sports activities, and the suede and mesh upper provides enough breathing room to keep your feet from sweating so much.
Who are these for? Great for guys who want a comfortable, stylish pair of mules.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You might feel the nylon threads inside the shoe.
Material: 100% Suede Mesh | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–14 | Colors Available: 5
Why they’re great: If you want a stylish, affordable pair of shoes that you can confidently wear both indoors and outdoors, then try the Crocs Unisex-Adult Mules. They are built to mimic genuine, full-grain leather mules minus the expensive price tag. They’re simplicity offers timeless and classy elegance, which makes them appropriate for smart-casual casual events.
The backless and slip-on construction makes them easy to put on and off wherever you go. The shoes’ deep heel cups provide you with enough arch support, giving you maximum comfort even when you are standing all day. They also have a roomy fit, so they won’t suffocate your feet as you wear them.
Who are these for? A good choice if you want a budget-friendly yet trendy pair of mules.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Even though they are some of the best mules for men, they aren’t as breathable as other shoes.
Material: 100% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | Sole Material: 100% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | Sizes Available: 4–15 | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: The Dansko Men’s Karl Mules are meant to tank daily hard labor and look good while doing it. They are open-back shoes that feature anatomically contoured PU midsoles, padded instep collars, and anti-fatigue rocker bottoms that build up your forward motion while walking.
The leather upper gives them a polished finish, making them ideal for elevating your outfits without sacrificing foot comfort. They go perfectly well with jeans, khakis, chinos, and even shorts. The roomy reinforced toe box protects your feed from impact while also giving enough wiggle room for your toes.
Who are these for? The optimal choice for men who want both style and luxurious comfort for their shoes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: With these men’s mules, you need to order a size larger than your usual if you plan to wear socks.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Polyurethane | Sizes Available: 9.5–14 | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: If you want to appear glamorous, then try the Steve Madden Men’s Dazzling Mule. The black variations have beautiful leather uppers, showcasing that sleek, classic, loafer look. The Camel Nubuck option matches well with white trousers or khakis.
They both have metal horse-bit ornaments, which add understated elegance to the overall construction. The travel quilting also cushions the shoes’ interior for maximum comfort. They can pass as dressy shoes for formal events as long as you pair them with socks. You won’t have to deal with tight Oxfords as you mingle with friends and co-workers.
Who are these for? Men who want mules to take to corporate events will find this pair more than appropriate.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These men’s mules might be a bit too narrow for some.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Synthetic | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 2
Why they’re great: Like most of their footwear, the Merrel Men’s Encore Bypass 2 Moccasins are built for daily travel. They have a mesh upper for proper air circulation and a removable footbed that has shock absorption features. The nylon arch shank offers midfoot support and the brand’s heel air cushion adds stability.
Their rubber outsole gives superb grip and traction that you won’t trip no matter how hard you run, jump, or climb. Think of these men’s mules like hiking shoes in the form of slip-ons, only softer, roomier, and with no laces. Built to last, they can easily become your footwear staples wherever you go.
Who are these for? People who want a pair of durable, soft, and comforting mules will enjoy these.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are some of the best mules for men. However, the rubber heel configuration takes some time to get used to.
Material: 100% Leather and Mesh | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–15 | Colors Available: 2
Why they’re great: Fans of shoes made from animal hide will love the Erphre Paul Men’s Backless Loafers. They are handmade from 100% leather uppers. The intricate craftsmanship that comes with this lovely pair of mules for men is matched by their outstanding durability and lightweight structure.
Equipped with impact-resistant insoles, these mules for men keep your feet comfortable while you walk, lessening foot pain. They also have moisture-wicking features, preventing the accumulation of bacteria that cause bad odor. The brand’s outsole includes the brand name, which is an indication that you have bought an original pair and not an imitation.
Who are these for? Perfect for gentlemen who love leather-made shoes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: They might slip off because of their backless construction.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–15 | Colors Available: 6
Why they’re great: Prioritizing arch support without sacrificing appearance, the OrthoComfoot Men’s Orthopedic Slip-On Loafers improve foot and leg alignment through their orthotic insoles. They are made of hard TPU and PU memory foam that enhance comfort and ease pain on the foot and heel caused by pronation, bunions, arthritis, and more.
The Latex metatarsal pad of these men’s mules helps relieve pressure and fatigue while the unique massaging gel absorbs shock. Their rugged construction can withstand external impact, keeping your feet nice and cozy while you are walking.
The exterior features a sleek canvas upper that is perfect for matching your denim or chino shorts. You can wear them and feel great every day.
Who are these for? People looking for mules to relieve their foot pain should try these shoes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re a bit loose to wear.
Material: 100% Canvas Upper | Sole Material: 100% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and Rubber | Sizes Available: 8–14 | Colors Available: 12
Buying Considerations For the Best Mules for Men
Size & Fit
Think of slippers with a slightly sophisticated upgrade: those are mules. If you have wide feet, then options that have narrow uppers might not work well for you. Instead, you can go for clogs with a lot of wiggle room for your feet.
You want to avoid items that are too tight or too loose, either. The former will suffocate your feet; the latter increases the risk of your footwear slipping off.
Color
The colors should match the outfit you will pair the shoes with. A solid pair of black leather mules will go great with dress pants and chinos. Two-colored slip-ons, especially choices that have vibrant shades, are more appropriate for athleisure outfits. Wear them with sweatpants, shorts, or jeans, and you will still look great. Maximizing the mules’ understated elegance will depend on how you will wear them.
Material
Materials also matter, and this will depend on your preferences. Leather shoes will last longer than other materials, but they can be a bit troublesome to maintain. They do, however, upscale any attire you wear, so the payoff is great. If you want something more breathable, then go for options that have mesh uppers. They provide good air circulation that keeps your feet dry.
How We Chose
Weeding out the average from the best mules for men involves carefully analyzing the brands’ claims. Most of them will insist that their products are made from the finest materials while boasting “unique” features with little to no evidence to back them up. To make an accurate assessment, I crafted this list using the following criteria:
Purpose: Where and how will you wear your mules? Will you use them for formal events or not? I picked shoes that can cater to specific needs.
Design: Some are just built with more intricate details that give the shoes a unique and beautiful flair. I made sure to find designs that would match well with certain clothes and outfits.
Customer Reviews: The things that customers say about the product indicate how great the product is. If enough people vouch and love the item’s features, then it’s worth a buy.
Price: You shouldn’t blow a hole in your wallet just because you need a new pair of shoes. To help readers maximize their investments, I balanced quality and price when writing this list.
Why Trust Us?
Joe Niehaus is an experienced product reviewer, researcher, and writer who has extensive knowledge and experience in men’s clothing. He has tackled similar categories like finding the best sandals for men, so he has a strong familiarity with what guys need for high-quality, comfortable mules.
His methods include scouring online listings and analyzing the footwear’s design and function while also considering testimonials from customers. The approach gives his readers valuable information from first-hand experiences, allowing them to make informed decisions that will benefit them the most, particularly investing in the best mules for men.
Final Verdict
The best mules for men should strike a balance between breathable comfort and style. The Skechers Men’s Equalizer Coast to Coast Mule offers enough functionality to keep your feet comfortable and dry while sporting a sleek design that can match well with different clothes. Their desirable features and nearly 9000 positive reviews on Amazon prove that they’re a must-buy pair.
FAQ
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The best mules for men can upscale any man’s outfit, depending on the shoe’s design and material. A leather pair will work well alongside dress pants and button-downs, while canvas builds go great with jeans.
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It’s better to measure your feet without socks to get the proper feet, but when you are in doubt, just round down for mules. They are prone to falling off when they are loose, so it’s preferable to keep them snug.
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The backless nature of mules provides easy and pain-free walking. Think of them as slippers with an upscaled and polished appeal.
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