Hills or flats - Mules are the must-have shoes of the SS season

Breezy enough to hint at warmer days ahead while still acknowledging that it’s not quite sandal season, mules are the ultimate transitional shoes.

The weather may always be unpredictable, but at least your footwear will be something you don't have to worry about. Mules are the perfect transitional footwear, breezy enough to suggest warmer days ahead while still acknowledging that it's not quite sandal season. We would even call them the Goldilocks of shoes - not too covered, not too exposed, just right.

Pairing a classic leather mule with cropped trousers and an oversized button-down is ideal for those days from late winter to early spring when it’s still chilly in the shade but feels like summer in direct sunlight. If you’re eager to start wearing your spring wardrobe but don’t want to shiver through it, a heeled mule combined with a maxi dress allows you to transition into the season without diving in too quickly.

They're so simple to wear for pretty much any occasion, and one thing we love in shoes is versatility. Whether they're simply worn with our favourite jeans and a cool top or swapped for stilettos, see which are the outfits we always wear with our mules.

The word "mule" comes from French and means something like "house shoe." However, mules aren't like traditional slippers meant for wearing around the house; they're perfectly suitable for everyday wear. Although there are many different mule styles, they all have one thing in common: the open heel. This is the defining characteristic of mules. Otherwise, these summer shoes are very versatile: there are both flat models and mules with heels. Some versions have an open toe, others a closed toe. We are bringing You our best choice:

These  Aquazzura Bisous mules are crafted from a lustrous satin, complemented by embellished uppers and 85mm, include over 30 components, each of which is hand-assembled by skilled artisans.

Magda Butrym signature pointed toe mules are recognizable through their 110mm knife heel - her signature shape - and feature Magda's iconic 3D rose at the heel. This seasonal variation has a mesh toe box with all over crystals.

Roger Vivier has perfected the art of shoemaking for almost a century, so it knows a thing or two about timeless styles. These 'Efflorescence' 65mm mules are crafted from lustrous satin with pointed toes, topped with crystal-embellished floral buckles.

Loewe origami flap back pump in soft lambskin featuring a seamless construction with origami-like folds, an open back and hollow 70mm leather-wrapped heel.

Upholding the legacy of Azzedine Alaïa, the maison’s designs achieve an artful balance between sculptural and wearable. Crafted from satin, the Cube mules boast sleek, pointed-toe silhouettes and rest atop sculptural wedge heels.

The Le Loafer mules from Saint Laurent are destined to transcend trends and time. Detailed with the maison's Cassandre motif, they're made from suede with penny straps and gathered uppers.

Step into the Yolande mules from Valentino Garavani. Made from lustrous satin and featuring corset-inspired leather lacing, the pair stands on 45mm heels and features glamorously oversized double bows on the uppers.

Christian Louboutin's 'Miss 'Z' mules are printed with orange and blue motifs that complement the signature red bottoms so nicely. They've been crafted in Italy from faille and metallic leather, embellished with polished studs and crystals and feature almond-shaped peep toes. The 100mm heels offer comfortable height.

Expect to see plenty of this floral print in the months ahead - it's a key motif from Chloé's Spring '26 collection, first unveiled on the runway. These sandals are crafted from satin that wraps elegantly around the heel and is artfully ruched at the peep toe. A fresh pedicure is a must.

Jacquemus The Bisou mules with the sculptural heel, without embellishments. Perfect for the elegant dress code or special occasions.

Malone Souliers - Maureen flat mule returns in a luminous buff satin, detailed with champagne metallic Nappa straps. Sculpted with a pointed toe and signature wave-cut silhouette, it’s finished with a minimal 10mm heel for effortless elegance at every step.