What is the difference between mules and clogs. And what is this

If a woman wants to add some zest to her look, she should turn her attention to shoes such as mules. Women's mules have become famous thanks to a wide selection of models from a variety of manufacturers. These summer shoes have an unusual appearance and exceptional comfort to wear; they look harmonious with any look, from sporty to romantic.

What it is?

Mules represent a female version of summer shoes without a back and a cross strap across the heel, always with heels.

There are many versions of the origin of this model, however, historians claim that the first mentions of them date back to Ancient Rome, when noble men who studied philosophy and held high positions in the Roman Empire often wore sandals without backs. At that time, this type of shoe was made of leather; it was considered a symbol of special status and wealth, so only the richest people could afford such sandals.

Spankings came to the countries of the Old World thanks to the crusaders. Over time, representatives of the fair sex took a closer look at the original men's shoes and made them a mandatory attribute of their wardrobe. This brought significant changes to shoe design. So, French women began to decorate lightweight shoes with shiny embroidery, upturned toes, pom-poms and down. At the beginning of the twentieth century, mules became popular among Hollywood actresses. In those years, exquisite sandals with sparkles, stones, rhinestones and feathers adorned the feet of almost all film stars.

However, the shoes were extremely impractical, so they were not widespread among ordinary women, and the popularity of the model gradually faded away.

How are they different from clogs?

Women who are far from the world of fashion confuse mules and popular clogs, however, the models have many differences. To find out how these flip-flops differ, we need to take a closer look at each type of shoe and determine their characteristic features.

The main distinguishing feature of clogs is considered to be their focus on wearing comfort. Accordingly, such shoes are invariably stable, they firmly fix the foot - a clog always has a strong, wide base and a covered top. The most common are models with cork and wooden soles; products with semolina are in demand. The vamp (the part of the shoe that covers the upper part of the leg) is usually solid up to the crease. However, in recent years, fashion designers have offered options with open toes, but even in this case, the foot is firmly fixed.

Speaking about whether women's clogs belong to a particular style, we can classify these shoes as to everyday with classic elements, thanks to comfort and practicality. These models are increasingly being used for everyday active wear.

Despite the fact that mules may resemble clogs, these two types of shoes have many differences.

Firstly, mules in any design are always presented with heels, it may be low and almost invisible, but nevertheless it is always present. Secondly, mules are more elegant and feminine than clogs. The sandal design has an open heel, the vamp can be with or without a toe, and it can be pointed or closed. Fashion designers offer the most original options on straps with perforations or on harnesses.

Mules with stiletto heels look harmonious in combination with strict classic outfits, suitable for evening wear. Models with low heels are more likely to belong to the casual style, however, even street looks in combination with mules suggest a sophisticated and sophisticated wardrobe.

Kinds

Modern designers present women's mules in a variety of styles, which differ in style, decor, features of use and degree of comfort.

Mules can be worn in the form of flip-flops, slippers, sandals or shoes. Looks very impressive Espadrille mules.

Depending on the design of the sock mules can be closed or slightly open, in this case, the configuration of the closed toe can be pointed, rounded or square.

A heel in a mule is a mandatory attribute, but its design can be very diverse: it can be a stable wedge, a platform or a classic stiletto heel.

The vamp can be classic rounded, wicker or asymmetrically cut.

Stylish decor can make mules a trendy and very elegant shoe; beads, rhinestones, as well as feathers, fur and many other decorations are used for decoration.

Materials and colors

Mules can be made from a variety of materials, most often made of leather, suede or textile, At the same time, the color palette is very diverse; you can find on sale black, white, red, yellow, blue, gold and many other models.

Unfortunately, these days there are many unscrupulous manufacturers on the market who offer customers counterfeits of well-known brands. This fact will not surprise anyone now, so it is important to know how to act so as not to make a mistake in choosing the appropriate model. Agree, it will be very unpleasant to pay a considerable price for shoes and subsequently find out that they have nothing to do with your favorite brand.

The most commonly counterfeited leather mules, offering products made from leatherette, often fake shoes are so similar to branded ones that even an experienced shopaholic will not notice the substitution the first time.

However, there are some ways to distinguish real leather from cheap material. Certainly, The simplest test is to burn the surface of the shoe. However, in this way you can significantly damage the goods and then you will have to pay for it. There are much safer methods for assessing the quality of real mules. To begin, touch the material and wait - If the covering is made of leather, then after a couple of minutes it will take on the temperature of the human body.

Another point worth paying attention to is the thickness, in real leather this parameter varies from 0.8 to 1.2 mm. If the thickness of the material of the shoes offered to you is less than the specified range, most likely your shoes are nothing more than a fake - it is better to refuse such a purchase immediately.

The sense of smell also plays an important role: real leather has a rather pungent and not entirely pleasant smell.

When choosing a model, be sure to pay attention to both copies from the pair offered to you: there should be no differences in the stitching of parts, shades and fastenings, the seams should be even on both flip-flops. If you notice rips and unevenness on the surface, refuse to purchase immediately.

Keep in mind: if you do not pay due attention to assessing the quality of shoes, you risk getting low-quality slippers from China at an inflated price instead of real branded mules.

Which ones are in fashion?

Over the years, mules have undergone several design changes. IN In recent years, the following trends have emerged.

• Sock. In addition to the round toe, pointed-toe models have become in demand among the fair sex. This old trend is back at the peak of popularity, it has become truly universal. Such mules harmoniously emphasize evening outfits, complement business suits, invariably giving their owner an elegant and sophisticated look, and decorative additions make branded models even more unusual and original.

• In recent seasons, fashion has made a sharp shift in favor of naturalness. This is why flat soles have become popular again. Low rise is an excellent option for everyday wear, as such products do not create increased stress on the spine. This is the best choice for women who love hiking, as well as active individuals who prefer urban or sporty clothing.

However, do not rush to give up the heel. The creators of stylish modern mules do not limit themselves to classic stiletto heels; today, the collections of leading designers feature square, thickened lasts; curly designs of the most intricate shapes look quite impressive.

• Special attention is paid to decoration. Here, creative ideas have absolutely no restrictions: among the models of famous brands you can find mules with painted tops, embroidery with shiny threads or beads. Products decorated with stones, appliques, textile flowers, and intricate clasps and buckles are in great demand. One of the most unusual trends in recent years is mules with fur and pom-poms. This trend arose not so long ago and has not yet become widespread among fashionistas.

Needless to say, just imagine that you meet a lady in fur sandals on the streets of your city - perhaps even the most advanced people will laugh at such a “hip”. Nevertheless, it is this version of the mule that is preferred by such socialites as Gigi Hadid, Rihanna and many other style icons.

Brands

Mules are included in the shoe collections of many world-famous brands, the most famous are the products of Balenciaga, Gucci, H&M, Zara.

The mules of these brands can be quite elegant, however, and their cost is quite high, so many more budget brands offer alternative options that are accessible to most of our compatriots.

So, if the price Gucci mules seems unreasonably high to you, but you always want to look stylish, then you should pay attention to the ASOS brand. A striking version of the mule with a pointed toe and a metal buckle is suitable for office work and daily walks. These shoes are a bit like slippers, however, the models of this brand allow any woman to create the most elegant look.

Derek Lam offers quite a few interesting mule designs, but the most popular among women are model "Tokyo". Its peculiarity lies in the decor, which reflects the style and spirit of Asia. You can buy these flip-flops in a variety of colors, but the blue ones are considered the most stylish. This rich color immediately catches the eye of others; these mules can effectively complement kimono-style blouses or dresses with flared sleeves.

You will get a rather interesting look if you combine the mules of this model with a skirt or flared trousers. This model is more suitable for a luxurious party, but not for everyday use.

Classic never goes out of style, so Need Supply's eye-catching mules always look harmonious. Everything here is extremely simple: shoes of this brand come in black, white or gray, there is no place for prints with rhinestones, lace or any other decorative elements. These models look perfect with jeans and a hoodie.

If you are uncomfortable in heels, but you like to be bright and attract the attention of others, you should pay attention to exquisite TOPSHOP shoes. Textile mules with a satin ribbon create a feeling of lightness and airiness. In fact, these are the most ordinary house slippers, however, more stylish and impressive.

Keep in mind that wearing such shoes in the rain and slush is strictly prohibited, but on a hot day, without a doubt, you will look like a real queen.

What to combine with?

The main advantage of this shoe is that, thanks to the right heel and style, it can significantly lengthen your legs, making its owner more refined and sophisticated. Mules are summer shoes, they are worn only with the onset of the warm season, the option is optimal for putting together sets with a light wardrobe.

• With summer dresses and sundresses in calm colors.
• A formal business suit can be harmoniously complemented by closed-toe mules.
• For everyday wear, give preference to models with laces and clasps.
• Mules, the top of which is made of textile materials, are usually decorated with narrow stripes - such options effectively emphasize the style, the attributes of which are jeans, trousers or shorts.
• Mules decorated with rhinestones, brooches and large bows with thin stiletto heels will look harmonious for an evening out. Keep in mind that elegant models in bright colors do not need to be combined with office clothes; such a tandem will be inappropriate.

And today this unknown will be fashionable shoes, the names of which we see on price tags or in product descriptions, but we don’t understand what’s what. What are these new mules everyone is talking about? And how are mules different from clogs? Who are grandmothers? Head is spinning.

Today I decided to release the second part of the shoe dictionary. The first one was published quite a long time ago and was dedicated to the types of heels. I assure you that we will not stop at two chapters, otherwise the topic of shoes will not be fully covered, so stay tuned. The point, of course, is not that I’m harmful, but that you simply won’t remember all the names, so we’ll take in new knowledge in portions.

Sandals

I think we'll start with the simplest thing. Sandals are lightweight shoes without heels, the sole of which is secured to the foot with straps or ropes. Similar-sounding “sandals” are easiest to compare with children's boots. They have a heel counter and closed toe.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are fabric slippers with flat rope soles made from natural materials. This, you know, is an eco-friendly option for the summer.

Mules

Mules have won the title of this season's most fashionable shoes, and it didn't just happen. Compared to other shoes, mules are the most comfortable and stable. How to find them? Look for mules with heels, you can't go wrong.

Sabo

Many people do not understand how mules differ from clogs. And I will gladly tell you. Clogs are like mules only with wedges. Therefore, if you call one another, nothing bad will happen. We can say that these are “shoe subtleties” that are practically unimportant in life. As a reference, I will say that in France “clogs” were the name for wooden shoes. And, indeed, for a very long time their wedges were made of wood. My mother once wore wooden shoes like these.

Grandmothers

I would like to say that babushki are called that because they are very similar to grandma’s shoes, but no. The association will be different; in the original, babushi are the shoes of the Turkish Sultan or galoshes without a backdrop. Over time, granny slippers evolved into fashionable leather slippers. Very comfortable and a little funny, probably because of the name.

I hope now you understand what’s what and won’t be afraid of strange names on the label. Stay tuned, the next part of the shoe dictionary will be released very soon.

Fashion changes very quickly. Every season new models appear. The stores are full of all kinds of shoes with different names, which are quite difficult for people not involved in the fashion world to understand. Our online shoe store also offers many new products for the next season.

What are the similarities?

Mules, clogs, clogs, babouches... All these types of shoes have one important feature in common: they do not have a heel.

What are the differences?

There are quite a lot of differences between them. All these shoes have a history, although some types are presented as new items.

Clogs - this can be called any shoe without a backdrop on a platform. She was very fashionable in the seventies of the last century. Clogs often have a fairly high, massive heel; the top can be made of any material. They are usually decorated with large metal rivets along the perimeter of the sole. The shoes are quite rough and heavy in appearance.

Clogs are essentially a type of clog. They were once made of wood and worn by men. She was popular among the poor. Now these are women's shoes with wooden wedges. The sole is mostly solid, sometimes there is a very small heel. The front is completely closed, very deep. Sometimes a small cut is made. There is no backdrop, but a strap is available to secure the clogs at the ankle. They are decorated similarly to clogs.

Mules became fashionable last year. They look graceful and elegant. Available in different models: full-length, with heels (wide or stiletto heels), with a closed or open toe. The main difference from clogs and clogs is the absence of a platform or wedge and the decorations characteristic of them.

Babouches are leather shoes without backs, a type of national Moroccan footwear. They look like house slippers. In hot weather they are comfortable and free. These are shoes with a sharp, elongated toe without a heel, which have no back.

In all the variety of shoes produced, the main thing is to find your own, comfortable and beautiful. We can offer not only shoes for hot weather, but also for the cold season, for example, women's boots of different models.

Debate continues over the viability of the mule trend, which was clearly intended by designers for winter, but the disputants tend to confuse mules and clogs, underestimating the strengths of both. “Kommersant-Lifestyle” decided to figure out what the difference is and which of these can be worn in the cold season.

“Forester boots,” “tractor boots,” and other all-terrain boots are sure to come in handy for a trip to the country or to the mountains, but for parties, brunch with girlfriends, or dancing, you can choose something more unexpected. For example, mules or clogs. By the way, this is not shocking, but in some ways a tribute to tradition - the French aristocracy of the 17th–18th centuries wore clogs exclusively in damp and chilly weather. These shoes provided the dryness and comfort needed when leather or fabric were no longer appropriate for the season. So why not follow her example today?

So, mules or clogs? At first glance, they are the same thing. So what's the difference?

Mules are shoes without a back. Almost any style: with or without heels, imitating brogues, Cossacks or satin evening shoes. The variety of styles is almost limitless. (There are even slip-on mules and sneaker mules, but more on those another time.)

Flat mules, predominantly in evening satin, jacquard or velvet and traditionally embellished with crystals and beads (the N°21 models meet all these requirements), have moved from summer to winter as an alternative to classic evening shoes with heels. They are suitable for a noisy party or gala dinner at home, but for going outside you will need warmer models: made of leather and with thick soles. Or maybe with fur. (Thanks to Phoebe Philo, creative director at Céline, for the fur-lined Birkenstocks.)

Clogs, or clogs in English, are shoes with wooden soles. Don't let heavy traditional Dutch shoes come to mind - the upper part of modern clogs is usually made of leather or suede, and winter versions are complemented by a fur insole. No slipping, warm and beautiful.

Rachel Comey Round Toe Mules

Clogs Zula, Castañer

Robert Clergerie Slingback Mules

Gucci Fur Clogs

The revival of clogs occurred during the hippie era, so models with wooden or cork soles still retain a tangible stylistic connection with the 1960s and 1970s. They are usually worn with long floral dresses and wide jeans, as well as with laconic a-line dresses and cropped trousers without a hint of retro.

Of course, both mules and clogs raise a lot of questions. Are they comfortable to walk in? Isn't it cold? And how, in the end, should you wear them - on your bare leg or?..

In the case of mules, the difficulty is this: you have to press your foot a little so as not to lift the heel from the insole. And in the cold season, when mules are recommended to be worn with thick tights, it is almost impossible to keep them on the foot - there is almost no “adhesion” between the leather sole and nylon (or even cotton). Conclusion: it is better to choose a model with a strap on the heel.

Mules with a strap are quite an option for a cold winter (about the same as popular ankle boots with cutouts down to the insole on the sides, for example, like Balenciaga from the time of Ghesquière). Especially if they have medium or high thick heels. The same ankle boots, but the lack of a heel turns them into a non-trivial stylistic statement. For temperatures near zero, which in central Russia have recently been half of winter, it is quite suitable.

But designers almost never make winter versions of clogs without a strap: apparently, the massive wooden sole requires additional fixation. So clogs with a sheepskin insole, like Fendi and Alexander McQueen, or with fur, like the popular Gucci models (the fur is so long that it sticks out), seem not just a stylish accent, but also a completely comfortable model. If we lived in New York and followed the principle of ignore the chill factor, it would be considered particularly chic to put fur-lined clogs on your bare leg and then quickly run from the car to the cafe door, but in the harsh reality, clogs look great with tights of any shade and even a set with an ordinary black down jacket they turn into a complete and stylish look. In general, there are plenty of reasons to think about choosing clogs for winter.

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Yana Demchenko

A few seasons ago, the fashion community was divided into two camps: those who hated Birkenstocks and those who were crazy about them. Rough orthopedic sandals fit perfectly into normcore norms. But as soon as normcore gave way to a more sophisticated minimalism, the need arose to modify the shoes. Laconic mules with a closed instep have returned to fashion, and in the new season babushkas have been added to them. Read more about the history of the babushka and mules in ours, and in this article we will show you what you can wear them with this summer.

Grandmothers

Babouches are soft shoes without a heel and without a heel, a kind of leather house slippers originally from Africa. A distinctive feature of this type is the heel, which is not only absent from the design of the shoe, but, as if worn out, is embedded inside. In our selection, we present alternative options inspired by grandmothers - models with a closed and open nose. These models do not have a heel in the design, and they stay on the foot thanks to the upper, which completely covers the instep.

Wear grannies with simple cut items - a tunic, a straight coat, a shirt dress. Craft styles made from thick, soft leather, for example, will look natural with denim and linen, while more elegant babouches can be worn with silk and velvet. An open heel is not a reason to refuse shoes for an evening out. Velvet and satin babushkas, as well as models with rich decor, go well with a lingerie-style evening dress, pajama suit and satin trousers.

Flip-flops

Orthopedic flip-flops, like Jimena Gil and Calvin Klein, are another alternative to boring Birkenstocks. Similar in shape, but less massive due to the straps, flip-flops will become everyday summer shoes. We don't recommend wearing them to work, but for walking around the city on a hot day, you can't think of anything better.

The design is well thought out, so the shoes do not slip off your feet, but nevertheless, flip-flops require some skill: putting them on for the first time, you risk rubbing a callus on the delicate skin of your fingers. We recommend wearing your shoes at home or for short distances, and if trouble does happen, use it. If you're not familiar with it yet, we highly recommend it, it's practically magic.

We recommend leaving simpler beach flip-flops, like those for the beach and surrounding areas. Wear them with a swimsuit and tunic, and for walks along the promenade, wear them with a high-waisted midi skirt and a short, fitted top.

Mules

The name “mules” did not appear yesterday, but we learned about it. Mules are very similar to clogs, some models can even be classified as both types. There are no strict division criteria, so we propose our own classification: mules are distinguished from clogs by a more refined shape, an open toe and the obligatory heel. We classify anything that has a more massive shape, a wedge heel and a closed nose as a clog. The types are discussed in more detail in.

The advantage of mules is that, depending on the decor, they can be adjusted to different clothing styles. The model's caramel skin, charming fabric bow and comfortable heel call for a pencil skirt and blouse, and gold stilettos immediately make you want to wear a cocktail dress. For every day, architectural metal heels are an excellent choice. The soft leather upper is comfortable on the foot, and the natural colors are versatile when paired with jeans.