clog meets mule
the vintage brands to know / 15 pairs to shop in the secondhand sonar doc / come say hi at a oakland book talk
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If there was a shoe category that defined my January, it would be the clog-slash-mule. I think the footwear community needs to come up with a better name for this kind of shoe.
To me, a clog is potato-shaped and canonically wooden, but nowadays can be made of out anything from PVC to shearling. And then a mule is just a backless shoe, which can be potato-shaped, but can also be pointy-toed or open-toed. It’s impossible to blend those two words into something cute and quippy. “Cule” and “mog” sound flat; they don’t retain enough of their original words to convey meaning. “Clogule” sounds like a skin condition. See? It just doesn’t work.
But those are the shoes we’re discussing today—clogs, mules, and the venn diagram space between them.
The Platform Clog-Mule
When I tried on these Loeffler Randall platform clog-mules (these feel more clog coded but the website calls it a “mule” and I guess we’re both right), I remember thinking that the 1” platform would be the perfect height for my slightly too-long jeans.
I was right. They gave the extra lift on my beloved dark wash Studio Nicholson jeans so that the hem hovered around the heel without creating a fabric break onto the top of the shoe. The shoes are also super comfy (the shearling padding keeps my foot warm with socks)—I’ve even worn them on short hikes around Point Reyes.
After a few weeks of stomping around in them, I’ve realized how much more I reach for jeans and don’t feel bored by the outfit repetition.
Like these secondhand Levi’s I got in Tokyo two years ago. These shoes gave these jeans a new lease on life because I love how they look together. You get the sturdy look of a boot (and the extra height) without the sensation of restricted calves.
I’ve been wearing this jean and shoe combo so much I’ve started feeling like a cartoon character.
The Western Stacked Heel Clog-Mule
These baby flare jeans have become a wardrobe staple—they are the only flares that work for me! Even with the petite inseam sizing, they still hit the floor when I’m standing barefoot. I typically wear them with my y2k Prada swiss cheese kitten heels.
But I wanted something more rugged and close-toed for styling versatility when I’m feeling a more masculine look. Something with the spirit of a western boot…
I found these gorgeous swirl stitch leather clog-mules and have worn them with my flares three times this past week. They are made by