Mules and slingbacks: how to choose

How to choose mules and slingbacks

Start with the back of the shoe. A mule is open at the heel and slips on in one step, so it suits days when you want a clean line without fastenings. A slingback has a strap that sits around the heel, which gives a little more security while leaving the side of the foot open. Neither shape is harder to wear than the other; the difference is how much hold you want and how formal you need the finish to be.

Think about the hours you will spend in them. A low, flat mule is easy for a desk day and a short walk to lunch, while a fine stiletto or a thick heel gives height for a wedding, a dinner or an evening party. In our collection, the closed-toe stiletto mule sits at 5-8 cm, the suede peep-toe slingback has a thick heel, and the pointed-toe slingback has a slender heel. If you want the ease of a slip-on with a closed back, the stretch slip-on high heel pump is a useful alternative.

Consider the toe shape as well. A closed toe reads polished and works with tailoring; a peep toe shows a little skin and feels lighter for warm evenings; a pointed toe sharpens the line of the leg. A canvas mid-top slingback sneaker takes the same slingback idea in a softer direction, with a strap around the heel and laces to set the mood. Choose the shape that fits the way you already dress, rather than the one you think you should wear.

Materials, details and fit

Material changes how a mule or slingback feels and how it should be looked after. Suede has a soft, velvety nap that shifts in the light, as on the peep-toe slingback with side bow. Smooth PU gives a clean, even surface that holds its shape, which you will find on the closed-toe mule, the pointed-toe slingback and the stretch pump. Canvas is lighter and more casual, as on the mid-top slingback sneakers, where sheepskin suede trim softens the edges and a cloth lining sits inside.

Look at the lining and sole as closely as the upper. The suede peep-toe slingback has a PU lining that sits smooth against the foot, while the pointed-toe slingback has a rubber sole that meets polished floors with grip. The closed-toe mule has a smooth PU upper and a plain finish that lets the colour lead. The stretch pump uses a stretch upper that glides on and a rubber sole underfoot. These details matter more than a long list of features: they tell you how the shoe will meet the floor and how tidy it will stay.

Fit is mostly about the strap and the instep. A slingback strap should sit close to the heel without pressing, so take your usual EU size where the strap is designed to sit close. On a slip-on with an elastic band, check that the band sits snug across the instep rather than loose. With a stretch upper, let the shoe settle closely around the foot and take the size that feels close but not tight. Try shoes at the end of the day when feet are at their fullest, and walk a few steps on a hard floor to see how the heel lands.

How to style them

Let the shoe set the tone. A closed-toe stiletto mule is neat with tailored trousers for the office and with a slip dress for a summer dinner; the closed toe keeps the line polished while the heel adds height. A pointed-toe slingback has a sharper, more deliberate line, so it works with a midi skirt, tailored trousers or a slip dress for a wedding or a long dinner. Keep the rest of the outfit clean and let the colour lead, whether you choose red, green, black or purple.

The suede peep-toe slingback with its side bow is a softer finish. Wear it with a midi skirt or tailored trousers when you want a heel that carries you from a meeting to dinner without looking severe. The thick heel gives it a different balance from a fine stiletto, so it sits well with a structured bag and simple jewellery. A peep toe also gives you room to show a neat pedicure in warmer weather, though it is just as good with a closed trouser hem in autumn.

For a more casual pair, the canvas mid-top slingback sneakers finish a cotton dress or a wide trouser without asking for attention. The white canvas and blush rose accent feel light, and the two lace options in pink and white let you change the tone. The stretch slip-on high heel pump is the piece to reach for when you want a closed back with the ease of a slip-on: wear it with wide-leg trousers and a fine knit, or with a simple dress for an evening. In every case, keep the hem in mind. A cropped trouser or a midi skirt shows the shape of the shoe, while a long, wide hem lets the heel do the work.

Care and storage

Give shoes a little space and they will keep their shape. Store mules and slingbacks in a dry place away from direct sun and direct heat, and keep each pair separate so the uppers do not rub against each other. Tissue paper or a soft shoe tree inside the toe helps a closed-toe mule or pointed slingback hold its line. For a slingback, fasten or lay the strap neatly rather than letting it crease under the weight of the other shoe.

Suede needs a soft brush and a light touch. Brush with the nap rather than against it, and deal with marks when they are dry rather than rubbing them in. Keep suede away from heavy rain and let it dry naturally if it does get damp, away from radiators and direct heat. Smooth PU and canvas are simpler: wipe PU with a soft, slightly damp cloth and let it air, and brush dry canvas with a soft brush. Do not soak either material.

The sole and heel deserve a glance now and then. Wipe grit from the sole after wearing, and check that the heel tip is not worn down; a small repair early is easier than a big one later. Let shoes air after a long day before putting them away, and rotate pairs so one is not worn every day. These habits are simple, but they keep the line of a mule or slingback neat and the upper looking cared for.

Standout pieces

• Closed-Toe Stiletto Mule: A closed toe keeps the line polished while the fine stiletto and 5-8 cm heel add height, and the slip-on shape means there are no buckles to see to.
• Suede-Look Peep-Toe Slingback with Side Bow: Soft suede, a rounded peep toe and a bow set to one side give this slingback its character, while the thick heel spreads weight evenly through a long lunch or late presentation.
• Pointed-Toe Slingback Stiletto Pump: A pointed toe and a slender heel make a deliberate line, and the PU upper comes in red, green, black or purple over a rubber sole.
• Canvas Mid-Top Slingback Sneakers: White canvas with a blush rose accent, a slingback strap and two lace options in pink and white make this a softer, faintly retro choice.
• Stretch Slip-On High Heel Pump: A stretch upper slips on in one movement and holds the foot in a close line, with a profiled heel, a rubber sole and a choice of beige or black.