If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between these two styles of shoes was, you’re in the right place. Here’s the difference between clogs and mules, plus what they’re used for.
Clogs and Their Uses
Originating in Scandinavia, clogs were simple wooden shoes worn by the working class. They were backless shoes with platform soles. They were popular due to their support and comfort.
Today, they’re popular for the same reasons. They are much more common in the workplace due to their low heel and arch support. Many clogs today feature straps across the foot to help them stay on better and make them more comfortable to wear.
Many nurses wear clogs today because they are comfortable to wear for the long hours they must spend on their feet.
Mules and Their Uses
Unlike clogs, mules originated in France and were primarily worn by the aristocracy. These shoes were more formal than clogs; they featured open backs with high heels and no platform soles.
Mules are more popular today due to their fashion-forward nature. Though less comfortable, many women own a pair of mules, even if they don’t realize it. Mules are also sometimes called loafers.
Some retailers have mixed mules with cowboy boots to create a shoe that shares the best parts of both. These women's country shoes have the iconic heel of a mule with the closed back of cowboy boots.
The result is a shoe that resembles an ankle boot, usually with a chunky heel. They’re perfect for a night out if you’re looking for something with some flair that won’t fly off while you’re dancing.
In Conclusion
So, if you’re uncertain, a high heel means that it’s probably a mule, while a low heel and a platform mean the shoe is probably a clog. Now you know the difference between clogs and mules and what they’re commonly used for in the modern day.