- A mule is a type of shoe that is backless. If a shoe has no back or strap around the heel and is designed for the foot to slide into the shoe, it is a mule.
- In ancient Rome, a mulleus was a ceremonial shoe made of dark red leather, worn by highly-placed Roman officials. Later the term "mule" referred to the shape of the shoe, not the color or material. In the Baroque period (1680-1720), mule shoes with heels were favored by both men and women.
- Throughout the times that followed ancient Rome, the mule shoe conveyed status by implying luxury. Common people could not work wearing a shoe that would slip off so easily. The elite in society showed they had no need to work by displaying their feet in backless shoes.
- Among modern consumers, mule shoes are popular for two reasons: the slip-on style is convenient, lacking any time to put on with no buckles or laces to tie, and mules can be worn with any style of dress from casual to formal.
- Normally close-toed, mules can also be open-toed. Mule shoes can be clunky or delicate, platform or flat or heeled, round-toed or pointy-toed. Consumers can find any style shoe in mule styles. Mules can be created with any number of materials.
