Mules (the shoe, not the offspring of a male donkey and female horse!) seem to be having a moment. For the uninitiated–to qualify as a mule–shoes have to be backless and slip-on.
Popularized by Manolo Blahnik, mules seem to be adorning the feet of multiple fashion elite of late. I’m a little on the fence about celebrating the return of the Mule, let me explain why. But first… Full disclosure: I did wear them as a child, my favorite design was a silver platform mule with rainbow colored jelly straps. Definitely something better left as a fond memory…
You could say I suffer some sort of shoe insecurity. I like my shoes dependable. Something backless and slip-on does not make me feel safe. Running to catch the last bus/train, or weaving around supermarket shoppers who move at a glacial pace, just to grab that last blueberry bagel on the shelf can be a pretty long row to hoe.
You might say it’s all in my head. I think not. Mules are notorious for making walking sound like castanets on Red Bull. Likewise, I’ve never understood the allure of the thongs m)phosis is so famous for. Aside from the perpetual ‘click-clack’ of the heel hitting the floor (marble floors are the worst!), there’s also a slightly less noticeable ‘tip-tap’ sound when the sole leaves your foot and then smacks right back up, faster than a couple engaged in a yo-yo relationship.
Then again, I could be turned off by how many women neglect to ensure their feet are in tip-top condition for all of the exposure mules provide. I tend to shy away from open-toed shoes because I have ballerina feet (read: old blister marks, ugly toes and bunions), unless I’m feeling particularly brave.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw in the hit series Sex and the City was famous for saying, “You can take my Fendi Baguette, you can take my ring and my watch, but don’t take my Manolo Blahniks,” she begs while being mugged at gunpoint. I’ve got to give it to the thug, he knows his shoes.
Even with the Carrie Bradshaw stamp of approval, I’m still having a hard time embracing this trend. Perhaps I just haven’t found my perfect pair. Love em’ or hate em’? Let me know in the comments below!
