I Tried Mule Sneakers—Here's My Honest Review and How I'd Actually Style Them

I've spent the past few months side-eyeing mule sneakers. Somewhere between sneakers and slip-on clogs, they've slowly become a part of every brand's catalogue. I can't shop for sneakers without coming across a pair. They're designed for people who prioritize comfort without sacrificing style and want to slip on shoes and go. I understood the appeal in theory, but I wasn't convinced they'd actually work in my own wardrobe. From my perspective, they were errand shoes—never meant to have a fashion moment—but then I started to notice a few chic styles pop up on the market.

I found myself reaching for my easiest shoes to wear on busy mornings more often than not, and suddenly, the trend started to make sense. Mule sneakers offer the ease of slipping on sandals with the support of sneakers, so I became intrigued. I decided to put the trend to the test. After wearing a pair for several days, I have thoughts. Ahead, I'm sharing my honest review, the outfit I'd actually wear them with, and the best mule sneakers worth shopping if you're ready to try the trend yourself.

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After I browsed the options, the pair that ultimately caught my eye was Rag & Bone's Retro Runners. They look anything but lazy, come in the most appealing color combinations, and are lightweight with a touch of vintage inspiration. I gave them a go over the last few weeks and am ready to share my thoughts.

My honest review: I'll admit that I expected mule sneakers to be awkward, and truthfully, they took some time to get used to. During the first wear, I had to break them in to feel the same comfort and security I do when wearing regular sneakers. From the start, I recognized the simplicity and ease of the slip-on style. My one tip to anyone who is trying them on for size is that it's a good idea to size up to make sure you have plenty of room in this style.

Once I got used to them, I found them to be a lot more comfortable, and I love how they provide style while also giving me the comfort to walk anywhere and everywhere. I'd say the biggest surprise was just how stylish they are, elevating every outfit I've paired them with. My takeaway is that I can't wait to try more styles in this silhouette because they were that good.

A few pairs I'm considering are below.

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