The 12 Best Mules and Slip-on Fall Shoes

Travel shoes can be tricky. Do you prioritize comfort or looking cute in the photos you’ll reminisce over for years to come? Not to mention, shoes take up a lot of space in your suitcase, and it’s not like you can squish them down with compression packing cubes the way you can with clothes. But I have a pretty genius solution to this footwear conundrum: backless mules, the perfect slip-on shoes that have “airport footwear” written all over them. And, when you find mules that are comfortable enough for all-day walking, you have the perfect travel-friendly shoe to pair with all your fall outfits.

Bear in mind, though, that any old mule won’t do. Trust me: you want cushioning and arch support in the mules you’re relying on to take you places. So, to help you find the right option, I assembled 12 pairs of mules with ample comfort features. Most are designed for lots of pavement pounding, but a few fit the bill for a fancy night out, too — and with no backs, they’re a godsend if you have Achilles tendon pain. I found comfortable, stylish picks from popular footwear brands like Birkenstock, Steve Madden, Dr. Martens, and more, starting at $33.

Leave your laces, zippers, and buckles at the door. These comfy mules are the perfect fall shoes that will carry you through your entire trip in blister-free bliss without compromising your vacation style. While some of these are clog-like styles, you can check out our full clog roundup for even more options.

Vionic Fairfax Clog Mule

Podiatrist-founded shoe brand Vionic is a reliable pick when it comes to comfort, thanks to orthopedic-level cushioning and support. This lug-soled Fairfax Clog Mule is equipped with a special footbed that’s packed with shock absorption, arch support, and a heel cup to keep your foot stable and secure with each stride. The upper is crafted of genuine leather and suede and features a rounded toe box that gives your little piggies ample wiggle room. They come in four neutral colors, including classic black and brown, plus an off-white Oatmeal and burgundy Syrah. “[I’m a] 61-year-old teacher looking for cute, comfy shoes for winter and found these,” a reviewer wrote. “The toe box is roomy and doesn’t put pressure on my slightly longer second toe. What really gets me is how very soft they are!”

Tilocow Mules 

These dainty mules with thousands of glowing Amazon reviews are deceptively comfortable thanks to a toe box that’s wider than your typical pointy-toed shoe and a raised, cushioned insole that provides pressure relief as you walk (and keeps your slip-ons firmly in place). This pair comes in a slew of vibrant colors and patterns, like this striking floral number that instantly becomes the statement accessory of a neutral travel wardrobe. “They have become my fun shoes,” one customer said of the bold patterns. “I wore them right out of the box… and was [on] my feet all day. They were comfortable and didn’t have any pain in my foot,” another shopper raved. 

Naturalizer Morrison Mules

A cute, grippy sneaker is a travel shoe go-to. We all have opinions about which shoes are the ultimate travel sneakers, and I nominate the Nautralizer Morrison Mules. They have all the aesthetic appeal of a lace-up tennis shoe without the actual lacing-up part, so you can easily slip them on and off — and with a longer hem on your jeans, no one will even know. Because they’re Naturalizer, they’re also hiding some extra comfort features, like a contoured, ergonomic design and a removable foam insole. “I have tendinitis due to a fractured bone spur and have recently had both knees replaced. This shoe doesn’t rub my Achilles,” one person reported. “They stay on my foot and the gum sole grips well so I feel steady on my new knees. My only complaint is they are a little heavy.”

Rothy’s The Casual Clog

Rothy’s machine-washable shoe designs are a stroke of genius, and a sustainable one at that: The Casual Clog’s upper is a combination of hemp, cotton, and recycled post-consumer plastic. These mules provide more arch support and cushioning than the brand’s popular ballerina-style flats as well as a grippy sole that keeps your feet planted firmly on the ground. Choose from 10 chic colors including the subtle Light Rose or fashion-forward Spice Herringbone, and pair them with everything from maxi dresses to cargos. “Feel like buttah!” wrote a happy shopper. “Unboxed them and they fit like a glove! The support is great and the material feels so soft and it hugs the feet!”

Dr. Marten’s Zebzag Suede Slingback Platform Mule

The iconic Dr. Marten’s doesn’t just have a ton of ‘90s appeal, but it also has a shoe lineup that’s designed to get more and more comfortable the longer you wear them. If you value the traction of a combat boot, the brand’s Zebzag Suede Slingback Platform Mule is the backless shoe to invest in. Their lightweight EVA soles, shock-absorbent insoles, and soft suede upper ensure a pain- and blister-free experience as you wander on all kinds of terrain. They even have a slingback strap in case you want a little extra support. “Love these shoes! Used them for work, did a 9-hour shift and my feet felt just fine and it broke right in. Also slip resistant, which I’m very happy about,” wrote a customer.

Vivaia Margot Wedge Mules

The monochromatic Margot Wedge Mules have a dainty silhouette, but make no mistake: these shoes are tough cookies. Their breathable, antimicrobial woven upper and moisture-wicking insole ensure warm, dry feet while keeping odor at bay, and the squared-off toe box provides a roomy, pain-free fit. If you want the vibe of a heel but with a more sensible sole, you’ll love the two-inch wedge. It dresses up your outfit while still qualifying as a walking shoe. “The Vivaia mules are the answer to all of my foot problems. They are so so comfortable and stylish. Hooray for me!” a shopper cheered.

Everlane The Glove Mule in ReKnit

Another flexible, breathable option with good looks to accompany a date night outfit is The Glove Mule in ReKnit by Everlane. It stretches enough to conform to your foot but clings to your foot to make sure it stays on securely. Its cushioned insole and block heel make it a comfy choice for late-night strolls in new cities. Choose from five chic colors, including this unexpected neutral, the reddish brown Fudge, which happens to be 50 percent off and stocked in all sizes at the time of this publication.

Birkenstock Boston EVA

As a devoted fan of Birkenstock’s EVA sandals, I can personally vouch for the blissfulness of the Boston EVA slip-ons, which are constructed fully of this squishy, shock-absorbent material. Like all Birks, they have a contoured footbed that’s famously comfy and created for walkability. Some (like me) find the EVA material a little more fun than the standard suede upper, especially in colors like cream and pink. And, they get bonus points for being waterproof. “I love them. I have 7 pairs now and I will continue to buy them. I use them every single day. Almost for 10 hours,” one customer wrote. 

Hey Dude Austin Lift Classic

If you like a little spring in your step, try Hey Dude’s Austin Lift Classic, which is built for travel. Its squishy, mega-cushioned platform is flexible and comfortable enough for you to be on your feet all day and night, and the heel is slightly raised to keep the shoe secure and provide arch support in the process. The suede upper comes in three solid colors as well as this playful cheetah print. “They are probably the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned,” wrote one fan who said wearing the shoes was like “walking on clouds.”

Earth Kolia Casual Heeled Mules

The Earth Kolia Casual Heeled Mules are the epitome of comfort thanks to a cushioned insole, shock-absorbent cork footbed, and enough arch support to ease chronic foot pain. The suede slip-on gives a bohemian vibe to any outfit, from leggings to boyfriend jeans. And, this pair is available in regular and wide widths so you can get the best fit. “I absolutely love these so much! The quality is as good as it gets and they fit so well! I am thrilled!” wrote one shopper. “If you happen to be looking at these don’t hesitate. They are really perfect.”

Fitflop Gen-FF Leather Mules

These slip-ons have Fitflops’ patented shock-absorbent ‘Microwobbleboard” midsole and plenty of arch support, so march to your next destination in comfort and style. The versatile black color (they also come in a rich tan) makes these shoes look expensive — and they do the same for your look. Best of all, these shoes have the coveted American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, so it’s official: they’re really good for your feet! “They stay on while I’m walking even though they are backless, which is no mean feat. Best of all, they’re so cute and comfortable! Great job, Fitflop!” a shopper raved.

Steve Madden Khloe Black Leather Mules

Gucci’s luxurious fur-lined mules have several lower-priced lookalikes, but none as spot-on as the Khloe Black Leather Mule. From the gold-colored buckle to the squared-off toe, the details of these bougie-on-a-budget flats are meticulous — except the fur lining on this pair is faux. But the best part is the memory foam sole that provides oodles of comfort with zero bulk. Almost any outfit would be elevated with this swanky pair. “Very comfortable can be dressed up or down. Many compliments…I am told it looks exactly like a designer shoe,” a shopper wrote.

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