Men’s & Women’s clogs are enjoying a lot of fashion interest among summer shoes this year, but both clogs and mule shoes have been with us for centuries.
Clogs and mules share a style profile, but they’re different shoes with different histories. We’ll define, compare and contrast these closed-toe favorites to help you make your best choice.
The Clog
A comfy slip-on, the clog has stepped up this summer with an old-school and ever fashionable style statement. Most clogs are open-back but, just like the Dutch who invented them, many wearers require enhanced foot protection and choose clogs with a closed back. Blundstone has both with its range of leather Clogs in various colors such as black and brown.
Clogs have a history. Since the 13th century, they’ve been a favorite of the Dutch who first crafted them to protect the feet of farmers, factory workers, artisans, fishermen, and miners. Those first clogs were made of wood and, because they were waterproof and economical, they were a practical shoe from the start.
In Summer 2025, clogs are still practical and now, crafted in a variety of supple materials, they’re versatile and fashionable. There are high heeled and platform clogs, leather, suede and vegan clogs. Clogs are a comfortable shoe choice for city walks and air travel — and they have enough style and comfort to make you reconsider your go-to loafers, booties, and favorite sneakers.
Wear your clogs with socks, even in summer — solid, striped, patterned, slim or slouchy, pulled knee-high or pushed to your ankles. Keep your feet cushioned, add snap and color to your outfit, and you can adjust the fit of your clogs with those comfy socks or an extra footbed.
The Mule
The key difference is that a pair of mules has no back or strap to shape or confine the heel of the shoe. On this basis alone, when looking for serious outdoor foot protection, don’t confuse the mule with a sturdy pair of shoes, or even clogs. In addition to that, clogs typically have a platform sole, while mules often have more heel height and no platform.
As clogs have a history, so do mules: From the French word moyle, it described women's slippers with an open heel from at least as early as the sixteenth century, and the soft and generous mule was not worn in public until well into the nineteenth century. Flat mules worn by men, were soft, comfortable, and worn only at home. Women often chose platform soles or high-heels in exquisite fabrics. Because they were a house slipper, mules never needed a footbed or stabilizing support.
Mules were backless shoes made to be worn in the house, but they have evolved and become a fashionable alternative these days. Still backless, many styles are now made of supple and durable canvas, leather and suede you can wear everywhere. Keep in mind that because mules are prized for their easy open back charm, they still offer a more relaxed stability and minimal support for your feet.
All day every day
Blundstone has excellent clogs to keep you securely in your shoes and stable on your feet all day every day. Our range of clogs are ideal whether for summer days out or workplaces such as the kitchen for chefs.
The Blundstone clog
#2420 Women's and Men’s Originals This rustic black clog is crafted of premium water-resistant leather with Cosmo Recycled material lining. #2420 has a washable Comfort Lite footbed, lightweight and heat resistant TPU outsole, polyurethane midsole, XRD® Technology in the heel for superior shock absorption, and a stabilizing steel shank.
#2421 Women's and Men’s Originals This antique brown clog is both rugged and sleek in design and feel. With premium water-resistant leather and Cosmo Recycled material lining, the #2421 open-back clog is lightweight and durable, with a washable Comfort Lite footbed, heat resistant TPU outsole, polyurethane midsole, XRD® Technology in the heel and a steel shank.
#2381 Women's and Men’s All-Terrain Service Clog This black clog is ideal for kitchens, medical environments, and the service industry. With a Vibram® outsole for best grip and slip resistance, #2381 has a water-resistant leather upper, Cosmo Recycled material lining, an antibacterial PU Comfort Air footbed, polyurethane midsole, XRD® in the heel, and a steel shank.
Shop for clogs online
Clogs, with their open-back slip-on profile, can bring a sturdy and chic silhouette to your workplace and casual wardrobes.
From our headquarters in Tasmania we oversee our boot and clog quality and coordinate the worldwide logistics that bring them to you everywhere. Try on a pair of Blundstone boots and clogs in select stores all over the world, or you can purchase them online.