The short answer
A mule is any backless slip-on shoe, usually with a closed or mostly closed front, on any sole. A slide is backless and open-toed, held on by a band or strap across the foot. A clog has a thick, contoured base that is traditionally wood. Most clogs worn without a back strap are also mules.
Side by side
Mules vs slides vs clogs
| Mule | Slide | Clog | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back | Open | Open | Usually open |
| Front | Closed or partly open | Open toe, band or strap | Closed, often high |
| Sole | Any: flat, heel, platform | Usually flat | Thick, contoured; wood, cork or rocker |
| Feel | Light to dressy | Light, casual | Sturdy, supportive |
| Best for | Work, evenings, everyday | Summer, poolside, errands | Fall, standing, long days |
These definitions follow Vionic’s explainer, which notes that mules can be closed or open toe, slides are open toed with a strap, and clogs have chunkier, contoured bases traditionally made of wood.
Where the labels blur
- Open-toe mules are often sold as slides, especially on a heel.
- Clog mules such as the Birkenstock Boston are both clogs and mules.
- Clogs with a heel strap, like UGG’s Goldenstar, can be worn either way: strap back as a clog, strap forward as a mule.
Which should you buy?
Mule, slide or clog by need
| If you want | Choose | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| One shoe for office and weekends | A leather mule | Loafer mules |
| Support for long days | A clog | Clog mules |
| A summer slip-on | A slide or open-toe mule | Flat mules |
| Height you can walk in | A block heel mule or platform clog | Heeled mules |
| Warmth | A lined mule or clog | Fur lined mules |
Ready to shop? Try the mule finder or search clog mules.
Questions people ask
Is a clog a mule?
Usually, yes. A clog is defined by its thick base and a mule by its open back, so a backless clog is both. Clogs with a closed back or a heel strap worn behind the heel are not mules.
Are slides and mules the same thing?
They overlap. Both are backless, but a slide is open-toed with a strap or band, while a mule usually covers more of the front of the foot. Some brands call open-toe mules slides and the reverse.
Which is best for walking?
Of the three, a well-fitted clog or a mule with a contoured footbed and a high vamp holds on best. Thin flat slides are the hardest to walk far in.
Search women’s mules on Amazon
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Styles, sizes and availability change; check the listing before you buy.