The Edit: Why You’ll Be Wearing Mule Shoes This Spring

Never in footwear history has there been a shoe more controversial than the mule. It’s been maligned  by many for the clomp-clomp sound it makes (which I don’t think is nearly as bad as the flip-flop slap) and adored by others. If spring 2014 runways are any indication—which, of course, they are—the backless shoe is staging a comeback, only this time with a higher vamp (that’s the top of the shoe, for those who don’t do fashion-speak) so it stays more firmly on the foot and makes less of a clack-clomp sound each time you step. And with crackled silver, crystal-bedecked and red lace versions out there now, there’s never been a better time to kick up your heels. (Literally.)

[1] Masha mule, $525 at Alexander Wang. [2] Oscar de la Renta Carleta lace mule in ruby, $389 at Neiman Marcus. [3] L’Autre Chose shoes, $470 at Shoescribe. [4] Jeffrey Campbell crackled-silver mules, $155 at Nasty Gal. [5] French Connection open-toe mule slide sandals, $140 at Bloomingdale’s. [6] Britt crystal mule wedge, $495 at Tibi. [7] Alberta Ferretti open-toe mules, $447 at Yoox. [8] 3.1 Phillip Lim Vincent mules, $262 at Avenue 32. [9] Stella McCartney open-toe mules, $195 at Yoox. [10] L.A.M.B. Sharon mules, $275 at Zappos.