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The difference between mules and clogs is historically based on their heel height and social status, but modern definitions vary. Slides are often confused with mules and clogs, but they are backless shoes with open toes.
The difference between mules and obstructions can be significant or insignificant depending on who defines them. Add in the third term, slides, and people may spend some time wondering why they can’t be called shoes. However, when looking at any online shoe store, most shoppers will find these shoes categorized together, while slides may be categorized elsewhere.
The typical clog can be thought of as a closed wooden (or other) toed shoe with a heel no more than a couple of inches high. These shoes have no backs, unless they are clogged boots, which may be mid-thigh length and have wooden soles. Various countries have different names for them, including the French sabot, which dates from about the 18th century.
Around the same time, the French also developed shoes that are now known as mules, and these represent a difference between mules and clogs. Instead of the sturdy wooden heel, these usually had a high heel, and may have been modeled on a much older shoe worn by Roman senators. These were called calceus mulleus, and the name may have been shortened to mules by English speakers. Therefore, the main difference between mules and clogs in the early days was that clogs were probably worn by workers, and mules were more elegant and favored by the aristocracy. Ultimately, mules become more associated as common clothing among prostitutes, and it would take several centuries to rescue their reputation.
The main distinction between mules and clogs (stylish and professional) may still exist in some parts of the world. However, other people simply use the names interchangeably, and things like heel height or degree of elegance are given little consideration. Still, a closed-toe shoe that has a fancier heel is more likely to be called a mule.
These definitions of mules and clogs would not be complete without considering the shoes called slides. Sometimes people incorrectly define mules as backless shoes that may feature an open toe. Actually, this description is more appropriately attributed to slides. Slides generally have open toes and can be fancy or simple depending on the design. However, to confuse things, sometimes mules or clogs are called slides because the foot slides in and it doesn’t take into account whether the toe is open or closed.
Rather than a true definition, it’s better to view these shoes as coming in a variety of styles. Backless shoes can have several advantages, as they are very easy to put on. They also have some drawbacks, including the fact that an unsecured back can occasionally slip or not provide enough stability for walking long distances.
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