The Mule & Flat Guide: Leather Mules, Ballet Flats & Slip-Ons
The Case for Flat Shoes
There is a persistent idea that a flat shoe is a compromise — something you wear when you cannot manage a heel. This is wrong. A well-made flat shoe, worn with intention, is one of the most versatile and sophisticated things in a wardrobe. The loafer proved this decades ago. The mule and the ballet flat are making the same argument right now.
At 37 Brand, our mule and flat collection spans shearling mules, slip-on mules, slingback ballet flats with bead detail, and sandal silhouettes — each developed for a specific context and a specific kind of wear.
Mules
What Is a Mule?
A mule is a backless shoe or slipper — it has a closed or open toe and no heel strap. The foot is held in place by the structure of the upper across the forefoot. Mules are among the oldest shoe silhouettes in recorded history, and they have never entirely gone out of fashion — because ease and elegance are not trends.
Shearling Mules
Our current mule collection centres on shearling-lined styles — a buckle-detail mule in dark mocha with shearling lining, and two bouclé and cream shearling variations with gold and standard buckle hardware. Shearling lining provides natural warmth and cushioning, making these mules genuinely comfortable for extended indoor and outdoor wear in cooler months. The bouclé upper — a textured woven fabric — adds a tactile, contemporary edge to a classic silhouette.
Best for: Autumn and winter. Works indoors and out. Pairs particularly well with wide-leg trousers, longline coats, and relaxed knitwear.
How Mules Should Fit
The fit of a mule is different from a closed shoe. The upper should hold the forefoot securely without pressing — you should not need to grip with your toes to keep the shoe on. The heel should hang slightly over the back edge of the sole, or sit flush — not significantly inside it. A mule that is too large will flap; a mule that is too small will compress the forefoot uncomfortably.
If you are between sizes in mules, size down. Leather mules will soften and widen slightly with wear.
Ballet Flats
The Ballet Flat Reimagined
The classic ballet flat — a thin-soled, rounded-toe slip-on — has been part of women’s wardrobes since Audrey Hepburn wore Hubert de Givenchy’s designs in the 1950s. It is a shoe with genuine heritage. Our interpretation updates the silhouette with a beaded slingback construction and bow detail — a combination that adds structure at the heel and decorative richness at the toe.
Beaded Slingback Ballet Flat
Our ballet flat collection features slingback styles with a beaded upper and bow detail, available in three colourways: a natural/neutral tone, gold, and beige. The beaded upper catches light in a way that smooth leather cannot — making these flats appropriate for evening occasions as well as daytime wear. The slingback strap provides the heel security that a traditional ballet flat lacks, making them more practical for longer periods of wear.
Best for: Occasion dressing, summer and spring, smart-casual contexts where a heel is unwanted but an elevated look is desired.
How Ballet Flats Should Fit
Ballet flats should fit with minimal heel slippage — the slingback strap on our styles helps with this considerably. The toe box should not compress the toes, and the shoe should feel secure across the instep without the upper digging in. Thin-soled flats will feel firmer than cushioned shoes on hard surfaces; this is normal and is a function of the silhouette, not a quality issue.
How to Style Mules & Flats
Shearling mule + wide-leg trousers: The volume of the trouser leg complements the ease of the mule. Keep the rest of the look simple.
Shearling mule + maxi skirt: A floor-length skirt with a mule is a considered, relaxed combination that works well for both casual and smart-casual occasions.
Ballet flat + tailored wide-leg trousers: The same principle as the loafer — a flat shoe with clean tailoring is a strong, confident combination.
Ballet flat + midi dress: The slingback flat under a midi hem is a clean, proportionate pairing. The beaded detail on our flats adds enough visual interest to hold its own against a patterned or textured dress.