6 Comfortable Mules for a Variety of Foot Issues

There are days when I wake up and just know it’s a backless shoe day. My aching feet don’t want to be laced-up, buckled or strapped-in. Returning to the classroom to fill in as a long-term sub, I’ve realized my need for shoes that are easy to slip on– something just a step up from house slippers. My RA is mostly under control except for my feet, so I need something with arch support and a wider toe box. Plus, mules are perfect transition footwear from winter to spring when you’re not quite ready to bare the toes in a sandal. Here are six of my favorite comfortable mules.

Best comfortable mules for bunions and/or wide forefoot (not to mention feet that need enhanced arch support): The Vionic Georgie makes orthopedic look good. An arch-hugging cork-wrapped midsole plus roomy toe box–doesn’t that sound dreamy? A happy Vionic customer raves, “My bunions have given me extra wide feet. This shoe is perfect for them.” Find the Georgie mule in sizes 5-12 for $139.95 from VionicShoes.com, Zappos, and Nordstrom.

Best for narrow feet: Naot Lodos Do you have low volume feet (narrow with a low instep)? The classic Naot Lodos mule might work for you. Narrow-footed reviewers mention its good fit from toe to heel:

“I have long, skinny and bony feet. These mules fit my feet perfectly… and so, so cute! These are my 3rd pair of Naots… they do not disappoint!”

A removable cork-latex footbed may allow for a thin orthotic. Find the Naot Lodos in euro sizes 35-43 (4-12) for $179.95 from Naot.com, Amazon and Zappos.

Best for wide feet: SoftWalk Wolcott II. We love this simple, seamless mule by SoftWalk. A soft leather upper is forgiving of bunions and hammertoes while a removable cushioned insole offers moderate arch support. Find the SoftWalk Wolcott in sizes 5-12, narrow to wide widths for $114.95 from Zappos, Amazon, and Nordstrom.

Comfortable mules for plantar fasciitis: Stegmann Elsa. With a 1.5″ wedge heel, the Elsa mule take strain off the fascia while providing superior arch support. And it’s just so cute! Be sure to check it out in both in leather and stretch felt. Available in sizes 6-11 for $147 from StegmannUSA.com.

Best orthotic-friendly mule: Naot Paretao. You can count on quality when you wear Israeli brand, Naot and the Paretao mule is no exception. With a roomier fit than the Lodos mule shown above, the Paretao features a generous toe box, soft leather upper and removable insole which accommodates an orthotic well. Find the Naot Paretao in euro sizes 35-42 (4-11) for $179.95 from Naot.com, Zappos and Walking Co.

Best comfortable mules for dress occasion: Frankie4 Kass. Beautiful, quality-made and foot-friendly, that’s Australian brand Frankie4. The woven Kass mule is as sleek as it is sleuth with built-in arch support, heel and forefoot cushioning. Available in sizes 6-13 (yes, that’s right!) for $195 from Frankie4.

We’ve reviewed two more comfortable mules that could be the ticket for you. Consider the sleek yet supportive Dansko Lexie or the iconic Alegria Classic with rocker sole, cork/latex footbed and wide toe box.