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- May 21 - Leather Mules – Five Plus One
May 21 - Leather Mules – Five Plus One
David Shuck
May 21, 2024
Together with
Pigeon Tree
/ Five Plus One /
Leather Mules
Mules may be having a bit of a moment but they are absolutely timeless. They excel both as a pair of slip-ons and as the ultimate park/beach shoe when you want to avoid sandals. And unlike sandals, mules don’t give rise to the socks-and-sandals condundrum. (For the record, we’re all for socks and sandals!)
Whether you’re looking for a decent yet affordable pair of mules or want the very best, we hope this edition of Five Plus One will help you in your search.
Love them or hate them, Birkenstock’s Boston Soft Footbeds are probably the most recognizable pair of Mules in existence. Shown here in taupe suede, they feature the divisive cork/jute/latex footbed known to mold to the wearer’s foot for ultimate comfort, and an adjustable strap to add a bit more interest. While they’re far from my favorite pair of mules, they are an excellent option in their affordability, wide range of colors/leathers, and availability.
Available for $150 from Hatchet Supply.
If you are interested in stepping up your price range for a high quality pair of mules, then you might want to consider Buttero and their Capalbio Leather Mule. Made in Italy using a rolled-edge stitchdown construction, this fully blacked out is clean and minimalist. The decision to leave the inside lining as contrasting was a great one, as it only adds to their beauty when off-foot without affecting the aesthetics while worn. These mules are finished with a black leather outsole which doesn’t offer the most traction, but certainly delivers a wonderful visual and comfortable break-in.
Available for €400 from Cultizm.
Viberg’s Mule is one of their least produced styles, but it remains one of the best options in the high-end mule market. They made a lot of interesting, and quite frankly clever, design decisions when putting together these shoes. One, the French binding around 360° of the opening give this mule a cleaner look than damn near anything else on the market. Two, the storm welt adds visual interest while making these shoes substantially more durable and resoleable than most other mules. Three, the thin latex sole is just comfort of the highest order. While they might be pricey, you’re getting a lot of shoe for you buck with this pair.
Available for $544 from Lost & Found.
Another solid, entry level option is Clark’s Trek Mule. It’s definitely more rough-and-tumble than many others on this list, but it’s not without its charms. The thick, crepe sole is something many consider to be the most comfortable outsole available. And while the aesthetics remain rough, the continued use of stitchdown construction and suede uppers is something many Clark’s fans will be happy to see. The addition of shearling lining makes these shoes a bit awkward to wear in the spring or summer, but also makes them the ultimate pair of household slippers.
Available for $190 from Hatchet Supply.
Like a loafer that just got a little lazy at the end of the job, this collab between two French powerhouses of classic work styles typifies everything we love about mules. It’s got a Venetian loafer style with the “beefroll” stitching on the side, a soft suede upper, and that arching paraboloid shape offset by a thick rippled sole. Dare we say this Paraboot is para-fect?
We love the little things brands do to stand out, and Unmarked’s easily identifiable style is always a pleasure to come across. Their Nahua Mule is one of the cleanest mules on this list, and the addition of the rainbow thread toe bug stitching is just a whole lot of fun. They are made with a soft, leather footbed and fully resoleable Goodyear welt — and with a shoe this attractive, who wouldn’t want to ensure they can be worn through sole after sole?
Available for $350 from Unmarked.
/ In Partnership with Pigeon Tree /
Alert to all you indigo addicts, Pigeon Tree has reopened their indigo-dipped pre-order until May 26.
Now is your only chance this year to get a deep blue leather belt, wallet, valet tray, dog collar or one of the many other accessories Isaac gives the dip down later this fall.
See the whole collection, which starts at $20 at Pigeon Tree.
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/ New Releases /
The $60 Skyliner from Dickson Industries
The DI3 is touted as the food industry’s most popular jacket — designed to keep folks warm as they enter walk-in fridges and freezers — but that doesn’t mean you can’t style it out like Bauer’s archetypal quilted blouson. Pair this with some raw denim jeans or some quality fatigues or chinos and you’re good to go. You can even stroll straight into the walk-in fridge at your favorite lunch spot and help yourself to some quality ingredients.
Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Dickson Industries makes a range of utilitarian goods, from lab coats to game bags and pallet covers. Understandably, we’re most interested in their range of Made in USA quilted outerwear, notably the DI3 Insulated Jacket.
Made in USA since 1963, the DI3 is a Skyliner-esuqe jacket built from a 200 denier nylon outer shell, a 70 denier nylon inner shell, and a 6.6 oz. polyester fill. Available in black and navy, it’s finished with knitted cuffs and collar, and fastens with a solid brass zipper.
Available for $59 from Dickson Industries.
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Handcrafted in Canada from Shinki Latigo horsehide, these boots – available in glossy black or dark brown – are built to last and age beautifully, developing a unique patina over time. The leather is sourced from Shinki-Hikaku, a family-run tannery in Japan exclusively devoted to equine leather.
Viberg’s tried-and-tested 2040 last provides a sleek yet sturdy silhouette, perfect for sitting under a well-worn or freshly unboxed pair of Japanese denim. Chinos — or any other pants, for that matter — work, too. Meticulous hand-stitching and stitchdown construction ensure durability and the potential for resoling, extending their lifespan considerably. Which is good, because you probably won’t want to take these off.
Available for $1,010 from Viberg.
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Nailing vintage cool since its inception in ‘96, Osaka 5 member Warehouse & Co. is back with some more mid-century cool. Their Ringer Tees — inspired by vintage American athletic wear — are a real winner if you’re looking to diversify your tee selection.
Whether you’re aspiring to look like a ‘50s off-duty MLB player or Napoleon Dynamite’s Amekaji-obsessed brother, these Ringer Tees are a shoo-in to any vintage-centric wardrobe. Made in Japan from 100% cotton, they deliver on both comfort and durability.
Soft, breathable, built to last, and perfect for everyday wear — especially when you’re feeling a little nostalgic. Whack one of these on, plug in your Walkman, and take a walk ’round the park.
Available for $84 from Clutch Cafe.
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