The Hottest New Trend Replacing High Heels Isn't What You'd Expect

Slipping on a pair of high heels has a way of making us feel more confident, even with the threat of sore feet looming over us. But gone are the days where you have to suffer for fashion. As much as sleek heels make us look great, the excruciating pain at the end of the night isn't a fair trade-off. Opting for a more sensible shoe is the best choice, but it's hard to ignore the fact that comfortable options don't always work as well with every outfit. Fortunately, you don't have to compromise your personal style with the latest shoe trend taking over. Meet mules — footwear's high fashion (and high comfort) answer to painful high heels.

Per lifestyle site ALOT, mules are built for comfort and simultaneously give your outfit a more sophisticated look. The backless shoe is traditionally flat, but now comes in a variety of styles that won't sacrifice your feet. Mules are the perfect footwear for summer, reports The Things, because there is no material constricting the back of your foot. Selena Gomez has an impressive collection of designer mules that adds the perfect hint of glamour to every outfit she rocks on and off the red carpet. Per PopSugar, in April 2019, the "Rare" singer kept it casual at an Easter service, and jazzed up her sweater and jeans outfit with black Gucci mules. There are so many ways to dress up or dress down your mules. Here's how to make this look your own.

Once you trade in your heels for mules, you'll never go back. Per Who What Wear, kitten heel mules pair really well with midi skirts because of the high-low contrast. Mules aren't just for casual outings — they 100% belong in the office. Fashion Gum offered up a tailored dress with dark brown mules as the new power outfit. For a night out, you can break up a monochrome outfit with bright mules in a complementary color, per The Zoe Report. White mules are timeless and are the perfect companion to the always classy little black dress.

If you love experimenting with your style, now's the time to play around with different decades and switch out your boyfriend jeans for 1970s-approved cropped flare pants (via Who What Wear). PopSugar warns against wearing bottoms that cover your legs completely. Instead, stick to skirts that graze past your knee so that your mules are the star of the show. 

If you're still not ready to make a clean break from your high heels, per footwear blog Shoe Zone, a block heel mule will give your arch more support.