Today, when choosing summer shoes, you can get confused quite easily. If you are not the most sophisticated fashionista, and do not follow all the bloggers on the planet, then most likely it will be difficult for you to figure out why earlier shoes without backs were called clogs, but now there are some kind of mules? What is the difference? And where did granny slippers come from? And is this really all fashionable?))
Let's first discuss what they have in common. Mules (mule English), clogs (clogs, sabot English), babouches (babouche French) – these are types of shoes without backs, one of the most controversial models that have become especially popular recently. How do they differ from each other?
CLOGS or CLOGS
A little from the fashion encyclopedia. Historically, Clogs (sometimes also called clogs) are shoes/shoes on a wooden platform. Once upon a time, clogs were made from a single piece of wood and were worn by common people in Europe - artisans, fishermen, farmers, etc.
But, let's leave the Middle Ages and move to the recent twentieth century, when clogs or clogs found a new fashionable life! In the 70s, these shoes became incredibly popular. At that time, everyone strived for ethnicity, naturalness, nature, and clogs became an obligatory element of the hippie style, and it was then that the first modern models were born. In addition to wooden shoes, there are clogs with cork or even polyurethane, much lighter, soles. 
It seems that clogs have always been around! I remember, when I was just a girl, I wore my mother’s wedge sandals, with a denim top and without a back, and proudly called them clogs. In general, I was right. Today, clogs are the name given to almost any platform shoe with a bare foot. Most often, they also have a massive heel, can be decorated with metal rivets around the perimeter of the sole, and the upper can be made of completely different materials - leather, suede, fur, etc.
Belarusian clogs are primarily Belwest and Marko. Unfortunately, the choice turned out to be not so great. In my opinion, the most interesting models are these. 
Who is it suitable for and how to choose?
You need to choose clogs carefully! As a stylist, I will say that this is far from the most versatile model, because classic clogs are rather rough shoes.
So, they are suitable for you if you want to visually elongate your height! But if at the same time your figure is similar to that of an elf, that is, very thin and short, be sure to choose clogs with a lightweight top.
Also, a small wedge heel will look good on a full leg, making it more graceful. Just like a wide, stable heel will make your leg slimmer. 
MULI
What is the difference between mules and clogs? Mules have become an absolute fashion hit in 2017, but where have they been before?
From the history. Mules also have a history of thousands of years, but unlike clogs, mules have always been more sophisticated (without the heavy, rough platform)
, and were worn only by the nobility. At first, only noble men of Rome could own mules, but later, women throughout Europe from high society could also own them. In the 20th century, most Hollywood film stars chose these elegant shoes, both for stage looks and everyday life. 
Today, mules exist in different models; they can be with heels, flat or stiletto heels, with a closed or open toe, decorated with beads, rhinestones, lacing or satin ribbons, etc. Mules may remind you of loafers, moccasins, or even slippers, but without a backdrop! The main difference from clogs will be the absence of a platform/wedge heel and a more elegant design! 
In fact, mules sold well in all previous years, but they were not highlighted or emphasized, most often confused and called “clogs.” Please note that even today, in 2017, many stores, including large online platforms such as lamoda, wildberries and others, still do not differentiate between these types of shoes! Therefore, even if you call mules clogs, I think everyone will understand you perfectly!) 
Who is it suitable for and how to choose?
Absolutely all mules are on trend in 2017. Plus, they are much more versatile than clogs. Therefore, wearing stiletto heels or low heels is, first of all, a matter of taste and convenience.
And yet, the slimmer the legs, the more varied and thinner the heel can be. Mules with low square heels are perfect for plump, appetizing ankles; this will make your legs appear slimmer.
Low-top shoes are a good option for tall ladies, or for those who value comfort above all else! 
GRANDMONS
Oh, these grandmothers! That's where the extraordinary shoes come in! Most often, grannies are confused with mules or flip-flops. Let's try to figure out what the difference is.
From the fashion encyclopedia. Babouche are soft oriental shoes/slides, most often with a narrow toe, without a back and with a flat sole. 
I admit, for me these are the strangest shoes, because, simply put, they are very similar to everyday house slippers, only leather and with a closed, narrow toe (although there are models with a rounded one). These are a little grandma's shoes, very comfortable, but aesthetically quite controversial. So if you ask me who is suitable and how to choose? Then I will answer - a great lover of fashion or a connoisseur of comfort! 
And yes, there will be no special tragedy if you call your grandmothers mules, or flip-flops. After all, today in fashion everything is so changeable and fickle! The most important thing is to find your own comfortable and beautiful model, and whether it is called clogs, mules, or babushi, in fact, is not so important!)
Designers never cease to amaze us. Fashion is changing rapidly and everything that was previously considered home wear is now being shown on the world's catwalks. One such wardrobe item is the babouche. These flat slippers first appeared on the catwalk in 2015-16.
A brief excursion into history
For the first time such shoes appeared in Morocco. These mules weren't there by accident. As you know, Muslims take off their shoes during prayer, so shoes without heels are the best option for them. Initially, slippers with a pointed toe without a heel were made from soft leather. They were worn exclusively at home. 
Around the middle of the 16th century, babushkas appeared in Europe. However, they became popular after another hundred years. In the 17th century, French women simply fell in love with these comfortable shoes. True, in the capital of fashion, babushki changed a little - they began to make them from morocco with embossing and embroidered with pearls. From Constantinople, grandmothers came to our country. In his dictionary, Dahl described them as galoshes without heels. In our cold climate they were worn over shoes. 
These oriental slippers gained real popularity with the advent of the hippie movement. Fashionistas of the 70s simply adored them - comfortable, bright, unusual, just a godsend. 
In our time, grandmothers are remembered thanks to Amy Sell. This girl, originally from New York, grew up in a family of immigrants from Senegal. According to Amy, all her male relatives wore grandmothers every day. That's why she decided to promote these comfortable slippers on Instagram. The girl posted a large number of her photos there in Babushi. After that, the Internet simply exploded with rave reviews. Everyone, young and old, wanted to buy the same shoes for themselves. This is how the grandmothers ended up on the podium. 
Fashionable Babouche and catwalk
Today, grannies can be seen in many designer collections. Designers advise us to be bolder and change into comfortable shoes. You can wear them with both wide trousers and long dresses. A set of a fur coat, warm socks and babouche was even seen on the catwalk. 
For the first time, slippers without heels were presented in the collections two years ago. However, they gained popularity only after they were demonstrated in the cruise collection. It was released in 2016. 
It was then that the guests of the show saw bright, completely heelless, elongated shoes with a wide jumper and a V-neck. Believe me, they looked no less extravagant than fur Birkenstocks. For anyone who doesn’t know, I’ll tell you that Birkenstocks are sandals with an orthopedic insole and a wide sole. 
As you know, creative director Phoebe Philo loves to surprise the public. Almost always, products produced by this brand are copied by all brands in the mass market segment. Practical slippers with a jumper that can be worn both in the front and in the back have appealed to a very large number of fashionistas. 
This year, grandmothers appeared in the line of shoes from Victoria Beckham. Outwardly, they resemble ordinary pumps made of genuine leather with very strongly folded backs.
Modern babouches are of course very different from those that can be bought on the market in Morocco. Outwardly, they resemble slippers without a heel. In summer they are not hot at all and very comfortable. 
What to wear with grannies?
ELLE magazine experts have prepared an interesting selection of images with grandmothers. I am pleased to present it to your attention.
1. Let's go to work– for going to the office, stylists suggest choosing a simple set of straight gray trousers, a stylish striped shirt, a strict fitted jacket and black babushkas. The photo shows grannies from the brand. As you can see, this is not quite a classic option. This model with a backdrop is very comfortable; the boots will not jump off you, thereby providing complete freedom of movement. 
2. Party outfit– for a meeting with friends, this set is ideal - a black top, wide jeans and slightly rough babushkas with a buckle from C’eline. A laconic and very stylish look. If it seems a little boring to you, then wear large earrings and take with you an original clutch. 
3.Outfit for meeting with friends– I think that my friends will appreciate this stylish set. Gray Lingerie Top, Wrap Skirt and Need Supply Babouche Slides. Stylists recommend complementing the look with a belt in a contrasting shade and a bracelet. 
4. Let's go to the wedding– for such a special event, stylists offer a cocktail dress in a nautical style with an asymmetrical cut and white babushkas from the Studios Amina brand. This delicate look is complemented by a beige necklace and clutch. 
5. Look for a romantic date– Stylists also recommend wearing a very fashionable slip dress this season with fashionable babushkas from Trademark Tuli Mule. You can complement the look with a beige cardigan and ethnic-style jewelry with tassels. 
As you can see, babushi can be worn with almost anything. Stylish grannies can be a great alternative to clogs and flip-flops.
Photo:
Arabio.ru
Vogue
mylitta.ru
zheneva.top
buro247.ua
superstyle.ru
ELLE
Morocco Shop
And today this unknown will be fashionable shoes, the names of which we see on price tags or in product descriptions, but we don’t understand what’s what. What are these new mules everyone is talking about? And how are mules different from clogs? Who are grandmothers? Head is spinning.
Today I decided to release the second part of the shoe dictionary. The first one was published quite a long time ago and was dedicated to the types of heels. I assure you that we will not stop at two chapters, otherwise the topic of shoes will not be fully covered, so stay tuned. The point, of course, is not that I’m harmful, but that you simply won’t remember all the names, so we’ll take in new knowledge in portions.
Sandals
I think we'll start with the simplest thing. Sandals are lightweight shoes without heels, the sole of which is secured to the foot with straps or ropes. Similar-sounding “sandals” are easiest to compare with children's boots. They have a heel counter and closed toe.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles are fabric slippers with flat rope soles made from natural materials. This, you know, is an eco-friendly option for the summer.
Mules
Mules have won the title of this season's most fashionable shoes, and it didn't just happen. Compared to other shoes, mules are the most comfortable and stable. How to find them? Look for mules with heels, you can't go wrong.
Sabo
Many people do not understand how mules differ from clogs. And I will gladly tell you. Clogs are like mules only with wedges. Therefore, if you call one another, nothing bad will happen. We can say that these are “shoe subtleties” that are practically unimportant in life. As a reference, I will say that in France “clogs” were the name for wooden shoes. And, indeed, for a very long time their wedges were made of wood. My mother once wore wooden shoes like these.
Grandmothers
I would like to say that babushki are called that because they are very similar to grandma’s shoes, but no. The association will be different; in the original, babushi are the shoes of the Turkish Sultan or galoshes without a backdrop. Over time, granny slippers evolved into fashionable leather slippers. Very comfortable and a little funny, probably because of the name.
I hope now you understand what’s what and won’t be afraid of strange names on the label. Stay tuned, the next part of the shoe dictionary will be released very soon.
This summer it will be easier to stand out with bright and original shoes. Choose fashionable grannies and surprise others! And we will tell you how and with what to wear unusual shoes.
Granny shoes first appeared in Morocco. Comfortable mules have become very popular among Muslims, who are required to remove their shoes before praying. At that time, grandmothers sewed exclusively from leather, they had no back and always had a sharp nose. In Europe, the fashion for grannies began in the 17th century - French fashionistas fell in love with them. They also slightly changed the design of women's babushkas - they began to sew them from morocco and decorate them with embossing and pearls.
Over the years, grannies moved onto the catwalk and became the subject of discussion for all fashionistas around the world. These shoes first appeared in the collections of Chanel, Balenciaga and Michael Kors. And last year, grandmothers in the spring-summer Celine collection caused a wide resonance.
What to wear with women's babushkas?
Designers advise not to be afraid of experiments, and feel free to combine babushkas with dresses, trousers and overalls.
Original granny shoes will be an excellent alternative to spring brogues, loafers and oxfords. Walking in them in the summer is a real pleasure! They are very comfortable, soft and have no heels. Nowadays you can find babouches in all shapes and designs: with a pointed and round toe, with a closed and open heel, with perforations or in smooth leather.
If you still don’t know how and with what to wear babushi, we will help you with this. Unusual shoes are perfect for weekdays in the office - they are closed, not provocative and fit perfectly into business casual. Babushkas go well with straight trousers and shirts. You can complement the look with a stylish jacket.
Combinations of grannies with trousers
For a walk around the city, wear granny's shoes under jeans with a shirt, top or blouse. This look will be both relaxed and free, but also feminine and stylish. To make it even more striking, wear or choose unusual accessories.
Combination of grannies and jeans
For romantic dates, summer concerts and exhibitions, the combination of babushkas with dresses or skirts is perfect. The shoes will fit well into an elegant look and will not interfere with the enjoyment of the event with unstable heels or rough straps.
Choose loose dresses and midi or maxi length skirts - they will look best with grannies. Combine skirts with tops and T-shirts, complement the look with stylish clutches and bracelets.
What's on your feet?
Not every fashionista can boast of knowing all the types of shoes in her wardrobe.
Let's fill this gap and learn to distinguish between oxfords, loafers, grannies and winklepickers
High heel shoes
Glove shoes
These shoes do not have framed rigid heels or toes. Their cut is such that they fit tightly to the foot, creating the effect of a glove. These shoes are made from thin leather.
This model is considered very comfortable, despite the mandatory presence of instep support and heels, often of medium height.
Tango shoes
The name itself speaks about their original purpose. At the beginning of the 20th century, tango was gaining popularity in Europe and the Americas. It was for this reason that shoes with a high, firm heel, a supportive strap and a medium-thick, stable heel were created.
Another distinctive feature is the T-shaped or cross strap on the instep.
Tango shoes have become part of the everyday life of women of all ages due to their super-feminine appearance and comfort, despite the presence of rather high heels.
Mary Jane
Initially, the Mary Jane model was considered a school shoe. These were shoes with medium wide heels, closed toes and one or two cross straps. Today there are models with shot glass heels and even high stiletto heels.
Winklepicker
Classic pointed-toe pumps were originally called winklepickers by analogy with the shape of a sock with a needle for removing snails from shells. This style features an angular toe and a tall, thin stiletto heel.
Open shoes
Sabo
A practical shoe model with an open heel on a solid, stable platform. The ancestor of these shoes were old European wooden shoes.
The toe can be open or closed. Also, the solid platform has been transformed in some varieties into a platform and a stable heel.
Mules
Translated from English, mules are flip-flops. This is a model of shoes with an open back with heels of any height and thickness.
Babouches
Shoes of Turkish and Moroccan origin. This model is a closed shoe without a backdrop with an almost flat heel or platform. Sometimes it is acceptable to have a small leather collar in the heel area.
Birkenstock sandals
Healthy summer shoes that take their name from the famous German brand Birkenstock. These are sandals on a low platform, with an upper with clasps and a soft orthopedic insole. Typically these are eco-friendly shoes made from genuine leather and plant-based materials. Initially - sandals with a leather upper and insole, cork sole, and metal fasteners.
Greek sandals or gladiators
A type of summer boots. Low platform sandals with strappy uppers. The height of the “boot” of the straps is usually up to the middle of the calf or to the knee.
Closed summer shoes
Espadrilles
A type of eco-footwear. Practical low-top summer shoes with rubber soles and an upper made of soft leather and natural fabric.
Originally created for work on Italian plantations, they have become common practice among modern Hollywood fashionistas.
Slip-ons
An outdoor shoe with a tucked, smooth upper, soft rubber sole and elasticated side panels. Their name corresponds to the main practical property of “easy to put on and take off.”
Modern industry offers slip-ons of various materials and colors. The visual height of the platform also varies from flat to 5 centimeters. But usually these are just rubber edges, the platform itself is up to 2 centimeters high.
Topsiders, boat shoes
Initially, this model was conceived for sailing. These are shoes with non-slip soft grooved soles and distinctive lacing around the entire perimeter.
Moccasins
Low-moving shoes with rubber or polyurethane soles without laces. A distinctive feature is the outer stitching on the upper part.
Classic low shoes
Oxford shoes
There is no need to talk about the place of origin - the name speaks for itself. These shoes came into the wardrobes of fashionistas from the assortment of prim English gentlemen. The main features of the design are the ability to hold its shape and the central closed lacing.
There are several types of these shoes that differ in design - Adelaide, Balmoral, saddle, Holcat.
Derby shoes
Unlike Oxfords, they are softer and have open lacing, which means that when the laces are untied, the side parts spread out to the sides.
Brogues
Brogues take their name from the decoration method - brogueing, that is, applying perforations and holes in a certain order. There are brogues, semi-brogues, and quarter brogues, depending on the method of application and the density of the holes.
There are brogated Oxfords and Derbys.
Monks
Another borrowing from men's fashion. Classic low shoes made of leather or suede. Unlike oxfords and loafers, instead of lacing, they have a central fastener in the form of 1-3 straps with a buckle. In this regard, there are single (1 strap), double, triple, and so on.
Have you learned anything new about your favorite shoes?
