The Dictator | Mules and slides – what’s the difference and where to find the latest offerings

I need formal shoes as I don’t want to wear heels right now. I saw some slides/mules at the beginning of the year and I’m kicking myself for not buying them. They were flat, which is good since I’m pregnant, with a silky fabric on the front, and open at the back. Do you have anything similar to recommend?
Let it Slide, Pok Fu Lam

The Dictator: Finally! An opportunity to discuss the difference between slides and mules, terms that have been used infuriatingly interchange­ably for months. Slides are open-toed, backless flats. Mules tend to have closed toes, and their heel heights range from low to verti­ginous. The latter, I suspect, is what you’re after.

Manolo Blahnik channels retro chic with its court shoe-inspired Hangisi flat mule. The pointy-toed upper is covered in silk blend satin in fuchsia, green, grey and black among other colours, and has the signature square, Swarovski crystal buckle (HK$8,745). René Caovilla has covered his in all-over crystals (HK$8,800; Lane Crawford). We also love Mercedes Castillo’s Malou leather mules with petal pom poms (HK$3,890).

Ferragamo keeps its version relatively plain in various unembellished hues of satin or with the brand’s famous bow (HK$3,950 to HK$6,950). You might also like Zyne, which takes inspiration from Moroccan babouche slippers, then adds crystals, beading or fringe to fabulous effect (HK$3,850 to HK$5,400; Lane Crawford).

Finally, I feel it is my responsi­bility to point out that many women continue to wear heels during pregnancy, and that some leather-soled flats can be treacherously slippery. If safety is a deciding factor, then choose wisely, or visit your cobbler for non-slip soles.