HOME STUDY

Despite the growing demand for at-home footwear, there were no shoes specifically designed for this purpose. Mulo’s espadrille structure served as a good starting point for creating a work-from-home shoe.

While their existing shoes were made of fine linens and cottons, their lightweight construction lacked the necessary strength, comfort, and support for all-day wear. To develop the ultimate work-from-home shoe, a complete redesign was required to adapt them for heavier, extended use.

Initial sketches focused on creating a collection that could shift the brand’s focus and position it as a specialist for this emerging footwear category. Drawings explored adapted constructions, alternative materials, and color palettes, subdividing the collection into different contexts: ‘Casual’, ‘Leisure’ and ‘Executive’.

Following several iterations of construction development and material tests, the first House Shoe was created: the ‘Studio Slip-On’. The previous midsole strip of woven hemp was replaced with a tough, slightly waxed Italian suede, ideal for concealing everyday scuffs around the home. The soft rubber sole provided all-around traction.

A new cushioned interior with anatomical support offered superior comfort, complemented by an active carbon lining to improve breathability and enhance odor resistance, ensuring the shoes could be worn comfortably with or without socks.

In this version, rich Scottish tweeds and natural leather details achieved a sense of homely elegance.

Thick organic corduroy was employed for its velvety-soft comfort and cosy feel. Its warm, rich colors, inspired by traditional men’s casual footwear, easily paired with relaxed trousers and jeans for the home-studio worker.

A sustainable design approach was embraced through material choices, including low-impact natural fiber fabrics, responsibly sourced leathers, and water-based adhesives. Sustainable manufacturing processes involved collaboration with local craftspeople, suppliers, and producers to ensure traceable, responsible practices. The goal was to create shoes that are both elegant and ethical.

By removing the rear heel counter and extending the vamp, a simple, dynamic, casual-but-tough house slipper was produced for relaxed downtime, showcased here in Italian suede and fully lined with natural sheepskin. The added leather trim and modern shape ensured they were both cozy and classy.

In a further elevated version, the original espadrille was deconstructed and entirely rebuilt using only ‘Rovesciato’ leather—a thick and flexible material that can remain unlined to ensure full-foot breathability. This version offers a collapsible hell counter, lighter weight and adapts to the wearer’s contours over time, creating a custom fit.

To complete the collection, a more formal slipper was introduced. Constructed on an elegant and modern oxford shoe last, this ‘luxe’ version featured full-grain calfskin for the upper and sidewalls, finished with a full-length leather sole, perfect for both the bedroom and the boardroom.

Toby Cox, Director - Mulo Footwear