Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

2021 has been a year in limbo. Coming out of shockingly bad 2020, we approached the year with optimism because, well, things could only get better, right? And indeed they did, but not all the way. Still there were restrictions and life isn’t back to normal yet. But it was a great year for sneakers.

Countless memorable collaborations hit shelves and a couple of standout silhouettes dropped, but it’s not the exclusive sneakers that we’ll remember 2021 by. Actually, Reebok Club C Mules embodied our year in sneakers. Hear us out. Here’s why.

After several years of advanced sneakers ruling the roost — we’re not overlooking the continued dominance of hiking styles here — we saw a big jump in the popularity of retro silhouettes this year. A concerted effort from brands and sneaker lovers alike to revive styles of old was an overarching trend, and one of our go-to silhouettes was the iconic Reebok Club C. Collabs with names like Margiela and Beams, as well as some very attractive exclusives like the Eames release, showed that the Club C still has hype power behind it when wielded properly.

Another burgeoning trend in 2021 footwear has undoubtedly been mules. Perhaps it's symptomatic of a year with reduced social exposure which had us questioning full lace-ups. Maybe we got so sick of technical lacing systems that we subconsciously banished them from our rotations to such an extent that we now only wear slip-ons. Whatever the reason, we’ve been loving mules this year.

So, when the Reebok Club C Mules dropped, our 2021 was complete. This retro classic has been modernized with the back chopped off and it hasn’t lost any of its appeal. In fact, it’s what might have positioned this understated silhouette as the shoe of 2021. Don’t @ us.

Shop the Reebok Club C Mule below.

Image on Highsnobiety
ReebokBeams Club C Laceless Mule
$120
Buy at Reebok
Image on Highsnobiety
ReebokClub C Laceless Mules
$70
Buy at Reebok
Image on Highsnobiety
ReebokClub C Laceless Mules
$70
Buy at Reebok

Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

We Recommend
  • Swanky Suede Refreshes for Most Classic Sneakers in Reebok's Arsenal
    • Sneakers
  • Reebok's Wonderfully Weird Running Shoe Just Got Mule-fied
    • Sneakers
  • Leave It to MUJI & Reebok to Make the Ultimate Minimalist Sneaker
    • Sneakers
  • Rains' 3D-Printed Mules Are Insanely Sculptural
    • Sneakers
  • The Ultimate Buyer's Guide to Maison Margiela Sneakers
    • Sneakers
What To Read Next
  • Improv Jam Session At Our Flagship Store? Thanks, Android
    • Lifestyle
    • sponsored
  • Kendrick, Pharrell, Rocky: Why Is Every Stylish Rapper Wearing the Same Designer?
    • Style
  • With Human Made x Clarks, NIGO's Other Footwear Dream Comes True
    • Sneakers
  • Nike's Most Classic & Comfy Running Shoe Has Gone Quiet Luxury
    • Sneakers
  • Nike's New Crazy Clog Is Like a HOKA-Crocs Recovery Shoe
    • Sneakers
  • In F1's Race for Eyeballs, a $70k Balenciaga Shark Sculpture Takes Pole Position
    • Style