Vans Puts Its Spin on the Classic Birkenstock Look, for a Fraction of the Cost

The recently revealed Harbor Mule is a bona fide Boston dupe at a fraction of the cost.

Vans

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By Jack Seemer

Published January 15, 2026

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No closet is complete without at least one pair of Birkenstocks. The problem is, slip-ons like the Boston can be prohibitively expensive.

A pair of the popular clogs will set you back $170, with discounts far and few between.

Here’s where Vans comes in.

Pair of black Vans slide slippers on a woven mat with Vans shoe boxes in the background. — The Harbor Mule is Vans’s take on a simple house slipper.

The brand best known for old-school skate shoes spins up a compelling Boston dupe in the form of the Harbor Mule.

Beige suede slip-on slippers worn with white ribbed crew socks on a wooden floor. — The design features a suede upper with tonal midsole, resulting in a simple monochromatic look.

Already making waves overseas, the design has a soft suede upper with a faux-fur liner to underscore its cozy look.

Pair of black Vans slip-on shoes on a textured beige rug next to stacked shoe boxes. — The inside of the Harbor Mule features faux-fur lining.

The Harbor Mule also features a molded platform of Vans’s bio-based VR3 foam underfoot, promising all-day comfort at home or running quick errands.

Pair of black Vans slip-on slippers with textured insoles on a woven beige rug. — Vans equipped the shoe with its VR3 foam for all-day comfort.

Availability and pricing

Rollout of the Vans Harbor Mule is already underway in the Philippines, with a global launch on the way.

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The design comes in two colorways, black and khaki, and will reportedly carries a price tag of $65 when it lands in the US.

Beige suede slip-on slipper with a brown sole and open back.

Vans Harbor Mule

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About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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