Vans' Slick Suede Clog Is Like a Birken-UGG Skate Shoe
Vans is better known for its solid skate shoes than its experimental footwear but why not both? The Vans Harbor Mule V3 is a little bit of everything.
Even if you didn't see Vans' Harbor Mule upon first release in late 2023, though, this is a clog that ought to look at least fairly familiar.
It has the DNA of a Vans skate shoe, to be sure, with a grippy waffle sole and all-new checkerboard-patterned suede upper that released this year.
But you can also scope trace elements of other footwear innovators in the Harbor Mule's soft shape, previously only available in beige and black.
For instance, there's at least a little bit of UGG in fleece lining of Vans' slick slip-on and the shape feels terrifically Birkenstock (in terms of the Boston clog, at least).
No complaints, by the way — those are two titans of easy footwear so comparisons ought to be taken as a compliment.
Not that Vans hasn't innovated in this field itself. The super-soft Mountain Mule tread similar slip-on ground while its recent innovations in the field of outdoorsy footwear (field — get it?) have intimated a willingness to break new ground (ground — get it?) in terms of skate-style footwear.
Vans also leaned into Crocs territory with its TRK mule from a few years back, one of the earlier backless Vans styles.
Regardless, the Harbor Mule is a looker, and a seemingly strong option for winterized ease.
The only issue is the availability.
Though the Harbor Mule V3 is offered via Vans' international websites, the new and frankly superior checkerboard colorway is currently only available at regional outlets like Vans Korea and Vans Taiwan where it retails for about $50-75.
One enterprising seller is offering the shoe on eBay for just under $80, which may be worth the price of admission for true checkerboard enjoyers.
So for those seeking a solid skate shoe-style slip-on for the cooler months, fear not: You've got options.
