Spot the difference between Birkenstock’s Loma mule and the German sandal-maker's ever-popular suede Boston clog. I’ll give you a clue: the Loma looks especially strapping (in every sense of the word).

Yes, the newly released Birkenstock Loma is essentially a Boston sandal with a bulky velcro strap plonked on the top.

The updated mule comes in vibrant orange, taupe, or black suede. Alternatively, there's the option of a cozy shearling-lined wool clog in either anthracite grey or off-white.

Regardless of which fabric you opt for, the Birkenstock's classic cork footbed grounds the shoe, contrasting against the more technical strap that distinguishes the Loma from its Boston clog base.

Though labeled new, Birkenstock's Loma slip-on bears stylistic resemblance to the higher-end Birkenstock 1774's fur-lined Nagoya slides from its get-together with Danish home textile brand Tekla a few seasons ago.

Similarly, the Loma resembles Union's recent collaborative Bimshire clog, though that was a fair bit strappier.

But before you think of it as a more affordable alternative to any shearling-lined or ultra-limited shoes, note that Birkenstock also sells the Nagoya as an in-line option.

Your call as to which is superior.

Following an exclusive pre-release via the Japanese mega-retailer BEAMS, these updated Birkenstock slip-ons are available now on the German footwear maker's website.

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