They weren’t my most glamorous airport outfit choice, but I didn’t care; I was warm. I wore The North Face ThermoBall Traction Booties on winter flights from Gunnison, Colo., to Bozeman, Mont. Maybe not the most traditional way to use booties, but it worked. While everyone else fidgeted in stiff leather boots or struggled to put shoes back on after security, I slipped into my slippers with ease and stayed comfortable the entire flight.
Since then, these booties have become a permanent part of my travel and camp setup. They live in my van, ride in the bottom of my duffel, and come out the moment I’m done for the day — whether after hiking, crewing an ultra, or stepping into a backcountry hut. They’re the first thing I pull on when I crawl out of a sleeping bag and the last thing I take off before bed. They’ve become my favorite camp luxury, with way more range than I expected.
In short: The North Face ThermoBall Traction Booties ($69) are insulated camp shoes with a water-resistant upper, durable treaded sole, and cozy ThermoBall Eco synthetic fill. They’re ideal for car campers, van lifers, travelers, and winter cabin-goers who want easy slip-on warmth with more structure than traditional down booties. However, due to their sturdy sole and bulkier profile, they are less ideal for ultralight backpackers or sleeping-bag use.
Check out the Best Down Booties of 2025 to compare The North Face ThermoBall Traction Booties to other options we tested.
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Tread allows for heavy outdoor use -
Durable in terms of structure and quality -
ThermoBall Eco technology allows for warmth to be retained even if wet -
Mostly made of recycled materials
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Not as packable or light as the other down bootie options -
More exposure to the ankle area due to low-profile design
The North Face ThermoBall Traction Bootie Review
Insulated Comfort, Indoors and Out
These booties blend the warmth of classic down slippers with the structure of a street shoe. The ThermoBall Eco insulation performs like down but keeps insulating when wet, which is ideal for snow-covered campsites, slushy cabin porches, or rainy dog walks. They’re impressively warm for their weight and stay that way even after trudging through light snow or standing around in the cold.
A DWR-treated ripstop upper repels moisture, while the recycled rubber outsole adds grip, something most slipper-style camp shoes lack. I’ve walked across snowy parking lots and frozen forest floors without slipping or soaking through. They may look like house shoes, but they hold their own outside.
Sustainable by Design
One of my favorite features of the ThermoBall Booties is their eco-conscious build. The uppers use 100% recycled PET ripstop fabric, durable and water-resistant but still breathable. The outsole is recycled rubber, offering traction and durability with less environmental impact. Inside, the ThermoBall Eco insulation is made from 100% recycled polyester fibers, delivering down-like warmth while performing better in wet conditions.
For those who want gear that works hard but also aligns with eco values, these booties strike a thoughtful balance of comfort, function, and sustainability.
The Ultimate Camp and Travel Companion
Sometimes I just need a shoe that slips on easily but still gives me the warmth and comfort of a slipper. The ThermoBall Traction Booties fill that niche perfectly. They feel cozy inside but have enough structure and tread to step confidently outside.
On a recent hut trip, they were perfect for late-night bathroom runs. They were warm enough to keep my feet comfortable but with enough grip and support to navigate frosty paths. That balance of warmth and tread makes them uniquely versatile.
The tread is handy on slick decks or gravel, but they’re still slippers at heart and not a replacement for real winter boots. For frosty mornings, trailhead commutes, or long travel days, though, they’re my go-to. They’re easy on and off, which is perfect when I’m ducking in and out of vans, lodges, or tents. I’ve worn them around campfires, across parking lots, in airports, and on cabin porches, and never once wished I’d packed something else.
Fit and Sizing Notes
The only caveat is sizing. They come in whole sizes only, and I recommend sizing down if you’re in between. The insulation packs out slightly with wear, and a snugger fit helps keep them secure when walking or driving. Unlike traditional down booties, they don’t have a cinched ankle, so the closer fit matters.
Fun Colors and Designs
Another plus: these often come in a range of fun colors and patterns, not just black. It’s a small detail, but it makes them feel more personal and stylish, whether you’re lounging in a cabin or stepping off a plane.
Room for Improvement
While I love the thick sole for walking outdoors, it limits their use inside a sleeping bag or tight bivy setup. These aren’t the booties you’ll want to sleep in on a winter backpacking trip; they’re too structured and a bit heavy. They’re also not as lofty as true down hut slippers. For deep-winter warmth or ultralight packability, other options are better.
But for what they are — camp-ready, weather-friendly, and absurdly comfortable — they’re tough to beat.
Final Thoughts: Who Are The North Face Thermoball Traction Booties For?
If you want one slipper to rule them all, The North Face ThermoBall Traction Booties check every box. They’re cozy enough for lounging, sturdy enough for snowy steps, and practical enough for travel. They’ve seen ski cabin mornings, muddy van floors, post-run recovery, cold desert nights, and midwinter flights. They’re not ultralight, and they’re not meant for extreme cold, but they’ve become a staple in my cold-season travel and camp kit.
They’re best for car campers, van lifers, winter cabin-goers, and travelers who need a reliable, easy-on bootie that can move seamlessly between indoors and out. For anyone who bounces between cold-weather adventures and cozy downtime, they’re the kind of luxury that quickly becomes a necessity.
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