The North Face’s Iconic Camping Slip-On Gets Way More Capable with Some Critical Upgrades

After a long day out on the trails, nothing beats the feeling of slipping into something more comfortable … like aprés-hike slippers. What? What did you think I meant?

Yes, your hiking boots can help you ascend those peaks, but your feet deserve a little break when you’re resting around the campfire. And that’s precisely where camp slippers shine.

For years, The North Face has maintained a constant presence in this space, its various Thermoball Mules often cited as among the best options on the market.

Yet, rather than rest on its laurels, the brand has taken that very slipper back to the drawing board, making it better and more capable while maintaining what made it so great in the first place.

Meet The North Face Base Camp Thermoball Mules.

The North Face

Puffed-up kicks

These slippers get their name from their defining feature: their Thermoball uppers. And like those that came before them, that puffer jacket-like upper remains.

And its beauty is multi-fold. For starters, it’s insulated with synthetic down that can keep your feet warm in even the coldest of weather. It’s also baffled and stuffed just like a puffer jacket.

However, that’s not where the story ends. The upper is also 100 percent recycled, giving it an angle of sustainability. But perhaps more importantly, it has a water-repellent finish, so rain, sleet and snow bead right off.

Granted, it’s not as resistant to weather as its completely waterproof siblings, which were also just released, but it’s a good deal better than, say, perforated clogs (you know what I mean).

The North Face

Easy aprés

As great as that Thermoball upper is, that’s the element of this shoe that’s a bit old hat. It’s what’s found below that really helps set this new version apart from its predecessors.

Instead of the typical rubber outsole, these mules boast a far more rugged and capable Vibram outsole — the same one the other waterproof Base Camp boots and slippers got. Compared to older models, this is a massive upgrade.

The North Face

The thicker rubber, greater height and deeper tread mean these slip-ons can tackle far more rugged terrain than their siblings. They’re also more slip-resistant, making them better suited for tackling soggy, inclement situations.

The protective Vibram outsole even wraps up over the toe, sides and back to add some extra protection. In almost every way, these slippers are more ruggedized and, therefore, just plain better.

The North Face

Pricing and availability

The North Face Base Camp Thermoball Mules are now available in three colors on the brand’s site for $100 per pair.

The North Face

The North Face Base Camp Thermoball Mules

• $100 at The North Face

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