The North Face Thermoball Slippers Are Traveler-loved

As a travel journalist and photographer, my job takes me all over the world multiple times a year. Last year alone I found myself on over a dozen long-haul flights, where I learned that being comfortable is the most important thing. It also didn’t take me too long to figure out that, when it comes to air travel, supportive shoes can make all the difference as you’re navigating long TSA security lines, hustling through terminals, or settling in for a long flight. 

With comfort as my main goal, I wanted something easy to slip on and off, supportive enough to handle airport treks and keep my feet cozy in those notoriously chilly plane cabins. A fellow traveler and camping friend recommended trying camp shoes, which are known for their padded, cushiony feel and warmth but grippy outer soles. I tried several pairs until I found The North Face Thermoball Insulated Slippers, and now, I wouldn’t dare fly in any other shoe. And, with over 1,400 five-star ratings from satisfied Amazon customers, the shoes have a reputation for being the “greatest slippers of all time” for ensuring happy feet — be it at 30,000 feet or on the ground. 

The North Face Thermoball Insulated Slippers

For starters, these mules are packed with the brand’s ThermoBall Eco insulation, which is a synthetic alternative to traditional down. This means it traps heat within small air pockets for warmth retention and keeps your feet cozy no matter the weather. Since they’re designed for colder temps, they do have a wintery look to them — but The North Face has found the perfect balance between function and style with the upper material, which is a durable, recycled ripstop fabric that holds up well against sudden temperature changes which we all experience during long-haul flights — hence why shoppers are raving “no more cold feet” after wearing them on their travels. 

Another key design feature worth highlighting is their rubber outsoles. Unlike traditional slippers (and honestly, most of the shoes on the market these days), the Thermoball Slippers have grippy lugs (comparable to those of hiking boots, I’d say) to provide added stability and traction when you are walking about in a dark cabin, slick terminal floors, uneven pavement, and even cobblestone streets.

In fact, one Amazon shopper called the traction “amazing” when comparing The North Face slippers to similar cold-weather shoes: “All my other shoes… I was sliding all over the ice. When I put these on, I did not slip at all.” 

But beyond the plane cabin, these shoes also work great when you are out and about at your destination. They have a DWR (durable water repellency) finish so they can handle light rain or snow and, in a pinch, work as hiking shoes for short treks due to the hardy rubber outsoles.

The North Face Thermoball Insulated Slippers

Perhaps one of my favorite features of these mules is the collapsible heel, which I found to be a game-changer. You can wear them like regular slip-ons or just flatten the heel and slide your foot in, no hands needed. This makes them perfect for those late-night bathroom trips when you’re half-asleep or for when you need to take your shoes off and on at TSA security. Taking to the review section, another Amazon customer said they were “perfect for [the] airport” and kept their feet comfy on a 10-hour flight. 

These shoes weigh around 2 pounds so they are lightweight and packable, which is great if you just want to wear them on your flight and pack them away at other times. However, they only come in full sizes so if you are in between two sizes like me, you may have to size up.

The North Face Thermoball Insulated Traction Mule Shoe

The North Face Thermoball Insulated Traction Shoe is available in 37 colors on Amazon, ranging from muted tones to bright fun hues and even trendy leopard patterns. I got mine in a grey and stone color combo, and they go well with everything from my standard black airplane sweatpants to my comfortable jeans for a casual look. I even use them as quick slip-ons around hotel rooms. 

You don’t have to be a hiker to wear these so-called camp shoes; they are versatile enough to be worn everywhere — from travel to just running errands around town. But if you’re still looking for your perfect pair of travel sneakers, check out some of my other favorite slip-on styles on Amazon. You’ll love this part: many of them are marked down during the retailer’s big Presidents Day sale. 

More Comfy Slip-ons to Shop at Amazon: 

Kubua Unisex Plush Slippers

Revitalign Women’s Teton Quilted Mules

Keen Men’s Howser 2 Slippers

Eagsouni Unisex House Slippers

Glerups Unisex Wool Shoes

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