The North Face is making our feet comfy, one traction mule at a time. What is a traction mule anyway? This short review will explore these slip-on mules that are great for camp, wearing around the house, or even après-ski.
I purchased and tested the Thermoball™ Eco Traction Mule V for this review, but first things first: The term "mule" can be defined as a slipper or light shoe without a back. The product name confused me at first, but as soon as I used my trusty friend Google to define the term, I felt instantly better about performing this write-up. Once an outdoor enthusiast slides on these mules, they will quickly realize that they are light, comfortable, warm, and perfect for just about any adventure.
Thermoball™ Eco Traction Mule V
Price:
$55 MSRP
Available colors:
Burnt Olive Green Woodland Camo Print/Tnf Black
Urban Navy/Picante Red
Zinc Grey / Highrise Grey
Tnf Black / Tnf Yellow
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) Weight & Pack-ability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) Comfort & Fit
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) Warmth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) Protecting Our Planet
Overall Rating: 4.8
Summary:
These have to be the most comfortable slippers on the planet. They are cozy warm, easy to slip on and a joy to wear. Overall, I enjoyed testing these mules indoors and out. Keep reading to find out how they performed in each of the rating categories.
MY REVIEW
When I removed these slippers from the packaging, the first thing I noticed was how light they were. At 8.1 ounces each, I immediately began to daydream about taking them on a backpacking trip. These mules are definitely pack-able and perfect for sliding into a backpack.
The design has a relaxed fit, but they don't feel sloppy at all. The sidewall gives just enough support for lounging around camp and the collapsible heel cuff can be worn around the heel or underneath for easy on-off scenarios.
The 100% recycled ripstop nylon upper, Thermoball synthetic insulation, and the Oso-fleece lining make this product very comfortable. When sliding in, they instantly feel comfy on the bottom of the foot and the insulation hugs the top of the foot just like a puffy jacket does on an upper torso.
From the perspective of protecting our planet, The North Face is up for the challenge of creating environmentally friendly products that perform well on all types of adventures.
I was impressed by the PrimaLoft® ThermoBall™ Eco synthetic insulation that is made from recycled polyester fabric and recycled insulation. The recycled insulation is spun from recycled bottles, making this material even more responsible. In addition, the 100% recycled P.E.T. ripstop nylon is ECO friendly while the sole is made from 40% recycled rubber.
Pro Tip:
Head over to The North Face official website and sign up for their VIPeak Rewards program before you order. They will send you an email with 10% off your first purchase.
Here's a quick list of features about the Thermoball™ Eco Traction Mule V direct from The North Face website:
- Water Resistant - Partially blocks rain/snow to increase breathability.
- Insulated - Insulation traps hot air for reduced heat loss and increased warmth.
- Recycled Content - Helps reduce landfill waste and the use of virgin materials.
- Upper: Durable, water-resistant, 100% recycled P.E.T. ripstop upper.
- PrimaLoft® ThermoBall™ Eco synthetic insulation.
- Cozy Oso-fleece lining.
- Collapsible heel with elastic side gore panels for easy on/off.
- Sole Unit: 40% recycled rubber outsole for supreme traction.
Pros & Cons:
👍 Pros
- Simple, yet effective design.
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Great fit and comfort.
- Collapsible heal for flexibility.
- Like walking on the clouds.
👎 Cons
- Limited color options at the time of this post.
Thermoball™ Eco Traction Mule V. Never stop exploring comfortably when you wear these well designed mules on your next adventure.
Go here to check out these great indoor/outdoor slippers and order them today.
➳ All photos are a courtesy of LaGuardia Adventure Photography. That's me!
