The North Face THERMOBALL Traction Mule Leather
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THERMOBALL™ Traction Mules Leather
Footwear · Slip-On Mule / Insulated Recovery
Post-expedition comfort should never be an afterthought. That’s why we created one of our most iconic styles—the THERMOBALL™ Traction Mules. As the original off-grid slip-ons, these warm, durable shoes (now available in a premium leather version) were born at base camp but adapted for everyday life. Lightweight and packable for easy transportation. Insulated and fleece-lined for unrivaled comfort and warmth. These are the all-in-one solution for running errands, après relaxation or kicking-back at camp. These are an icon.
Premium Leather Upper
Premium leather upper — different from the standard mesh/canvas version, the leather construction adds a more polished look for casual wear + durable weather resistance
THERMOBALL™ Synthetic Insulation
THERMOBALL™ 100% recycled polyester insulation — small fiber clusters that trap heat like down but continue insulating when wet; keeps feet warm in cold, damp conditions
Oso Fleece Collar Lining
Oso fleece collar lining (TNF’s proprietary soft fleece) — cozy next-to-skin comfort around the ankle + adds warmth without bulk
Collapsible Heel with Elastic Side Panels
Collapsible heel with elastic side panels for easy on/off — slides on like a slipper when the heel is collapsed, or stands up for a secure fit when the heel is engaged
Recycled-Rubber Outsole
Outsole made with up to 20% recycled rubber — sustainable construction that still delivers grip and traction on indoor + outdoor surfaces
LWG-Certified Leather
100% of leather sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries — meets environmental and ethical sourcing standards
Lightweight + Packable
269 g (9.49 oz) per mule — genuinely lightweight for an insulated leather mule; compressible for packability on travel and outdoor trips
Recycled Materials
THERMOBALL™ fill 100% recycled polyester, outsole up to 20% recycled rubber
Use
Type
Slip-On Mule (Insulated, Premium Leather)
Activity
Post-Expedition Recovery · Après-Ski · Casual · Around-Town · Travel
Sizing & Weight
Sizes (Men’s US)
3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 14 (whole + half sizes)
Weight (½ pair)
9.49 oz (269 g)
Materials
Upper
Leather (LWG-certified tanneries)
Collar Lining
Oso fleece (TNF proprietary)
Insulation
THERMOBALL™ 100% recycled polyester
Outsole
Made with up to 20% recycled rubber
Construction
Heel Design
Collapsible heel with elastic side panels (slipper mode + secure mode)
Closure
Slip-on (no laces, no buckles, no zippers)
Sustainability
Recycled Content
THERMOBALL™ fill 100% recycled polyester · Outsole up to 20% recycled rubber
Leather Sourcing
100% LWG-certified tanneries
Cleaning
Remove loose dirt, salt, and snow with a soft brush after every outing. Wipe the leather upper with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. For the Oso fleece collar, gently brush with a soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works) to keep the fibers upright. Do not machine wash or tumble dry — the heat and agitation destroy the THERMOBALL™ insulation loft, the waterproof Oso fleece collar can felt, the leather upper can crack, and the recycled-rubber outsole can delaminate. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and solvent-based cleaners.
Leather Care
The premium leather upper requires periodic conditioning to maintain its look and water resistance. When water stops beading on the leather, re-treat with a leather-safe DWR spray and apply a leather conditioner (Nikwax, Granger’s, or a similar leather-safe product) every 4–6 weeks of regular use. Don’t use a generic DWR spray on leather — can stain. Condition the leather only when dry, in small amounts, and buff off excess.
Oso Fleece Collar Care
The Oso fleece collar is soft and cozy but the most visible part of the mule. Brush regularly with a soft-bristle brush to keep the fibers upright. Don’t machine wash the collar — heat and agitation can felt the fleece. If the collar develops mats, a wide-tooth comb or pet brush can restore the pile. If the collar picks up body oil over time, a small amount of mild detergent + cool water + soft cloth, hand-washed, restores the look.
Drying
Air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight. Never set the mules on a radiator, near a fire, or in a clothes dryer — high heat delaminates the THERMOBALL™ insulation, warps the leather upper, and degrades the recycled-rubber outsole. Stuff loosely with crumpled newspaper for the first hour or two to wick interior moisture and hold the mule’s shape; replace the paper when it’s saturated.
Collapsible Heel + Elastic Side Panels
The collapsible heel is the most-used feature of the mule. The elastic side panels lose snap over years of heavy use; don’t over-stretch when putting on or taking off. If the elastic loses its snap-back, a tailor can replace the elastic panels (or the mule is at end of life). The heel collar is leather — treat it like the rest of the upper (leather-safe cleaner + conditioner + DWR spray).
Recycled-Rubber Outsole Care
Clear mud, packed dirt, and road salt from the outsole with a stiff brush after each use. The recycled-rubber outsole is durable but can be damaged by prolonged heat (hot car in summer, radiator in winter) — store the mules in a cool, dry place. Check the tread periodically; once visibly smoothed, the mule has lost meaningful traction and should be replaced.
THERMOBALL™ Re-Fluffing
The THERMOBALL™ 100% recycled polyester insulation can lose loft over years of compression (especially after long storage under heavy gear). If the mules feel less warm than they used to, tumble dry on low with 2–3 clean tennis balls for 10–15 minutes to re-fluff the fiber clusters and restore thermal performance. Don’t tumble dry on high heat — can damage the leather upper. Manual hand-fluffing of any clumped sections is also effective.
Après-Ski + Camp Use
The Thermoball Traction Mules are built for post-expedition comfort — not for active use in deep snow, rain, or technical terrain. Wear them in the cabin, tent, lodge, or around town after your activity. Don’t wear them as your only footwear in serious alpine conditions — the leather upper + THERMOBALL™ insulation + recycled-rubber outsole are designed for comfort, not for technical mountaineering. Pair with a real hiking boot or winter boot for serious activity.
Storage (Off-Season)
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Don’t leave the mules in a hot car in summer — heat can warp the leather upper, delaminate the THERMOBALL™ insulation, and degrade the recycled-rubber outsole. Stand the mules upright (or use boot shapers) to maintain the heel + toe shape and the Oso fleece collar’s loft. Keep out of damp areas — trapped moisture in the THERMOBALL™ insulation leads to mildew and odor that can be very hard to remove.
Iconic Heritage Product
The Thermoball Traction Mule is one of TNF’s most iconic products — “born at base camp but adapted for everyday life.” Worth preserving as an investment piece — with proper care, they last many seasons of regular use. The premium leather version is the most durable variant in the line, and the LWG-certified leather + recycled-rubber outsole + recycled THERMOBALL™ fill make it a real sustainability story for an icon.
Shipping Policy
Components:
All component items (wheels, drivetrains, suspension, brakes, etc.) ship within 2-5 business days of purchase.
Bicycles:
Complete bikes typically ship within 2–3 weeks due to build, tuning, and inspection times. You will receive tracking information as soon as your order is ready to ship.
Riding Gear & Apparel:
Riding gear and apparel orders (helmets, jerseys, gloves, etc.) ship within 2-5 business days.
Returns & Exchanges:
If you received the wrong size or wish to exchange an item, it must be returned in original condition—unused, uninstalled, and with all packaging intact.
For full details, please see our Refund Policy before initiating a return.
