THE NORTH FACE womens Thermoball Traction Bootie - Warm Waterproof

In this review the Women's Thermoball Traction Bootie is evaluated as a lightweight, waterproof winter shoe designed for cold-weather outings where warmth and ease matter most. The single biggest reason to buy is its improved ThermoBall insulation, which traps heat in small pockets to keep feet warm even when damp, making it a practical choice for campsite evenings, snowy walks, and quick errands in slush. The review focuses on real-world fit, warmth, and how the waterproof construction and traction perform in winter conditions.

Key Features

• Waterproof construction: A DryVent membrane and non-PFC DWR help keep feet dry in snow and slush so you can stay comfortable longer.
• Recycled ripstop upper: Durable, water-resistant fabric made from 100% recycled ripstop adds protection and reduces weight for easy packing.
• ThermoBall insulation: Synthetic insulation traps heat in small air pockets to retain warmth even if the outer layer becomes slightly wet.
• Grippy outsole: A durable rubber tread provides reliable traction on uneven campsite ground and packed snow for confident steps.
• Easy on/off design: Elastic slip-on silhouette with pull-on loops and an adjustable collar bungee lets you get moving quickly without battling laces.
• Comfort footbed: OrthoLite Eco LT footbed gives cushioned daily comfort for standing around base camps or short hikes.

Who It's For

The Thermoball Traction Bootie is aimed at women who need a warm, lightweight winter slip-on for casual outdoor use, such as campsite evenings, quick trips from car to cabin, or short walks in town during snowy months. It suits travelers who want packable warmth without the bulk of a full winter boot and who appreciate recycled materials and waterproof protection.

Those who plan extended mountaineering, long backcountry snowshoeing, or need a very wide fit should look elsewhere, as this design favors a sleeker slip-on profile and the fit has mixed reports of running a bit narrow for some feet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm and lightweight insulation that retains heat even when damp, making it reliable in cold, wet conditions.
• Waterproof DryVent membrane combined with DWR and a synthetic mudguard keeps feet protected from snow and slush.
• Good traction from a durable rubber outsole provides confidence on slippery or uneven ground.
• Thoughtful, packable design with pull-on loops and an adjustable collar bungee for quick use.

Cons

• Fit can run small or narrow for some customers, so trying on or sizing up may be necessary.

Specifications

Brand	The North Face
Upper	100% recycled ripstop with synthetic mudguard
Waterproofing	DryVent membrane with non-PFC DWR
Insulation	100% recycled ThermoBall synthetic insulation
Footbed	OrthoLite Eco LT
Outsole	Durable grippy rubber, partially recycled

Our Verdict

For women seeking a warm, lightweight, and waterproof winter slip-on that handles snow and damp conditions well, the Thermoball Traction Bootie delivers strong value through effective insulation, solid traction, and recycled materials. It is especially worthwhile for casual outdoor use and travel, though shoppers with wider feet should consider sizing options before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these boots fully waterproof?
Yes. They use a DryVent membrane and a non-PFC DWR finish to protect feet in snowy and slushy conditions.

Will they keep my feet warm if they get wet?
The ThermoBall synthetic insulation is designed to trap heat even when damp, so they retain warmth better than untreated insulation.

Do they run true to size?
Fit is mixed; many find them true to size but some report a narrow fit, so trying them on or considering a half size up is a good idea.