In 1978, The North Face blended its rugged outdoor know-how with a more versatile product in the Base Camp Duffel. While certainly durable to withstand an adventure-focused lifestyle with its tough materials, the bag became incredibly popular for how it crossed over to the non-adventurer as well. Family camping trips and weekend getaways both saw their fair share of Base Camp Duffels.
Today, TNF has turned the Base Camp name to the world of footwear, bringing four new silhouettes that are perfect for wintertime, whether you’re staying indoors or sitting around a campfire.
Built From Expedition Heritage
The four-shoe lineup takes design cues directly from the brand’s most recognizable pieces. That laminated PU-coated material from the Base Camp Duffel shows up across the boots, giving them that bombproof construction the original bag earned a reputation for back in the ’80s. There’s even THERMOBALL insulation borrowed from TNF’s puffer jacket lineage, plus the 50/50 down-synthetic hybrid insulation that first appeared in their technical mountain gear.
Each silhouette gets Vibram XS Trek or XS Trek EVO outsoles, seam-sealed waterproofing, and internal EVA shells for structure. The collection manages to straddle that fine line between après-ski aesthetic and legitimate cold-weather performance, which The North Face has been refining since their 1966 founding in San Francisco’s North Beach.
Base Camp 200 Waterproof Boots
The flagship of the bunch is a pull-on snow boot that goes all-in on warmth. Inside, you’ll find 50/50 INSULATION, which combines down and synthetic fill for breathable temperature regulation. The seam-sealed construction and EVA shell midsole add protection against both moisture and impact, while the Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole should handle icy surfaces better than most winter boots in this category. At 18.66oz per shoe, they’re hefty but not unwieldy. It’s available in Summit Gold and TNF Black colorways.
Model: Base Camp 200 Waterproof Boots
Upper: PU-coated material (Base Camp Duffel-inspired)
Insulation: 50/50 INSULATION (down-synthetic hybrid)
Construction: Waterproof, seam-sealed with internal EVA shell
Midsole: Injected EVA shell
Outsole: Vibram XS Trek EVO
Weight: 18.66oz per shoe
Price: $200
Base Camp 100 Waterproof Boots
A slightly lighter lace-up option, the 100 keeps the same Base Camp Duffel-inspired upper but swaps to 100% recycled THERMOBALL polyester insulation. This synthetic fill stays warm even when wet, which is crucial since down loses its loft when damp, but THERMOBALL maintains performance. The same injected EVA shell midsole and Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole from the 200 appear here, just in a more traditional boot silhouette. Available in black or mocha brown.
Model: Base Camp 100 Waterproof Boots
Upper: Base Camp Duffel-inspired material, lace-up construction
Insulation: THERMOBALL 100% recycled polyester
Construction: Waterproof, seam-sealed with internal EVA shell
Midsole: Injected EVA shell
Outsole: Vibram XS Trek EVO
Weight: 16.16oz per shoe
Price: $180
Base Camp Waterproof Mules
For quick trips outside or casual wear, the waterproof mule version takes the collection’s technology and puts it in a slip-on format. The EVA shell upper differs from the textile construction of the boots but keeps the seam-sealed waterproofing and THERMOBALL insulation. It’s heavier than you’d expect at over 13oz per shoe (nearly the weight of some full boots) but that weight offers legitimate protection for your feet compared to other outdoor slippers on the market. The Vibram XS Trek outsole can easily handle snow-covered driveways or patios without issue. And the low-profile stance gives you better agility than a boot would. This model is only available in all-black.
Model: Base Camp Waterproof Mules
Upper: EVA shell
Insulation: THERMOBALL 100% recycled polyester
Construction: Waterproof, seam-sealed
Outsole: Non-marking Vibram XS Trek rubber
Weight: 13.09oz per shoe
Price: $130
Base Camp THERMOBALL Mules
The most casual of the four, these non-waterproof mules prioritize warmth and sustainability. A puffer jacket for your feet, the upper is made entirely from recycled P.E.T. ripstop with a non-PFC DWR finish, offering water repellency that’s more environmentally friendly. At around 11oz per shoe, they’re noticeably lighter than the waterproof mules above. THERMOBALL insulation keeps your feet warm inside, and the same reliable Vibram XS Trek outsole appears here too. You’ll also notice the high arch on the silhouette, which gives you ample support; there aren’t just glorified flats. The Mules are available in three colorways including Summit Gold, cream-colored Calacatta, and all-black options.
Model: Base Camp THERMOBALL Mules
Upper: 100% recycled P.E.T. ripstop with non-PFC DWR finish
Insulation: THERMOBALL 100% recycled polyester
Outsole: Non-marking Vibram XS Trek rubber
Weight: 11.29oz per shoe
Price: $100
Pricing & Availability
The North Face Base Camp Footwear Collection is available now through TNF’s website and select retailers. Pricing ranges from $100 for the THERMOBALL Mules up to $200 for the Base Camp 200 Waterproof Boots.
Recap
The North Face Base Camp Footwear Collection
The North Face is bringing their iconic Base Camp Duffel’s bombproof construction to footwear with four new winter silhouettes that range from serious snow boots with hybrid insulation to casual slip-on mules that look like puffer jackets.
