THERMOBALL TRACTION BOOTIE
The Thermoball Traction Bootie was designed for the 2014 Fall / Winter season. These booties were created as part of a footwear initiative that would change all down filled insulation used in the outdoor slipper collection to a new proprietary insulation that was created within apparel. This new insulation is called “Thermoball”. Thermoball is a faux goose down insulation created from polyester that mimics the characteristics of down insulation and is made from recycled polyester fibers. Originally, the Thermoball Traction Bootie was an exploratory concept used to see what was capable when using the new Thermoball insulation package. Eventually, after great pre-lining and share-outs with internal and external business partners, the Thermoball Traction Bootie was introduced into the footwear line and has remained in-line ever since.
Inspiration
When switching the entire outdoor slipper collection from down filled insulation to the newly developed “Thermoball” insulation, the thought was how can this insulation be used. It was determined that this was an additional design that would share the new Thermoball insulation and become an unexpected slipper design within the collection. Apparel’s Thermoball insulation package was designed to help reduce the need to use down fill while shifting the design team into a new mindset focused around sustainability. This new mind shift also started conversation around how to address the needs of the “New Explorers”. The New Explorers are a more environmentally conscience consumer that is the emerging face of the outdoors. Within this new outdoor conscience mindset there are new expectations as to how footwear should and could look. Simple yet functional, with the ability to be rematerialized with multiple material and color blocking opportunities, allows the footwear styles to do more with less.
Initial Exploration
The original bootie concept was designed specifically for women in mind. This new bootie silhouette is focused around simplicity, iconic blocking, and ease of use. This new addiction to the revised outdoor slipper collection would carry all the same materials, insulation, and visual aesthetics as the other slippers.
Direction Refinement
The North Face outdoor slipper collection called back to early footwear construction methods, simpler aesthetics, minimal patterning, and basic stitch construction. These design attributes created an approachability and immediate understanding as to how one would interact with the product. Those drivers of simplicity and approachability are what was needed to deliver a successful expansion to an already highly revered collection.
Direction Finalization
Designed to be an expansion to the Thermoball Slipper Collection, the Thermoball Traction Bootie shares the same visual aesthetics and Thermoball insulation technologies. Originally designed as a women’s only pattern, the Thermoball Traction Bootie soon expanded into a unisex style and quickly became adopted as the go to bootie for cold weather camping.
Market Release
Creating an extension to the Thermoball Slipper Collection was an exploratory success. Aligning materials, patterning, and construction methods, holistically brings this style into the Thermoball Slipper Collection. From sharing the same brand proud iconic blocking, to using the same outsole as the original Traction Mules, the Thermoball Traction Bootie not only follows, but expands, the range of outdoor slippers from The North Face.
Specs
THERMOBALL TRACTION BOOTIE PATTERN REVISION
The first prototype of the new bootie concept arrived and received mixed reviews. It didn’t spark curiosity or emotions when shared with the footwear team. The intent was to capture and embody the aesthetic of the original camp slippers. Simpler patterning with fewer upper pieces was key to refining and aligning with other mule silhouettes.
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