Best Heated Socks 2021 – Reviews and Top Picks

Heated socks prevent you from getting frozen feet, even in the most extreme situations. No matter whether you go skiing or purchase heated socks for hunting in cold weather – you will get your feet warmed either way.

There are many factors to consider when you make a choice based on your preferences and the way you are going to use your heated socks. In this section, we are going to disclose the basic characteristics of various types of heated socks in general.

Fabric

The fabric or material used for the socks affects the warmth, ability to keep temperature and comfort when you are wearing them. Most of the models presented are made from synthetic materials. Those are better when it comes to warming up and relaxation.

Along with that, heated socks from synthetic material get dry much quicker than others, which is also an advantage, especially when it comes to activities like skiing or hunting. Thus, if you get sweaty, it is safer and more comfortable to use socks made from synthetic materials.

On the other hand, such socks provide less warmth, basically when the warming up function is off. In the meantime, woolen heated socks are much warmer initially, they heat up much faster, and the only shortcoming is that they dry slower if you get sweaty. In our opinion, synthetic socks can be a better choice for activities, especially that last for a short time, while woolen ones are better for warming up in general.

Heat Duration

Consider this feature in case you are planning to use socks for long-lasting activities. If you purchase heated socks for outdoor activities such as skiing, hunting, or hiking for many hours, it is better to choose models with extended battery life.

In the case that you are going to use heated socks indoors or for a short time, there is no need to overpay for additional battery life. Usually, the heat duration for these socks is up to six hours, which is quite long, but not enough time if you are going out for a whole day or even more.

Charging

When it comes to rechargeable heated socks, it is vital to consider the time needed to reach a full charge. Most of the proper models provide up to six hours of heating, and to recharge the socks; you usually need from one and a half to four and a half hours.

Charging time plays a significant role in planning your activities. In case you are going out in cold-weather once a day, charging time doesn’t play a vital role, and there is no problem if it takes even more than four hours. Otherwise, you may need a model with fast recharging.

Temperature control

Most of the best heated socks come with an ability to set the temperature. There can be three, five, or more temperature modes – it all depends on the model. The maximum temperature that socks can reach may be up to 140 degrees by Fahrenheit – this is what can be provided by the most potent models today. However, you may not need such sturdy socks, as it affects the heat durability and price.

If you are going to purchase heated socks for a trip, make sure you find out the standard temperature for the area you are heading to, and make a choice according to this factor. There is no need to buy the most powerful heated socks for an area with mild weather.

Smartphone Control

Some heated socks are delivered with Bluetooth, and you can download an app to manage the performance of socks. For example, you can adjust the temperature or monitor the battery status. It is a step forward compared with older models, which have to be controlled manually.

Heated socks with remote control can be used for outdoor activities when you are skiing, hunting, or hiking. However, the only shortcoming is that you have to take a smartphone with you and take it from your pocket, which can be less comfortable than bending low and switching to the desired settings.

Heated Socks – How They Work?

Heated socks always consist of the socks themselves and the hardware, which can include the battery and control set. The socks can be made of any material – from synthetic to wool or cotton. There can be several heating plates in the socks, but typically there is one at the top and bottom to provide you with sufficient heating and make sure both of your feet are warmed up.

There are different types of socks by material, control type (remote or manual), and battery type. Once the socks are charged, you can wear them on and turn the heating. On some of the socks, you can set up the temperature, and depending on the battery charge; your feet will be warmed up. Some of the socks are delivered with Bluetooth so that you can manage their work with your smartphone, and others come with a miniature control set for manual control.

Different Kinds of Heated Socks

When you choose the best heated socks, there are many factors to consider, along with the maximum temperature and the material being used. Thus, we are going to inform you about the socks with external/rechargeable batteries and non-electric heated socks, as well.

Electric Socks With External Batteries

Heated socks with external batteries differ from those that are rechargeable. Here you need to replace the batteries when they run out of energy manually and put them into the specified compartment. Usually, it is better to use heated socks with rechargeable batteries.

However, as the maximum heat duration usually doesn’t exceed six hours, it is better to take socks with external batteries on long trips. It is handy when you know that there won’t be an opportunity to recharge the battery, so you need to take a couple of battery sets with you and replace them when needed. Though heated socks with external batteries show worse heat duration, it is still a better option for long rides or trips.

Rechargeable Battery Heated Socks

This is the most common and best option for the majority of users. These socks can be continuously recharged, so you will not need to buy new batteries until the socks’ lifecycle is over. However, if you go out for 12 hours and have no place to recharge the socks, they will almost become useless. As you can see, it is hard to say which socks are the best – it all depends on the way you are going to use them.

Heated Insoles

Some people who have a choice between heating socks and heating insoles choose insoles. This is a fair choice – insoles are much cheaper, they are not electric, so you can use them efficiently. Moreover, when wearing heating insoles, you can also wear regular shoes, as they do not take much space.

However, the reason heated insoles are not always the best choice is the fact that they cannot provide the same warmth. Heated socks typically warm up and protect your entire foot from freezing, from the toes to the bridge of the foot. Although they cost more, purchasing heated socks is still better than buying heated insoles when you need to be active in severe weather conditions.

Warm Insulated Socks

Warm insulated socks differ from the basic models due to their extended capacity to maintain a set temperature. When you wear regular heated socks, it is necessary to keep the heating mechanism on during the entire time you are wearing them.

Thermal insulated socks allow you to turn off the heat, and your feet remain warmed, as the temperature is maintained at the same level for a long time. Once it falls below the needed standard, you can turn on the heat again. Thus, such socks allow you to save the battery life and continue using the socks without recharging them.

Microwavable Socks

Microwavable socks exist and can be used to keep the feet warm. These are socks made from a unique fabric providing a high insolation grade. Put them into the microwave oven for the specified time, and wear them with waterproof shoes to keep your feet warm for hours. Of course, this kind of socks cannot provide you the same comfort and reliability as heated socks. In the meantime, they are much less expensive and do not use electricity.

Where Can Heated Socks Be Used?

Heated socks can be used both for outdoor and indoor use. Different models are more suited for each kind of application.

Indoor

Apart from common sense, heated socks can be used for more than just activities in cold weather. You also can use them indoors to keep your feet warm if there are issues with the heating on the premises. For this purpose, it is better to use less powerful models or ones that have a mild heating mode. You also can use microwavable socks and heated insoles. However, if you plan any outdoor activities, it is better to choose heated socks with different temperature modes instead.

Outdoors

The overall description for the usage of heated socks usage is simple – they are useful in cold areas. However, some socks are more suited for sports activities and others for just warming up. For example, sports heated socks for skiing or snowboarding are thinner so that you can wear smart design boots, decreasing your weight. On the other hand, heated socks for hunting are better when it comes to being waterproof.

If we are not talking about specialized models, heated socks, in general, can be used both for outdoor or indoor activities. You only to need to make sure there is thermal regulation implemented to feel comfortable in any conditions.

Advantages and Shortcomings of Using Heated Socks

As with any product, there are pros and cons when using heated socks. It has to be mentioned that heated socks are something new, and most people have been living without them for years. Still, it is much more comfortable when you wear them.

Pros:

• Warmth – there are no other types of socks that can provide you with the same warmth as heated socks. Even the thickest wool socks have nothing to offer in comparison to the heat produced by electric socks.
• Comfortable – the first models were more about warmth than comfortability. However, now, many models are as comfortable as regular socks, and some heated socks are as thick as the regular ones.
• Healthier – feet and hands lose warmth much faster than any other part of the body, which often leads to getting cold. In the meantime, when you wear heated socks, your health and your feet are protected.

Cons:

• Expensive – of course, heated socks are much more costly than regular ones. They can cost hundreds of dollars so that you could buy ten or more socks for the same money.
• Thick – typically heated socks are more abundant than regular ones. Thus, you need to wear bigger shoes when using heated socks. Of course, some models are as thin as proper socks. However, they cost more or are less powerful.

FAQ

Here you can find answers to the most common question asked by people considering buying heated socks.

What Is The Heated Socks’ Lifecycle?

It all depends on the battery power integrated into the socks and the intensity of use. Generally, the most widespread models can work uninterrupted from one to six hours. There are also heated socks with a rechargeable and external battery, and thus in the first case, you need to recharge the battery on time. In the second case, there should always be some spare batteries.

It is also useful to monitor the charge on the LED-screen, or your smartphone depending on the type of socks and use any chance to recharge the battery.

How to Take Care of Heated Socks?

When you buy heated socks, the manufacturer always provides you with the maintenance instructions, and there is nothing so complicated that a regular person cannot do it. Note that all heated socks have threads that mustn’t be damaged or scratched, so it is vital to adhere to the manufacturer’s guide.

Usually, taking care of heated socks properly doesn’t mean they have to be washed each time you take them off. The thing is heated socks are worn after the regular socks, so they rarely get sweated or smell. Nevertheless, if you decide to wash them, it can be done manually or by using the washing machine – it is always pointed out in the guide and depends on the material used for the socks.

What you surely cannot do with socks, no matter what is boil them or put them in a washing machine without the unique bag provided by the manufacturer.

How to Charge Heating Socks?

If you use rechargeable heated socks, charging will look the same as charging your phone. Note that completing charging the socks can take up to eight hours – it all depends on the battery type used by the manufacturer, so it is entirely reasonable. Some users have several battery packs to ensure they always have fully charged batteries to replace the ones that have a low battery.

Can I Wear Heating Socks Under Ski Boots?

Generally, yes. Typically heated socks can easily be worn under ski boots. However, it is better to look for the models that are intended for skiing or snowboarding. Usually, ski or snowboard heated socks are thinner and more powerful and made from synthetic materials.

Conclusion

Best heated socks can come in handy when it comes to cold weather. However, it is better to pay attention to different kinds of models if you want to buy heated socks that ideally fit you.