Best heated socks | To keep your toes warm in winter

Heated socks are pretty much like standard socks, with the addition of integrated heating systems. Different socks have different ways of implementing heating, but they all serve the basic function of keeping the feet warm. 

Heated socks address a basic issue with the circulatory system, which does a good job of keeping the body warm for the most part.

The problem is that the feet are located quite a distance from the heart, which can’t get blood to these extremities as efficiently as they would to the other parts of the body.

The blood also cools down significantly by the time it gets to the feet, which makes it even more difficult to stay warm during cold weather. 

Most heated electric socks have low-energy heater meshes that run on batteries.

The heating mechanisms and linings are removable with most brands, so you can safely pop the socks into the wash just as you would any other pair. The Lithium-ion battery that powers the heating mechanism in these socks is rechargeable via a USB port. 

Heated socks are useful for any situation occasion where you will be exposed to cold temperatures for a significant period, such as a building site in the winter or when working at higher altitudes such as being in the snow on a mountain.

Apart from builders and tradespeople, heated socks are also good to wear for camping, snowboarding, hiking, cycling, fishing, and skiing.

Heated socks do more than just keep your feet warm and cozy. They can reduce the risk of frostbite in more extreme environments and prevent severe injury to people with diabetes or cardiac issues, or people using blood thinners which make them more susceptible to cold temperatures.

The best-heated socks can be quite effective, reaching temperatures of up to 55°C, although they can be dialed down if you don’t want them that hot.

Most socks will keep your feet toasty for up to six hours on a single charge, depending on the heat setting.

Features to consider first

• Heater mesh. These are battery-powered components that have fairly low energy requirements. 
• Lining and heating mechanisms. These are removable so the socks can be washed by hand or placed in a washing machine safely.
• Lithium-ion battery. In the best-heated socks, these can power the heating mechanism for up to nine hours and are rechargeable via a USB interface.
• Temperature control. These allow you to set the temperature to a comfortable range as needed.

Before you buy heated socks…

1. What’s the expected life?

A good pair of heated socks should withstand rugged use, especially if they will be used by builders and construction workers. They may also have to undergo repeated washing with the heating element removed.

2. How good is the battery life?

 You should reasonably expect your heated socks to keep your feet warm for at least two hours at the highest setting, and even longer at the lower settings.

This should give you enough time to work comfortably before having to change or charge the battery.

3. How long does that battery take to charge?

You want your heated socks to go from fully depleted to full charge in as little time as possible so you can keep on using them.

Like all devices that run in rechargeable batteries, you will probably have to charge them for several hours initially, so don’t forget to factor that in if you need to use your socks right away.

4. What is the sock material?

Always go for a material that provides a good balance between comfort and durability. You will also want socks that absorb moisture and keep it away from your skin so the heating element won’t have to work too hard and deplete the battery too quickly.

5. Is the price worth it?

Heated socks aren’t that expensive although they do cost a bit more than regular winter socks. Always go for the best pair you can afford so you can reasonably be assured of a long-lasting product with a reliable heating mechanism.

Working outdoors during cold weather can be fun with the right mindset, but cold feet are never comfortable.

Even being indoors carving with chisels or making angled cuts and having cold feet can be an uncomfortable feeling in the middle of winter. But you can make your toes a lot more comfortable and even pleasant simply by wearing appropriate clothing.

Your buddies at the worksite might give you some grief for wimping out and complaining about your cold feet. But you’ll be the one laughing when you can go on things done comfortably when their toes have turned into icicles!

To be sure, you do have some options available to you even if you don’t particularly feel like slipping on your heated socks. You can double up on woolen socks, for example, or put on a pair of possum fur socks.

Of course, nothing beats a good pair of heated socks for keeping your feet warm when the temperatures plunge.

If you have to pour concrete or cut rebars outdoors and the rain and snow are coming down, you will appreciate the comfort that heated socks will provide your toes that are often forgotten. 

A problem with steel cap work boots is that yes, they keep your toes safe, but keep in mind that they can actually trap cold temperatures and radiate the cold to your feet making your toes even colder.

In most cases, you will probably be better off with a good pair of solid boots and heated socks rather than any other pair of thermal socks. And you could appreciate a pair in your toolbox for a cold day.

The beauty of electric heated socks is that they simply work. Slip them on just as you would any other pair of socks, turn on the built-in heater, and you are pretty much set for as long as the battery holds its charge.

And with most Lithium-ion batteries being good for several hours, you can keep on going for longer periods even outdoors. 

Heated socks are essential accessories for anyone that has to do a lot of outdoor work during winter.

Ideally it can be a great gift idea for builders, construction workers, concrete layers, and even gardeners can benefit from having a good pair of these socks when working long hours in the cold.

They are even useful to gift for mechanics or people working indoors in damp cellars or basements, or unheated workshops and garages. When it comes to comfort of working for long hours, you can pair it with and while seated on a drafting chair.

Even if you’ve never picked up a hammer or a saw before, you can use heated socks for snowboarding, skiing, or camping.

Even if the closest you come to braving the elements is heading down to the pub for a cold one, heated socks can make your evening a lot more comfortable when the temperatures dip. 

On a more serious note, heated socks can be especially useful for people that have health issues that prevent them from maintaining heat.

People with diabetes and people with cardiac issues, in particular, will find heated socks a lot more useful than having to double up on thick socks every time they feel cold.

The top pick for the best-heated sock is the Snow Deer. Running at 7.4 volts and powered by a 2200mAh battery pack, it has what it takes to keep your feet warm and toasty even under the harshest weather conditions.

The best feature of these socks is the way the infrared heating element covers the entire toe area, which is where warmth is needed the most.

If you’ve ever had to work outdoors or even brave the elements on a camping trip, you will appreciate just how comfortable these socks will make your feet feel.

It lasts up to six hours running on the lowest setting, and even cranking it up to high keeps your feet warm for up to two hours. I also like the cotton-polyester blend, which helps control moisture.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

In addition to keeping the feet warm, the best-heated socks also do an excellent job of keeping the feet dry.

Some of the brands featured in this roundup combine knit exteriors with a waterproof membrane, plus a knit interior. These three components work especially well for keeping out moisture and the cold while keeping the warmth in.

These socks usually have thick inner and outer layers that provide adequate protection for the waterproof membrane, so they are quite a bit thicker than your average winter socks.

Nevertheless, the water-resistant properties of these socks make them almost as effective as rain boots for keeping your feet dry, with the added bonus of built-in heating.

For full water protection stick to wet weather pants overlapping the trusty gumboots, or investing in some waterproof work boots.

Skiers have slightly different needs from their heated socks than most other users, considering how much time they spend out on the slopes and the high likelihood of snow and ice entering their boots.

The best-heated socks for skiing have specially designed heating elements that distribute the warmth evenly throughout the feet and toes, providing superior protection against the cold.

Some heated ski socks even have backup warming components that keep you warm even when your primary battery runs down. 

Other features that make certain socks better suited for skiers are remote control modules that let you adjust temperature settings quickly.

By having the control on a handy keychain, you can ramp up the heat or dial it down as needed without having to fumble around your ankles

According to many heated socks reviews, some of the best heated socks for camping share many of the same features as socks intended for skiers.

Although you probably won’t need to have on-the-fly control at your fingertips, the ability to change temperature settings will come in handy when you’re out in the wilderness. 

Backup heating systems are nice to have as well, as is a heating element that spreads the heat evenly throughout your feet and toes.

But perhaps the most useful feature for campers is moisture absorption, which prevents you from soaking in your seat and eventually getting cold.

And with breathable fabric, your socks will dry up even faster than if you relied on the heating system alone.

The best-heated socks are already pretty cool while working and being basic. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement, and the heated socks of the near future are likely to have an even better battery life than the current market offerings. 

Some areas where upcoming heated socks will likely have the edge are comfort and discreetness. Even now, there are heated socks reviews of designs with integrated heating elements that are barely noticeable.

Even the Lithium-ion battery packs are much more streamlined, nestling comfortably at the top edge just below the knee without getting in the way. 

One other promising development is the introduction of Bluetooth capability, which allows users to change settings easily and even switch between battery packs remotely.

Given these and other upcoming features, I’m pretty certain that exciting developments are afoot in the heated socks market.

Wearing heated socks can be beneficial for people diagnosed with arthritis [1] as well as those with pain in the toes, feet, and ankles.

Cold weather often aggravates the condition in people that have acute or chronic pain, and heated socks can provide some degree of relief and comfort.

Heated socks can also help people diagnosed with diabetes or some other condition that hinders circulation to the extremities. 

Do take note that heated socks aren’t meant to take the place of treatment prescribed by a doctor.

You should also ask your doctor if it is okay for you to be using heated socks. In most cases, however, these types of socks provide safe and effective relief that complements any prescribed medical treatment.

For the money, you simply can’t find a better pair of heated socks than the Snow Deer right now.

The way that the heating element covers the entire toe area is sheer genius and really helps keep the feet comfortable even when working outside for long periods.

The cotton-polyester blend feels good and does a great job of keeping away moisture, which makes the heating mechanism even more effective.

It even comes with a zipper cover pocket that keeps the battery securely attached to the sock and keeps it from getting in the way. The ‘medium’ setting, can easily last up to 3.5 hours on a single charge that will last you as long as you should practically be out in the cold.

With a Dewalt bluetooth speaker and a pair of warm electric socks, you have everything you need to stay comfortable during your workday.