After 9 hours of research evaluating 20 products, we picked Global Vasion Rechargeable Heated Socks as our top choice.
Ever wondered why your feet get so cold in winter? It's all about blood flow: your body directs most of your circulation toward your organs to keep them warm, thereby reducing circulation to your limbs.
When the temperature gets cold, your feet (and hands) are going to get chilly as well. Enter heated socks.
Not if we can help it!
Heated socks are the perfect solution for those chilly winter nights and days when you're worried about cold feet. The heated apparel will generate heat to compensate for the reduced body heat, and those electric socks will ensure your feet are toasty warm.
Not only are these battery heated socks good for lounging around the house, but they can be used for work, snow sports, even riding your motorcycle in the snow.
We've done the work of searching for the best heated socks for you, combing through dozens of products and reading thousands of reviews. Check out our list of the VERY best heated socks to keep you warm no matter what the temperature is…
For warm hands, visit our list of the best heated gloves!
Say goodbye to cold toes this winter with these incredibly cozy MMlove Electric Heated socks! These socks will keep you warm through all your snow and winter activities. Compared to other socks on the market, these heated cozies are set at a great value.
These socks only come in two sizes, M and L, but fit most feet!
These socks work to evenly distribute heat (rather than other heated socks where only one part of your foot warms) and come with a rechargeable battery. Use these as everyday indoor socks, or for all your outdoor winter activities and feel as your feet stay warm all day long!
We love the temperature control that comes with these socks. There are three temperature settings - low, medium, and high - perfect for varying temperatures. The socks heat up within a minute of turning on. The battery lasts longer, the lower the temperature of the socks. Low heat typically lasts for about 6 hours, while High heat lasts for about 3 hours.
These socks cost $41.99, which we think is a pretty great value — especially considering that some heated socks sell for $100+! They work well and should hold up throughout the cold winter season!
Get some of the coziest socks for this winter season with these Snow Deer heated socks. Perfect for hiking, skiing, cycling, or just wearing around the house. The socks are thick and work to distribute heat evenly while stimulating blood circulation!
The battery doesn't last super long; you may want to bring extra batteries if you're going to be out for a long time.
Yes, these socks are ideal for people with cold feet, but they also are perfect for those with arthritis, stiff joints, and bad circulation. The socks use far infrared heating elements that work to stimulate blood circulation and distribute heat evenly. Pretty cool!
The socks come with Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries. Snow Deer socks are made with thick material that is ergonomically knitted with padding, meaning your feet get excellent support and comfort. Unlike other socks, the material allows your feet to breathe, enabling you to go about your day without worrying about overheated feet. The temperature control has three settings, with the lowest setting being warm enough to keep your feet comfortable all day long.
You get what you pay for with these socks. For $79.99, you're purchasing socks that work to stimulate blood circulation while keeping your feet at a perfect temperature. These socks are great for those who have issues with circulation, nerve damage, or arthritis.
These heated socks by Parner have a three temperature setting and can hold a charge ranging from 4-10 hours a day. The socks come with two rechargeable batteries and are made with premium thick cotton.
These heated socks will keep your feet warm all day long. They hold a charge ranging from 4-10 hours depending on what heating level you keep them on and are thermal and well insulated. The socks dispense heat evenly keeping your feet perfectly warm from your toes to your heels.
These socks have a three-step temperature heating level. You can keep your socks on low (green) which lasts for about 9-10 hours, medium (orange) which lasts for about 6-7 hours, or high (red) which lasts about 4-5 hours. The temperature levels range from 100 degrees to 131 degrees.
These are one of the least expensive heated socks on our list, and they work incredibly well. For only $38.99, we'd say they're set at a value that can't be beaten!
Heated insole inserts to keep the underside of your feet warm, lightweight, one size fits all, easy to install in your boots and shoes, can be used with any footwear, four heat settings, great battery life, durable
Only heat the underside of your feet, steep learning curve
Instead of heating socks, these are shoe inserts that provide heating to the underside of your feet. They're lightweight and slim enough to be inserted into any shoe without adding extra weight, and they'll be comfortable no matter what type of activity you're engaged in. They're built for active use, but they're just as comfy inside your business shoes and house slippers.
The inserts are made for easy installation, and you can slip them in and out of your shoes as simply as any other insert. Great if you have multiple pairs of shoes you'll use every day!
The inserts come with a built-in heating element that runs off S4 Power Plus Battery Packs. Each set comes with 2 inserts, 2 battery packs, and one charger. Plus, the battery packs have two cells each, delivering up to 6 hours of use before needing to be recharged.
The heating element focuses on warming the underside of your feet, making them the perfect addition if you've already got heated socks keeping your toes toasty warm.
At $200, these are definitely on the pricier side of things. However, they're suitable for any type of footwear and activity, making them a good investment if you're prone to cold feet while playing, lounging, and working.
Most complete heating system, sock liner rather than actual socks, moisture-wicking, warm even when heating element is turned off, comfortable under motorcycle boots
Require 12V power source
If you're going to be riding your motorcycle this winter, you'll need these sock liners. While not actual socks (you'll need to wear normal socks beneath the liner), they'll be worn inside your boots and will help to keep your feet toasty warm.
The sock liner is made of a blend of cotton and synthetic materials that will keep your feet warm without making them too sweaty, and the fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking. They'll be comfortable when you walk around, but they're at their best when plugged into your bike and keeping your feet toasty.
The sock liner doesn't use a battery pack—instead, it has two cables intended to plug into your motorcycle's 12V power supply. You can get a full day of use from them, and they'll heat your entire foot—toes, soles, ankles, even your lower calves—thanks to their full-foot heating element.
The advanced heat transfer system will guarantee you no longer have warm toes and frosty heels—you'll keep your whole foot warm and cozy all day long.
Note: There is a version of this sock liner that has a 7.4 volt battery.
At $100, these are a pretty well-priced pair of heating socks. They'll run off your motorbike's power supply for years to come, so you'll never have to worry about buying batteries again.
Manufactured for outdoor use, durable, thermal socks, rechargeable batteries, three heat settings, quick-drying, breathable, ultra-thin heating module, good price, mid-calf height, slim battery pack
Battery pack too large to fit in ski boots/tall boots
If you're planning on getting some winter hiking in, hitting the skiing slopes, or braving the chill for a bit of camping, these socks are your best friend. Made of a blend of cotton and Spandex, they are an excellent thermal base layer that will keep your feet toasty warm even without the heating element. They offer good elasticity and comfort without being too heavy, and they're built for active outdoor use.
The material is surprisingly quick-drying, with a breathability that will keep your feet from getting sweaty or swampy in hiking boots or ski boots. Perfect for men and women who tend to sweat a lot!
The heating element is built into the forefoot and toe of the socks, but it's slim enough that you won't notice it as you walk, hike, or ski. However, when you turn it on, those 3.7-volt batteries will kick in, cranking up the heat in your socks to keep your toes nice and warm.
The three temperature settings make it easy for you to adjust just how much heat you need, and you'll get as much as 5.5 hours of run time before the batteries need recharging.
On the downside, the battery pack itself (inserted into a pocket at the calf of the socks) is too bulky to fit inside a tight ski boot or tall boot.
Starting at $43, these are some of the best-priced electric socks on our list. They offer reliable heating, comfort, and durability—everything you need for a warm, cozy winter!
Temperature controlled via Bluetooth, connect your socks to your smartphone, very warm blend of fabrics, moisture-wicking, good ventilation, rechargeable batteries, good battery life, three heating settings, durable
Very pricey, quality control issues
Be warned: these are NOT active or sports socks. While they're thin enough to be used outdoors, the heating elements aren't designed for active use. You're better off using them indoors, in your walking shoes, or under your business clothes. They're slim, lightweight, and comfortable, and will keep your feet VERY warm.
The socks are made from a blend of 49% polyester, 29% polyamide, 7% polypropylene, 7% merino wool, and 5% elastane. The synthetic fibers offer good breathability and elasticity, but the wool will keep your body heat trapped nice and close to your feet. The socks are quick-drying, reduce sweating, and are beautifully useful for outdoor and indoor use.
The heating element uses an RCB 1200 lithium battery pack rather than regular batteries, which actually helps to extend the lifespan of the batteries surprisingly well. You get up to 14 hours of use before needing to recharge the battery in these socks.
The great thing about these socks is that they are Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled via your Android and iOS smartphone/devices. You can adjust the three heat settings from your phone, turn them on/off easily, and program a few basic settings to ensure maximum performance. If you're looking for fancy wearable tech, these are your top choice!
At $300, these are the priciest pair of heating socks you'll ever own! However, aside from a few quality control issues, you'll find they're also the most reliable, high-tech pair you can use—perfect for staying toasty warm over the winter.
Comfortable, absorbent material, good breathability, quick-drying material, thick elastic calf bands, mid-calf height, padded and reinforced heel and toe, heated front instep, rechargeable batteries, suitable for wet conditions, three temperature settings
No warming for the underside of foot or around the ankles
For those who hate the winter's chill, these are the perfect pair of socks for you. Not only do they come up to your mid-calf—keeping your ankles and lower legs warm—but they're thick, plush, and comfy for hours of wear. The material is breathable yet wonderfully warm, and the fabric is quick-drying to prevent sweaty, stinky feet.
Made of a proprietary blend of cotton and Spandex, they have just enough elasticity to be comfortable while still being super soft. The padded heel and toe not only makes walking more comfortable, but increases the durability of the socks. No worn or ripped toes or heels thanks to these bad boys!
The heating element is built into the upper forefoot of the socks, with all of the heat concentrated right on your forefoot and toes. This is great for people who get chilly toes, though it doesn't do anything to heat the underside of your foot or around your ankles. However, when the heating element is on, you'll never have to worry about frosty toes.
The socks come with a built-in 3.7-volt power supply that runs on 2 Lithium Ion batteries. The batteries are fully rechargeable and will deliver up to 6 hours of consistent use before needing to be recharged. The heating element has three settings—medium, low, and high—that allow you to decide just how toasty warm to make your toes!
At $43 per pair, these are some of the best-priced heated socks on the market! They offer great value at a fairly affordable price, and you can trust that they'll be the most durable of the electric socks on the market.
Heated socks are socks with special heating elements built into them. These heating elements are typically battery-powered (9V or AA), but they can also be connected to a power source, such as a 12V power connection (on motorcycles and vehicles). The power source heats up the tiny electric threads woven into the socks, providing direct heat to your feet.
The heating elements will typically be included in both the tops and bottoms of the socks, providing direct heat to your entire feet to keep them warm. Though they’re not always able to handle hardcore sports use (such as when skiing or snowboarding), specially designed heated sports socks can be your best friends when hitting the slopes.
If you plan on using heated socks, it’s important to understand how to be safe while wearing them. Remember that there is electricity running through the socks, close to your skin. If you’re not careful, that electricity can cause harm. Also, if you want your socks to last for years to come, it’s critical that you use them right.
First, always make sure the battery is charged before connecting the heated socks. Charge the battery pack or the rechargeable AA batteries, or make sure to use a new 9V battery when trying out the socks for the first time. With the charge on full, you’ve got the best possible run time.
Surprisingly, it’s best NOT to use the heated socks on your feet directly. The heating element may actually get too hot for your skin, and it can lead to heat irritation or even burns. It’s best to wear a lightweight pair of socks beneath the heated socks. Not only will it protect your skin, but the added layer of material will help to trap the heat close to your skin and keep your feet as warm as possible.
As you slip on the heated socks, make sure that the cables connecting the socks to the battery, battery pack, or charger are not tangled up around your feet or ankles. Lift the cables up and out of the way as you slip your feet into the socks.
If the battery pack is designed to clip onto the socks themselves, you’ll find it’s typically very easy to keep the cables organized. But if, as with some socks, the battery pack is designed to clip onto your pants or even your waistband, it can be a bit trickier to keep the cables out of your way. Make sure that the cables are running up your leg inside your pants, never on the outside.
Always test the socks’ heating before using. Slip them on in your home, and set the heat setting to “Low”. Once they heat up fully, see if your skin can handle the socks on a higher heat setting. Low power will usually make your battery last longer, but if it’s really cold, you may need to crank up the heat to high.
Seeing as your socks are battery-powered, you’re depending on a battery as the power supply.
For most socks, the average run time will be between 1 hour (on the very low end) and 4 to 5 hours (on the higher end). The run time will also be affected by the type of battery used. A 9V battery will have a different battery life than a 3V battery, a pair of AA’s, or a built-in battery pack. Really, the only way to know how long your heated socks last is to read the reviews and test them for yourself.
There are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of your socks’ batteries:
Some users consider bringing a few sets of extra batteries or an added battery pack, just in case their feet are still cold even after the battery run outs. This can be a great way to ensure you’ve always got power, no matter how cold things get.
The average pair of heated socks can get as hot as 110-140 degrees at the highest heating setting. While each manufacturer and brand has their own heat settings, the “safest” heat output is around 120 degrees F for the heated socks. That’s hot enough that the heat will warm up your feet, but without being so hot that your skin is damaged.
However, it’s important to note that not all brands heat alike. Some brands will fail to get even mildly hot on the high heat setting, while others will feel very warm on the low setting. That’s why it’s important to read the reviews; it’s the only way to know just how warm or hot your socks will get.
The good news is that, with a good pair of winter boots, even a pair of heated socks that only reach mild temperatures will usually be enough to keep your feet warm. The mild heat will last longer, and will keep your feet toasty warm in your boots without the need for excessively high heat.
When shopping for a pair of heated socks, there are a few factors you should always consider:
Heated socks are made with electric threads woven into the material, and if you damage those threads, the socks can and will stop working. It’s important that you take care of the socks properly—not just thinking about the material itself, but also to keep the electric components lasting as long as possible.
Always, ALWAYS read the manufacturers’ guidelines for caring for the socks. If you don’t read the instructions carefully, you could end up ruining your socks by washing them the wrong way. In fact, if you damage the electric wires, you might actually cause yourself serious harm when you reconnect the wires to the battery pack again.
The good news is that you don’t usually need to wash your heated socks on a regular basis. This is because you’re always—ALWAYS—wearing them on top of another pair of lightweight socks. The under-socks will absorb most of the sweat and smells, so you can put them in the wash without needing to clean your heated socks too often.
But when the time comes to wash the heated socks, know that there are two ways to wash them:
Some socks will tell you to only hand wash, while others will instruct you to only wash in the machine-safe bag. Follow the wash instructions that come with the socks to the letter—it’s the best way to make sure they are cared for safely.
Once the socks are washed, your best bet is to leave them to drip dry. Never put them in the spin cycle or tumble dry, but hang them up somewhere warm to dry off. It may take a couple of days (depending on the material), but it’s the best way to ensure that the socks dry safely.
Never boil, iron, dry clean, or bleach the heated socks. Doing so could seriously damage the electric wiring and render them useless—or, worse, dangerous.
Remember that heated clothing can be very delicate! If you don’t take care of it properly, it could end up seriously damaged and out of order. Or, in severe circumstances, it could cause you harm thanks to an electrical short or damaged wiring. Heated socks are designed to handle plenty of wear and tear during your daily use, but they’re at their most vulnerable when exposed to water during the washing process. Make sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions carefully when you are washing them!
You may be thinking, “There’s electric wiring near my feet; how the heck can that be safe?”
Let’s be clear: there have been instances of chemical boot warmers causing damage, but there have been no reported cases of people going to the hospital or ED as a result of heated socks. They will get warm—perhaps even very toasty, depending on the maximum heat setting—but they will never get hot enough to burn your feet.
Granted, some people tend to have very sensitive skin, skin that can be damaged a bit more easily. If your skin is very sensitive to hot and cold, you may find that heated socks can be painful on the highest setting. Sensitive skin may also get burned more easily, or you may break out in a rash as a result of the heat.
However, for the average person, heated socks are perfectly safe. As long as you take care of them and wash them as instructed, you have nothing to worry about. You can use the heated socks to keep your feet warm with no worries about damage or injury.
If you want to keep your feet extra-warm this winter, here are some tips to help make your heated socks even more effective:
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