Heating Socks

What is Heating Socks?

If your feet are constantly feeling cold, it may be time to invest in a pair of heated socks. Unlike your everyday socks, these heated options can be charged up, just like your iPhone, to warm your toes through the coldest temps.

“Heated socks are a popular—and often necessary—piece of equipment for skiers, snow hunters, winter hikers, and outdoor workers in a cold climate,” says Cary M. Zinkin, M.D., a podiatric physician at Amicus Medical Centers and an American Podiatric Medical Association spokesperson. “Many brands are specifically purposed for a certain activity like skiing, where the socks and battery are placed in a convenient place for ski boots.”

The best heated socks are made with warming elements sewn directly into the lining. “Through advancements in nanotechnology and 3D printing, product engineers have now been able to fully integrate a heating system into technical fabrics,” explains Harvey Bierman, VP of Digital at Christy Sports. This allows wearers to keep their feet warm no matter the wind chill. These types of socks get their charge by using an outlet in your home or by using removable batteries

In addition to helping you stay active in the cold, heated socks can also help relieve poor circulation in your feet (a big reason why your toes are probably cold often). Dr. Zinkin says the warmth from heated socks is like a heating pad; they can boost blood flow, but only temporarily.

How to choose Heating Socks?

Look for padding. To add extra warmth, opt for a heated pair that’s lightly padded for comfort, uses rechargeable batteries, and also offers more than one heat setting. This will accommodate your activity and comfort level, Dr. Zinkin explains.

Choose thermal options. If your feet are constantly cold—say, you have a condition like diabetes, which can be a culprit for poor circulation—you might want to choose a thermal sock that won’t get too hot. “A diabetic with peripheral neuropathy or numbness might not be able to feel just how hot their feet are getting,” says Dr. Zinkin.

Thermal socks are regulated by your own body heat, so if you have a serious circulatory issue, those are a safer bet. Plus, while heated socks can be helpful, Dr. Zinkin advises anyone with circulation issues to talk to their doctor to ensure the safest treatment.

Can heated socks be washed?

Wash the battery heated clothing on gentle washing and drying cycles. PRO TIP: When washing your heated apparel, place it inside a mesh bag.

How long do heated socks last?

How long do batteries of heated socks last? Heated socks' batteries last longer on lower heat settings and less time on higher heat settings. On their highest setting, the heated socks on our list will last anywhere from 2 to 8.5 hours. On their lowest setting, some may stay warm up to 16 hours.