Topic: The Best Heated Socks of 2023 (Read 39 times)
previous topic - next topic
It's your post, so post it!
I took a look at a few unfamiliar Amazon brands with names stuck in caps-lock to see if these affordable heated socks were worth it. RELIRELIA was the only one that impressed me. First, it isn’t one size fits all, which is a ridiculous concept when it co*es to socks. The socks really do Bluetooth connect to an app that I found via a QR code in the included instruction pamphlet. You can control the three heat settings or fluctuate through a range of 95 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. And there’s a timer. These socks are also actually pretty warm. The heat was stronger than a hand warmer but not as aggressive as the iHood, Gerbing, or eWool products. I wasn’t bothered by the heating elements around the forefoot either.
The batteries are a little confusing. They blink green to indicate the power level, but one blinked while it charged and the other didn’t. But both batteries charged and lasted about two hours on the highest setting. You can toggle between three heat settings on the battery itself by clicking the tiny power button. If you’re looking for heated socks that actually work, but won’t break the bank, check these out.
If you already have a favorite winter sock, and don’t want to switch, eWool’s heated sock covers could be for you. You also won’t have to wash them as often because they go over your socks. This was the warmest product in my test. But the iHood and Gerbing Ultimate heated socks sit next to your skin, while eWool’s sock covers heat through your sock. I love how warm they are and that they have an open heel. However, my toes feel co*pressed in the slender toe box. My calf also feels pinched where non-slip material at the top grabs your sock to prevent slouching. I would consider sizing up to avoid this issue. An added convenience is not having to dig out the battery to charge your socks; simply connect the entire thing to the charger. The control button also vibrates when you change settings, limiting the possibility of you bumping them into a different heat level unknowingly.
The Gerbing 7V Ultimate wool heated socks are one of the warmest socks in my test. They get toasty on the highest setting and last three hours on heat blast. This high heat and wool content makes this sock great for skiing. The wool traps that heat and wicks away moisture, too. The only issue is that you can feel the heating elements on the bottom of your foot. They are subtle, but if you’re sensitive to foreign feelings in your boot, these could bug you.
The batteries also need a unique charger, not a micro USB or USB-C. But they’re machine washable and Gerbing includes a mesh bag to wash them in. If you’re looking for maximum warmth and wool, give these a shot for whatever snow sport you’re into.
These socks are super simple to use in the field. Instead of rechargeable battery packs, these socks take three AA batteries each. That way, if you’re at hunt camp or in a blind without access to a charger, you can pop in some replacements and keep heating. I used fresh Kroger brand batteries to test the battery life, but I would reco*mend getting rechargeable batteries in the interest of cost effectiveness and not burning through batteries.
The heat zone is small on these, but it’s about as hot as a hand or toe warmer, without the annoying bulge. I like that I can’t feel any heating elements underfoot, but my feet stay warm. There’s only one setting so you won’t have to fiddle with them while you’re sitting in a treestand. Just push the button and enjoy three hours of warm feet.
Therm-ic’s app is pretty cool because you can use motion control and eco mode functions. Motion control senses if you’re moving and will drop the socks’ 10 digit temperate settings your desired amount. While I couldn’t trick the app into thinking I was in motion by just moving my feet in place, it picks up within seconds when I’m actually moving around or at rest. You can also turn the socks and LED light on and off from the app.
While the app is a great idea, the socks’ actual warmth is very subtle. It’s much less than a hand warmer and only measured 104 degrees Fahrenheit with a digital probe thermometer. These socks are best if you plan to use them while active.
These merino wool socks feature one heating panel on the forefoot. It’s relatively small, but the material is noticeable. If you are sensitive to foreign objects in your boots, this one could bug you. The heat is also subtle, but you can control it from an app instead of fumbling around your layers to get to the sock button.
I originally included three other products in my test of the best heated socks. Weston’s heated socks were removed from testing because one battery wouldn’t turn on, so I tried to recharge it and the plastic casing split open, resulting in an exposed battery and a safety hazard. I also tried out pairs from FunDadYus and MraWarm. The FunDadYus heated socks claim to be one size fits all and bluetooth co*patible, but the pair marked XL that they sent me certainly didn’t fit my women’s size 8 feet. The warmth was very subtle and I couldn’t locate the app they were supposed to connect to online, on the packaging, or in the instruction pamphlet. MraWarm’s heated socks require 3 AA batteries each, which I’d only reco*mend if you own rechargeables. The heat was very subtle with only one setting and the socks have no wool content.
If you’re looking to buy heated socks, obviously you are concerned with warmth. I listed my subjective heat level for each pair ranging from subtle warmth to warm to pretty warm to very warm. Subtle warmth was listed in the cons section because I found those to be a little lackluster for my cold feet. Warm meant I felt like the sock was on par with a hand or toe warmer you could throw in your boot, though without the added pressure of a foreign object. Pretty warm means I likely wouldn’t need the highest setting while active. And very warm means I likely wouldn’t need the highest setting at all.
Also keep in mind where the heating panels are located, as this makes a huge difference. I found the ring around the forefoot to be the most effective heat placement and they were less likely to be distracting. I also appreciated Action Heat’s top of toe heating zone.
I’d like to caution against relying solely on heated socks for warmth in the backcountry. Any battery powered device is subject to fail. Maybe you spil* your water bottle on the battery pack; maybe it dies. Maybe a squirrel chews through the wire. You never know what can happen and heated socks are not an excuse to improperly layer.
Read Next: How to Layer for Hiking
When you have pants and maybe thermals on over your socks, it’s harder to get to the control button. I appreciated the socks with the option to use manual controls or a Bluetooth co*patible app most. Though, if you set your socks on a low and steady temperature, you might not even need to mess with it.
I tested the batteries on all of these socks at the highest setting to make sure they perform as advertised. On the warmer socks, the batteries will last longer because you won’t need to use the highest setting the whole time.
If recreating outside beco*es impossible in the winter because your feet are too cold, heated socks are 100 percent worth the money.
Look at where the heating panels are located, what fabric the sock is made of, and the battery life to determine which would be the best fit for you. You don’t want the heating panels to be distracting but you also want the cold parts of your foot to receive heat. To properly layer your heated socks, you’ll want to make sure it’s made of quality material so you aren’t relying solely on the heating element. And take battery life into account so you aren’t taken by surprise when your socks die.
Yes, you should wash heated socks as needed. Wool socks should have to be washed less thanks to wool’s natural odor. Most of the socks on this list came with mesh bags to contain the socks in the washer for a more delicate cycle. Remember to take the batteries out before washing.
Heated socks are a great way to power through the colder temps while hiking, hunting, snowshoeing, and more. If you’re looking for quality heated ski socks that are really warm and convenient to use, the iHood heated socks are the way to go. If you don’t trust socks that aren’t wool, then try the Gerbing Ultimates because they’re also very warm and contain 32 percent wool. And if you want to stay toasty on a budget, the Relirelia heated socks from Amazon performed as advertised.
The post The Best Heated Socks of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.
Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.
[/html]