Cold feet while skiing can easily shorten or ruin a ski day. Not only are they uncomfortable, but if left untreated, cold feet can lead to serious complications like frostbite. Getting a pair of the best heated insoles will help keep your feet reliably toasty when winter shows up.
With consistent heat, long battery lives and easy assembly, heated insoles pack quite the punch. Armed with a pair, you can shred harder for longer on days that send others inside. Don’t let the cold stop you from enjoying great conditions and fresh powder!
My Review Process
I’ve been skiing for 25 years. For the first half of that time, I didn’t think there were any permanent solutions to cold feet on the slopes. Like many, I just suffered through the coldest weather. But, after spending time with various ski boot heaters, I’ve finally zeroed in on a few reliable options for whatever nature throws at you.
I’m here to offer practical skiing solutions for cold temperatures. If you’re uncomfortable on the slopes, you’re much less likely to enjoy skiing. Keeping your feet warm and happy can help you shred harder for longer.
Heated Insole Buying Guide
Most heated insoles are easy to operate, but you need to know their uses and limitations. Check out the points below to make sure you get the best heated insoles for your needs.
Price
A good pair of heated insoles can cost anywhere from $60-300. My best overall option, the Thermic C-Pack Set 1700 BT, is at the top end of the range. Several options have extra batteries for purchase as well.
Comfort
Most heated insoles will provide added comfort. If you have foot issues like pronation, plantar fasciitis or collapsed arches, look for thicker heated insoles with arch support.
For example,my budget pick is listed at a great price, but its thin insole may not provide ample comfort or arch support. In contrast, the Hotronic, Thermacell, and Thermic insoles are thicker, making them a more suitable choice for those seeking additional support and comfort.
Build Quality
Many heated insole options come with wiring and a battery connector, so there's a bit more of an installation process. Also, if the connection is broken, the insoles won't heat.
When you ski in the moguls or trees, the battery could fall off because these setups require external batteries. Look at the brackets or cradle included to see how securely the battery attaches to your ski boot. Secure straps or battery strap attachments help.
The Thermacell option is wireless, which alleviates the disconnection issues. However, since the batteries are in the insole, you can’t simply replace them if they don’t work. Make sure the charging port works correctly, or there’s no way to power up the heating element.
Heat Coverage
You'll feel the most heat along the bottoms of your feet because the heating element is directed to the insoles. The heat will circulate along the length of your foot, so you should feel it from heel to toe.
Take a look at the heating settings as well. Most options come with multiple heat settings. Be aware that the higher heating settings will drain the battery faster. Make sure the battery charger, associated wiring and connectors are all attached snugly, or the heat won’t circulate as effectively.
Battery & Battery Life
The best option for battery capacity and type is the C-Pack battery, included with the Thermic C-Pack Set 1700 BT. Nimh and Lithium-ion battery packs provide optimal warmth as well but tend to run out of battery power first. It's also a good move to get extra batteries in case something happens with the included pair.
When charging, make sure to allow plenty of time. Several options will recharge their battery cells quickly, but it can often take hours. If you set the insoles to charge right after a ski day, they should be ready for the following day.
Heated Insoles vs. Heated Socks
Heated insoles aren’t the only heating solutions for cold feet. Heated socks operate similarly, with external batteries that warm the sock.
There are a few advantages to heated socks. Heated socks warm your skin directly, which can help on extremely cold days. They can also be washed, provided you remove the battery and follow all instructions.
On the negative side, some socks only have warming elements on the top or bottom of your feet, which can reduce their effectiveness. The heated socks also make direct contact with your skin. This means they take the brunt of any foot sweat that comes from a day of skiing. Over time, they can get pretty stinky.
3 Tips For Keeping Feet Warm When Skiing
The heated insoles in our guide are fantastic ways to stay warm. However, there are other things you can do while skiing to increase your level of comfort.
Tip 1: Get The Right Fit
Ski boots are one of the most important elements of skiing. A large part of a successful skiing setup depends on getting the right ski boots. Use our ski boot size chart to get started. Then, also check out our article on the best ski boots for every skier.
Tip 2: Adjust Your boots
Cold feet can be caused by boots that are too tight. When boots squeeze your feet, blood has trouble getting down there to warm them up. Loosen your boots on chairlifts and when you take breaks to help.
Tip 3: Dry Your Boot Liners
Wind, cloud cover and fresh powder can all impact how cold your feet get. After a big day of skiing, make sure to dry your boot liners with a boot dryer. This helps ensure a warmer liner for the next day and keeps odors down.
Summary
The best-heated insole option around is the capable Thermic C-Pack Set 1700 BT. Hotronic’s Upgraded Universal S4+ Version is another reliable solution with impressive battery life. Budget shoppers, on the other hand, will find a lot to love in the Thermrup Electric Heated Insoles.
