Keeping your feet warm in the cold of winter doesn’t have to be an issue. Whether you’re getting ready for a weekend hunting trip, hitting the slopes, or heading out for a beautiful hike, electric socks can help to keep your feet warm, and the rest of you warm.
Here’s how our feet help to keep the rest of our bodies warm, as explained by professor Jim Cotter of Otago University in New Zealand. Feet have a large surface area and specialized blood vessels that make them ideal for keeping our body temperature stable.
These blood vessels can pass large volumes of blood through them when opened up, which is how they lose heat quickly and let our bodies cool down. When we need to stay warm, the blood vessels constrict to keep heat in.
Because feet don’t have much muscle that keeps them warm, plus they’re at the ends of our bodies, it means they become cooler than other parts of our bodies quickly.
When your feet are subjected to icy temperatures, pain receptors can be triggered, which makes you uncomfortable. That’s why we perceive the almost instant warm-up of our bodies when we put socks on.
Adding heat to the mix helps keep you both warm and comfortable. Choosing the right electric socks may vary depending on what you’ll be using them for. So first, you should decide whether you’ll be hunting, hiking, snowboarding, or enjoying some other cold activity.
Whatever the case may be, we’re going to explore the best electric socks available today. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the electric socks with the best value, or the absolute best option out there, we’ve got you covered.
Our Top Picks
- Best Value: Mobile Warming Heated Socks
- Premium Product: Lenz 1.0 Heated Socks
- Best Overall: Snow Deer Heated Socks
If you’d like to browse our reviews and check out what makes each product the best, keep reading.
How To Choose The Right Electric Socks
Choosing the best electric socks depends on a few factors plus some personal preference. In general, you’ll want to consider the following.
- What types of activities will you be doing when wearing these socks
- Heat strength and battery power
- Control options
- Materials and quality
Giving Consideration to the Type and Length of Use
The first step in choosing the socks that are best for you is considering what you’ll use the socks for. Will you be wearing them for your morning commute to work but changing them out when you get there? Will you wear them while walking the house and completing a few chores? Or will you be using them for things like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, or hunting?
If you’re going to use the heated socks for some of the latter activities, it means you’ll be wearing them for more extended periods rather than short, occasional use. If that’s the case, you’ll want to opt for a higher-quality sock that will keep your feet warm and protected.
If you are wearing the socks to walk your dog at night, you might not need the highest quality sock available.
Heat Strength and Battery Power
Next, think about the types of activities you’re doing, how much heat you’ll need, and how long you may need it for. If you plan to go hunting where you’ll be sitting still in the cold for an extended period, you may want socks that can offer you long battery life and possibly medium-strength heat.
If you’re going on a hike, your constant movement and possibly strenuous activity may help keep you warm. But you may need additional heat while sleeping, resting, or going for less strenuous hikes. In that case, you may want to go for socks that provide controls for temperature and battery power.
Most electric socks come with a rechargeable battery, so you’ll want socks that recharge easily and quickly. Other socks run on 9v batteries that aren’t rechargeable, so that’s another consideration you’ll make.
Control Options
Another essential factor to consider is what options for controlling settings your socks will come with. Most heated socks come with a range of control settings like low-medium-high, while some may only come with low and high.
You’ll also want to think about how easy or hard it is to access the controls for your socks. Some socks have buttons that you’ll need to get to, to change the setting. Other socks come with controls that can be adjusted with an app on your phone, which will be helpful if you’re wearing boots or other equipment that make it hard to get to your socks.
Materials and Quality
Once you know how much time you’ll be spending in your heated socks and what types of activities you’ll be doing, you’ll have a better idea of what kinds of materials you may want and the level of quality.
If you’re planning on wearing your socks to walk your dog at night, you probably don’t need the top-quality socks you’d go for if you were an avid hiker or hunter. Although you may not see the point in opting for a lower quality sock, some of the higher quality socks aren’t necessary, plus they come with a higher price tag.
Here’s a quick look at some of the materials you’ll see in the reviews below and what they might be best for.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is a top choice material for hiking socks because it’s naturally moisture-wicking, the thick wool provides added comfort and padding, and the wool doesn’t hold the smell in. Merino wool is a quality material that holds its shape and isn’t itchy like some of the lower quality wools.
Synthetics
Synthetic materials have come a long way over the years, and many socks made from synthetic materials rival their wool counterparts. Synthetic materials include acrylic, nylon, lycra, polyester, spandex, polyamide, polypropylene, elastane, and more. These materials are excellent for moisture-wicking, which can help keep your feet dry from sweating. Synthetic materials are also very durable, and they can be less expensive than wool.
One downside to synthetic materials is that they can become smelly over time. Many manufacturers add an antibacterial material component to the socks, to help combat smells.
Wool and Synthetic Blends
To go for the best of both worlds, you may opt for a sock made of a blend of materials. These socks typically incorporate merino wool and synthetic materials. You’ll usually see the same advantages listed above in each of the separate fabrics. Some manufacturers add in natural materials with additional benefits like bamboo and silk.
Additionally, for more athletic type wear, you might choose a lightweight sock that helps the transfer of energy become more productive. Whereas you might select a middleweight or heavyweight sock for activities like riding motorcycles or watching a sports game outdoors, since you don’t need your energy transfer to be as efficient, you need to keep warm.
Of course, the weight of the fabric also lends itself to comfort. The thicker the sock, the more padding and support you may have while wearing them, so keep it all in mind.
Electric Sock Reviews
Now that you know a little more about the basics of the best electric socks let’s jump into the reviews. Below you’ll find some of the highest-rated and best-selling heated socks on the market today.
1. Nordic Gear Lectra
The Nordic Gear Lectra is a heated sock that’s made to keep your feet warm, but they don’t overdo the heat. A lot of people who need electric socks for their morning commute or other occasional use are looking for socks like these. However, if you plan to spend an extended period in frigid temperatures, these aren’t the socks for you.
One feature you’ll want to note is that these socks use D batteries for power, which means they aren’t rechargeable, and replacing batteries can get pricey. A new set of D batteries will give you up to five hours of heat. That’s why if you are on the slopes for a weekend, these socks aren’t best for you.
You’ll find that these socks are made from hollofil polyester and a wool blend, which helps give you warmth without the additional heat in case you want to preserve battery life or don’t require it. These materials are excellent for wicking moisture away and keeping your feet dry too.
The battery is contained in a small pouch that shouldn’t get in your way. The Lectra’s are designed to be used safely, with no risk for burn or shock, even if they end up wet.
If you’re looking for a sock for occasional use, you’ll be good to go with these socks. Here are some of the features you can look forward to, plus some drawbacks.
Pros:
- Made from materials that help keep you warm in case your batteries are dead or you want to save batteries for later
- Materials are moisture wicking which is excellent for those prone to sweating
- You can wear these socks safely without risk of shock or burn
- These socks are priced affordably, which is excellent for the budget shopper
Cons:
- These socks only have one heat setting, so you won’t be able to change it.
- You’ll need to remove the batteries to turn the heat off; there isn’t an off button
- Batteries aren’t rechargeable, so bring additional batteries if needed
2. Hotronic Bootdoc
Hotronic is a trusted company that makes an entire line of heated foot products, including these custom foot warmers. Their electric socks are high quality and, as such, come with a higher price tag. You won’t need these for the occasional use. If you’re into skiing or being in the snow or frigid temperatures for long periods, these socks are great for just that.
Hotronic’s Bootdoc heated socks are made well, including implementing four heat settings, which is a bump up in the traditional three settings. The variation in heat ranges from low to high, and the additional settings help keep you the right amount of warm whether you’re in milder climates or activity or facing harsh weather conditions.
The heating elements are dispersed well throughout the socks so that every part of your foot gets heat and feels warm, which can help those who are accustomed to icy toes with other socks.
These socks are made with nylon, which we know is a great synthetic material for socks that’s durable and allows for a snug, comfortable fit. They’re also machine washable, making them easy to take care of and maintain.
Another feature that helps you maintain the socks for longer is the reinforcement in the heels and toes to ensure the socks don’t wear out quickly. That means you can get more extended wear out of them without worrying about holes and weak spots.
As for battery strength, these socks come with the Power Boost feature, which allows high heat for short 3-minute spurts to keep you warm and preserve your battery. These socks will run for about 13 and ½ hours on a single charge so you can stay warm even on the longest days.
Pros:
- 13-hour battery life keeps you warm on long days
- Heating element throughout sock keeps your entire foot warm
- Four heat settings
- Reinforced heels and toes for maximum wear
Cons:
- The fabric in these socks can bunch if you’re in tight-fitting boots, so you’ll need to choose the size accordingly
- The price for these socks can be quite high for those who aren’t going to use them often enough to offset the price tag
- The socks are machine washable, but it’s recommended that you hand wash them, to preserve the longevity
3. Lenz 1.0 Heated Socks
Lenz heated socks are on the upscale side and would be great for any winter athlete who practices a lot or spends a reasonable amount of time outdoors in colder temperatures. These socks have some high-end features like Bluetooth technology that allows you to control the settings from your smartphone.
If you want to use the blue tooth controls for heat settings, you’ll need to download the app, which is available on iOS. The Lenz 1.0’s come with three heat settings for those who like a varying degree of heat throughout the day.
You also don’t have to worry about running out of batteries or heat on longer days. They’ve made these socks to last up to 14 hours on a single charge.
If you’re on the go hiking or a ski lift, changing the settings can be easier if you don’t have to stop what you’re doing, access your socks and change the settings. If using your phone isn’t your thing, you can still change the settings on the battery packs like other socks.
Pros:
- Battery packs have indicators so you can see how much longer until a full charge, takes the guess work out
- A full charge will give you 14 hours of heat with batteries that tuck away in a discreet pocket that stays out of your way
- Three heat settings allow you to keep the heat low when you’re able to keep your feet warm on your own and turn it up high when you need a more significant heat boost
- The material blend of Polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, merino wool and elastane means these socks are durable, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and machine washable
Cons:
- These socks aren’t cheap. However, they’re one of the highest quality electric socks you can get
- The app to control the heat settings on your phone has an additional small cost associated with it
- The length from top to ankle can be quite long for those with shorter calves
4. Autocastle Rechargeable Electric Heated Socks
These socks are made of cotton and spandex, so they’re soft and comfortable, hold their shape, and stay up on your calf without falling. This material blend is also great for minimizing the bunching of the socks in your boots or shoes. The heating module used in the sock is thinner than those found in other socks, so it can be less noticeable and add more comfort to the sock while still delivering heat.
The socks are unisex, so you don’t have to worry about choosing different socks for men or women, choose the size closest to what you typically wear. These heated socks also come in four colors, two neutral and two bright colors, which is suitable for those who like to add some fun to their socks.
With a full charge, you’ll get more than six hours of heat if you leave the socks on the low settings, which is suitable for someone heading to a short day in the outdoors, a sporting event in cold temperatures, or for occasional use.
When you purchase these heated socks, you’ll get the pair of heated socks, two batteries, the instruction manual, and the AC charger, so you know that you’re ready to go when your package arrives. The charger also has a feature that indicates a full charge with green light, so you know exactly when they’re ready.
Pros:
- Four unisex color options to choose from
- Rechargeable battery pack and batteries included
- Soft spandex and cotton blend for a snug fit
- Compact battery pack stays out of the way at the side of your calf
Cons:
- Shorter battery life even on low setting means these socks aren’t great for long days in the cold
- You shouldn’t use these socks in a situation where they may become wet, so you’ll need to take care to keep them covered and dry
- These socks are made reasonably well, but you shouldn’t expect them to last through rough or prolonged wear and tear
5. Mobile Warming Heated Socks
When it comes to heated socks, some manufacturers dive so far into the heating elements, that they forget to make a that’s also comfortable enough to wear for long periods. High quality socks are made from fabrics that will keep your feet warm, cushioned, wick moisture away, and stay up on your leg without any discomfort.
The Mobile Warming heated socks do all of the above, which makes them a good choice for people who struggle to find socks they’re comfortable in for long periods. They also prevent rubbing and bunching to keep you comfortable.
The batteries featured in these socks are lightweight, so they aren’t too bothersome to wear all day. This is great because, with 11-hour run time on a full charge, you may be wearing these socks for a good portion of your day when you’re out in the cold.
For those who struggle to get to their socks quickly due to outer footwear, you’ll be glad that there is a remote to control the heating options.
These socks are made from a blend of performance materials, which makes them comfortable, but not quite as durable as some of the other options. If you’re looking for a mid-range sock that can use a little more than occasionally but less than say, someone who wears them for snowboarding all day several days per week, these socks should be the quality you’re looking for.
Pros:
- These socks can be worn for many hours while maintaining comfort
- Remote access or Bluetooth control options for heat settings
- Much more affordable than some of the other options
- A single battery charge yields 11 hours of heat
Cons:
- The heat delivered to these socks can be lower than some of the higher end socks
- As comfortable as they are, these socks won’t last forever as they have a midrange durability
- If left on the highest heat setting, the battery run time may be cut short
6. Greensha Heated Socks
Greensha heated socks aren’t known for their top quality or high-end socks, but they are known for using top choice, solid materials, a decent heating element, and making a budget sock that will keep you warm and comfortable.
These heated socks are made from a cotton blend, which helps wick moisture away. Compared to other products in a similar price range, the cotton blend and high degree of comfort are what sets them apart from competitors.
The socks hold their shape nicely and are designed for a snug fit. Another feature of these socks is that they tend not to bunch up in your footwear or fall down the leg/ankle. This is a useful feature for those who are hiking or otherwise moving their feet around a lot.
You’ll want to keep in mind that because of the cotton blend used in these socks, they aren’t going to be quite as durable as some of the competing socks. If you are using them for a few hours, a couple of days a week, or for a few events here and there, you should be able to get a decent amount of use out of them without incident.
When it comes to the heating element of these socks, they’re going to be best suited for people who are dealing with mild temperatures or climates. They heat up a little slower than some of the other socks and don’t get quite as hot, though they will undoubtedly deliver some heat and help keep you warm.
Pros:
- These socks are made from materials that wick moisture fairly well
- You can wear these socks for long periods while maintaining comfort
- The heating element is mid-range quality, heats fairly quickly and delivers a fair amount of heat
- These are one of the most budget-friendly options on this list
Cons:
- The materials used aren’t as durable as some of the others, so these socks may not last as long
- The heating element is not top of the line here, so you may not get as much heat as you like or expect
- Heat is dispersed to the tops and bottoms of feet but may leave your toes feeling a little chill
7. Global Vasion Electric Heated Socks
As you may have noticed, there are plenty of heated socks to choose from. Among some of the more budget-friendly options, are the Global Vasion heated socks. Global Vasion’s socks heat thoroughly and can be reasonably comfortable to wear throughout the day.
These socks are cheaper than the average top-quality sock without sacrificing too much of the quality for the lower price. If we had to number them, we’d say this was the number two budget sock we’d recommend. These socks don’t have any additional features that you can’t find in other socks, but they do hold up pretty well with moderate use.
These socks are great because, among their mid-range features, the feature that stands out the most is they can deliver a high-heat rather quickly. So, if you’re out in frigid temperatures and need to warm up fast, you can turn them on and know you’ll be getting warm soon enough.
The heating element comes with three temperature settings. Most of the heat is directed to the front instep of the sock, near the toe area, which can help you if you’re prone to icy toes.
The downfall is that the battery doesn’t last too long, six hours at most on the low setting, but less if you use the high setting to pump heat into the socks quickly.
Pros:
- The heating element has the capability of bringing you high heat fairly quickly
- For a heated sock, these are priced affordably
- Compared to the price range of these socks, they can be quite comfortable
- A full charge will yield up to six hours of heat
Cons:
- The wire placement of the socks could be better, to deliver heat more successfully to all areas of the foot
- These socks aren’t built to last forever, but you can get a fair amount of occasional use out of them
- Heat is directed only to the top of the foot, which provides excellent warmth but it could be dispersed better
8. Rabbitroom Heated Socks
There are surprisingly a lot of heated socks on the market, which makes it tough to know the good, quality socks among all of the low-quality products flooding the market. Rabbitroom took some time to develop a sock that would stand out above the rest, especially among its price range.
The feature that stands out the most is that the heating element can deliver heat up to 125 degrees (Fahrenheit). The socks can sustain this heat for a period of about four to five hours on a single charge. That’s pretty impressive and useful for those who are looking for socks to help them through several hours or days in freezing temperatures.
Although we’d prefer a sock that could deliver more than five hours of heat, it’s still a reasonable duration for shorter activities or sporadic events.
These socks are also comfortable and fit well. The battery pack is held in a small pocket on the top side of the calf to eliminate any issues with boots that rise a good way up the ankle. The fabric used is a thick, breathable cotton. That means they’re soft and comfortable but not that best at moisture wicking, plus the high heat doesn’t help that.
Luckily, the socks are machine washable if placed in a laundry bag with the battery removed, a feature you’ll enjoy if you’re not one for hand washing items. It should be noted that the manufacturer recommends a gentle handwash to maintain the socks for longer.
Pros:
- The heating element in these socks can deliver higher heat than some of the other socks on this list
- The socks are soft, comfortable, and well-fitted
- For the quality socks you get, they are budget-friendly
- Can be machine washed if proper precautions are made
Cons:
- The heat running time on a single charge is lower than most others on this list
- The heating element won’t last quite as long as some of the competing socks
- The highest heat setting can feel too warm for those prone to sweating
9. Savior Heat Heated Socks
Savior Heat is a company that makes a range of heated products within the realm of clothing so that you can do outdoor activities comfortably when the weather may otherwise not allow. These socks are great for people who are going camping, hiking, or fishing in colder temperatures.
One feature you might like depending on the types of activities you plan on doing is that you can purchase varying batteries from the manufacturer to switch out. This way, you can use the batteries they come with for shorter activities and stronger batteries for times you need more power or time with heat.
These heated socks are made up of a two-layer sock that has an external active heating layer with a warm internal layer to keep your feet warm once heated up. This feature doesn’t make the socks windproof like some of the competing socks. However, it does give them an edge on some of the average budget socks.
These socks are a great budget sock for those who tend to use the socks in milder conditions rather than prolonged use in harsh weather conditions. While you can get some excellent wear in these socks, they’re not as durable or long-lasting as some of the other options like the Mobile Warming socks.
Pros:
- The heating panel is made of carbon fiber and should last through a good bit of wear and tear
- The socks are made of spandex and cotton and give a good compression feeling throughout the sock
- With larger batteries, you can get up to 10 hours of battery life
- Battery storage pockets snap shut to prevent the battery from moving or falling out
Cons:
- The larger batteries have an additional cost associated if you choose to purchase them
- If you go for the smaller batteries, the run time will be significantly shorter
- Must handwash as these socks are not made machine washable
10. Snow Deer Heated Socks
If you struggle from chronically cold feet due to medical conditions and you’re looking for a sock to combat symptoms, the Snow Deer heated socks are an excellent choice for you. They offer soft comfort that’s great for walking around the house or getting outdoors.
One exciting feature these socks have is that they use Far Infrared Ray (FIR) technology, which uses a type of light that humans can’t see but feel as heat. This technology or “therapy,” brings warmth to a deeper level to prevent irritations to the surface of the foot while being exposed to prolonged heat.
These far-infrared rays promote circulation throughout the body to encourage complete warmth. If you use the heating element on low, you’ll get about 7 hours of heating time, while using them on high will yield closer to 3 hours of run time.
These socks are great for many outdoor activities like sporting events, shorter hikes, or shoveling snow. But what sets them apart is that they’re also an excellent option for those who have chronic medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, Raynaud’s syndrome, or Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.
Pros:
- These socks use FIR technology for a complete warmth
- The polyester, cotton, and elastane material blend are comfortable and durable
- Heating time lasts up to 7 hours on low setting
- The 2200MAH Lithium-ion batteries that are built to last
Cons:
- You can feel some of the heat mechanism and wiring when wearing them
- These socks will need to be enclosed in shoes to feel the heat, so if you’re wearing them around the house, you’ll need to put slippers on over them
- If leaving on the highest heat setting, the battery run time is 3 hours, which is much shorter than some of the others on this list
The Verdict
Everyone looking for heated socks has their personal preferences and needs, so it’s hard to choose just one pair. Instead, we chose the best 3, here are our top picks!
Best Value
As far as value goes, there are some socks out there that are more budget-friendly, these sit closer to the mid-range mark as far as price-point goes. Instead of choosing the cheapest sock with below-average features, we decided the Mobile Warming Heated Socks as the best value because they bring the most features, comfort, and durability for their value.
These socks stretch well, have a good snug fit, and for the most part, prevent bunching in boots, which is excellent for anyone hiking, skiing, snowboarding, or otherwise moving around a lot. The battery life is above average at up to 11 hours of heat and can be accessed with a remote control.
Premium Product
Even though the heated sock market is relatively small, it’s flooded with options and companies claiming to make premium heated socks. The Lenz 1.0 Heated Socks stand out among the rest and truly deliver a premium a product that’s built to last.
You’re going to pay a bit more than average for these, but they come with a full range of features to get you through long, cold days outdoors, no matter the activity.
The fabric blend was chosen with performance and comfort in mind, and you can tell the difference. You’ll also get features that make using them easier like indicator lights when charging.
Best Overall
With so many options, it wasn’t an easy choice, but the best overall product goes to Snow Deer Heated Socks. These heated socks stand tall next to many of the competitors when it comes to quality, battery life, durability, and heating options, but they have one feature that the others don’t.
The Far Infrared Ray technology used in these socks goes above and beyond to help not only outdoors enthusiasts but those with chronic medical conditions. Are these a top of the line product that professional snowboarders are going to wear day in and day out, no.
However, they are a pair that’s great for the average person day to day and even those who like to spend a reasonable amount of time in the outdoors. They’re made with comfortable materials, a good range of features, and sit at a price point most can afford.