Heated Socks Vs. Heated Insoles
Heated socks have been around for a long time. Most people have heard of them and even tried out a pair themselves.
They are long, thick socks that have a heating element sewn in, either in the bottom toe area or the top toe area of the sock.
They use external batteries that sit in a pocket located on the side of the sock by the opening.
Most heated socks have multiple heat settings and can be controlled directly from the battery or sometimes by remote.
If you’re set on heated socks, check out my post about the best ones!
Heated insoles are a lesser-known, slightly newer product that has some great features.
The heating element is in the insole, which is usually soft EVA foam.
You won’t feel the wire under your feet when you walk, which makes heated insoles better for hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and other sports.
Heated insoles usually have an external battery pack that straps to the ankle. They often only have one heat setting.
Some higher quality heated insoles have the battery built into the insole and have multiple heat settings controlled by a remote.
On the other hand, if you’re set on heated insoles, check out my post about the best ones!
Pros And Cons Of Each
There are many pros and cons to a heated sock or insole.
When comparing the two, you need to first think about what activity you will be using them during the most.
For example, heated socks can keep you warm at night in your bed and are helpful if you have poor circulation.
Heated insoles require wearing shoes or boots and are better for keeping your feet warm when hiking, hunting, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Battery life is about the same on the high setting when comparing socks with insoles, usually around 6 hours.
The big difference is that heated socks can be set on low and last anywhere from 10-16 hours, making them better if you need a little heat all day long.
The convenient thing about heated insoles is you can wear regular socks with them, so they don’t get sweaty like heated socks.
Heated socks are hard to wash, and insoles do not need cleaning very often.
The batteries on insoles can be more annoying than on socks because they need to be strapped to your ankles and not just tucked away in a pocket.
Note that the top pick in my heated insole article has the battery built-in to the insole though.
After you consider all the pros and cons of heated insoles vs. heated socks, the difference is pretty clear.
Socks are better for less active things like sitting at football games and chilling on the couch.
While heated insoles are great for sports, hiking, and if you need to stand for prolonged amounts of time.
Heated Socks – Pros And Cons
Pros
- Have multiple heat settings
- Easier to tuck away the battery
- Don’t need to wear shoes/boots to use
- Can last longer on the low setting
Cons
- Only heat a small area of the foot
- Your feet can usually feel the heating wire when walking
- Require washing
Heated Insoles – Pros And Cons
Pros
- Feet won’t feel the heating wire
- Some have the battery built-in
- Heat the entire bottom of the foot
- Can be cut down to fit any shoe size
- Don’t need to be washed
Cons
- Can be thick
- Aren’t as many to choose from as heated socks
- Have to wear shoes/boots to use
- Most only have one heat setting
Have any more questions about heated socks vs heated insoles? Leave a comment below.
