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Best foot warmers and heated slippers for chilly feet 2023
Winter is coming and there’s a real chill in the air. To help you stay cosy, warm and snug, we’ve rounded up the best foot warmers and heated slippers as recommended by Mumsnet users.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Nov 28, 2023
As the cold weather sets in and energy bills remain high amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, many of us are searching for ways to stay warm this winter without cranking up the central heating.
Lots of advice recommends heating the person and not the home to save money, so things like drinking hot cups of tea and snuggling up with a heated throw can really help. It’s also important to keep your hands and feet warm, as we lose a lot of heat from our extremities. As such, investing in one of the best foot warmers or a pair of the best heated slippers can be a great way to help manage your heating costs this winter.Â
To help you make the right choice for your budget and needs, we’ve researched recommendations from our trusted Mumsnet users, including their opinions on the best electric foot warmers and microwavable options, and sought out products with great consumer reviews. We've also thoroughly analysed the merits and disadvantages of each one to ensure we bring you an honest, independent round-up you can rely on.
Plus, if you’re looking for more buys to keep you cosy this winter, we’ve also investigated the best draught excluder and the warmest winter coats for women - as recommended by Mumsnetters.
Best electric foot warmer overall
What we like
Easy to use
Soft and cosy lining
Auto shut-off after 90 minutes
What we don't like
Takes time to warm up
Key specs
Price on writing: £47 | Type: Electric | Portable: No | Machine washable: Fleece lining washable at 30°C | Heat settings: Three
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
With a super soft fleece lining and a choice of three different heat settings, the Beurer Cosy Foot Warmer makes an incredibly cosy treat for your feet during the winter months. Powered via the mains, the illuminated control panel makes it easy to switch between temperature settings as required, while the auto shut-off kicks in after 90 minutes of use for safety.Â
It’s worth noting that this foot warmer can take some time to fully warm up, with Mumsnet users reporting that they need the hottest setting to really feel the benefit. So, while it’s not an instant fix when you’re freezing, we still think it’s ideal for popping under your desk when working from home, keeping you warm and snug throughout the day. Plus, on extra chilly days, we’d pair it with the best heated gloves for total comfort.
Best budget foot warmers
What we like
Cheap option
Long-lasting heat
Easy to use on the go
What we don't like
Single-use
Slow to heat up
Key specs
Price on writing: £9 (for two packs of five) | Type: Air activated | Portable: Yes | Machine washable: No | Heat settings: One
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
For an easy, on-the-go way to warm up your feet, you can’t go wrong with these HotHands Foot Warmers. Simply open up the packet and peel off a paper strip, before sticking the warmer to your sock. Air-activated, they start to heat up as soon as you take them out of the packet, although some Mumsnet users found it took around half an hour to fully feel the warmth.Â
Once the warmers are on your socks, you can pop on your shoes and go about your day as normal, with your feet staying toasty warm for up to eight hours. These single-use warmers may not be the most eco-friendly option, but they’re really convenient, and most people report that while you can feel them, they’re pretty comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Best heated slippers
What we like
Soothing lavender scent
Heats up quickly
What we don't like
Heavy to move around in
Key specs
Price on writing: £16 | Type: Microwaveable | Portable: Yes | Machine washable: No | Heat settings: One
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
You can get toasty toes in no time with these fully microwaveable slippers. Just pop the whole pair into the microwave for a minute or two to get them perfectly warm before slipping them onto your feet. Releasing a calming lavender scent as they warm up, they’re ideal for soothing your senses at the end of a busy day and are a toasty upgrade on regular women’s slippers and thermal socks.
Warmies are a little heavy for walking around the house, but they make a great addition when curling up on the sofa or working from home during winter. While they don’t stay warm for as long as electric foot warmers, they can provide a comforting hit of heat on a cold day.
Best heated slipper boots
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What we like
Soft and fluffy
Heat up quickly
What we don't like
Not machine washable
Key specs
Price on writing: £22 | Type: Microwaveable | Portable: Yes | Machine washable: No | Heat settings: One
Our verdict
Soft, fluffy, and snuggly, these Warmies slipper boots will keep your chilly feet happy this winter. Just pop them in the microwave to heat them up and slip your feet in for a luxurious, relaxing experience. They're very similar to the Warmies above, but are in a boot style which offers more coverage, so it comes down to your chosen preference of slipper style.
With a comforting lavender scent, these one-size-fits-all slippers are suitable for sizes 3-7 and are perfect for keeping you cosy while working from home or relaxing on the sofa.
Best massaging foot warmer
What we like
Versatile massage function
Safe and easy to use
What we don't like
Turns off after 30 minutes
Pricey
Key specs
Price on writing: £50 | Type: Electric | Portable: No | Machine washable: Top cover only | Heat settings: Two
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
A foot warmer and a massager? The two-in-one option from Snailax really offers the best of both worlds. Sitting on top of a heated shiatsu massager, this plush cushion with a sherpa lining is a dream to slip your feet into, creating a calm and comforting warmth for relaxing at home. With two heat settings to warm you up and eight shiatsu rollers to massage and relax, you can easily switch through the settings to suit your needs, even unzipping the top to massage your back or soothe aches and pains.Â
While many reviewers appreciated the in-built safety feature, the 30-minute auto shut-off feels a little on the short side, so you may find yourself turning it back on fairly frequently.Â
Related: The cosiest kids’ blanket hoodies according to parents
Best foot warmer pad
What we like
Ideal for under your desk when working from home
Can also be used on your lap or backÂ
Choice of five temperature settings
Machine washableÂ
What we don't like
Mains powered
Key specs
Price on writing: £22 | Type: Electric heating pad | Portable: No | Machine washable: Yes | Heat settings: Five
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
If you don’t want to be restricted by a large foot warmer but hate the feeling of a cold floor under your feet, this plug-in pad is a great solution. Made from super soft fabric, simply plug it in, pop your feet inside and select one of five cosy temperature settings via the handy remote control.Â
Not only is it perfect for working from home, but this multi-use heat pad can also be placed across your lap or back, helping keep you toasty warm while soothing any aches and pains. We love the optional built-in timer, which allows you to shut it off after one or two hours depending on your preferences.
Related: Best electric blanket according to Mumsnet users
Best electric foot warmer for under-desk use
What we like
Easy to use
Features both heat and massage settings
What we don't like
Heat is concentrated in small areas
Key specs
Price on writing: £26 | Type: Electric/USB powered | Portable: No | Machine washable: No | Heat settings: One
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
The Lomitech Foot Warmer is USB-powered and made with an ultra-soft flannel that holds heat in to keep your feet wonderfully warm. We love how easy it is to use with three simple settings – heat, vibrate, and a combination of the two. All you have to do is press the power button and cycle through the settings to select your preference.
This warmer heats up quickly and shuts off automatically after 45 minutes, so you don’t need to worry about overheating. If you want to, you can turn it straight back on again; however, it holds the heat well, with many reviewers happily continuing to use it once the heat has turned off.
Best heated socks
What we like
Heats across the entire sole and toe areaÂ
Substantial heating period (six to nine hours)Â
Easy to install batteryÂ
What we don't like
Costly
Key specs
Price on writing: From £68 | Type: Battery-powered heated sock | Portable: Yes | Machine washable: Yes (with battery removed) | Heat settings: ThreeÂ
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
While they certainly don’t come cheap, these long-length heated socks are certainly worth the investment if you want to keep your feet warm both inside and outside the home. Moisture-wicking and made with breathable CoolMax fabric, they generate heat across your entire sole and toes – great when teamed up with your blanket hoodie at home, but equally effective when hiking or enjoying the great outdoors.
Powered by a lithium battery housed within a stretchy side pocket, they come with a choice of three temperatures up to 70°C, with warmth lasting up to nine hours depending on your chosen setting.Â
Best hot water bottle slippers
What we like
Portable
Good value for money
Easy to use
What we don't like
On the small side
Key specs
Price on writing: £18 | Type: Hot water bottle | Portable: Yes | Machine washable: No | Heat settings: One
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Sometimes the simple, old-school solutions are best and this hot water bottle foot warmer proves just that. You won’t be restricted by the location of your nearest plug socket with this fully portable foot warmer – simply fill the hot water bottle with hot water and then pop your feet into the cosy cover for some soothing warm relief.
It’s great value for money and cost-effective to use, although it does take around ten minutes for the heat to work its way through the material. Users have also reported that it’s a little on the small size too, so it might be best for those with smaller feet.Â
Related: Discover the best kids’ hot water bottle
What to look for in a foot warmer
In the market for your first ever electric foot warmer or heated slipper? Here are some things to consider:
Type: There are a few types of foot warmers to choose from, including mains-powered and USB-powered options, as well as those heated in the microwave or heated via a hot water bottle. Think about the potential running costs of an electric foot warmer and how long you need it to stay hot for.Â
Portability: Are you happy to use your foot warmer in the same spot all day? Some foot warmers are powered by the mains, requiring you to be positioned within close proximity of a plug socket or extension lead. If you want to be able to move around while keeping your feet warm, heated slippers or heated socks may be a better option.
Size: Check how big the foot warmer is. If your feet are bigger than a size six or seven, you might find a few of the options above are a bit of a squeeze.
Longevity: Some foot warmers can stay hot for longer than others, and lots have automatic shut-off systems that turn them off after a set amount of time. Think about how long you need a warmer to stay hot for, especially if you’re planning on using it for a full workday.
Ease of cleaning: Some foot warmers are spot clean only, while others have removable covers or can be popped in the washing machine for a quick refresh when required.Â
How do microwavable slippers work?
Microwaveable slippers are incredibly easy to use. Some have inserts that you remove and heat in the microwave, before popping them back into the slippers and enjoying the benefits. Others let you place the slippers directly in the microwave to warm up.
Either way, they normally only take a minute or two to heat up, but make sure to check the instructions before using them for the first time.
How long do microwavable slippers stay warm?
Microwaveable slippers tend to stay warm for around 30 minutes but will keep your feet cosy for quite a while after that, just like normal slippers do.
Are foot warmers good for circulation?
Foot warmers can be good for circulation, especially those with massaging features that keep you warm and get the blood moving. For those with medical or circulatory conditions such as Raynaud’s, a foot warmer or heated sock can do wonders for soothing associated numbness and pain.Â
If you are looking for toasty products to help alleviate muscle pain, we’ve also researched the best heated gilets and hand warmers Mumsnet users recommend. Â
How we chose the best foot warmers and heated slippers
We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for our users' recommendations on the best foot warmers and best heated slippers they rate. We were also on the lookout for poor reviews of products to avoid.
We consulted recommendations from experts, consumer websites and print media and ensured we included brands that regularly appeared in the top 10 lists.
We then looked at authentic consumer reviews for our longlisted heated slippers and foot warmers to check if those previous customers were satisfied with their purchases.
By doing this, we whittled our longlist down and chose a selection of products that we think offer something for everybody.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Working from home for the majority of her working week, Lucy has spent a significant amount of time researching products for Swears By that help Mumsnet users keep warm this winter.
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