6 best heated socks UK

With energy bills remaining high, many of us are seeking ways to keep warm this winter without turning up the thermostat. While the best electric heaters warm a room up fast, sometimes you need more targeted heat.

While they certainly don’t come cheap, warming up your extremities with heated socks – especially when combined with a great winter coat when outdoors or an electric blanket at home – can help to keep you toasty and comfortable all day long. The best heated socks can even help ease the symptoms of poor circulation and medical conditions such as arthritis and Raynaud’s syndrome too.

Best heated socks, at a glance:

Best overall: BERTSCHAT Heated Socks Thin Hiking Edition Elite, £160
Best budget alternative: HotHands Foot Warmers, £6
Best heated insoles: The Heat Company Insole Foot Warmers, £13
Best for skiing: Savior Heat Electric Warm Socks, £190
Best for Raynaud's: Snowdeer Heated Socks with Electric Rechargeable Battery, £90
Best microwaveable: Warmies Fully Heatable Wellness Boots, £25

To bring you our list of the best heated socks you can buy today, we first scoured our forums, seeking advice from Mumsnet users on the types of heated socks they’ve used, rated and would happily recommend to others. As they're a fairly niche product, we also conducted extensive research into heated socks to understand their must-have features and benefits. We then sought expert opinions on fast heating socks that were award-winning and well regarded in the industry, before investigating consumer feedback and reviews, gaining a wider perspective of the products on our shortlist.

1

Best heated socks overall

BERTSCHAT Heated Socks Thin Hiking Edition Elite

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Heats across sole, arch and toes
Thin and breathable
Easy to install battery
Heat for a long time - up to 14 hours of heat
Wide range of sizes
Remote control

What we don't like

Costly

Key specs

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full BERTSCHAT Heated Socks Thin Hiking Edition Elite review

These socks from Bertschat are thin, breathable and unisex - plus they're available in EU sizes 35-47. Designed for hiking in cold conditions, heat is distributed over your toes, the ball and arch of your foot and up your ankle.

We love that they come with a remote control, so you can adjust your toes' toastiness without having to take off your boots or hitch up your trouser leg mid-hike.

With three heat settings and up to 10 hours' battery life, we think these are the best heated socks out there. They're suitable for those with Raynaud's syndrome, too.

Read next: The best travel mugs

2

Best budget heated sock alternative

HotHands Foot Warmers

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from The Works Buy now from Tesco

What we like

Thin and discreet
Provide natural, comfortable warmth across the toe area
Budget-friendly
Easy to use

What we don't like

Single-use
Do not heat the entire foot
Heat lasts around five hours

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

cosmopolitanplease · Recommended product

I like these feet warmers, they're really good.

See Post

Our verdict

Read our full HotHands Foot Warmers review

The best heated socks can be expensive, so if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative that still offers impressive warmth on cold days, these HotHands Foot Warmers are a far more affordable solution – think of them like a hot water bottle for your toes.

We found these disposable foot warmers super easy to use; they started to heat up as soon as we took them out of the packet, and they were simple to stick onto socks too. They work nicely by providing a natural, comforting warmth across the entire toe area, and we were impressed with the heat generated by such a basic product.

Their single-use design doesn’t work out the best value for long-term use, but we think they’re a great option to stash in your wash bag for as and when needed – the instant boost of warmth they give is ideal sports and outdoor activities or removing the chill when working from home.

While the amount of heat gradually reduces over time, they still provide a decent boost of heat for around five hours before starting to cool (though, this is shorter than the brand's advertised time of eight hours). That said, we think they're a great option for sporadic use on extra cold days. Plus, if you suffer from chilly hands too, the brand’s affordable version for your mitts is also recommended by Mumsnetters on our best hand warmers round-up if you want the full set for staying extra toasty this winter.

3

Best heated insoles

The Heat Company Insole Foot Warmers

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Quick and easy to use
100% natural contents
Air-activated producing up to eight hours of warmth
Suitable for all shoe types

What we don't like

Single-use only

Key specs

Our verdict

On bitterly cold days, you may want something that heats your entire foot rather than just your toes. These air-activated insole foot warmers from The Heat Company come in packs of five, ten or thirty and are available in a range of sizes. With an ultra-thin, lightweight design, they fit securely and discreetly inside almost every shoe type.

Whether you’re relaxing at home in the best women’s slippers or heading out on a winter walk with the family in tow, these easy-to-use disposable insoles can generate up to eight hours of natural warmth across your entire foot.

Related: Best oil-filled radiators

4

Best heated ski socks

Savior Heat Electric Warm Socks

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Three heating levels
Moisture-wicking and breathable
Choice of colours
Stretchy, non-slip design
Non-bulky battery cover

What we don't like

Costly
One reviewer found the seam wasn't comfy on their toes

Key specs

Our verdict

While their products don’t come cheap, Savior, the world’s leading brand for electric heating technology, certainly knows their stuff when it comes to keeping warm in winter, selling a wide range of clothing products including heated gloves, socks and hats.

Warm and comfortable, these breathable CoolMax heated socks are made from moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep your feet dry and odour-free, no matter how active your outdoor exploits may be. Ideal for skiing and winter sports, the stretchy design fits securely around your calves without slipping, while the reinforced heel and toes offer extra durability to extend their lifespan.

With three temperature settings (low, medium and high), you can opt for a heat level between 40 and 60°C and can expect your feet to stay warm and comfortable for up to eight hours. We love the flexible battery pocket cover, which sits flatter and feels less bulky than designs with zips or buttons.

5

Best heated socks for Raynaud’s

Snowdeer Heated Socks with Electric Rechargeable Battery

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Three temperature settings
Choice of two colours
Up to six hours of heat

What we don't like

Costly
Heat doesn’t last as long as some other brands
Tight fitting

Key specs

Price on writing: £90 | Material: 92% polyester, 8% elastane | Charging time: 3 to 4 hours | Generates heat for: 2.5 to 6 hours | Temperature range: Three settings – low, medium and high | Power source: 7.4V 2200MAH rechargeable lithium batteries (polymer) | Sizes available: Small or extra large

Our verdict

The winter months can be particularly difficult if you have circulatory conditions such as Raynaud’s, leaving your hands and feet feeling bitterly cold, numb and sore when temperatures drop.

These Snow Deer rechargeable heated socks work a bit like the best heated gilet for your feet. With reinforced padding areas across the toe and heel, they also have a cosy, warm lining and are made with stretchy elastic for complete comfort. Some reviewers found them to be a little on the small side though – so you may wish to size up to prevent them feeling tight.

While the heat generated isn't quite as long-lasting as some other brands, they have a choice of three temperature settings, with infrared heating elements across the soles of your feet to help stimulate blood circulation. They’ve recently upgraded the pocket cover too, allowing it to hold the batteries securely in place without them feeling bulky or restrictive.

6

Best microwaveable heated socks

Warmies Fully Heatable Wellness Boots

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Very Buy now from eBay

What we like

Ideal for working from home
Provides up to 45 minutes of warmth
Activated by just 60 seconds in the microwave
Soft and cosy faux fur

What we don't like

Only suitable for indoor use
One size but come up small (reviews recommend sizes UK 3-6)

Key specs

Our verdict

If you find yourself shivering at your desk when working from home, these Warmies Microwaveable Wellness Boots could be a game changer.

While they’re technically more of a heated slipper sock than traditional heated socks, these super-soft faux-fur booties are quick and easy to use in any indoor setting. Simply pop them into your microwave for 60 seconds to activate the contents, resulting in a cosy and comforting heat that’ll keep your feet warm for up to 45 minutes. We think they’d make a fantastic gift bundled up alongside the best women’s dressing gown.

It’s worth mentioning that while the brand states one size fits all, reviewers felt that they come up relatively small, so they’re realistically best suited to shoe sizes from UK 3 to 6.

How do heated socks work?

Using rechargeable batteries and/or electric heating panels (made from thin conductive wire), heated socks can generate heat across the entire surface or over selected zones to keep your feet warm in cold weather conditions. They’re ideal for keeping your toes toasty when working from home during the winter months or for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and playing (or spectating) outdoor sports.

Are heated socks safe?

Yes, the best heated socks are safe when used correctly. We recommend that you opt for trusted brands, fully reading the safety instructions and following their guidance around care and maintenance.

Most heated socks include an automatic shut-off timer to prevent overheating and offer a variety of heat settings so you can find a level that’s most comfortable for you.

If you have particularly sensitive skin or medical conditions, you may wish to seek advice from your doctor or a healthcare professional before use.

Related: Best men's dressing gowns

How do you wash heated socks?

Before washing your heated socks, it’s important to completely remove any batteries or power source from the fabric, as exposing these parts to water could be unsafe and risk damaging the electrical components.

Some heated socks aren't machine washable and require gentle washing by hand, but you should always read the label as care instructions will vary depending on the brand.

How to buy the best heated socks for you

As an investment product, it can be difficult to know when to take the plunge and decide which pair is right for you. Whether you’re choosing between a pair of socks, or even heated insoles and warmers, here are some things you may want to consider:

Heat source - Some cheaper insoles or foot warmers are air-activated or placed in the microwave to warm up, while others use battery power, so they will need to be charged for a number of hours before use.
Heat location - Not all heated socks heat the entire foot, with some focusing on simply the toes or heel area. Consider how much heat you’re hoping to provide and whether a gentle warmth will be sufficient. If you have medical conditions such as Raynaud’s, you may prefer a heated sock that covers a more significant area to help stimulate blood circulation.
How long do they stay hot for? - Some products offer short-term warmth, which are a great choice for spectating sports or a brief walk in chilly weather, while others can keep your feet toasty warm for up to nine hours, making them better suited to skiing, winter sports, hiking or camping. Remember, using the lowest setting will prolong the battery run time, while the highest setting will decrease the hours of battery life.
Fabric and comfort - It’s worth considering the length, materials, placement of the heat source as well as the bulkiness of any battery pockets or pouches. Depending on where and when you intend to wear them, you may also want to consider whether they have reinforced heels and toes, as this can improve their lifespan.
Cost - How much are you willing to spend? High-quality heated socks generally don’t come cheap, but if you have health conditions such as Raynaud’s or poor circulation, they can certainly be money well spent.

Related: Best hot water bottle for kids

How we chose the best heated socks UK

Feedback from real Mumsnet users

Due to high energy costs, heated socks have grown in popularity over recent years, but they're still a relatively niche product. First up, we first sought tried-and-tested recommendations from Mumsnet users who have dipped their toe (see what we did there?!) into the world of heated socks. We gathered their feedback on features they rate such as ease of use and warming power, and then we noted the reasons they used heated socks, so we could search for products that excelled in those areas.

Expert opinions

Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best heated socks for cold feet, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

Related: The best thermal socks for cold toes

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in family 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 parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

Working mostly from home, Lucy spent significant time last year reviewing products and services to stay warm during the winter months, including everything from hot water bottles to electric blankets.

Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.