Best heated socks for keeping your feet warm this winter
Heading on an outdoor adventure or simply feeling the chill when working from home? Here are the best heated socks to keep your toes toasty warm this winter.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Nov 23, 2023
With energy bills remaining high, many of us are seeking ways to keep warm this winter without turning up the thermostat. Insulating your home with the best draught excluder is an excellent long-term fix, but sometimes you just need an instant blast of warmth.
While they certainly don’t come cheap, warming up your extremities with heated socks – especially when combined with your best women’s winter coat when outdoors or a heated throw 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.
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 heated 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.
Best heated socks UK: at a glance
Best heated socks overall
What we like
Heats across full sole and toes
Substantial heating time span
Easy to install battery
Six to nine hours of heat
What we don't like
Costly
Only larger sizes are available
Key specs
Price on writing: £80 | Material: Polyester | Charging time: Unspecified | Generates heat for: Up to 9 hours | Temperature range: 40 to 70°C | Power source: Lithium-polymer battery | Sizes available: XL
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
A long-length design that generates heat across your entire sole and toes, these warm yet breathable heated socks are really simple to use, with a large stretchy side pocket and elasticated connection cord for quick and simple battery installation.
Made from moisture-wicking and breathable CoolMax fabric, they’ll keep your feet warm and dry all day long, making them well suited to active days in the great outdoors and activities such as hiking, skiing or camping. In addition, we think they’d work just as well when paired with your blanket hoodie at home on icy winter days.
With three temperature levels up to an impressive 70°C, you can expect to generate between six and nine hours of heat depending on your chosen setting. However, at the time of writing, it appears only larger sizes of this design are in stock – we expect this to change though as we move deeper into the winter season.
Related: Discover the best kids’ blanket hoodie, as recommended by parents
Best budget heated sock alternative
What we like
Reviewers claim they last longer than the eight hours advertised
Thin and discreet
Provide natural, comfortable warmth across the toe area
Budget-friendly
What we don't like
Single-use
Do not heat the entire foot
Key specs
Price on writing: £6 for six pairs | Material: Ultra thin air-activated pockets | Charging time: N/A | Generates heat for: Up to 8 hours | Temperature range: Unspecified ‘natural heat’ | Power source: Air activated | Sizes available: One size
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Heated socks can be expensive, so if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative that still offers impressive warmth on cold days, these Hot Hands Foot Warmers are a far more affordable solution – think of them like a hot water bottle for your feet.
Ultra-thin pockets that are activated by air, these disposable foot warmers start to heat up as soon as you take them out of the packet, sticking on to the bottom of your socks to provide a natural, comforting warmth across the entire toe area.
Whilst their single-use design doesn’t work out the best value for long-term use, they’re handy to stash in your bag for as and when needed – providing an instant boost of warmth for sports and outdoor activities or removing the chill when working from home.
Even better, while the amount of heat gradually reduces over time, reviewers found they actually last far longer than the eight hours advertised. 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.
Best heated insoles
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
Price on writing: £12 for five pairs | Material: Activated carbon pads | Charging time: N/A | Generates heat for: Up to 8 hours | Temperature range: Unspecified ‘natural’ heat | Power source: Air-activated | Sizes available: Small, medium, large and extra large
What Mumsnet users say
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: The best electric blankets to keep you warm in bed
Best heated ski socks
What we like
Three temperature 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
Price on writing: From £85 | Material: CoolMax, elastic and spandex | Charging time: Unspecified | Generates heat for: Up to 8 hours | Temperature range: 40 to 60°C | Power source: Rechargeable li-ion polymer batteries | Sizes available: Small or large
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 temperatures 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.
Related: The best thermal curtains for insulating your home
Best heated socks for Raynaud’s
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 polymer batteries | Sizes available: Small or extra large
What Mumsnet users say
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 Snowdeer heated socks work a bit like a 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.
Best microwaveable heated socks
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
Price on writing: £20 | Material: Faux fur | Charging time: 60 seconds in microwave | Stay warm for: 40 to 45 minutes | Temperature range: Unspecified | Power source: Millet filling heated by microwave | Sizes available: One size
Our verdict
If you find yourself shivering at your desk when working from home, these Warmies Microwaveable Wellness Boots could be the ideal solution.
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 elements (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, 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.
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.
Most heated socks 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 heated 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 a battery which needs 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 – ideal for spectating sports or a brief walk in cold weather conditions, 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, the lower the heat setting, the longer the warmth tends to last.
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.
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 and 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 on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
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.
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