Freezing feet in winter is a very pressing problem for the cold regions of our country. In addition to being unpleasant, cold feet can have a significant impact on human health, especially for people who engage in active winter sports, enjoy hiking and traveling to colder parts of the world. Everyone struggles with the problem in their own way. Some people wear several layers of socks, some choose warmer shoes, and some don’t go outside at all in winter. But there is a more elegant and simpler way - heated insoles. Let's see what they are, how to use them and how to choose them.
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What are heated insoles for and who might benefit from them?
They are mainly used by people for whom prolonged exposure to the cold is important. These are winter sports athletes, tourists, fishermen and hunters. But such insoles can also be used every day - on winter trips to work or school.
Heated ski boot insoles
The success of an athlete largely depends on how convenient and comfortable he feels in his equipment. Excessive clothing restricts movement and adds weight, which has a negative impact on overall mobility. Therefore, heated insoles are an excellent solution for ski boots. They do not require the use of several layers of socks, perfectly warm the feet and, accordingly, improve blood circulation in the lower extremities.
For fishing
Anyone who has ever sat with a fishing rod near a river bank knows that the key to good fishing is patience. In order to get out of the pond, you need to sit in one position for a long time - both in wet autumn and cold winter.
It is natural that the legs, being without movement, freeze faster. Warming foot insoles are simply the ideal solution for any fisherman. Especially for those who love winter fishing.
For hunting
By analogy with fishermen, hunters also have to sit still for a long time. And the weather can be completely different. But most often the process occurs at night in autumn or winter. Battery-powered heated insoles will help keep you warm on long walks in the snow or in an ambush on an autumn morning.
Main types of heated insoles
Nowadays you can find two types of insoles on the market. Some use a classic battery for heating, others are based on a chemical reaction.
On battery
The principle of operation of such insoles is simple. They use a simple heating element from an external power source. In our case - from the battery. The battery is charged from . Typically it takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery. And the insole can work from 6 to 12 hours.
The insole itself is made of a material that retains heat, does not allow moisture to pass through, and is flexible enough to adapt to a person’s foot. Various models of heated insoles can be equipped with a control panel or powered not by a battery, but by replaceable batteries. Thus, it turns out that these are reusable warming insoles for feet.
Chemical
The work of chemical insoles is based on reactions occurring inside them. To activate, you need to open the package so that the insoles are exposed to the open air. In saline-based chemical heating pads, you need to break the stem. These insoles can warm up for 6 hours.
The average heating temperature can be from 36 to 40°C. Due to the fact that chemical components are used for heating, such insoles are a disposable solution. Once the chemical reaction has expired, they stop heating. On average, heated chemical insoles can be purchased for 50 rubles.
All the advantages and disadvantages of heated insoles
Of course, considering the disadvantages and advantages of insoles in isolation from specific models is very subjective. But they still have common features and characteristics. The main advantage of all heated insoles can be considered autonomous heat in the shoes. Electronic ones allow you to use heating for a long time; after discharging, you can charge them again or change the batteries. However, the shape and structure impose a limitation on shoe size. Due to the fact that a heating element, battery and control unit must be placed inside the insole, their physical dimensions are much larger than usual. In addition, the battery tends to discharge at low negative temperatures. Chemical insoles are completely autonomous and do not depend on energy. However, chemical elements do not last forever and can be used a limited number of times. Usually this is a one-time warm-up for 6 hours. With this type of insoles, it is difficult to control the heating: depending on external factors, the insoles may not warm up to a comfortable temperature or, conversely, suddenly heat up to a burning state. But chemical models are more convenient and comfortable, since they do not contain large blocks. In addition, you can buy disposable heated insoles much cheaper than their reusable counterparts.
The principle of design and operation of electrically heated insoles
Inside the insole there are usually several basic components hidden: a battery for power, a control unit and a heating element. Complex devices with a control panel may additionally contain an antenna. All this fits into a fairly thin insole. The heating element, receiving a charge from the battery, heats up and transfers heat to the leg. That's the whole principle of how the insole works. Craftsmen have already tried to replicate the technology, and many have posted ways to make heated insoles on the Internet. However, the process is very labor-intensive and requires at least basic knowledge and the availability of components for assembly, which sometimes in China are cheaper in ready-made form than separately here. Therefore, it’s better to leave creating DIY battery-powered heated insoles to electronics enthusiasts and techies. Chemical options can either work in a one-time mode, or require heating in water to recharge.
How to choose the right insoles and what to pay attention to
You need to choose heated insoles based on how they will be used. For example, for rare walks or forays into cold climates, you can use inexpensive disposable models. Your feet have warmed up, the action is over - and you can throw them away and put new ones in your shoes.
Chemical reusable insoles are suitable for short but regular walks. For example, every day for one or two hours. After this, they can be warmed up in hot water, and they will be ready for the next walk again. This option will cost a little more than disposable ones, but cheaper than reusable ones.
Thermal insoles for electrically heated shoes are often more expensive. But at the same time they are more convenient, have greater potential and functionality. They are worth choosing when you need to spend a long time in the cold regularly. The average operating time of insoles usually ranges from 6 to 12 hours. Once completely discharged, they can be recharged or the batteries can be replaced, depending on the model. Thus, this is the most convenient option for regular use, but at the same time it is also more expensive.
Main companies and brands of electric insoles for battery-powered shoes
There are many companies that produce this type of product. From Chinese, heated insoles from which you can order from AliExpress, to more serious developers who produce reliable and high-quality devices.
ThermaCell heated insoles
One of the most famous manufacturers of electrically heated insoles. The most famous are two types of insoles - with a built-in battery and with a replaceable one. Both types have a control panel with which you can set the mode or turn off the insoles altogether. A simpler option with a non-removable battery can be bought for 7,000 rubles, and an option with replaceable batteries will cost about 15,000 - 17,000 rubles. You can also purchase a car charger separately for 1,500 rubles.
Blazewear
Blazewear has two main types of insoles. Some run on 3 AA batteries, which last for about 5 hours. The battery packs are placed on the leg using Velcro, which is not always convenient. This option costs 2000 rubles.
The second model involves the use of 3000 mAh lithium-polymer batteries. They should be enough for 4-7 hours of continuous operation. The kit also includes battery packs. Thus, by alternating between charged batteries and batteries, you can extend the operating time up to 11 hours. The inconvenience lies in attaching the blocks to the leg. Blazewear battery-powered heated insoles can be purchased for 5,000 rubles.
DiClime
DiClime sells one type of warm heated insoles for shoes, which can be purchased for 1,500 rubles. The device is powered by lithium polymer batteries. The maximum stated operating time is 8 hours. The battery is built-in and cannot be removed. The shape of the insole is made in such a way that it can be trimmed and adjusted to any shoe. The model has , on the basis of which the element is heated.
RedLaika
The brand specializes not only in insoles, but also in heated clothing in general. They have jackets, socks, pants, long johns, and more. But we are interested in the insoles. In fact, the brand has only one model. It’s just that the starting equipment may be different. The simplest version of self-heating reusable insoles with blocks for AA batteries will cost 1000 rubles. Three batteries can power the insole in heating mode for up to 4 hours. A drawback may be the mechanism for attaching the battery pack to the leg.
The version with batteries included will cost much more - 6,000 rubles. The battery capacity is 2600 mAh; according to the developers, they should be enough for 5-21 hours of operation.
"Siberian"
Domestic insoles from the Novosibirsk company “Special Thermal Systems”. The base price is 1,500 rubles. The insoles are simple, with an external USB cable. Any compatible battery can be used. You can buy ready-made kits right away for 4,000 and 4,300 rubles. Both include a complete kit with a battery. However, the second one also has a special case for wearing on the belt.
Heated insoles - reviews from real users
As for reviews about insoles, everything is not so clear. They are divided approximately 50/50.
So, about ThermaCell insoles, some people write that they are a scam.
Review of ThermaCell
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_319467.html
And someone, on the contrary, praises.
Review of ThermaCell
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4493951.html
insoles from ThermaCell
Blazewear has a slightly better situation, with 70% of users recommending them.
Review of Blazewear
Review of Blazewear
More details on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_187770.html
Blazewear insoles
As for DiClime, opinions are again divided almost equally.
Review of DiClime
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_316866.html
Review of DiClime
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_371730.html
insoles from DiClime
There are not many reviews about RedLaika. But it is what it is.
Review of RedLaika
More details on iRecommend: https://irecommend.ru/content/slomalis-dvazhdy
insoles from RedLaika
In addition to the models and brands presented in the article, there are also several less well-known and popular ones. For example, insoles from NordClime.
Review of NordClime
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_706761.html
Review of NordClime
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_1488429.html
insoles from NordClime
By the way, there are a couple of reviews from AliExpress. Since they do not have any resonant brand, and the translation usually looks like cuneiform, perhaps the photographs in the review will help readers navigate.
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5813051.html
Review of insoles from Aliexpress
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4400222.html
It will be useful for all those people whose feet are constantly cold. Of course, these are, first of all, fishermen and hunters; we also cannot forget about the sellers in the markets who stand in the cold for days. Such insoles can be used not only in winter, but also in spring, autumn or even summer, on rainy days. With them, your feet will always be warm and dry, and this is the key to health. The device works very simply, and anyone can do it.
How do heated insoles work?
The author used a nichrome thread with a diameter of 0.2 mm and a length of 25.5 cm as a heating element. As a result of measurements, it was found that such a piece of wire has a resistance of 8.9 Ohms. In total, the system uses two modes, one provides for operation from two batteries, and the second from three. In the first case, the insoles will be constantly warm. And the third case is needed to make them hot, but not a state of discomfort or burn. Before installation, it is recommended to do a test run in both modes.
In order to check whether the nichrome is the optimal length, you need to put the wire in a handkerchief or other similar fabric, and then, connecting it to the battery, hold it between your palms. If it gets too hot in your hands, the length of the wire needs to be increased. Thus, you can choose the optimal heating temperature for the insoles.
When operating two AA batteries, the calculated current will be about 270 mA, and from three about 400 mA. Based on these figures and knowledge of the capacity of the batteries used, you can calculate the operating time of the insoles before discharge.
Materials and tools for assembling a homemade product:
- nichrome wire with a diameter of 0.2 mm (length 60 cm);
- two felt insoles;
- about three meters of MGTF wire;
- compartment for installing four AA batteries;
- three position switch;
- two sets of mini jack connectors (plug with socket);
- four crimp sleeves (0.2 mm sq.);
- 1 m of heat shrink tube;
- strips of fabric with a Velcro-type lock;
- hot glue.
Homemade assembly process:
Step one. Connect the wire to the nichrome
To connect the MGTF wire 0.2 mm. sq. The author used crimp sleeves for nichrome. First, the sleeve is put on the nichrome, and then its end must be inserted into the stranded MGTF, cleared of insulation. A sleeve is installed at the joint and then crimped. A special crimping tool is well suited for these purposes, but all this can be done just fine with pliers. The length of the wires is taken such that it is 50 cm from the insole.
Where to lay the wire, everyone decides for themselves, depending on which part of the leg is cold. The author's toe is cold, so nichrome is placed in the front of the shoe. You can see in the photo exactly how to lay the wire.
Step two. Fixing the wire
To fix the wire, you can use thread and a needle. It must be carefully sheathed to form the desired pattern. As for the other end of the wire, a headphone plug is soldered to it for quick connection to a power source.
Step three. Installing the battery compartment and testing the device
The author uses three batteries in total, but the case is chosen to accommodate four. One compartment is used to install a switch and a mini jack socket. After soldering, the elements are fixed in place using hot glue. If it so happens that there is no cover on the battery compartment, then this is not a problem; the batteries can be pressed with a rubber band.
In order to fix the power source on the leg, you need to drill holes on the other side of the compartment, with the help of which a piece of tape with Velcro is attached. Now
Many of us are familiar with the situation of shoes that are wet or frozen from the inside. This phenomenon can lead to colds and aching joints. Conventional insulated insoles made of synthetic fur or padding polyester have an accumulation effect. When they are wet, they are not easy to dry and it takes time. What if you equip them with heating? Then you will hardly have to dry them, and your feet will always be warm.
Today we offer an improvised version of such miracle insoles with electric heating. Their design will help keep your feet warm for quite a long time. They dry literally in a matter of minutes, and maintaining a stable temperature will prevent ordinary insoles from getting wet from small cracks in the shoes.
Operating principle of heated insoles
In his invention, the author decided to make do with a heating element based on varnished copper wire, used for windings of transformers and various inductors. Having experimentally calculated its length relative to the supplied battery voltage, a heating platform was made under the main covering of conventional insoles. The insulation layer between the layers of the insole is made of hot glue. A button-switch with batteries is attached in the area of the laces on the tongue of the shoe.
Necessary elements and tools for homemade work
Materials:- Copper wire;
- Insole template;
- Thin cardboard, paper;
- Batteries – 2 pcs;
- Connector - socket for power connection;
- Wire cutter and stripper;
- Switch button;
- Universal diode;
- Wires, small heat-shrinkable tubes, electrical tape.
- Soldering iron;
- Hot glue gun;
- Scissors;
- Wire cutters.
Insoles manufacturing process
Cutting out the insoles
The device is a multilayer insole, the lower part of which is a heating platform. For it we need thin thick cardboard. It should be able to withstand walking, so it's best to choose something more abrasion-resistant.
We take the template of our insole and mark the platform according to it. It should be approximately one size smaller than regular insoles. We process the edges of this insole platform with a hole punch along the entire perimeter. This will additionally secure the heating element and prevent it from slipping while walking.
Winding the heater winding
The intensity of the wire winding regulates the amount of heating of a specific zone of the insole heater, and it can be calculated individually. The author has marked the insole so that the maximum heat is on the toe, the average heat is on the heel area, and the lowest heat is in the middle of the foot. In accordance with the chosen scheme, we wind the turns of the heater winding, measuring the length of the wire to 10 m.
We mark the protective layers of the heater on plain paper according to the template and cut them out. We glue the heating platform on both sides with paper insoles using hot glue.
Don’t forget to bring the ends of both winding contacts out. We connect them with insulated wires, solder the connection and seal it with heat-shrinkable tubes.
We supplement the circuit with batteries with a power socket and a button
We connect the batteries by connecting them in parallel with soldered contacts. We glue the battery cases with electrical tape.
We solder the switch button with a diode and a power socket according to the diagram (photo 2). We place them on the battery case and hide them with several layers of electrical tape.
We insert the heating platform into the shoes and cover them with regular insoles. The author suggests hiding the battery housing between the laces and tongue of the sneakers.
This is due to the weak base and fragility of the heater.
These materials can be replaced with artificial leather, felt, lavsan, etc. And instead of copper wire, use nichrome or carbon thread for heated floors. Insulation of the heating element will also not hurt, and the batteries, the ability to adjust and turn off the heating, can be brought closer to your hands. In general, there is something to work on.Such homemade products are valuable for those who like to make things with their own hands. They can be remade, modified and changed at your discretion, based on the principle of the device. Otherwise, every home craftsman has a free path to creativity and his own discoveries.
One way to stay warm in winter is with heated insoles. To make the right choice, it is worth understanding the varieties of such insoles and the operating principles of each of their types.
Varieties and principle of operation
According to the principle of operation, heating insoles can be divided into two categories: chemical and with a heating element inside.
Chemical heated insoles
These insoles are disposable. They are usually sold in sealed packaging. They can be made in the form of insoles or as a small bag with a self-adhesive side - to secure directly in a frozen place, usually in the area of the toes. The package must be opened and, if indicated in the instructions, shaken so that the chemical reaction starts immediately. After this, you need to put the insoles into the shoes or glue them to the sock, depending on the rules provided by the manufacturer.
Typically the heating effect lasts 4-6 hours. Some companies, for example, Toe Warmer, offer up to 8 hours of operation and an estimated temperature of 50°, and “Warm Up” insoles - 6 hours and a temperature of 38-45°.
Heating is possible thanks to iron powder, which, when oxidized, releases heat. Sodium chloride and salt inhibit this process to eliminate the possibility of burns. In addition, the insole may contain activated carbon or small sawdust; their purpose is to absorb excess moisture and unpleasant odors. The outer surface of the insole is coated with a compound that prevents heat dissipation outward.
Typically, the heating temperature of these insoles is not as high as we would like - but this is a matter of choice of manufacturer and price. For example, expensive Japanese heated insoles provide a reliable temperature of about 50° for 6 hours. At the same time, Chinese analogues are only capable of 38-40°, while the operating time can be quite short - 2-4 hours. The price of a quality product may be higher than expected.
A prerequisite for use is air circulation in the shoes. If the shoes fit too tightly, the warmth from the insoles will not be felt. Oxygen is necessary for the oxidation of iron - thanks to this chemical reaction, a warming effect is possible. With the exception of this nuance, the insoles are suitable for any shoes.
Chemical insoles are intended for one-time use. For some, this is a drawback, because if there is a need to warm your feet every day, you need to buy many sets at once. On the other hand, this option is suitable for those who do not want to monitor the battery charge level. At the same time, disposable insoles are perfect for those who do not need such heating often: for example, when going with friends on a winter picnic once a year, or for skiing occasionally. The scheme is as simple as possible: buy, stick, warm up, remove and throw away.
Another plus is that the insoles are comfortable and almost invisible. No batteries, accumulators or wires. Some varieties can be "restarted" with water. However, you should not expect a significant result: a couple of hours at most and the outlet temperature is 30-35°. Unlike other insoles, the minimum size of which is 35, chemical insoles can be inserted into children's shoes.
Insoles with heating element
Another type of heated insoles differs in that the heating is carried out by a metal thread or plate that is powered by batteries or an accumulator. Based on the location of the battery, this type of insoles can be divided into two categories:
- Wireless. The battery is built directly into the insole.
- Wired. The insoles have a remote mount for batteries.
Wireless
The battery of such insoles is located directly inside, usually in the heel. A thread or plate is powered from it, depending on the manufacturer and model. Usually this heating element is located under the toes, because they are the first to freeze, but there are models where a strip of metal runs along the entire foot. Both the battery and the heating element are contained in a shell that distributes heat evenly, minimizing heat loss.
The temperature of the insoles can reach 51°, and the operating time and service life depend on the battery. In order to charge it, it will take no more than 4 hours, but it can work up to 10.
The advantages of wireless heated insoles include a certain durability compared to disposable insoles, and the fact that no wires get in the way, creating the risk of breakage. You can control the heating using the remote control - it’s convenient; you can adjust the temperature or turn them off altogether, for example, when entering a room. Models that do not have a remote control can be turned off only by removing the insoles from the shoes; this is not very convenient. The battery can be replaced with regular batteries if necessary. The insoles are not afraid of moisture, but if you get your feet very wet (for example, drown the insoles in a lake), the battery will stop working and the insoles will turn into regular ones.
More precisely, not quite ordinary - and that’s about the disadvantages. The battery is definitely thicker than a regular insole. Because of this, the heel is noticeably higher than the toes, and this is not always convenient. Although insoles can be reduced by one or two sizes by cutting along the dotted lines with scissors, it is not always easy to guess the right one. You will most likely need a shoe size or two larger. The battery operates cyclically, and the operating cycles of two insoles may differ - one heats, the other “rests”. Some types of insoles turn on when you press on the heel - this is not suitable for cyclists, fishermen and hunters in ambush. If the heating element is a metal plate running through the entire insole, there is a risk of breaking it, this can happen faster than it seems.
The battery, like any other battery, does not like shock. Therefore, you should not jump on rocks from great heights wearing these insoles. It is important to avoid tearing or deforming the insole guard.
Wired insoles
This type of heated insoles is very similar to the previous one, except that the battery is located outside. From the heating element there is a wire, which from different manufacturers can be from 40 cm to 60 cm long. At the other end of the wire there is a block into which batteries are inserted. Blazewear models have a power regulator on this block. With its help you can control the temperature, turn the heating on or off.
On the positive side, we can note the maximum operating time - up to 11 hours with one battery and a set of batteries.
The thickness of the insole does not differ from the usual one, and the size can be reduced with scissors up to 35. Heating is not cyclical, but constant - the temperature depends on the selected mode. The service life of the insoles depends on the battery, which can later be replaced.
The battery is placed on the shin. On the one hand, this is a plus - nothing gets in the way inside the boot. The risk of breaking the wire is small, but still there. The worst thing in this situation is that the insoles will stop working. Moreover, they are designed so that there is no risk of spontaneous combustion. You can jump and run in these insoles without fear of damaging the battery. The Ohm can be attached to the leg or to the inside of a boot or shoe.
Still, you still need to get used to the additional detail on the shin. In this case, a lot depends on the fastening. If it is an elastic band, it is important that the leg is not pulled too tightly - this will impede blood flow. If the batteries are attached with Velcro, they must be quite reliable - that is, the length of the adhesive part is at least 5 cm.
How to choose heated insoles?
Before you go to the store for heating insoles, you need to determine their purpose. If you need them every day, it makes sense to invest in products with a heating element. If such help is needed only from time to time, you can purchase several packages of good quality chemical insoles. If there is a risk of breaking the wire, for example when traveling over rough terrain, it may be better to stick with cordless options.
The best option is if the manufacturer has a service center where you can view and try on the insole and ask any questions that concern you.
Another important point regarding insoles with a heating element is the battery. Is it possible to replace wireless insoles? This is usually rare. If it is specific, then what is the probability of finding a suitable one in three years? It may be worth giving preference to insoles that can be powered by universal batteries or batteries. If we are talking about wired insoles, you need to check the fastening - its reliability, convenience and practicality.
Care and operation
There is one rule that applies to all three types of insoles - you must not break the protective casing. Although most insoles can tolerate a certain amount of moisture, it is best not to test them for water tolerance - although products with a remote battery have a better chance in this regard.
When you get home, it’s better to take out the insoles. If they were wet, let them dry and charge them. Do not allow kinks or tension on the wire - this can shorten its service life.
Review of heated insoles manufacturers
ThermaCell wireless insoles are powered by a lithium-ion battery, a full charge of which provides 5 hours of comfortable heating. To adjust the temperature, the kit includes a small remote control with three settings. The insoles can be adjusted to five sizes.
Wired Blasewear insoles also have three settings, which can be controlled on a remote battery. Can be adjusted to any shoe size. Temperatures can reach up to 51°, which is necessary only in critical frosts. At the same time, infrared radiation helps improve blood circulation, which is a tangible advantage - after all, heating will be not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
Similar properties are also found in DiClime insoles, the battery of which is attached to the ankle. They are equipped with a sensor, thanks to which it is possible to save battery power.
How to make heated insoles with your own hands
There are no particular difficulties in constructing wired insoles, so if you have some skills, you can make them yourself. For this you will need:
- felt insoles;
- nichrome thread with a diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm;
- 3 meters of wire – multi-wire, single-phase, insulated will do;
- mini jack connector and plug (2 sets);
- compartment for four batteries
- thread with needle
- fastening for batteries - Velcro is ideal;
- crimp sleeves;
- switch;
- Hot melt glue.
Before assembling the insoles, you need to take the nichrome of the expected length, wrap it in a thin cloth and squeeze it with your palms. If the temperature is too high, it is better to increase the length, if on the contrary, reduce it.
After this, the nichrome needs to be secured to the insole with a needle and thread in the place where the foot usually freezes. In this case, it is better to bring the ends to the inside. This end needs to be connected to the wire; a crimp sleeve is suitable for this. A plug is soldered to the other end of the wire. The length of the wire should be about half a meter.
After this, the battery pack is assembled. Three batteries are used, the unit is needed for four, since the charging connector and switch are inserted into the fourth. The elements are soldered and glued. Ideally, you need a cover that protects the batteries from loss; if you don’t have one, you can attach them with rubber bands.
Velcro is attached to the block. This can be done by simply gluing it to the body or drilling holes and pulling it through - whichever is convenient. The main thing is that the length of the fastening is enough for comfortable placement on the leg.
DIY heated insoles - video
Watch a detailed video with instructions for making heating insoles with your own hands from a true professional here:
Heated insoles are definitely a comfortable and useful thing. You can choose them based on your own preferences and price category, or make them yourself. In any case, comfort, reduction of colds, cystitis and other ailments will more than offset possible costs.
Winter has begun, which means that the problem becomes one of the primary ones. There are dozens of types of work that require a person to constantly be in the cold: builders, sellers, traffic police officers, janitors and representatives of other professions. In this case, no warm clothing will save you; sooner or later your legs will give in under the influence of severe frosts. That is why heated insoles were invented for travelers and people who spend the lion's share of time outside in winter.
Such insoles will become a real lifesaver for people who spend a lot of time outdoors: athletes, policemen, fishermen, builders and even sleeper layers (felt boots are a reliable, but not very comfortable type of winter footwear).
Heated ski boot insoles
If you are a professional athlete, then you know very well that excess weight of equipment negatively affects speed, comfort and other important indicators that can affect the result of, for example, a ski race. Therefore, heated insoles are an excellent solution for fairly thin ski boots. You won't be weighed down by an extra pair of socks, while keeping your feet warm.
For fishing
Many hours of fishing are a great opportunity to test heated insoles in action. Firstly, when a person sits motionless, his feet get cold much faster, and secondly, you will save on drinking... hot.
For hunting
Hunters are also at risk; hours-long “ambushes” can often cause mild frostbite on the legs. The situation is made worse by the presence of alcohol. In this state, a person feels false warmth and does not notice signs of trouble. Battery-powered heated insoles will help keep you warm even if you spend a long time in the cold.
The same shoes can be recommended for television cameramen, who are often forced to spend hours on the street filming various kinds of events: from immersion in the Epiphany font (and we know that it is at this time that the most severe frosts often occur) to broadcasting sports competitions.
Main types of heated insoles
The simplest operating principle is the so-called chemical battery. Their heating effect is based on a chemical reaction that produces heat. This plastic insole is based on a gel, which generates heat when kneaded. Other insoles are battery-powered.
On battery
The action of such insoles is based on the usual effect of battery power. The heating element receives energy from the battery, which you charge in advance from the network. This insole can work from 6 to 12 hours.
These insoles are made of a special material that is quite strong, but does not allow water to pass through. Depending on the set of options, the insole may be equipped with a special control panel or powered by batteries. Thus, we can say that you get reusable warming insoles for your feet, unlike chemical ones, the effect of which is limited by reaction time.
Chemical
Chemical insoles heat up for a certain time and then slowly cool down. Some models are able to resume heating with additional physical effort. For example, hidden inside the insole is not one, but several cones with a substance that can be broken (triggered a reaction) at different times.
The heating temperature in such insoles usually does not exceed 40°C. Also, as we noted earlier, this is a disposable product. On average, heated chemical insoles can be purchased for 50 rubles.
Advice! A chemical insole can be revived by briefly placing it in hot water.
Usually the insole is made of a silicone shell, so placing it in water is quite acceptable.
The main advantages and disadvantages of heated insoles
Speaking very generally (after all, each model has its own list of pros and cons), heated insoles are certainly a very useful invention. Among the main advantages are:
- ease of use;
- availability;
- no contraindications;
- versatility;
- efficiency.
Among the disadvantages, two main ones can be identified: in rechargeable ones they are massive, and in chemical ones they have a limited lifespan, however, it is worth noting that this is perfect for long trips without the ability to use electricity. In addition, you can buy disposable heated insoles much cheaper than their reusable counterparts.
The principle of design and operation of electrically heated insoles
Let us briefly consider the principle of operation of electrically heated insoles. Their main element is, of course, heating. Most often this is a thin mesh located inside a special felt covering. Complex devices with a control panel may additionally contain an antenna. The heating element, receiving a charge from the battery, heats up and transfers heat to the leg.
How to choose the right insoles and what to pay attention to
The choice of insoles depends on your goals. If you are an avid fisherman, then a portable model with a battery will suit you. Firstly, such a purchase will quickly pay for itself, and secondly, when traveling you can always recharge the battery using other available means - for example, a cigarette lighter. After all, there is no fisherman who would not go on a trip alone, and of course, a car in the company is a mandatory element. But for rare walks, it is better to get a set of chemical insoles.
Main companies and brands of electric insoles for battery-powered shoes
Choosing a brand, especially more expensive models, is, of course, of paramount importance. If you do not plan to use the insole only a couple of times, then it is better to buy proven brands.
ThermaCell heated insoles
One of the most famous manufacturers of electrically heated insoles. Moreover, you will have a choice whether to take a pair with a replaceable battery or a built-in one. Both options are equipped with a remote control.
A simpler option with a non-removable battery can be bought for 7,000 rubles, the second option with replaceable batteries will cost about 15,000-17,000 rubles.
"Blazewear"
Blazewear has two main types of insoles. Some run on 3 AA batteries, which last for about 5 hours. The battery packs are placed on the leg using Velcro, which is not always convenient. This option costs 2000 rubles.
The second model involves the use of 3000 mAh lithium-polymer batteries. They should be enough for 4-7 hours of continuous operation. The disadvantage of such insoles is that the entire weight of the battery remains on the foot. Such heated insoles on the Blazewear battery can be bought for 5,000 rubles.
"DiClime"
Rechargeable insoles from DiClime have long been known to Russian customers for their affordable price and good quality. The battery version can be purchased for only 1,500 rubles. These insoles will last about 8 hours.
"Red Laika"
A brand known for producing a whole line of heated clothing produces one type of insoles.
The simplest version of self-heating reusable insoles with blocks for AA batteries will cost 1000 rubles. Here again we see the main drawback of battery insoles - fastening on the leg.
"Siberian"
If you think that domestic manufacturers are ignoring such a fairly popular niche, you are wrong. The Novosibirsk company “Special Thermal Systems” offers its solution. The base price of the domestic version of foot warmers is 1,500 rubles. Simple insoles are charged with a regular USB cable.
The simple design is justified by its great versatility